Maya Blanche, a talented youth rider from Bolingbroke, won the Peach State Amateur Saddle Shootout at the Peach State Futurity held at the Perry National Fairgrounds. Riding her horse Rico, Maya earned a Jeff Smith Saddle, $5,000 in scholarship money, and an additional $250 for riding her own horse. The Peach State Futurity is a cutting horse competition for young horses and riders from Region-5 (including Alabama, Florida, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Georgia), where youth compete together for scholarships in junior and senior divisions. Maya, 18 and competing in the senior division, has been recognized as one of the nation’s best youth riders, praised for her strong bond and partnership with Rico.
Cutting is a competitive equestrian sport derived from ranching, where horse and rider work together to separate and keep a single cow from the herd in a timed event. Maya’s dedication and skill have made her a standout competitor, and she is currently aiming to qualify for the youth world cutting championship next July in Fort Worth. Long term, she plans to attend veterinary school at the University of Georgia. Maya’s family operates Blanche Farms in Bolingbroke, which offers various equestrian activities and services to the community.
