The Badger

Oversized Measuring 34”x42”

(Black Base,White,Champagne Matte Matallic,Lime Green,Magenta,Salmon,Bright Coral,Peach)

Meet Badger

Maren Jaeger, a 10-year-old from Ohio, has an incredible bond with her horse, AJ Seeking The Truth, affectionately known as "Badger." Owned for four years, Badger and Maren have grown together, competing in hunter under saddle, western pleasure, equitation, and horsemanship, with occasional forays into showmanship and halter.

Their story began with an exhaustive search for an AQHA show horse for Maren and her siblings. Badger was a green-started 3-year-old when Maren's family bought him directly from his breeder. The moment Badger stepped off the trailer, it was love at first sight for 6-year-old Maren. Despite his imposing 16.2 stature, Badger immediately connected with Maren, lowering his head to her level and following her everywhere.

Badger's first show experience was in leadline, where he won a class of 18. His first full year of showing coincided with Maren's first year in small fry. Together, they achieved top 10s and 15s at the AQHA Congress in hunter under saddle and western pleasure. By the time Maren turned 8, she was ready to take the reins completely. She trained Badger herself, adding equitation and horsemanship to his skill set, and they earned 6th place in small fry HUS at the Congress.

Maren rides him bareback and bridleless, and he follows her commands as if they were connected by an invisible line. Maren spends time in the pasture with him, making birthday cards, creating videos, and decorating her room with his images. Their back number from shows hangs on her wall, a testament to their achievements.

For Maren's 10th birthday, her family formally transferred Badger's ownership to her at the 2023 Congress, solidifying their partnership. Badger is not just a horse to Maren; he is her heart horse, and she is his heart human