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Like many of us, I have been horse crazy since childhood. I began riding lessons at the age of three at Old Adobe Riding School in Tucson, Arizona. My first horse there was Blue Lady, a really old, blue roan mare. By the time I was four I was riding independently. One day, I saw someone doing something I had never been allowed to do before. Blue Lady hadn't cantered in over 10 years, but somehow she managed it for me. My mom got nervous and everyone at the barn was yelling that the old blue mare took off with a little kid. I had the best ride of my short life.
A couple of years later, my mom, Ann Alden, opened Esperanza Stables, a boarding and training facility that counted (then) Dorie Vlatten as one of its first instructors. My teacher was Ros Johnson, the chef d'equipe for the 1964 Olympic Three Day Team. I was 6 and thought that I didn't need some "old" lady telling me what to do. She put me on the lunge line five days a week for six months with no reins and no stirrups. Needless to say, I can sit the trot and half-halt properly! Esperanza also helped start the Diamondback Pony Club chapter through which I eventually earned my C-3 rating. However, the jumps soon became too big, and one crash was enough. At the age of fourteen, I chose the sport of Dressage.
I have been fortunate enough in my life to ride many gifted, and challenging, horses. Some of you may remember Bex Pasaadi, the 14.2 hh Arabian that I evented on, and Eagle (AM Bachlor Button) who used to frequently leave the arena, usually during an extended canter, without my permission. I've also been blessed with wonderful instructors. When I was twelve and thirteen, I traveled to Pacific Horse Center in Elk Grove, California, for
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the summer to train with Anne and Denny Callin. I took classes in stable management and had a number of riding lessons each day both on my horse and on their schoolmasters. I also cliniced with some of the best European judges and trainers who came to judge the Pantano Show when it was still held in Tucson. Jaap Pot taught me to have soft hands, Hanne Valentin explained how to properly ride lateral work, and Leif Sorenson (who rode my horse for three days while I was sick) gave me my first ride on a truly collected horse in self-carriage. In addition, I clinic twice a year with Charlotte Bredahl-Baker. I have taken lessons with Ellie Stine-Masek for the past ten years and, with her help, rode my first Prix St. George last fall on my 13-year-old Arabian gelding, Bogotta+. In December, I earned my USDF Silver medal aboard Bogotta+. Bogotta+, who was severely abused before my mom bought him, has taught me how to ride in partnership with a horse and establish a trusting connection before expecting such difficult work. This summer, I plan to begin showing him at the Intermediaire 1 level.
I have been teaching and training in Tucson for eight years under the name Agape Dressage. (For those who are curious, Agape is Greek for "a love that seeks to serve others unconditionally".) In 1999, I earned my "L" credentials and now enjoy judging schooling shows. One of the most memorable experiences for me as a trainer occurred in 1999 when I showed at the U.S. Arabian National Championships. Two of my students, Barbara Watson and Robin Ritter, competed in the First Level Amateur division and placed sixth and seventh in the country, respectively. Then, on Bogotta+, I won the National Championship at Second Level and was Reserve National Champion at Third Level. I
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plan on competing there again this year at Fourth Level and Prix St. George. Another highlight was competing in the 1984 USDF/Insilco National Championships at the age of 12. I rode Eagle, the only Arab in the entire show, in the First Level Junior division and placed seventh. While at that show, I got to see a young Gifted win the Second Level Championship.
I now train a number of up-and-coming stars, Neblig, Bella, and L. Vis, and look forward to what they will achieve. This has been a very successful year for my students, with three of them earning their Qualified Rider Award in their first year showing. Three other students are on the brink of earning their Bronze Medal. I know the coming year will bring even greater accomplishments for my wonderful group of students and horses.
I have always believed that no matter how much I love horses I must have other interests for my own sanity. To this end, I graduated with Honors in December of 1995 from the University of Arizona with a degree in Special Education and Rehabilitation. I conducted research on "The Effects of Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)". My study was the first of its kind in the country to show statistically significant results. My husband, Jeff Parker, and I are also youth sponsors for junior high and high school students in our church. This may be why we don't have any children!
I would like to wish everyone success in and out of the show ring and a cool, relaxing summer.
This column will showcase TDC local talent--instructors, amateurs, or juniors. Please submit your article by the 15th of the month prior to publication to Transitions Editor, 9527 E. Millmar, Tucson, AZ 85730. THANKS!
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