End of FTI/WEF Circuit 2009 And some more of your questions

Hi, everyone, thank you for your continued support and questions about riding and horses.

The FTI/WEF Winter Circuit ended yesterday and Frank Madden Show Stables and Hunters Moon Farm were quite busy throughout the last six weeks of the circuit. Recently, the barn added several new clients and horses into the mix and it was rewarding to see the progress made by the new horse and rider combinations. Watching riders develop and acquire the necessary skills to accomplish their riding goals is very rewarding and, of course, is an ongoing process. By the end of this week, the majority of the horses, customers and barn employees will be on their way back home to New York. I will be staying in Wellington for two additional weeks to help one of our Florida based junior riders during the spring circuit in Wellington. Additionally, I will be finishing all of my college course work excluding the two final exams scheduled for the early part of May.

For this blog, I will be using the blog format started in December of 2008 which answers several of your recent questions. Your continued feedback is greatly appreciated and I look forward to reading your comments and any suggestions you may have about the content of future blogs.

DO YOU ENJOY JUMPERS, HUNTERS, OR EQUITATION THE BEST?

I believe in the American System of riding. The principles and skills sets learned in the equitation division are the foundation for all of the other hunter/jumper divisions. I truly enjoyed doing the equitation division and felt quite fortunate to have been able to participate in it. I was also fortunate to compete in the hunters and the jumpers and was truly grateful for all of those experiences. At this moment, I would have to say the jumpers are my favorite, but first and foremost, I love to ride! The love of riding is a driving force in my life and a compelling passion, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue.

COULD YOU LEASE A HORSE FOR THE MACLAY AND STILL BE FINE? IF SO, WHERE COULD I GET ONE?

With the financial and emotional support of your parents and the help of an experienced professional trainer who can help you find a horse that best suits you and your family's budget, leasing for the Maclay is certainly a workable option. For any junior who has the aspiration to participate in the Maclay, the most important first step is to discuss your goals with your parents. Participation in equestrian sports requires a huge cooperative effort in the family and with your school system. Good luck with your goal!

I'M THIRTEEN AND THE TRAINER THAT I WORKED WITH RECENTLY DIED FROM CANCER. I'M REALLY STUCK NOW AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO.

I'm so sorry to hear about your trainer's illness and death and can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to deal with such a big loss. Please accept my sincerest sympathy. In a situation like this one, it is best for you to look for emotional support from your parents, family and good friends. When you are ready to start riding again, and with your parents support, you can try to locate another trainer in your area by contacting the United States Equestrian Federation and by asking some of your riding friends about other professionals in your area. Again, please accept my condolences for your loss.


Talk to you later,

Maria Schaub