A Burke County horse trainer is on top of the world.

Terri Layer, who owns Cross Ridge Ranch with her husband Brad, recently claimed a World Title at the International Buckskin Horse Association’s World Championship Show in Memphis, Tenn. The event attracted horses and trainers from 25 states.

Atop Hot Toddee, a 3-yearold gelding, Layer rode her way to the crown of the Junior Horse Hunter Under Saddle division. Layer and Hot Toddee were the top pick of all three judges.

What made the win sweeter, though, was that this young Quarterhorse was Burke County born and raised.

“He was born here, raised here and trained here. That’s what kind of made it a little more special,” Layer said.

“I didn’t go out and buy him already made and just have to show him.”

Layer said the gelding showed potential early on at her ranch for hitting it big.

Terri Layer and Hot Toddee claimed a World Title at the Buckskin World Championship Show. Hot Toddee is out of two-time Palomino World Champion Seven S Flashy, owned by Cross Ridge customer Judy Bostic. He was sired by Hot N Blazing, a World and Congress Champion. “After the fact, one of my customers reminded me that I predicted this when he was a weanling out in the pasture,” she laughed.

Layer wanted to keep the horse at Cross Ridge, and a customer bought him as an investment project. The investment has proven worthy for Elizabeth Brittman of Beaufort, SC, who has maintained ownership since.

This marks the second World Title for a horse trained at Cross Ridge Ranch, which is located on Porter Carswell Road south of Waynesboro.

The first was won by a customer who trained there, making this one the first for Layer in the saddle.