What are some of the highlights and successful moments in the 2015 show season for you?
I have found that working with two younger horses has resulted in some of the most rewarding moments of my life. The most exciting moment for me this past year was winning the Arabian Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse unanimously with Parys WA at Canadian Nationals. It was one of those classes where you hit the line up and know you had the best ride you have ever had, you know it was solid…but, never in my wildest dreams did I think we would come out on top in such a deep class!
Another highlight for me this past year was making the Top Ten with Cocoa Motion at US Nationals. The amateur classes continue to become more and more competitive and to be recognized amongst such an incredible group of horses and riders is an incredible accomplishment. Competing at US on the green shavings Friday evening is an experience like no other. I was lucky enough to do it on an incredible horse that gave me the ride of a lifetime. I remember that class from start to finish like it was yesterday and it is one of the greatest memories I have from the show ring.
Canadian National Champion Arabian Hunter AAOTR
Canadian National Champion Arabian Hunter Junior Horse
Canadian National Reserve Champion Half-Arabian Hunter Junior Horse
Canadian National Top Ten Arabian Hunter Pleasure AATR
Canadian National Top Ten Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure AAOTR
US National Reserve Champion Arabian Hunter AAOTR
US National Top Ten Arabian Hunter Maturity (3rd) & Junior Horse (3rd)
US National Top Ten Half-Arabian Hunter Junior Horse & AAOTR
2.) Who has been your biggest influence in the Arabian breed in getting you to where you are today?
I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by a number of people who have influenced and supported me throughout the years. I am always watching, listening, learning and asking. To get to where I am today, I have been open to taking chances and trying new things and am incredibly thankful for all of the people who have shared their insight and opinions with me. The only way we can grow is by pushing harder and taking the next step. Whether its practicing, showing, judging or stewarding I am always eager to learn more and I think we can always learn something new from one another.
If someone were to describe you, what would they say about you?
Many would say I should just convert another stall in the barn for myself! ..They would also say that I have a strong work ethic. That I am very dedicated to the Arabian breed and that I believe in building a partnership with my horses to develop trust and confidence.
Name one show ring quirk you have:
I talk to my horses. A lot. When I was showing in JTR I had a Half-Arabian Gelding, Whizdom SD, Cheryl & LaRae had me talk to him a lot during my classes to keep his attention on me and it has just kind of stuck. I will never forget showing in Sacramento last year, there was table seating right along the one side of the arena which turned out to be quite distracting for my horses… every stride at that end I was saying something to them and everytime I was thinking ‘wow, the people sitting down there must think I’m totally crazy having full conversations with my horses’… We had a great show though and made it past the scary tables!