This has helped her to identify where she needs to grow rather than feeling jealous of someone or wanting to be better than others. Isabella holds that people must always aim to be better than themselves and simply be loving to everyone, no matter what. Her dedication, love, and hard work reflect in the show ring as well as in the before and after of a competition.

Among the horses she remembers most are La Pandora, her first mare who was very tame; La Destacada, with whom she earned the Reserve Grand National title; and La Veronica, the first mare she ever competed with on her own and with whom she improved her riding skills incredibly. Yet, Isabella holds in a special place in her heart for Zeus because of their strong connection. He was aggressive towards others but always docile with her.

Once, at a Spectrum competition, Zeus dismounted Isabella’s father in the pre-ring and, on the very next day, calmly allowed Isabella to compete him. Experience with these horses have given Isabella reason enough to have what she calls “an inexplicable connection” with all horses and feeling “happy with simply looking at them.”

At the personal level, Isabella notes that she has learned to have more trust in herself, thanks largely to Luisa Escudero, who helped her regain her love for showing when she was seven years old. Luisa, of LFE Riding Institute, taught her of the importance of having a connection with horses and believing in herself. Since she was a young girl, Isabella always looked up to Coral Rodriguez, now owner of Esperanza Equine Connections. She remembers Coral smiling in the show ring and always expressing her love for her horses. Likewise, Isabella has always admired professional trainer and repeat-champion, Jimmy Espino, for being an icon of respect, authenticity, positive horsemanship, and for his focus on self-improvement. Isabella, herself, has become an admirable competitor for many others. With great emotion, Isabella recalls a young girl walking up to her in the pre-ring and telling her that she was her idol. This happened precisely before a competition where Isabella was needing extra strength and confidence.

Isabella Carrillo knows how fortunate she is to count on her family’s support; her mother, who is always available and always has everything Isabella needs ready; her father, who has provided her with the exposure to animals and trains and takes care of them all; and Julian Zapata. Julian has worked alongside the Carrillos for some time and has left a special mark in the heart and mind of this young rider. Isabella always feels Julian’s support, whether he is present or not. She explained that Julian taught her how to know what she needs to improve and has trusted her to ride some of his own horses, helping her improve confidence in herself. Julian has been a tremendous influence in her growth as a Paso Fino competitor and this is something that she will always keep with her.

For some time, Isabella has taken a hiatus from the Paso Fino show ring. Although she misses competing and hopes to be back soon, she stated that she would like to see the associations promote more teamwork and kindness at horse shows, so that they are more enjoyable and accommodating for everyone. Isabella and her family have been involved in promoting the Paso Fino breed in many ways. She explained that the most productive way of introducing Paso Finos is to show their versatility and allow others to ride the horses for themselves. She says that people can personally feel the sensitivity and power that horses express. In showing how Paso Fino horses can be competed, ridden in trail rides, used for work with cattle, and even play soccer, Isabella has provided a well-rounded image of her Paso Finos. Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of treating them like the athletes that they are; providing them with the tools to concentrate and work hard as well as the respect and affection to be taken care of properly and rest. 

It is no surprise that Isabella Carrillo has been a positive influence to many, as she is a strong and versatile young lady. Recently, she has been exhibiting, and winning with, her family farm’s cattle. She has found a new love for cattle and quarter horses due to her new exposure to rodeos. And although she says Paso Fino horses will always be in her heart, she is currently training with the hopes to barrel race in the near future. At school, Isabella is part of the Future Farmers of America, where she has dedicated even more time to learning about the agricultural lifestyle.

Isabella says that she has no words to describe her love for animals. Her advice to others is to never stop dreaming and to keep trying even if something does not work out at first. With that said, she also highlights the importance of enjoying the relationship with horses and nature. Once again, it has been an honor for Perfiles del Paso Fino to have been welcomed into the life of one of the prominent figures of the Paso Fino horse world. Isabella Carrillo, at a mere fourteen years old, is not only a motivation for everyone, but also a true inspiration for all.