06/17/2026
23 ๐ฎ๐๐๐ง๐จ ๐๐๐ค, ๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ข ๐ช๐ฃ๐ก๐ค๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ ๐๐๐จ ๐๐๐ง๐จ๐ฉ ๐ผ๐๐๐ผ ๐๐ค๐ง๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ฌ.
In 2003, James Saubolle made his APHA World Show debut with Tonitesthenitehoney, earning multiple top placings and finishing 10th in the APHA Youth 14-18 Year-End Top Twenty standings.
Most would have been thrilled. James saw it as motivation.
One year later, in his final youth season, he returned and captured two World Championships in Youth Western Riding and Youth Hunt Seat Equitation, while also earning top placings in Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Showmanship, and even placing 7th in Senior Western Riding against many of the industryโs top professionals.
By the end of 2004, James had climbed to 6th in the APHA Youth 14-18 Top Twenty standings, finished 2nd in the Youth Western Riding Honor Roll, 5th in the Youth Western Horsemanship and Youth Hunt Seat Equitation Honor Rolls, and 6th in the Youth Western Pleasure Honor Roll.
Then came a moment that would change the course of his life.
After the World Show, James turned in his non-pro card and became a professional.
Fast forward 22 years, and that determined kid has become a trainer who has helped countless youth and amateur exhibitors earn World Championships, Reserve World Championships, All-Around titles, Top Tens, and achieve goals they once only dreamed about.
As we unload for the 2026 APHA World Show, weโre grateful for every horse, every client, every family, every assistant, every mentor, every friend, every sponsor, and every supporter who has been part of this journey. Thank you for trusting James and Elite Show Horses along the way.
From a kid chasing a dream to a professional helping others achieve theirs, what a ride it has been.
Hereโs to 23 years of APHA World Shows, the memories behind us, and the dreams still ahead. ๐๐ค๐ด
