A student at Thorsby High School recently competed in an Arabian horse competition in Brandon, Canada.

Olivia Powers, a sixth grade student, started her school year out differently this year by using her passport to attend a horse show in Canada.

Olivia’s mom Alison Powers said Olivia started showing horses at the age of 3 and has multiple local, state and regional wins, but this was the first time she has had the opportunity to show on a national level.

Olivia qualified for a national show by winning a reserve championship at an Arabian Regional show in Lexington, Va. in July.

Alison said Olivia had two options as far as competitions go with one competition being held in Albuquerque, N.M. or Canada.

“The competition in Albuquerque is in the middle of July which makes it hard to travel in the middle of the summer with hot temperatures which can hurt the horse,” Alison said. “So, we went to Canada.”

Olivia arrived in Winnipeg, Canada during the early morning hours Aug. 11.

“She then traveled three hours to Brandon,” Alison said. “Upon arriving, Olivia and her horse practiced multiple times to make sure she was prepared for each of her classes.”

Olivia showed in three different classes while attending the Arabian Canadian Nationals.

She won a Reserve National Championship in Walk-Trot all seats 10 and under, a top 10 in showmanship 13 and under, and a top 10 in walk-trot equitation 10 and under.

The horse Olivia showed, GWF Valentino, named Roscoe for short, was bred and raised on Olivia’s family farm.

Olivia was present when the horse was born, Alison said.

Olivia and Roscoe have been a team for three years, and she plans to show him again next year in the 13 and under divisions.

Olivia is the daughter of Donnie and Alison Powers and granddaughter of Frances Breslin.

Olivia also shows cattle and goats for Crabapple Cove Farms.

“While showing her cattle and goats, she has also won numerous local, district and state titles,” Alison said.

Olivia was the only person from Alabama in her age group to travel to Canada to compete.

Alison said Olivia missed the first few days of school this year to compete in Canada and chase her dream.

“We are just very proud of her,” Alison said. “This was a neat thing for her to be able to do.”