January 1, 2019

Callie Seaman: Taking over the jumper AND the hunter ring

Credit: The Book LLC

I interviewed Callie Seaman last year, and due to my hiatus, the interview never got published. I was fortunate enough to catch up with Callie and do an updated interview. I think Callie is one of the top amateurs in the country, and she is also relatable to me as she has experienced similar things to me such as chronic pain, which she has been vocal about on her Facebook, and negativity in the equestrian community.

Callie earned a Winter Equestrian Festival Circuit Championship with her horse Chicago and won the 3’6” Amateur Owner Championship during hunter week for the second year in a row. Due to her championships, she got to compete at WEF’s World Champion Hunter Rider Hunter Spectacular class, earning an impressive fourth place in the first round and a very impressive 10^thoverall.

Callie describes the Hunter Spectacular as a “thrilling accomplishment” especially because she was competing against not just junior and other amateur riders but also some of the top hunter professionals.

Callie has big goals for this year despite having some setbacks including spine surgery which took 7 months to recover from and having to retire and/or move some of her horses down.

Callie describes this last year as a “rebuilding” year for her.

“After the 7 months it took to recover from my last spine surgery it became clear that some of my older horses needed to retire or step-down a bit. Carrico was forced into retirement due to an injury, which was particularly heartbreaking for me. He had such a bright future ahead of him and had hoped to win [D]erby [F]inals with him one day. Having Carrico’s career cut short was such a tough pill to swallow. During WEF it also became clear that my two [H]igh [A]mateur horses Dakota and Vinny also needed to move down. After the 2* Grand Prix at the Longines Masters NY we realized Dakota was ready to retire. She had done so much for me for years so it was important to me to do right by her. Luckily, I had two jumpers I was getting to know in Florida, so they stepped up and took Vinny and Dakota’s places.”

Callie’s one jumper, Jet Set DB, has been a “great addition” to her jumper string.

“She’s a game and careful horse I got along well with almost instantly. She is a spectacular high amateur horse and will continue to do that division and the national Grand Prix level.”

Callie also has her mare, Paparazzi, with which she has started competing in national Grand Prix classes this past summer. Callie said this mare has “more scope” than she has seen or ridden in her career, and the mare has “quickly become her most dependable horse.” Additionally, Callie purchased an 8 year old mare, Fasuparide, this past spring that she has high hopes for. She described the mare as “small” and “feisty” which is exactly her type.

Credit: The Book LLC

On to the hunters! Callie has also added Endeavor and Prolific. Endeavor, Callie says, has been particularly impressive, earning a tricolor at the one show Callie has done with him. He earned 3’3” Amateur Owner Championship at the National Horse Show, and he also won the Pre-Green Incentive Championship with Callie’s trainer, Patricia Griffith, this past summer in Kentucky.

Callie also had a baby on the way – but not that kind! Her mare, Dakota, is expecting a baby by Cornet Obolensky. Callie said she has always talked about breeding Dakota, so she is thrilled for Dakota to be pregnant and is hoping for a jumper even just half as great as Dakota is/was.

Callie also has two three year old horses who are by her stallions Carrico and Heartliner. Both of the horses are being ridden now and are coming along nicely.

Aside from her impressive placings in the hunters, Callie is also proud of winning the Amateur Owner Jumper Classic with Jet Set DB at Capital Challenge and also being awarded leading Amateur Owner Jumper Rider. Additionally, in the jumpers, Callie earned her first top ten placing at the Grand Prix level with her horse Paparazzi in Kentucky this past summer.

“I think consistency is a testament to growth as a rider, so for me to have won a tricolor every week I competed in Florida and at almost every show I competed in this year was a dream come true,” Callie said. “My wonder horse Chicago was WCHR North East Region champion, which was really special. While I’m heartbroken that an injury prevented him from showing at indoors this season, his incredible success this year was such a testament to how much he has grown in the last year and how special and talented he is.”

Despite her long list of accolades and her top string of horses, Callie is not immune or exempt from the negativity that exists in the horse world.

“The equestrian industry can be exceedingly tough both physically and mentally. As a rider, you can experience the highest highs and the lowest lows on a regular basis. There are so few sports where your own performance isn’t the only one that matters. We rely so much on these animals to perform their best for us and we can forget that they have hard times just like we do. This industry can be so tough on a personal level as well because people get wrapped up in their own ambitions,” she said. “Unfortunately, our industry sometimes lacks a communal and supportive spirit.”

