showed for the American Paint Horse Association and competed on a national level. With her horse "Roanie Pony," she won three APHA Reserve World Championships, in 13 and Under Western Riding, 13 and Under Horsemanship and 14-18 Western Riding and named the 13 and Under Reserve All-Around Champion at the APHA World Championship Show giving her a total of five championships. In addition, Upton ended up 3rd overall on the APHA youth Top Twenty. With a second horse Zipped, she won 14-18 Western Riding and were top 5 in 14-18 Horsemanship and 14-18 Western Pleasure in 2009.