Celebrating Pony & Junior Riders - Sidelines Magazine · Chastain Horse Park in Atlanta, Georgia, having fallen in love with a pony by the name of Misty. At the time, Chastain Park

FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE SIDELINES JULY 2012 51

Celebrating Pony & Junior Riders

Farah Rizvi and Highland’s Make Believe Photo by Emily Allongo

52 SIDELINES JULY 2012 FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE

e“Your Favorite Pony” Contest

Readers Share Precious Pony Stories

Avery Hamlin Photo by Allison East Photography


“Dream” By Dana’s Doodles

The “Your Favorite Pony” contest on the Sidelines website received submissions from all across the

country, proving that the world is a better place thanks to pint-sized equines. Riders of all ages sent in heartwarming stories about special ponies, hoping to win an adorable print from Dana’s Doodles called “Dream.” Our lucky winner was eight year old Avery Hamlin of Louisburg, Kansas. We loved each and every story, but here are a few of our favorites:

My Welsh pony Disneyland is the best pony in the world. She’s even more fun than the real Disneyland. She’s silly and sassy but most of the time is PERFECT. I love to ride her bareback and go to shows and win ribbons. We’re a team and she’s my best friend. – Avery Hamlin, 8

My first pony was Mona a stocky paint who I

loved dearly (as any little girl would.) One day,

out riding I went though a park as I always did

and stumbled into a charity dog show. We

wound up winning the “Ugliest Dog” contest

and I remember the radio broadcaster teasing

me (I was about 10 at the time) about my dog!

– Heather Hall, 44

Jack was a pony dumped and forgotten. I

was told that he was “good for nothing and

shouldn’t be jumped again.” Jack has taken

me to my D3 in United States Pony Club,

we school 2’9 - 3’ at home and we show 2’6.

He’s the best pony and I love him! – Lauren

Slattery 13

My pony, Con Man, was a terrific jumper; that is when he felt like jumping. My instructor made the comment that he was also a very polite pony. By that she meant that he was so polite that he would let me go over the jump first! – Kelly Legault, 47

My favorite pony is AJ. When he came to the farm, I was the first one to ride him. He was the first horse I really felt confident jumping on. Sadly, he died last year, but he is still in the hearts of all that loved him! – Ellie Hayes, 14

Visit www.sidelinesnews.com for more contests.


e Junior Spotlight

Catching up With Shawn CasadyBy Kelsey Hart

Shawn Casady, a 17-year-old from Harriman, Tennessee, has worked hard for his success in the show world and has made it to the top of the junior divisions – without owning a horse! Shawn has found success as a hunter, jumper and equitation rider, from ponies to junior jumpers, and has relied on catch rides to be able to show on circuit.

Many of his contemporaries might see his situation as a disadvantage; but Shawn considers catch riding to be a blessing in disguise. The opportunity to ride a wide variety of horses has helped him to master a natural feel and to figure out the horse and what works. Instead of posing on a familiar horse, Shawn’s focus is to show off the best performance of each horse by tailoring his riding style to the horse.

His best advice for other juniors in his position – “Never turn down an opportunity!” Shawn is grateful for the opportunities he has been given by the owners of his catch rides and for the help of trainer Bill Schaub and Ashland Farms. “The biggest benefit to catch riding is learning to be adaptable,” he said. “The advantage of catch riding is that there isn’t enough time to get too comfortable riding a certain way.”

Shawn said he has learned to change his technique and learned new ways to adjust to a horse’s needs. The horse industry has also taught Shawn how to manage time, network and communicate: skills that help him in school. With a demanding schedule, Shawn hasn’t attended a regular high school, but instead attends #1 Education Place in Wellington, Florida, through the University of Nebraska.

Looking back on his junior career, Shawn says he has no regrets. Choosing an alternative education was a big decision, but he stands by this choice that has helped him to pursue his riding career. While Shawn has Olympic dreams, right now he is focused on, “learning everything I can and learning how to ride every type of horse.” Though his success might substantiate bragging rights, Shawn remains humble and appreciative. He strives to improve from his mistakes while at the same time treasuring every success.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the horses I have been given to ride,” he said.

Shawn CasadyPhotos by Emily Alllongo



eMy Line:

My First PonyBy Sarah Ward

As everyone is getting revved up for Pony Finals, I find it only fitting to tell my one and only pony experience – as it is highly amusing and something that I still think of every day. I originally started riding at the age of five at Chastain Horse Park in Atlanta, Georgia, having fallen in love with a pony by the name of Misty.