Callie said during difficult times she remembers her successes and remains appreciative of them. She also reminds herself that the only person she can control is herself, and that the most important relationships are the ones between her and her horses.

“It can be human nature to look at the athletes beating you and try to compete by emulating them or mentally focusing too much on why they win over you. This is a mistake because those other athletes aren’t competing with you[;] they are focused on themselves. So, while you get stuck wasting time on them, they are busy bettering themselves and being their own competition. I think that directing your energy towards bettering your own riding is ultimately the best way to achieve your goals,” she explained.

Callie also spoke of the importance of finding the right support system saying that while you don’t get to choose your family, you do get to choose your friends, so she suggests surrounding oneself with people “who sincerely care for you and who want to help you reach your goals.”

“Those lessons have served me well during times of difficulty in this sometimes cut-throat industry,” she said.

Callie will be showing at the Winter Equestrian Festival this year, and she is very excited for the circuit to start. She is also still looking for a couple horses to add to her already impressive string such as another High Amateur horse and a derby horse.

Credit: Louise Taylor/USHJA

This year, Callie hopes to get her feet wet in some bigger classes in the jumper ring and hopefully compete in some night Grand Prix classes. She says her mare, Paparazzi, who was found by Kent Farrington, has made her feel super confident and ready to step up to the bigger classes. As for the hunters, Callie hopes to keep developing her two green hunters and find her next derby horse. She plans on going to Derby Finals with a really competitive horse this upcoming year.

Credit: Callie Seaman/Facebook

Short-term, Callie hopes to find the remaining missing pieces in her string of horses. Long-term, Callie wants to become truly competitive at and above the 3* level. She also would love to win Derby Finals.

With all the success Callie has had and all the horses she has in her string, Callie has to have some brands she swears by. We asked her what those were.

For show coats, Callie likes custom ones by Alessandro Albanese and Charles Ancona. She usually wears an Equiline show shirt because they are comfortable and come in many different style that have “just enough flash” while remaining appropriate for the hunter ring. Callie loves Parlanti boots because they are “classic, well-made, break in easily, and always fit like a glove.” She also focused on something she says many may think is insignificant, but that is very important with the amount of hours spent in the saddle and tall boots: Riding socks. She never rides without wearing Achilles Gel Socks, and she encourages anyone who hasn’t tried them to go buy them right now.

“They will change your life!” she said.

As for brands of equestrian equipment, she “literally can’t ride comfortably” in any saddle other than CWD. She has found them to be the most comfortable and the most well-made in the industry. She actually still rides in the same saddle she had since she was a junior rider.

“A truly comfortable saddle is enormously important for me specifically because of my spine issues and because I have so many horses. I can’t say enough good things about the saddles made by CWD,” she said.

Finally, we asked Callie to whom she owed her riding success. She said her mom, first and foremost.

“She is always game to buy the best horses for me, and has helped me get back in the saddle after every surgery. Even when I doubted if I would get back on a horse myself my mom was always there to reassure me that I would. I live with a lot of physical limitations now because of my spine issues, so my mom travels to most shows to help me so that I can focus on the riding and doing my best. Her support for this crazy dream of mine has meant absolutely everything to me,” Callie said.

And, of course, Callie mentioned her trainers, Andre Dignelli, Patricia Griffith, and the other trainers at Heritage Farm.

Credit: Callie Seaman/Facebook

“Their training over the last 7 years has totally transformed me into the kind of rider I spent much of my junior career hoping to be. My trainers are always looking for the best horses and they given me all the tools I need to be successful in this sport,” she said. “It is incredibly advantageous to have a group of trainers like I do at Heritage because I get to learn different things from each of them. That has enabled me to continuously learn and grow from their instruction. I’m a better rider than I was a year ago, two years ago, three years ago and so on.”

Although she is already incredibly successful and a staple photo on Heritage’s Instagram feed, often boasting a tricolor or a blue ribbon, Callie said there is always room to grow and always new things to learn in this sport. She hopes to continue growing as a rider and to keep improving as well.

