It was a long way from the walk-trot class she first entered at the 2020 NRBC when Lily Forzani rode into the Limited Non Pro class in 2023. Riding two horses—Annies Custom Pistol (Gunner x Anniegityergun) and Double Loaded Gun (Gunner x KR Anniegityergun)—the 11-year-old competed against exhibitors who have been showing as long as she’s been alive. But that doesn’t deter the youth.

“One day, I started riding around in the pasture and fell in love with it, and I decided to take lessons,” she said of her start at 8 years old. Lily rode with different trainers until she found her niche. “I would help my dad feed, and I fell in love with the horses first. I love going [to shows] and having fun.”

For her first show, Lily aimed at the NRBC, which was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2020 due to COVID. She remembers being nervous before going into the pen.

“My mom wasn’t sure she could get me in the pen! My mare did not want to trot and loped half the pattern, but coming back and showing in the Rookie is more fun. I’m trying to make the Rookie Shootout Finals,” she said.

Lily’s mother, Deborah Forzani, also got into horses around her age, riding everything from jumpers to barrel racing horses. Now, the family stands nine stallions at Forzani Performance Horses in Aubrey, Texas, including Dun It In Platinum, Double Loaded Gun, Gotta Lotta Bud and Greyt Whiz.

After falling in love with reining, Lily has gone all-in with her family’s love of reining. She serves as an NRHA Youth Liaison.

“It is so cool to be back in Tulsa and think that my first walk-trot was four years ago. It is amazing,” she said. “I want to be a Non Pro in the Level 4 and go to the Finals in Non Pro events.”