At just 11 yearsold , McKenzie Coughlin of Griswold has already competed in a horse show on a national stage .

McKenzie joined nearly 1 , 000 competitors at the 61 st National Appaloosa Show and World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show in Jackson , Mississippi , from June 23 to July 5 . For McKenzie , it was the just the latest in a string of accomplishments that brings her and her family to horse shows throughout the region , sometimes as often as three weekends a month , all derived from a deep love of her horses that McKenzie says is inspired by her family .

“ It started when I was a baby , ” she said during a recent telephone interview from the Yankee Classic show in Springfield , Mass ., sponsored by the Western Massachusetts Appaloosa Association , where she was competing over the weekend of July 25 . “ I have always loved the feeling of riding . My best friends are my horses , ” McKenzie said .

The Appaloosa is a specific breed of horse known for distinctive physical features , including the most common irregular spotted skin pattern , according to the American Appaloosa Association . The breed has historical anthropological roots throughout Europe and Asia , and today is one of the most popular in the United States , especially in the Pacific Northwestern states , where it has a storied - and at some points tragic - history among Native American tribes .

The Appaloosa Horse Club , which sponsors that annual show that McKenzie competed in for the first time in 2008 , says that its mission is to record and preserve the horse’s heritage and history by “ promoting , enhancing and improving the Appaloosa . ” The club has more than 630 , 000 registered Appaloosas . The Youth Association sponsors activities and shows throughout the year, culminating with a yearlygathering at the World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show .

Last month in Jackson , McKenzie competed with her horse Holly , whose show name is “ Hot Hollywood Jewel , ” and was immediately described as “ special” by McKenzie .

“ I think she has a great personality , and I love her really a lot , ” she said .

Corrine Coughlin , McKenzie’s mother , says that riding runs in the family , as she and her sister also ride . For Corrine , it is hard for her to contain the pride and enthusiasm that she has for McKenzie and each show that she participates in .

“ She has come a very long way and is very dedicated to what she does . She’s very good , ” Corrine said .

After competing at local horse shows and other events locally and regionally throughout the year, a rider accumulates enough points to be invited to participate in the National Youth Show . For McKenzie , this yearwas her first time to do so .

“ I was a little nervous , but my mom and aunt kept telling me to take a deep breath , and I did , and everything turned out all right , ” she said . “ I am really happy with it . ”

Horse show competitions are arranged by age , and next year, McKenzie will enter the 13 and over age group for the first time , which will bring new challenges that she says she is ready for . It will also be a yearof change outside of the horse ring , as McKenzie will begin St . Bernard School in Uncasville in the sixth grade .

If just the past few weeks – in which the Coughlin family traveled to a national competition and returned home to attend more regional horse shows – is any indication , then McKenzie is well on her way .

When asked about what she would like people to know about her , her sport and her interests , McKenzie immediately thought in larger terms , recognizing that it was not talent as much as teaching that has brought her to this point .

“ I want to say thank youto my mom , dad and aunt , because they have helped me so much and all my inspiration so far has come from them , ” she said .