Travis Lilja is a 16-year-old high school freshman from western Montana. He won his 3-year-old white Appaloosa gelding Justin Thenickoftime as a yearling through a 4–H contest, which required him to explain why he wanted an Appaloosa. His mother, Sally, has helped Travis train “Nick” and the two compete in 4–H, but Travis really enjoys spending time with Nick and riding the mountain trails that run through his family’s 80-acre property. “I like Appaloosas because they’re fast,” Travis says. “They never run out of energy.”
Eventually Travis would like to try roping. In addition to Nick, the family has a 9-year-old Appaloosa gelding named “Sambo.” Travis and Sally are the only ones of his family who ride. He earns money by baling hay.
Travis has many sporting interests outside horses. He plays wide receiver on the football team, shooting guard for the basketball team and also plays soccer. Travis goes snowboarding just about every week during the winter. He’s been boarding for eight years.
