At 21 years old, Khalia Davis has built her life around horses and western riding. After spending part of her childhood in Sacramento, Khalia moved back to Paso Robles at 18 and enjoys the slower pace and country lifestyle the area offers. Khalia has been around horses her entire life and started riding at a young age. By the time she was eight, she had found her favorite event: team sorting. Team sorting is a timed event where two riders work together to sort numbered cattle in order within 60 seconds. “It goes really fast,” Khalia said. “You have to work together and know what works best for you and your partner.” Although Khalia has competed in several western disciplines, including reined cow horse and cutting, team sorting is now her main focus. She regularly practices at Lost Peacock Ranch in Paso Robles with her partner, Hailey Ferguson, and together they travel to competitions.

     A big part of Khalia’s journey has been her horse, Cody, a 13-year-old former reining horse that had gone through several owners before she got him. Despite his reputation for being difficult, Khalia gave him a new environment and introduced him to cattle work.

“I think he just wanted to be a horse,” Khalia said. “And it turns out he really likes cows.”

The pair has since earned first-place ribbons, championship buckles, and more than $5,000 in team sorting winnings.

     Outside of competition, Khalia works full-time at their Paso Robles Family-owned business, Davis Water Conditioning. She also helps with her mother’s business, Andrea Gunn Real Estate Photography. Andrea has been grooming Khalia for years on the ins and outs of real estate photography and Kahlia sees a bright future in it.