Real Rider of the Month: Meet Lilly Sauer & Woody!

At Draw It Out®, we love celebrating riders who embody the heart, grit, and passion of the equestrian world. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Lilly Sauer, a fierce barrel racer and pole bender from Gibsonia, PA! With ten years of riding experience under her belt, Lilly and her American Saddlebred, Witch Trot’s Invincible—better known as Woody—are proving that you don’t need a Quarter Horse to turn and burn in the barrel pen!

From Auction to Arena: Woody’s Incredible Journey

Woody’s story is nothing short of amazing. Originally intended for a Saddleseat show home, he was deemed too short for the discipline and ended up at an auction in rough shape. So rough, in fact, that no one bid on him—except for someone who paid $20 for the halter on his face. That decision saved Woody’s life and set him on a path toward Lilly.

For three years, Woody lived on a farm with elderly horses, growing restless without a job. That’s when fate stepped in—his previous owner, Candy, saw a spark in Lilly and gave Woody to her when she was just 13. Starting from square one, Lilly put in the hard work to train and mold Woody into the powerful, athletic horse he is today.

And let’s just say... this duo is unstoppable!

The Secret to Success? Good Care & Great Products

Between long hauls and intense competition weekends, keeping Woody in peak condition is a top priority for Lilly. That’s where Draw It Out® and ShowBarn Secret® come into play! Her go-to products include:

✅ MasterMudd™
✅ DiO Liniment & Liniment Concentrate
✅ Ice Bath
✅ Breathe to Run

These all-natural, non-irritating products keep Woody feeling loose, limber, and ready to fire. The Breathe to Run formula has even helped improve his pole bending times—proof that when your horse can breathe easier, they can run harder!

Lilly’s Best Kept Secret for Keeping Woody in Top Shape?

Trail riding! Lilly swears by getting out in nature and conditioning Woody on the trails to keep him strong and mentally fresh. And when it comes to seasonal challenges? Breathe to Run is her lifesaver for keeping Woody’s airways clear, no matter the weather.

Favorite Riding Spot?

If you’re ever in Pennsylvania, Lilly recommends checking out Crooked Creek Horse Park—the perfect spot for gorgeous trails and unforgettable nights around the campfire with friends. Sounds like heaven, right?

Lilly’s Message to the Equestrian World

“Saddlebreds are so versatile!! You don’t need a Quarter Horse to cash checks in the barrel racing world.”

Lilly is proving that heart, talent, and hard work can take you just as far as any pedigree. We couldn’t be prouder to have her as part of the #TeamDiO family!

Want to Follow Lilly’s Journey?

🐴 TikTok: @Barrelsnbays
🐴 Instagram: @barrels.bays
🐴 Facebook: Lilly Sauer