Abigayle Mahurin

My name is Abigayle Mahurin but trialers know me as the used to be little girl who
would talk their ear off. I have been attending dog trials for the last ten years with my dad
and competing for the last six almost seven. It is crazy to think that I have grown up doing
this sport. Dog trials have been one of the biggest parts of my life for all that I can
remember and along with that is the connections I have made. And how that has positively
impacted my life and my future.
A little backstory is I have always wanted to become a veterinarian but never knew if
I fully had what it took. Looking back, I didn’t realize how easy I had it with my dad helping
me train most days and getting to see and work my dogs daily. Since I have moved out gone
to college and started competing in the open it has been a struggle to make any trials at all
let alone do well when I haven’t seen my dogs in months. This has helped me realize how
important my dad is and everything he does for me just to go to a trial with a good dog. He
would do anything for me to win (expect willingly let me win). I think I am finally starting to
figure out college now that I have two broke open dogs that happen to like me more than
my dad, but even without them I love the mental challenge of trialing, so quitting is never
really an option. And now my brother Seth is still making sacrifices for me by staying at
home since he knows he doesn’t love the dogs as much as I do even though he could beat
me in competitions most days. He stays home so my dad and I can go and compete while
he holds down the fort at home for us.
After competing for so long in FFA and dog trials it has helped me to realize that I will
stop at nothing to get what I want in life. Now jumping forward I am a junior in undergrad at
Kansas State University and graduating in May with a Bachelor of Science in Animal
Science. I have also recently been accepted and plan to attend K-State’s Veterinary School
starting in the fall of 2025. However, none of this could have happened without the people I
have met and the social skills I have acquired over the years through dog trials. I love to
meet new people and learn things about them. This has helped me make new friends
easier have deeper connections even though we may not share a lot of common interests.
I believe the most important thing I get to take away from dog trialing and competing
at this moment has to be the people. I have made so many friends and some honorary
family members in my eyes over the years. No matter the situation some of these friends
would always be by my side and I take comfort in knowing that. Just to name a few of these
instances that stick out in my brain is Marvin Daniels taking time to help me plan courses
while still in the intermediate; Todd Jessen and I competing against each other all year then
me barely beating him at MSSA finals and winning the Intermediate. He was waiting to give
me a big hug at the gate. Lastly James Butler when I interned at High Roller Whitetails let
me bring my dogs and work them every day. He also let me train with him to be MSSA finals
ready with his fancy tips and tricks. I have had many great experiences in my life, and it is
just beginning but the friends and family I have made so far through these competitions I
will never forget. They have forever impacted me by making me a better person and
hopefully a better future veterinarian.
Thank you
Abigayle Mahurin

What scholastic honors or distinctions have you received?

3rd Overall ASI Quadrathlon Valedictorian National Honors Society High Honors for Grades Governors Scholar FFA Chapter President FFA Chapter Treasurer FFA Intermediate President FFA Greendhand Advisor Class Secretary/Treasurer for High School Senior Officer

Description of Financial Need (how will the funds be used)

To help pay for vet school since it costs a lot to attend, and I will be starting that this fall. It is a huge financial burden that I need all the help I can get to afford it.

How are you affiliated with MSSA

I have attended and participated in finals since 2018. I love going to this event every year and getting the chance to go to trials to qualify to show off my dogs. I even had the opportunity to win in the intermediate in 2018 and was 3rd overall in the sheep in 2023.