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1. How many years have you been eventing?
I did my first Beginner Novice event at Ram Tap Horse Trials in 2006, so I have been eventing for 5 years.
2. Tell us about your horses?
I have a gelding, Smurf, and a mare, Cavallino Cocktail. Smurf is a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding who was bred by Will Simpson and started as a jumper. He was then taken over by Debbie Rosen and brought to the Preliminary level of eventing before I took over the ride. My new horse, who I have only had for 4 months now, is Cavallino Cocktail. She is an Irish Sport Horse mare who was bred in Ireland. She, like Smurf, was started in the "jumper world," and by the time she was 5, she was competing in the Grand Prix 5-Year-Old Championships in England. When she was 6, Peter Flarup, a Danish Event rider, took over the ride and began eventing her. Throughout the course of a year-and-a-half, she moved from the 1* level to the 3* level of Eventing. She was 8 when I bought her and she just turned 9 a few days ago (June 9th).
3. How has your training routine changed over the last few years?
Over the last few years, my training routine has gotten more and more rigorous. Not only must you be fit, but so must your horse. Now that I am and have been competing at the upper level of eventing for the last few years, I have learned dedication and discipline when it comes to horsemanship, taking care of your horse, and conditioning!
4. What are your competition highlights so far?
I just won the Preliminary Challenge at Woodside Horse Trials on my mare Cavallino Cocktail. In 2009, I was Preliminary Champion of Area VI on Smurf.
5. What are your goals in the short term and in the long term?
In the short term, I hope to compete in the CIC2* at Woodside Horse Trials and the CCI2* at Galway Downs this fall. My long-term goal is and always has been to represent my country in a world championship.
6. What do you love most about eventing?
The CROSS-COUNTRY!! There is nothing like feeling your horse gallop underneath you and jump over massive jumps at speed. The connection you have with your horse is indescribable.
7. Do you have a favorite competition?
I can't narrow that one down enough! I have favorite competitions! Any competition that Robert Kellerhouse puts on is on my list of favorite competitions!
8. If you could have a super power, what would it be?
The super power I would choose would be to read a horse's mind! We all want to be able to! The closest thing we have to being able to is Brian Sabo!
9. Last book read?
Shooting Stars by Lebron James.
10. If you weren't eventing what would you do?
If I wasn't eventing, I would live in Hawaii and be surfing all day long!
11. Favorite food?
Sushi.
12. How did your family respond to your decision to ride horses and compete?
Riding has always been a big thing in my family so they took to it really quickly and have always been very supportive! I couldn't ask for a better support system!!
13. Who are the people who have most influenced your riding and horsemanship so far?
Debbie Rosen, Mette Rosencrantz, Cory Walkey, and Gina Miles are all responsible for making me the rider and human being I am today!
14. What motto best describes you?
Don't be afraid to make mistakes but don't forget to learn from them. |