At the time, Chastain Park was a shadow of its former self – and the horse park was due for a renovation. I was also struggling with extreme Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and because of this was going through a serious germaphob phase. I couldn’t touch a horse without having to get my hands on some hand sanitizer (Monk anyone? Or am I already showing my age here?). When the renovations began, instead of switching barns, I quit altogether.

However, I was bitten with the horse bug and shortly before my 13th birthday, my mom decided it was time to get me back in the saddle. By this time, I was too tall for a pony so I got my first horse, an off-the-track Thoroughbred named Happy. He had more than a few screws loose; but at the time he was all we could afford and to me he was everything I dreamed of and more. However, the time came when I needed something a bit more sane (I still have Happy

today, and he is happily living out his days the way he should be!).Moose followed my grumpy Happy and when I tried my next

horse Harmony, I was introduced to a palomino paint pony by the name of Cameron. I had not ridden many ponies since Misty and I had the time of my life on Cameron – I was actually trying him for another customer at Chastain. Unfortunately for my parents, I had fallen in love. In my eyes, Cameron was the cutest sweetest thing I had ever seen. He jumped in good form and was a blast to ride – that’s all I cared about. In reality, Cameron was the devil in pony form – he had a horrible attitude and was a stopper. Fortunately, because of this, he was dirt cheap – and Cameron somehow maneuvered his way onto the trailer with big beautiful Harmony – everything that I should have had in a horse.

I will never forget the day Harmony and Cameron walked off the trailer. Harmony stepped off – a shining chestnut covered in chrome. I swear I heard people gasping when he stepped off, he was that beautiful. However, he was followed by Cameron – completely covered in manure stains and his ears pinned flat on his head; but all my friends ran straight to him. Despite his bad attitude, he was impossible not to love. When we finally got him cleaned up, we put a stick on him only to discover that he was 14.2 ½ - and that was us pushing the stick down. Because of this, he became affectionately known around the barn as “Pony,” and his bad attitude earned him the show name “Look Don’t Touch.”

I showed him in Long Stirrup before we moved into the jumper ring, where his talent truly could shine. He loved running around the ring like a crazy man and never have I had more fun in a ring then when Pony and I were together. So that’s my pony story. Pony is currently living out his days on a Saddlebred farm in Tennessee, playing first pony to an adorable young girl. I miss him everyday, but will never ever forget him!

Sarah and Pony – true love!



By Lauren R. Giannini

Barbara (Bebe) Davis, who belongs to a small but very dedicated group of FEI Pony Dressage riders, 12-16, enjoyed a very successful winter season in Florida. FEI Pony Test movements, ranging in difficulty from Second Level to Prix St. Georges, include half pass at trot, walk half-pirouettes, collected and extended trot and canter, counter canter and 8-meter voltes (circles). Bebe rides with Dr. Cesar Parra at his Piaffe Performance Farms (NJ & FL) where trainer Katie Riley “really helps me; but keeps me laughing at the same time.” Bebe is a member of Somerset Hills Pony Club (NJ).

What triggered your interest in dressage?

Horses are not really in my family. My grandfather used to ride when he was my age and my mom took a few lessons when she was in her 20s; but my parents never thought I’d be into horses. I loved the pony rides at the farmer’s market, so my mom thought it would be fun for me to take lessons. I was four when I started at a barn down the street from my house on a pony who was probably 30 years old. I got hooked on dressage about the age of six. I started dressage to improve my jumping and the trainer put me on a lunge line so that I could learn to have a good seat and balance. My second pony was a German Riding Pony: he did everything and was so much fun. We did one tempis, half pass, pirouette, a little piaffe and passage – a lot of it was by accident! I didn’t know what I was doing; but he was always changing leads all over the place. He did all this funny stuff I didn’t know, but it was so cool. I was six or seven.

What are the biggest lessons you have learned so far about riding and horses?

The most important thing about riding is to have fun. Also, I have learned it’s important to have confidence in yourself and your trainer as well as your horse. If you believe you can do it, odds are you can.

Besides being able to spend more time with your ponies and on the circuit, what are the advantages of home schooling?

