ATLANTA – State Representative Paulette Rakestraw Braddock (R-Powder Springs) recently welcomed Kiersten Carlisle, Ansley Corley, Erin Corley and Emily Ellis at the State Capitol. The youth were recognized for their participation in state, regional, national and world championship horse shows as part of the Fifth Annual Equine Youth Day.
“These youth have devoted hours of hard work to become champions in equine sports,” said Rep. Braddock. “Not only have they become leaders in their sport, but they have also learned responsibility, good sportsmanship, and teamwork through their participation.”
More than 200 youth were recognized on Equine Youth Day, which was held at the State Capitol on February 4, 2014. Honorees were recognized by Governor Nathan Deal, Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black and the Senate and House agriculture committees.
Kiersten Carlisle, a 7th grader at Sammy McClure Middle School, competes in pleasure and speed events. She received 4th place in Western horsemanship and 3rd in English equitation at the September 2013 Georgia Federation State Show. She is a 2013 Paulding County Saddle Club Buckle Series Champion and High Point Champion. She also placed 1st in Western horsemanship, 2nd in Western horsemanship and 2nd in English equitation at the 4-H State Club Show.
Ansley Corley, a junior at North Paulding High School, competes in barrel racing and pole bending. She is a three-time National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) qualifier and finalist. She is also a four-time qualifier and finalist for the NBHA State of Georgia Show and North West Georgia Horsemen’s Association State of Georgia Federation Show. Corley was also the 2012 Southern K Ranch’s Bulls and Barrels Rodeo Champion.
Erin Corley, a 7th grader at Sammy McClure Middle School, competes in barrel racing and pole bending. Erin is a three-time NBHA World Championship Qualifier and a two-time finalist in Perry, Georgia and Jackson, Mississippi. She was awarded the NBHA Shamrock Showdown 4th Division National Championship Buckle in 2012. She was also awarded the NBHA Georgia, District 1, and 3rd Division Buckle in 2013. She is also a four-time qualifier for NWGHA Federation Show and placed 5th for barrel racing in the state.
Emily Ellis, a junior who is homeschooled, competes in barrel racing. She is the Southern States Hot Shot 4th Division Champion, Flat Get It Farms 2nd Division Youth Year End Reserve Champion and Megan McCain Memorial 4th Division Youth Champion. She was also the 2012 2nd Division year end winner at Freeman Arena, Chatsworth, GA Buckle Series. For the past four years, Ellis has qualified for the NWGHA State Federation Show and NBHA World Championships. Her sister, Jessica Ellis, also qualified for the NBHA world championships.
Representative Paulette Rakestraw Braddock represents the citizens of District 19, which includes portions of Paulding County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of Science and Technology. She also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Juvenile Justice, Small Business Development, and Special Rules committees.
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