What do Sydney Petty and Aidan Gass have in common? They are both teenagers from Oklahoma; they are accomplished riders who train with Aidan's mother, Julie Gass; and they love Thoroughbreds. That's not all—both were honored as the winners of the 2026 TAKE2 Junior Rider Award, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA).
"TCA congratulates Sydney Petty and Aidan Gass on their achievements in the show ring," said Erin Halliwell, Executive Director of TCA. "They are wonderful examples of the next generation of equestrians embracing the versatility and potential of Thoroughbreds beyond the racetrack. TCA is proud to support TAKE2 and its efforts to showcase the Thoroughbred's ability to excel in their next careers."
Gass follows in the footsteps of sister Abigail, who earned the TAKE2 Junior Rider championship in the Hunter division last season aboard Quiet Prospector. The bay gelding raced for the Gass family, but was winless in 10 tries before retiring from the track. He had been Abigail's mount since 2017, then was shown by both Abigail and Aidan in 2025.
"When I moved to 2'3", I moved to Joey, aka Quiet Prospector," Gass explained. "He's the better horse for teaching confidence for bigger fences. He's more honest. Joey is very smooth, nice, and adjustable. He is a reliable horse and a good teacher.
"When I ride well and make good decisions, he gives me his all. When I don't make good decisions, he lets me know!" he added with a laugh. "Joey has taught me from 2'3" all the way to 3', just like he did for my sister Abigail. It was a blessing to be (TAKE2) Junior Rider of the Year, since she won that title last year on him, as well as compete him in the (TAKE2) Finals this year."
The duo finished 12th of 25 in the TAKE2 Hunter Final at Split Rock's Kentucky National Horse Show Sept. 20. Petty and her mount, Analisia, were seventh of 23 in the TAKE2 Jumper Final, and both horses hit the top 10 in the TAKE2 Thoroughbred League's 2026 standings.
In the saddle since the age of five, Petty was not in the market for a Thoroughbred when she found Analisia.
"When we were shopping for horses, we were not looking for a Thoroughbred, but we saw her and couldn't resist," she said. "Thoroughbreds have such a big heart and their stamina is unmatched. They always try their hardest and it is very special to earn their trust because once you trust them and they trust you, they are unbeatable.
"I would recommend taking the chances on these special animals," she continued. "They can be difficult at times, but the rewards are so special. These horses love to try and would do anything for you."
A Kentucky-bred daughter of Union Rags, Analisia never made it to the races.
"They said she was too slow for the track and wasn't keeping up with the horses she trained with," Petty explained.
But she has more than held her own in her second career. In her first season in the TAKE2 Jumper division, she finished 9th in the 2026 League standings.
"She is such a fun horse to ride and I have loved being able to put my foundation on her so she rides very in line with how I ride," Petty said. "She is a fun horse to have around the barn and always finds a way to make everyone laugh."
Both teens have enjoyed being part of the TAKE2 Program.
"TAKE2 is such a good opportunity because of how different Thoroughbreds ride," Petty said. "It is so fun to have a League just where they can compete."
Gass remarked, "The TAKE2 Program gives the Thoroughbreds their own division, away from the Warmbloods. It has been my experience that judges tend to favor the Warmbloods most of the time, so giving the Thoroughbreds their own special classes, Finals, and Classics/Derbies allow them an even playing field and gives them good prize money to work for."
Petty will not have as much time in the show ring next year as she will be heading to college, but she will not be leaving Analisia behind.
"Moving forward we will still be competing, but I am getting ready to leave for college so it will be significantly less," she explained, adding, "I plan to take Analisa with me wherever I go to college and keep riding her and keeping her in shape until it's her time to retire her and she'll be able to relax all day."
Gass has plans to study business after high school, possibly at nearby University of Central Oklahoma. But, like Petty, horses will always be a part of his future.
"I would like to continue my training to be the best equestrian I can be," he said. "Who knows, maybe I'll even go to the Olympics one day."
Hopefully, on a Thoroughbred.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.
