Recognition is in order for one Trinity student who has, through much hard work, achieved various awards for horse training. Senior Colin Luba has lived on a farm his entire life, has been around horses for his whole life as well. Through 4H he began competing in such events as the showmanship and horsemanship events, which require leading a horse by horseback and on the ground, respectively, in patterns; the halter event, where the horse’s physical posture and structural correctness are the key; the western pleasure, where the horse is judged on how well it can walk, trot and lope; and trail event, an obstacle course, which the rider must work together with his horse to navigate through. “My favorite event is the trail event because there is a lot more technicality involved,” Luba said. “You are more likely to win when you and your horse are in sync with each other. Some days you can do well; some days you don’t do so well so it always keeps you on your toes giving 100 percent.” Luba competed in the 4H league until 2000 when he acquired a new horse, Blueboy Dreamer, from a ranch in Canada. Since then Luba has moved to the American Quarter Horse Youth Association, where he has continued to train and compete in the same events. “You have got to get your name put there and demonstrate hard work and a positive attitude,” Luba said. He has done just that. Luba is now the national director for Region 4 (consisting of Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, West Virginia, and the province of Ontario). It is his job to be a representative for that region and to relay news and announcements to his region as well. On the competitive side, Luba and Blueboy Dreamer have shown great effort as well. Luba has been to the Youth World Show four times, had five top 10 finishes, and seven finalist appearances since his debut in the AQHYA. Also in 2006, Luba received the High Point Award, given to riders who gained enough points in victories, where one point is given for every five horses beaten. “It requires a lot of hard work and you need to be consistent,” Luba said. The future for Luba is looking great, too. He recently acquired a horse, Good For The Ladys, and is hoping to train it to be just as successful. “I am hoping to, by the end of the year, qualify for the Youth Championship Show,” he said. “I like to set new goals for myself at the beginning of every year, then evaluate those goals at the end of the year. “Many of the lessons I learn through horse showing can be applied to every aspect of life,” Luba said. “Never give up until you achieve your goal. Persistence through practice and dedication allow you to come out on top. Then when you achieve those goals, set a new list and start all over again.”