The Remarkable Journey of Paisley Fix: From Tears to Triumph in Equestrian Sports

At Midland, Michigan, Paisley Fix rides Jayda during the 13-and-under class division competition at the NRHA Liberty Derby in July 2025. Courtesy photo

A Journey Begins

Tyrone Area High School student Paisley Fix has a unique bond with horses, starting from a rather unexpected first encounter. At a birthday party in Warriors Mark, her initial ride on a pony reduced her to tears. However, after that shaky beginning, her fascination with these animals blossomed, leading her to become a formidable competitor as the Reserve World Champion in the National Reining Horse Association’s 13 and under division.

Early Training and Development

Encouraged by her mother, Stacy Fix, Paisley quickly transitioned from tears to triumph, convincing her parents to enroll her in riding lessons at Harmony Horsemanship Center in Sinking Valley. Under the guidance of instructor Christine Wertz, Paisley’s dedication became evident early on. She connected with the horses, showing promise and a genuine love for the sport.

Her true passion sparked during a local horse show in Huntington, where she rode Chrome, an anxious young horse. This experience deepened her commitment, and she began actively pursuing horseback riding, leading her parents to consider purchasing a show horse.

Finding the Perfect Match

With the support of Brad and Shannon Quinlan-Hill of Performance Horses in Sharpsville, Paisley’s journey took a significant turn when she met Snap Krackle Spook, a red mare known for her great temperament. Snap became Paisley’s first show horse, providing her with invaluable lessons and experiences in the competitive realm.

In September 2022, Paisley received horse training lessons through the Wendy Reitz Memorial Fund, which supports young horse enthusiasts. This opportunity opened new doors for Paisley, introducing her to the sport of reining and cementing her dedication to horseback riding.

Growing and Competing

After nearly a year of competing with Snap, it became clear Paisley needed a more competitive horse. Enter Jayda, also known as Velvet Revolver. Purchased in the fall of 2023, Jayda’s athletic ability and training made her a perfect match for Paisley’s aspirations. Their debut together at the Florida Gulf Coast Circuit in January 2025 showed promise, and it quickly became apparent that the pair had a winning chemistry.

Throughout 2025, Paisley and Jayda traversed the country, competing in various disciplines, including reining and ranch riding, in states like Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, and Texas. Their commitment to competition intensified, with the family dedicating significant time to riding and improving their skills.

Notable Achievements

Competing at larger shows brought a mix of nerves and excitement for Paisley. Her achievements speak volumes: she earned the Reserve World Champion title in the Novice Youth Ranch Riding division at the American Paint Horse Association competition and achieved a top-ten finish at the prestigious All American Quarter Horse Congress. Her participation in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association at Grier School also resulted in first-place finishes for two consecutive years in reining and horsemanship at regionals.

Further elevating her profile, Paisley placed second in the Reserve World Champion category in the Novice Youth 14-18 Ranch Riding Class during the national competition in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Coaching Connection

The journey to success in horseback riding requires a strong support system. Chris McElyea, Paisley’s coach and head coach for the Penn State Western Equestrian team, plays an instrumental role in her preparation. Together, they focus on refining fundamental riding skills and maneuvers three to four times a week, fostering an environment where Paisley can thrive.

McElyea describes Paisley as a fierce competitor with “ice water in her veins.” This resilience is crucial, especially in a sport where mistakes can happen. Paisley’s ability to bounce back and not dwell on errors has been fundamental to her success.

Real-Time Progress

The National Reining Horse Association keeps its members updated on riders’ standings through its ReinerSuite platform, allowing Paisley’s family to track her progress in real time. Each successful show in the fall of 2025 propelled her ranking, culminating in her achievement of the Reserve World Champion title, an honor she eagerly anticipated.

A Well-Rounded Young Woman

Paisley’s interests extend beyond horseback riding. She is an active participant in her school community, playing softball for Tyrone Area High School, contributing to the school newspaper, and engaging in hobbies such as photography and baking. Her journalism teacher, Todd Cammarata, praises her as a conscientious student with a good eye for photography, highlighting how well-rounded students like Paisley tend to excel in life.

Horseback riding has instilled in Paisley important values, including the significance of competition, humility, and positivity. Her connection with horses has shaped her leadership skills, enabling her to lead by example, whether in the arena, on the softball field, or in the classroom.

Future Goals

As she transitions into the Youth 14-18 division, Paisley plans to focus on competing in larger shows. She aims to balance her individual pursuits while supporting her Grier Equestrian team in their quest for national competition. Reflecting on her experiences in 2025, Paisley expresses gratitude for the friends, mentors, and support she received from fellow riders and trainers across the nation, all of whom have played a part in her growth as an equestrian.

A Glimpse into Paisley’s Life

• Name: Paisley Fix
• Parents: Donald and Stacy Fix
• Age: 14
• Education: Tyrone Area School District
• Awards: NRHA Reserve World Champion, IEA Region 11 Champion, APHA Reserve World Champion, APHA Bronze World Champion
• Hobbies: Horseback riding, basketball, softball, photography, baking, and spending time with friends

Through her dedication and hard work, Paisley Fix has carved out a remarkable niche for herself in the world of equestrian sports, demonstrating that resilience, passion, and determination can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Whether she is in the saddle or contributing to her community, Paisley embodies the spirit of a true champion.