Like many equestrians, I home school. I like it because you get one on one attention and the teachers try to cater to the way you learn. I take classes well above my grade level and it’s really interesting and mentally challenging which is important. It also keeps my schedule very flexible which is nice.

e5Q Dressage

National Pony Dressage Champion Bebe Davis

Bebe Davis and Poldy 10 - her pony that knows he is “super cute”Photo by www.BarbarasVisions.com

What are your ponies like? Bohdjan (Bobo) is super sweet. He loves to snuggle. When

I bend down to wrap him, he rests his head on my back. He’s super funny and loves the dogs at our barn. Poldy 10 is really spunky. He’s super cute and totally knows it. He gives me this look sometimes like “please, just admire me and give me sugar.” They both make me laugh on a daily basis. No matter how bad my day is they make it so much better.

What are your plans? I hope to travel to Europe this summer with the ponies. I don’t

know if I will be able to pull it off with the timing of the Festival of Champions (Bebe and Bobo earned reserve honors in the first-ever National Pony Rider Championship at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions). I am really just trying to keep a consistent schedule and keep my mind in riding. I will keep training, keep improving and bonding with the ponies. I want to show as much as I can before the championships. Every time I show, I learn something new about the ponies and myself.



eSide Item

Grady Lyman and her California Pony Power

Grady and A Hoof And A PrayerPhoto by Viki Lyman.

By Holly Hugo-Vidal

Grady Lyman rides out of her family’s Greta Glen Farms in Rancho Santa Fe, California. She has two ponies, a medium named Blue Print, or Bentley, and a large pony named A Hoof And A Prayer, whose barn name is Happy. Grady, a sixth grader, has been riding since she was two years old and has been training with Alicia Saxton for five years. Alicia’s Ocean Crest Farms is based out of Greta Glen Farms.

Grady has proven she has pony power in California; riding away with some big wins including the Grand Pony Championship for the West Coast Pony Finals with A Hoof And A Prayer at The National Preview in Los Angeles. With Blue Print she won the Circuit Reserve Grand Champion at Thermal and at Menlo was champion and won the classic and the high point pony. Grady and A Hoof And A Prayer were also champions and won the USEF pony medal and placed first in the southwest division of WCHR in the pony division for 2011.

Sidelines’ California correspondent caught up with Grady, an enthusiastic and dedicated rider, at The Ranch and Coast Horse Show in Del Mar and had a chance to chat with the young rider who is certainly “one to watch” in the future!

How did you become interested in riding?My brother played on a soccer team with two girls who also rode horses and one day I went to the barn and watched and that got me hooked. What do you like to do when you aren’t riding?I love to take pictures and I like to play roller hockey, soccer and volleyball. Have you ever had an embarrassing moment at a horse show?Yes! Quite recently, I was catch riding a pony at a horse show and I came to the in and out and it stopped and I fell off! It was quite embarrassing! What riders do you admire?John French, Nick Hanness and Rich Fellers, they’re great riders! What are you goals as a rider?I completed my goal for last year, which was to win the West Coast Pony Finals over all. Now I would like to get a horse and win the Onondarka Medal Finals!

What has been your best memory with ponies?When I won the West Coast Pony Finals that was a great accomplishment because one of my very best friends was second and it was super close. Our scores were so close, like a .25 difference after the first round and then I beat her by .5! What kind of music do you like to listen to?That’s hard, I like a lot. I like Taylor Swift and her songs Mean and La La La; Lady Antebellum and their song Dancing Away With My Heart; and Adele’s song Rolling In The Deep.

Do you have a favorite movie?The Proposal


Needy NagsEdible Petal is a 15 hand, 4 year old Thoroughbred filly by

Include and out of the Rahy mare, Blossom Point, with very correct confirmation. She is obviously beautifully bred and would make a wonderful broodmare for either racing or sport horse competition. Her fashionable bloodlines nick well with most mid-Atlantic stallions. She has no vices but does have chips in her left knee. Petal is pasture sound and requires no special handling. She is already on the farm and living out. Petal gets along well with others and has a very sweet temperament. Her owners have sold their farm and are no longer breeding horses on a large scale so they are working earnestly to place their horses into good and loving homes. Petal is offered to a good home only and is located at DMC Carousel Stables in Berryville, Virginia. For more information, go to www.LeightonFarm.com or call Kim at (301) 579-6898. If you get a horse through my site, please make a donation to Thoroughbred Placement and Rescue, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit, by going to www.goodhorse.org. I can’t keep up this work without your support!


ePony Club

Live Oak Hounds USPC Foxhunting Challenge

Pony Club members were able to experience the thrill of foxhunting during the sixth annual Live Oaks Hounds United States Pony Club (USPC) Foxhunting Challenge.

