Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Monmouth County Horse Show

Hi, everyone!
This past weekend, Beacon Hill showed at the Monmouth County Horse Show. Being close to home for a big show is an added bonus! A special feature of the one hundred and twelve year old horse show was the booth that displayed memorabilia, pictures and trophies that date back many years.
The horse show crowds for the Grand Prix on Sunday were impressive in number and quite enthusiastic.
Monday morning, we left for the Hampton Classic Horse Show and the last official show before Maclay Regionals on September 9, 2007 at Old Salem Farm, North Salem, New York.
Catch up with me later this week for an update on the Hampton Classic.
Thank you for your continued support and comments.
Talk to you later.
Maria Schaub

Sunday, August 19, 2007

JUGGLING SCHOOL & RIDING

Recently, someone asked how I find the time to ride, do well in school and go to many horse shows. In June 2007, I graduated from Holmdel High School in Holmdel, New Jersey, which is part of a progressive, competitive school district with a school board policy that accommodates students who participate in outside sports/activities such as riding, skiing, acting, etc. It was a fortunate, valuable bonus to attend a school district that validated my riding experiences. If you watched Horse Power, on one of the episodes, I attended a meeting with the Holmdel High School Vice Principal and my mother and we discussed outstanding assignments due upon my return from an excused absence.

My teachers were generally quite supportive of my riding although a few of them penalized my grades when I did not meet a time line for work submission. However, for the most part, I was quite lucky to attend a great school with supportive administrators and teachers. In addition to the school's support, my parents provided some tutoring during the school year and home schooling during the third marking period while I was in Florida. Several of my barn mates have been forced to choose full time home schooling because they could not gain adequate support from their schools for their riding activities.

My parents have set expectations for me academically and always said they would not push me to excel if they didn't know I was capable. Their encouragement and standards have helped me to achieve the best grades possible. My parent's serious financial commitment and emotional support has been an inspiration and when I do well in school and as a working student, at least from one perspective, my intentions and commitment show them that I am grateful for what they have done for me.

I was accepted to Rutgers University in New Jersey but have deferred until the fall of 2008. This fall will be my last chance to show at indoors as a junior and with continued parental support, I will focus solely on my riding goals. After December 1st, I will be working for Beacon Hill Show Stables. In the spring of 2008, my plans include taking some college courses which will be approved by Rutgers University and continuing to work and ride for Beacon Hill.

Catch up with me later this week for an update on the Monmouth County Horse Show.
Talk to you later!
Maria Schaub

Thursday, August 16, 2007

WHAT IS YOUR DAY TO DAY RIDING SCHEDULE LIKE?

When we are not at a horse show, a typical day at Beacon Hill begins around 7:30 am. The routine consists of flatting between four and twelve horses with an emphasis on improving the horse’s suppleness, strength, and balance. For the most part, schooling and jumping lessons occur once a week either in an individual or a group format.

My trainers regularly assign I Toon, an equitation horse, and Marga, a high junior jumper for me to flat. The additional rides allocated by my trainers are horses which belong to another customer and who will not be riding on a given day.

Farm duties such as cleaning tack, tacking-up horses, setting jumps for lessons, rolling bandages and/or wraps and packing and unpacking for horse shows are customarily part of my responsibilities at Beacon Hill. Other equine related activities/chores that could be a part of any given day include but are not limited to hand walking, bathing, brushing and grazing horses, sweeping up, and helping when the farrier or the veterinarian visits may require an extra hand.

Next week, Beacon Hill will be at a great local show, the Monmouth County Horse Show, Freehold, NJ.
Thank you for your continued support and questions.
Talk to you soon!
Maria Schaub

Monday, August 06, 2007

NORTH AMERICAN YOUNG RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIPS July 30 to August 5, 2007

Hi, everyone!

Being a member of the North American Young Riders Zone II team was an amazing experience and another dream fulfilled for 2007. Although the Zone II Young Rider's team chances for a medal ended on Friday after some unfortunate circumstances, the Junior team received the Bronze Medal. During the individual competition, Marga and I were one of three Zone II Young and Junior horse/rider combinations to place in the top ten on Friday and one of two horse/rider combinations to place in the top ten individual and overall competition on Sunday.

The NAYRC and NAJC Championships at the Virginia Horse Park, Lexington, Virginia featured the disciplines of dressage, eventing, and show jumping. Using a Nations Cup format with adherence to FEI rules, representation from most of the USEF Zone and Regional designations and regions in Canada and Mexico provided young riders with a unique opportunity to experience the individual and team format used during international competition. Qualifying for the event varies depending on your Zone or Regional specifications.

Two bonuses of being at NARYC were getting a chance to watch some of the eventing and dressage competition and spending time with young riders and trainers from all over the United States, Mexico and Canada.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ralph and Holly Caristo, Frank and Stacia Madden, my parents, the parents of my fellow team members, the junior and young rider team members, and the grooms for their support, encouragement, commitment, effort and positive spirit which helped make the experience at Young Riders one that I will remember for years to come!

Catch up with me soon when I will answer another one of your questions.
Talk to you later!
Maria Schaub