A young girl and her pony take part in one of the toughest games in the western United States, the Tevis Cup. It’s 100 miles long and takes riders through unforgiving terrain and into places like Donner Pass and other peaks. It is usually the most experienced riders and senior horses who complete the challenge. But this little girl from Leeds, Utah, broke the record when she and her innovative pony Flash, a year and a half ago, accepted the challenge, completing the race with the smallest horse ever.
And now, next week, a book and documentary featuring her fascinating story will be released. Fox 13 News presenter Amy Nay got a preview, and got a chance to speak with the Leeds family on Tuesday and hear more about this exciting journey.
“I was just a small part of it,” Kyla Lou, 14, said Wednesday.
“Uh, that was a big part of it,” her father, Adam Law, corrected her with a laugh.
Mom Natalie agreed, adding, “It was a really big part of it! She’s so humble.”
The Lou family from Leeds are excited about a new book and documentary featuring their daughter and the incredible journey she took the summer before last with her pony.
“For us, it was just a mother and daughter going out for a ride,” said Natalie, “Her horse was so young and she was just starting to outgrow him, and we got a chance to ride and we were like, well, it’s now or never.” “
Kyla has an innovative pony named Flash, and she, along with her mother and her horse, wowed the riding community when they took part in a one-day 100-mile race. Subsequently, they were approached by an author, and eventually a documentary series producer.
“From a father’s point of view, it was really cool,” said Adam, “I mean, she bought this horse on her own, trained it, broke it, that pony, not even a horse, it’s small. What a kid can do, what they can develop into and grow into when They have the determination and the desire to do that. So being a father is pure pride, it really is to see what she was able to achieve.”
He admitted he was nervous on the ride, didn’t really know where she was or how she was doing, “There are GPS trackers, but they rarely work. So you never know where they are, if they’re going to be pulled or if a horse is going off a cliff because that happens.” “.
Kyla and her mom said they got in deep, turned to their faith, and finished the race, but they also said they enjoyed every minute of it.
Kyla said, “It’s so beautiful and amazing and not the same, the whole ride. Most of the runs are loops – back and forth, but it was all fresh and I loved it – so much.”
“It’s the biggest and toughest endurance race ever known,” her mother added.
But that didn’t seem to bother Kyla. What made her a little uncomfortable was having to deal with the cameras during a trip much later, for a new documentary featuring Kyla and her pony.
“In the beginning, it took a while to get used to, like all the cameras and stuff. Oh, it’s just a ride, oh wait to be filmed. But I’m really excited about it coming out. I haven’t seen a lot of it, so I’m really excited.” I’m also really nervous because they got some bad shots,” she laughed, “I’m excited.” I’m so glad I’m sharing my story with the world.”
Kyla was featured in the documentary “Two Enduring Spirits,” a series by Mormon Central featuring stories of faith. This is based on a book featuring Kyla and Flash called “Race Against Time”.
Kyla left us this message about her latest adventures, encouraging others to go after their dreams, “You can do anything you try to do.”
The premiere of the documentary with a chance to meet Kyla and her pony is set at the Sunset Megaplex on Bluff Street, Saturday, January 14th from 6-9 p.m. More information can be found here.