A total of 127 Pony Club members participated in the event, logging more than 1,000 days spent enjoying the sport of foxhunting.

The Foxhunting Challenge Award is made possible through the generous support of Mr. and Mrs. C. Martin Wood III, Joint Masters of the Live Oak Hounds in Monticello, Florida and Past Presidents of the MFHA. The Award is designed to encourage Pony Club members who do not regularly hunt to try the sport and to reward members who hunt on a regular basis to act as mentors to the less-experienced Pony Club members. $10,000 in awards went to the top six Pony Clubs who regularly take the greatest

number of active Pony Club members out hunting.

Big things are on the horizon at the Pony Club with the upcoming East Championships at the Virginia Horse Park July 25th-29th and West Championships at the Washington State Horse Park August 7th -10th. The Pony Club welcomes the support of SmartPak Equine, LLC which is sponsoring the National Youth Congress and Academy of Achievement Program. “SmartPak is very excited to be partnering with the United States Pony Clubs. It seems a natural fit given our shared focus on education and excellence in all aspects of horsemanship and horse care,” said Colby Balazs, VP of Marketing at SmartPak..

For more information, visit www.ponyclub.org/

Pony Club members enjoy the thrill of foxhunting.

Riders prepare to ride on a beautiful morning.

Winners were…1st place Red Rock Hounds Pony Club in Nevada2nd Place Blue Mountain Pony Club in Maryland3rd Place Old Dominion Hounds Pony Club in Virginia4th Place Millbrook Pony Club in New York5th Place Elkridge-Harford Pony Club in Maryland6th Place Silver Springs Pony Club in Missouri/Illinois



By Lauren Corey

Can you remember the days when you felt like you could conquer anything? High school is coming to a close and this summer is my last chance to show in the junior division. I am dreading having to say goodbye to all of my favorite equitation medals. I decided to talk with several juniors at my barn to learn how they feel about showing. I miss the days where I was so sure I would win all the medal finals and go to the Maclay as the majority of juniors at my barn are.

Big Talent, Big AmbitionsAs the oldest teenager at my barn, I frequently have

lessons with some of the younger girls (although it does nothing for my confidence when they outperform me!). Michelle Morsey, a 14-year-old, has been riding at my show barn, McIntosh Stables, since she was nine and constantly receives top ribbons in her equitation. Michelle has big ambitions, and says “I hope to get a new horse soon so that I can qualify for the Maclay finals. I also would love to do the big hunter derbies and perhaps the grand prix’s when I’m 18.” Michelle currently owns a cute buckskin, who is affectionately called Bucky. The name nearly gave her mother heart failure (not to mention some of the assistant trainers who would have to ride him), but I have never once seen that horse buck. They are such a great pair and really stand out in the equitation. I can’t wait to see them continue to grow together and dominate the West Coast Show Circuit!

While watching the grand prix at the Woodside Summer Circuit Opener, the girls make the letter “M” to show their McIntosh pride!

Photo by Toni McIntosh

I met Molly Zisook, 14, when she came to McIntosh about three years ago with her occasionally bratty pony, Maddy. I would always get Molly and Maddy mixed up because the names are so similar and I am always terrible at remembering names. One time when I walked up to Molly and started asking her about her pony, Molly, she responded, “Really, Lauren? For the last time, MY name is Molly….” Once I finally remembered her name, we became great friends. Sometimes I would school her pony when she was naughty and Molly would let me ride her mom’s horses too. Molly had always wanted to excel in the pony divisions and was looking for a new large pony to move up on.

Change of PlansWe were both devastated when she had to move to Chicago,

but we still video chat at least once a week. Shortly after moving, Molly’s dad bought her a gorgeous hunter, C’est Si Bon. However, “Bon Bon” was located in Florida because they found her at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Since then, Molly has been flying out at least once a month to compete and they have been cleaning up in the children’s hunters. Molly says her biggest accomplishments are “winning reserve champion children’s hunter at week seven of WEF and receiving 3rd place at the Horse and Hound Medal Finals.” She hopes to compete in the hunter derbies and I know it will only be a short time before this dream becomes a reality. When Molly sets her mind to something, you can be sure to see results!