December 31, 2018

long time, no talk

hi guys.

i know i haven’t been on here in quite a bit, and there has been a reason for that.

i went through a series of unfortunate events (not meant to be funny or “punny” in any way) that caused me to seriously question whether i wanted to continue riding and/or being a part of the equestrian community.

i also let my mental health slip too far, and for someone that has suffered from anxiety since she was little and has had on and off bouts of depression since she was 16, this was the worst thing i could have done.

for those of you curious, i am not ashamed at all of my mental health or of speaking about it. why? because everyone has their own story. everyone has their own issues. some of us are just more private than others. with the amount of mental health issues i’ve been exposed to, whether it be from myself, friends, family, or others with whom i’ve come in contact, i have vowed myself to always be an advocate for mental health and to never be ashamed to speak on it.

but, i have worked on myself this year. i’ve worked on myself hard. my love for riding has come back. i have been off of twitter for almost a year, and to be quite frank, that is the best decision i could have made for myself.

i am writing this to let y’all know i have not given up. i have rekindled my love for riding, and i am trying to make up for the time i lost when i was riddled with anxiety, going through a ton of shit, and unable to move sometimes because i was so paralyzingly sad, hurt, scared, and more.

the one thing i learned is i don’t need to care about anyone else’s thoughts but my own because i will never be liked by anyone. i will never have 100% of my audience agreeing with me. i will always have someone who is trying to bring me down.

but as i said in the very beginning of when this blog went viral, hate is a sign i’m doing something right.

i no longer want to talk about the unfortunate, negative things that happened.

i feel at home on a horse again.

my migraines have gone from 20 a month to 3 – 5 a month thanks to a brand new drug called Aimovig (i plan on doing a post on this miracle drug, but if you suffer from migraines, please ask your doctor about this medication or research it. it truly has changed my life).

i plan on relaunching this blog, and i plan on doing it while being my true, authentic, genuine self. i will not censor. i will not post something to please others (or cease from posting something to please others). i plan on providing you with the content you all have come to love + expect from this medium. i have new rider interviews lined up, new product reviews lined up, and tons of ideas for brand new content.

but most importantly, beyond me finally coming back to the online space, i want to thank those of you that have stuck with me during this difficult time. the messages asking about me, the texts seeing how i’m doing, the engagement on my Instagram (my main social medium right now), etc.: they have all meant the world to me, and i am so grateful that you guys are my audience because i truly have one of the best audiences in the world.

so thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sticking with me through the good and the bad, through the rumors and the truths (yup, there’s still rumors circulating out there i’m told). for those of you that have a preconceived notion of me or feel negatively about me but still read this page, i hope you can find it in you to reevaluate your feelings on me and my content and give it another chance. people can change, and the self-work i’ve done this year has been mostly for myself but also for everyone in my life, whether they are close friends or people i barely know.

thank you again, and i look forward to an amazing, quality content filled, beautiful 2019 filled with all of the things i love.

February 23, 2018

I’m back.

Hi everyone,

It has been quite a while, but I needed to take a very much needed break from the online world, especially social media.

If you have been following me closely, you may have noticed that my Twitter has been completely deactivated. I also have been using Facebook sparingly. Basically, my only use of social media has been Instagram.

I do plan on detailing what I have been through the past few months – or even six months – because it has been a lot. Some of it to do with riding, and some of it personal – which unfortunately ended up affecting my riding.

I am looking forward to bringing you new product reviews, rider interviews, and other informative articles as well as news. I would like this blog to be a positive, yet authentic, place for equestrians to go to of any age.

If you’ve stood by me through the ups and downs, I thank you immensely. Your unwavering support has been so so crucial to my sanity and to knowing that keeping this blog is the right thing to do.

September 5, 2017

Preparing for a hurricane (specifically Irma): Equine edition

By Joscelyn Richards.

—

Hurricane – a word that is synonymous with Florida – during my time living in FL (pretty much my whole life), I’ve encountered numerous hurricanes.

Just a year ago, Hurricane Hermine hit Tallahassee, which is where I currently live for college. I also keep my horse, Ariel, in this area. Even though the Hurricane was only a Cat. 1, Tallahassee suffered serious damage in some parts, and many were without power for over a week.

Roads were completely blocked after Hurricane Hermine in TLH. Photo Courtesy of Joscelyn Richards.

As Hurricane Irma, now a Cat. 5, looms in the Atlantic Ocean, I urge horse owners to start taking action sooner rather than later. While the direct path is still uncertain, a state of emergency has been declared by Governor Rick Scott for the entire state of Florida as of yesterday, Sept. 4, 2017. For the most recent hurricane advisory check the NOAA website here.

Hurricane Irma as of 8am Photo Credit; NOAA.

