What do Sydney Petty and Aidan Gass have in common? Both teenagers are from Oklahoma. The officers who train with Aidan’s mother are Julie Gass; and they love nobles. Not all – both were honored as winners of the 2026 ACCIPITE2 Junior Rider Award, presented by Outstanding Charities of America (TCA).
“The TCA congratulates Sydney Petty and Aidan Gass on their accomplishments in the show ring,” said Erin Halliwell, executive director of the TCA. “They are wonderful examples of the next generation of equestrians combining the versatility and power of the Thoroughbred beyond the racetrack. TCA is proud to support TAKE2 and its effort to showcase the Thoroughbred’s ability to excel in their next careers.”
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Gass follows in the footsteps of sister Abigail, who earned the TAKE2 Junior Rider championship in the hunter division last season aboard Prospector. Bay claimed the sword for the Gass family, but was winless in 10 tries before retiring from the track. Mount Abigail had been around since 2017, and Abigail and Aidan were shown in 2025.
“When I was 2’3” I moved on to Joey, aka Quiet Prospector, Gass explained. “He’s a better horse for teaching confidence to bigger fences. He’s more honest. Joey is light, nice and accommodating. He’s a solid horse and a good teacher.
“When I go up well and make good decisions, he gives me everything. When I don’t make good decisions, he lets me know!” he added, laughing. “Joey taught me from 2’3” to 3′, just like he did to my sister Abigail. It was a blessing to be Junior Rider of the Year, having won that title last year, as well as competing in the finals this year.
Two 12 25 in TAKE2 Hunter Final at Split Rock’ Kentucky National Horse Show Sept. 20. Petty and his mount Analysis were seventh out of 23 in the TAKE2 Jumper Finals, and both horses ranked in the top 10 in the TAKE2 Thoroughbred League 2026.
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After 5 years in the saddle, Petty was not in the Noble market when he found Analisis.
“When we were looking for horses, we weren’t looking for a gentleman, but we saw her and we couldn’t resist,” he said. “Generous have such a big heart and their rebuttal is unique. They always try their best and it is special to earn their trust because once you trust them and trust you, they are invincible.
“We recommend taking special chances with these animals.” “They can be difficult at times, but the rewards are special. These horses love to work and will do anything for you.”
A Kentucky-bred daughter of Rags Union, Analysia never made it to the shows.
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“They said they were too slow on the trail and not trained with horses,” explained Putile.
But he has more than he bargained for in his second career. In his first season in the Pickup 2 Jumper division, he finished ninth in the 2026 League standings.
“She’s such a fun horse to ride and I loved being able to put my foundation on top of her so she rides more in line than I ride,” Little said. “He’s a fun horse to have around the barn and always finds a way to make everyone laugh.”
Both teenagers have received part of the take2 program.
“TAKE2 is such a good opportunity because of how different Thoroughbreds are riding,” Petty said. “It’s so fun to have a league where they can compete.”
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Gass noted, “The Pension2 Program gives its division to Thoroughbreds, from Warmbloods. My experience has been that judges favor Warmbloods more often, so giving Thoroughbreds their own special classes, finals, and Classics/Derbies allows them an even playing field and gives them good prize money to work for.”
He won’t be spending much time on the ring show next year as he heads off to college, but he won’t leave Analisa.
“Going forward we still want to compete, but I’m getting ready to leave for college so it will be significantly less,” he explained, adding: “The plan is to take Analisa with me wherever I go to college, and I’ll ride her and keep her in shape until she recovers that time and can relax all day.”
Gass plans to study business after high school, possibly at the nearby University of Central Oklahoma. But, as a child, horses will always be a part of the future.
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“I would like to train my horse to be the best I can be,” he said. “Who knows, maybe I’ll make it to the Olympics one day.”
Hopefully he is a noble man.
This story was first published by Paulick Report on the 19th of October Horse Protection section Add the Paulck Report as Preferred Source by clicking here.