I enjoy my lessons with the younger girls because while they can occasionally learn from me, I learn so much more from their ability to dream and conquer! These girls inspire me to remember that anything is possible (at risk of sounding cheesy). I know these girls will be the talk of the horse world someday and I hope they always remember to keep on dreaming big.

eJuniorside

Juniors Conquer the Show World

Michelle Morsey and Bucky competing in the Horse and Hound medal at the Woodside Spring Preview.

Photo by Yulia Morsey



Sophia and Lady Photo by Hannah Langston

ePony KidsName: Sophie AramburuHometown: Houston, TexasPonies/Horses: Rambler, Lady, Belle, Joy and GoliothTrainers: Hannah LangstonOf all the ponies you’ve ridden, which is your favorite? Golioth What pony would you like to ride? I’ve ridden all the ponies; but I’ve always wanted to ride a Miniature Horse.How did you get into riding? I’ve always loved horses; I just went to my friend’s barn when I was little and have been riding ever since.What is your favorite horse show? Lanes End, Tomball, TexasWhat was the high point in your riding career? Jumping higherWhat was the low point? My horses Urkel and Candee passing awayWho are your Equestrian Idols? Anyone who’s ever taught me how to love and care for horses.Other than riding, what do you do? I love to sing and write songs, dance and I love to hang out with friends.What are your plans for the future? I want to graduate from Texas A&M and be on their equestrian team and become a vet or the owner of a horse farm.

Do You Want To Be A Pony Kid?Fill out this easy questionnaire and e-mail it to [email protected]. Be sure to include a photo scanned at a minimum of 300 dpi, and tell us who took the pictureName:Hometown:Age:Ponies:Trainers:

Of all the ponies you’ve ridden, which is your favorite?What pony would you like to ride?How did you get into riding?What is your favorite horse show?What was the high point in your riding career?What was the low point?Who are your Equestrian Idols?Other than riding, what do you do?What are your plans for the future?

Mutt of the monthSweet Leslie is a six year old female Lab mix who is ready to

shower you with kisses and climb into your lap. She is smaller than a Lab and is quiet, gentle and very affectionate. She loves to play and will fetch a ball for hours. Leslie may be middle-aged, but she’s got a lot of life in her and a lot of love to give! Please contact Big Dog Ranch Rescue at (561) 309-3311 or www.BDRR.org.

Wellington Commerce Park • 3103 Fortune Way, Wellington, FL

561.790.4433 fax: 790.6366

Let Us Handle All Your Insurance Claims

MV38096


Morgan Sansale, a 17 year old high school junior from Rincon, Georgia, won the Sidelines One K Helmet contest thanks to her bad helmet hair! Morgan sent in a photo of her bad helmet hair and garnered the most “likes” to win the contest and a brand new One K Helmet. Morgan has already competed in her new helmet and was kind enough to fill us in on her horse life: “I was born the child of two competitive riders. I live on a 10 acre farm and have been riding since I was one-and-a-half years old. I am a C3 Pony Clubber in the Charleston Pony Club in South Carolina. I have evented at the novice level, competed in the 1.10 meter jumpers and currently show in the CHC Medal, the 15-17 equitation division and the Child/Adult Hunters. I also ride in the Open Varsity Division on the Evermore Farm IEA high school riding team.

I have owned my 10 year old Thoroughbred Donovan since he was two years old, but didn’t take over riding and training him until he was four. I have two trainers - my dad, Michael Sansale, and my IEA coach, Eleanor Ellis. I showed in my new One K Helmet and not only did I love it, but so did all of my friends. Thanks Sidelines Magazine and One K Helmets for the chance to win such an awesome helmet!” Morgan, along with her horse Donovan, shows off her

new One K Helmet.One K Helmet features a retractable sun shield.

eOne K Helmet WinnerMorgan Sansale’s Bad Helmet Hair Is A Winner

Needy Nags“Pat A” is a 16.2 hand, 3 year old Thoroughbred gelding by

Cat Doctor (Mountain Cat) out of True Account (Raja Baba-Private Account). He retired from racing as non competitive. He is sound but had some stifle soreness when working at top speed. He is now turned out and awaiting his on-the-farm test ride. We recommend a month or so of let down time or light hacking before he starts a new career. His adoption fee is $650 for an approved applicant. For information on any of our horses, please email [email protected] or visit our website at www.secondstride.org.

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Celebrating Pony & Junior Riders - Sidelines Magazine · Chastain Horse Park in Atlanta, Georgia, having fallen in love with a pony by the name of Misty. At the time, Chastain Park