Young Horse Finals Spotlight: ASF Air Attack
Rette Solomon for Tryon International
Tryon International is the proud host of the Young Horse Show Finals presented by Spy Coast Farm, taking place November 7-11. Talented equine athletes from yearlings to seven-year-olds will be competing in a number of events, including Hunters, Jumping, Dressage and Eventing disciplines, in a safe and educational environment. The Young Horse Show Finals allows breeders and owners the exciting opportunity to learn and grow, receive evaluation and receive exposure to potential buyers.
The Young Horse Show Finals will see horses, owners, breeders, and exhibitors from all across the country, some crossing several states to compete in this prestigious event. One of these exhibitors is Addie Malinski, hailing from Penrose, Colorado. Malinski is traveling to the Young Horse Show Finals to compete with her AWSSR stallion, ASF Air Attack, also known as “Aries”. Aries has grown in internet popularity with his charming personality and striking pinto markings, building a community of over 2,000 horse-loving followers on his Facebook page.
We were able to catch up with owner Addie Malinski to learn more about the famous ASF Air Attack and their journey to the Young Horse Show Finals.
ASF Air Attack
© Bethany P Photography
Q: What is your history with ASF Air Attack?
A: There's a long and sordid history with him! I followed Aries’ breeder (Lexi Maxwell) for about seven years. She had another stud that looked very similar to him, Memphis, that I really, really wanted. Things happen, horses sell, and she sold him as a four year old before I could raise the money for him. She promised me, “one day we're going get you a cross of your own, and I promise I won't charge you a penny over what what Memphis was.” I had a goal to save up for.
Aries was a possibility of three crosses, and it was a maiden cross. Aries popped out, and he was the first one born out of the three potential foals that I could pick from. I saw him, and I just fell in love. He popped out and I went, “that one!”
Q: What has your journey been in the horse breeding industry?
A: I don't feel like my journey has been as hard or as covered in controversies I feel some others have been! I'm just really open, honest, and I have nothing to hide. Even my x-rays for my horses are out there on the internet for the world to see. It's actually been a wonderful journey so far. I’ve had a lot of support – Aries’ fanbase and community rallies around him any time anything happens, positive or negative, for him or any of the mares [he is bred to].
Aries’ first outside breeding was when he was three years old and that was to a fabulous, royally bred warmblood mare out in North Carolina. [His sample] shipped fantastic, and she got pregnant on the first go. Comparatively, I’ve had a very successful start into the stallion ownership life!
Now as a four-year-old, we are at nine contracts so far for his first official open season in 2024. He's just him, and I'm standing behind him making sure that he's got a good platform and honest owner that wants to put good, level headed horses on the ground. I feel like people see that.
Q: How did you get into competing with young horses?
A: Aries is actually my first! I had never owned or raised a young horse before him. I've never owned or ridden a stallion before him, so he's my first for everything. I got pushed into the YHS Series by Nancy Roth, the director of AWSSR. She said it would be a great outing for Aries, because it’s fun and low key.
I'm so happy that I took a chance and went to the Missouri YHS show, because it was just fantastic. Aries’ babies from now on are going to go to all those YHS shows, because it was just an absolute blast. That was my first time being introduced to showing young horses.
ASF Air Attack
© Bethany P Photography
Q: Will this be your first time competing at YHS Finals?
A: Yes! It's my first time competing at finals and my second time ever competing in YHS. The first time was at the Missouri YHS show, and now this for the finals. I'm just thrilled about it.
Q: Where are you coming from to compete at YHS Finals and what is that journey looking like?
A: We're coming from Penrose, Colorado, a little mountain town south of Colorado Springs. The journey itself is around 27 hours.
Q: What will ASF Air Attack be competing in at YHS Finals?
A: He's competing in the liberty class, the undersaddle for sport class, and in the jump chute.
Q: What event are you most looking forward to seeing him compete in?
A: Under saddle – that’s where he gets his game face on. He can be ridden by anybody, and he just loves the spotlight. He can work it, too! I'm really excited for his under saddle class.
Q: As an American horse breeder and stallion owner, how do you feel supported by the Young Horse Show Series?
A: Everyone has just been so incredibly open and sweet, even down to the photographers and the judges. I’ve felt very, very included. Everyone was very happy, honest, and nice, even the other competitors. It just felt like you weren't alone there. With horse shows, you feel like it's you versus everyone else, but we're all there for each other.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
A: I'm super super excited to get there and to be involved [at YHS Finals]. I can't wait for everyone to see Aries and all of his shiny pinto glory and share the experience with everyone else. When Tryon International was built, I was in my teens at the time, and I remember seeing people compete there, with the gorgeous arenas and these beautiful barns. I promised myself one day I would go and see a show there. Never did I think I would personally show there, and now I'm showing with my first stallion for a national finals. It’s a dream come true for younger me to get to show there.