TALES FROM THE TRAILS
The chance of a lifetime. That’s what 16 talented and very lucky young riders are experiencing this year. They were chosen from among hundreds of applicants and invited to spend January through March in Wellington for the winter intensive training program with Dressage 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides educational and competitive opportunities to youth dressage riders.
These youngsters, all 21 or younger, who aspire to make showing or some aspect of the horse industry a major part of their lives, experience a full schedule of learning each day, including fitness, theory, riding lessons, field trips and lectures on related subjects.
This year’s participants are Allysia Bryant, Emma Cerint, Katja Creswick, Abby Davis, Sarah de Grasse, Hannah Irons, Kayla Kadlubek, Jae Mackie, Caroline McConnell, Alexa Perkins, Elsie Reford, Sarah Roda, Allison Shields, Emily Smith, Emma Smith and Katherine Esterline. They come from all over the United States and Canada.
A normal day starts at 6:30 a.m. with basic barn chores. Days may include private lessons, semi-private ones or group lessons with Lendon Gray or prominent guest instructors. While lessons are going on, riders are encouraged to watch and ask questions. Afternoons often include lectures from top experts in such areas as nutrition, sports psychology, learning skills, fitness and shoeing. There are field trips to audit clinics, tours of world-class facilities and experiences in everything Wellington has to offer, including showing opportunities.
A two-time Olympian and USDF Hall of Fame member, Gray is the driving force behind the program and the main instructor. “Dressage 4 Kids began in 1998,” she said. “This is the fourth year we’ve offered the winter intensive training program. It’s strongly geared to give kids of all levels a widely diverse educational opportunity to really explore all aspects of riding, showing and the horse industry. We choose youngsters with intense determination and desire.”
The goal is to increase their skills and introduce them to every aspect of the equestrian world.
“We hope to encourage and give them a roadway to their future success, whatever that may be — whether as a professional rider, amateur competitor or something else in the field,” Gray said. “This is a broadening experience, geared toward helping them eventually start their own business or find work in the industry. Wellington is definitely the place to do this.”
Emily Smith, 19, is a college student from Bellmont, Mass. This is her first time in the program. “It’s an incredible opportunity to be exposed to so many different experiences,” she said. “It’s like a very condensed educational course. I’m thrilled with the variety of things we’re exposed to, all the wonderful people. I’d like to see how far I can go in the sport. My horse Dublin, a 9-year-old Hanoverian, and I are both young and still learning. I’ve only had him a year. We work on developing our partnership with every lesson and lecture.”
At 15, Hannah Irons is one of the youngest participants. She is from Queenstown, Md., and this is her second year attending. “Last year was life-changing,” she said. “I learned more than I could ever dream and formed lifelong friendships. Meeting other young riders my age who are just as passionate about horses and riding is very cool.”
The program is truly a whirlwind experience.
“It’s difficult to absorb everything. We attend lectures on so many different topics, watch the best of the best ride and compete and visit so many terrific farms and facilities,” Irons explained. “It’s very inspirational, very motivating. I want to remember everything, take it all home and try it myself. Someday I hope to be a professional trainer and also represent the U.S. in some international competitions.”
Irons arrived with Bo-Bo, a Dutch sport pony that she is leasing.
“Ponies are awesome,” she said. “They teach you so much. They’re a lot of fun in a small package. They’re smart, tight and compact. They force you to ride well and plan ahead. I love showing in the FEI pony classes. I hope to show down here. My goal is to win the Pony Championships next year.”
Alyssa Bryant, 20, from Livermore Falls, Maine, was thrilled to be in Wellington. Even though some of our weather was cold by South Florida standards, she laughed.
“It’s 3 below at home this morning. We have a lot of schooling shows in Maine, but nothing like this,” Bryant said. “This my third year attending, each time with a different horse. My first year I was at a lower level, and it was eye-opening. My second year I had more knowledge and rode at a higher level. I felt as if I got more out of it. This year I have a less-educated horse, so I’m taking it as a great training opportunity. What I like best are all the learning possibilities and watching the top professionals ride.”
Bryant has been riding dressage for about 8 years.
“I used to do gymkhanas, but then switched to dressage when I was 12. I like the challenge of training. There’s always something you can work on and improve,” she said. “Attending the winter intensive training program is hard financially. I had a lot of help from some generous sponsors, and I’m extremely grateful. I’d advise anyone who’s serious about dressage to take a chance and apply. I never thought I’d make it, and here I am.”
It’s too late for this year, but if this sounds like something you’d be interested in trying, visit the Dressage 4 Kids web site. Any rider under 22 can apply. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have, what level you’re riding, or the horse you have. Your dedication, passion and discipline are what must shine on your application. To learn more, visit www.dressage4kids.org.
