Student Spotlight: Addison Tomlinson '25

Sophomore Addie Tomlinson ‘25 is making a name for herself in the Reined Cow Horse Boxing world! Addie placed 11th in the world at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Youth World Championship in Oklahoma City for Reined Cow Horse Youth Boxing in August. Addie competes in two World Championships each year, the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) and AQHA, all while keeping up with school obligations and family ranch responsibilites.
 
Reined cow horse, or working cow horse, is a type of Western riding competition where the rider and horse are tested for their ability to work cattle. Reined cow horse asks the rider and the horse to perform fast and slow circles, lead changes, spins, sliding stops and back-up. Addie also competes in cattle cutting. Cutting is keeping cattle in a certain spot and is judged based on how your horse reacts and how you work the cattle. 
 
As if that wasn’t enough already, Addie also shows cattle, most recently at the Santa Cruz County Fair Livestock Show in September. She won Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer, Grand Champion Senior Showman, Grand Champion Round Robin Showman (best at showing all four market species: steer, lamb, goat and pig) and Grand Champion Feed and Fed. At only 15 years old, she estimates she has already shown around 40-50 times.
 
We sat down with Addie and asked her a few questions about her experiences and what competing has taught her so far.
 
How did you initially become interested in these riding competitions?
“My family owns a ranch in Sonoita, so we all grew up surrounded by livestock. My sister, Marin '20, is even majoring in Animal Genetics at Texas Tech!”
 
How long have you been showing/competing?
“I have been showing horses since I was nine years old and have been doing cow horse for about four years. I have even started going out of state more recently for competitions, with my favorite place so far being Ft. Worth, Texas.” 

What are your favorite things about competing?
“I really enjoy all of the practice; I typically practice for 2-3 hours every night. Practicing and competing teaches you discipline. It’s also important to take care of the horse(s) you will be riding to ensure they are healthy enough to practice every day and compete.”

What has competing taught you?
“It has taught me work ethic, dedication and time management skills. Without practicing, you are not going to get a result, even if you have a natural talent.”

For anyone interested in learning more about Western riding competitions, where should they start?
“There is a great show called 'The Last Cowboy' that accurately chronicles horse reining that I would suggest watching.”

Is it difficult to balance school and competing?
“It can definitely be difficult at times to find the perfect balance, especially when planning for a big show where I often have to work cattle and ride multiple horses. Finding time to get all of my school work done on time can be difficult, as I’m sure a lot of other students can relate to. I’ve learned great time management skills, and often utilize the hour commute from home to school and back to finish my schoolwork and study. I haven’t missed a deadline!.” 

What is your favorite thing about being a Lancer?
“The educational opportunities. I’m from Sonoita, about an hour down south, and there aren’t as many educational opportunities. Salpointe has truly offered me the college-prep experience.” 

What are your current career goals?
“I have always been interested in finance and numbers, and hope to double major in Finance and Business Management. My family has always encouraged me to dream big, and I plan to go out of state for college to experience a new location!”
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Salpointe Catholic High School

1545 E. Copper St.,
Tucson, AZ 85719
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