For those of us with equine partners, hurricanes are even more stressful. I have compiled a concise but thorough hurricane preparedness plan as a guide for equine owners in the event that a hurricane does hit.

(Important Disclaimer: This is just a guide, and The Legal Equestrian and its staff cannot be held liable for any action or inaction taken because of this guide.)

A barn in Redlands, Florida, after Hurricane Andrew Picture Credit: H.A.A.R.T. Foundation & John Ehmke Photography

Shelter

Finding a safe, hurricane-proof barn for your horse is a crucial thing to do. Or, you can evacuate your horse(s) from the hurricane, to higher ground, if needed. Most haulers won’t ship within 48 hours of a hurricane making landfall, so make preparations and arrangements as soon as you can. Check local equine Facebook groups, contact local officials, or even ask friends for references of places to which you can evacuate your horse. Here is a Google Doc containing some places or transportation companies for evacuation use. Remember if you plan to leave the area, too, one of the worst things you can do is leaving your pet(s) behind in your home.

Photo Credit: I.C.E. Products

Identification

In the event that the looming hurricane destroys the barn at which your horse is staying, your horse gets lose, or the area gets flooded, it is vital that your horses have proper identification on them. A lot of horse owners now have their horses microchipped now because of the new USEF rules. But, without proper tools, the microchip can’t be read by a rescuer. As an alternative, many equine owners will use luggage tags attached to the horses mane, halter, or even bridle, with the horse’s name, barn address, owner(‘s/s’) name with multiple phone numbers, vet information, and any other special requirements that the horse may have. As a FL resident that has to deal with hurricane threats often, I recently discovered I.C.E. horse products. The company makes mane and tail tags, halters, and clips. One note: Do not keep a Coggins test with your horse because there are some dishonest people out there who may try to steal your horse. As an alternative, make sure to keep all your horse’s/s’ identification papers such as bill of sale, Coggins, microchip information, pictures, etc. in a safe place.

Preparing your Barn for a hurricane

Even if your barn is hurricane-proof, there are still major hazards that could cause damage to your barn and severely injure your horses. As a precaution, store all outdoor items such as jumps and poles in a safe place, preferably indoors. Secure trailers, campers, and any other vehicles that could possibly be blown away. Make sure to remove items from the barn aisle, because they can easily turn into dangerous debris in the air. Additionally, flashlights should be available and should contain fresh batteries. Battery back-ups should be kept somewhere easily accessible yet safe, too. You should also have a battery-operated radio and turn off circuit breakers as to avoid a fire if there is a power surge. A good item to have is a generator. If you can get one to run electricity to your barn though, make sure you have plenty of fuel for it.

Preparing your horse(s) for a hurricane

As mentioned earlier try your absolute best to have your horse(s) in a hurricane-proof barn if you decide not to evacuate. Make sure you have up to a two-week supply of grain and hay for each horse in the barn. The food should be stored in a dry and safe place. The reason for two-weeks is because you really do not know exactly how bad the damage can be after the hurricane makes landfall and leaves. You don’t know how long it will be staying. As a result, you will be unsure where and when you can next get food either for yourself or your horse(s). Additionally, have between 12 and 20 gallons of drinking water per horse. The water should be stored away in the event that the water supply becomes undrinkable or cannot be retrieved safely/properly/at all due to power loss. Be on the lookout for water advisories after the hurricane for more exact details on if the water is safe, You should also make an emergency horse supply kit for each horse which includes all possible medication, ointments, and vet supplies that might be needed. Finally, put extra bedding in your horse(s’) stall so they will feel comfortable, and they can lay down if needed.

Hurricane Wilma in 2005, passing through my hometown Boca Raton. Photo Credit; NOAA.

During the hurricane

During the storm make sure the horses have hay and at least two (2) full water buckets (also known as 10 gallons) to drink from. This is because you do not know when you’ll be able to go to the barn next. DO NOT stay in the barn with the horses during the storm, as tempting as it may be. You, or someone else who wants to stay, could get severely injured or even killed. Nowadays, many barns have video surveillance. If your barn has this perk, you can monitor the horses that way. Also remember that horses have a natural survival instinct that will kick in, when necessary, so if you are the midst of worrying, the horses most likely know what to do and have done it.

After the hurricane has passed

After the hurricane has passed over the area there will most likely be downed trees and power lines. There will probably also be major flooding. Wait until you know that it is safe before going to the barn to check on the horses. (Side note: If you are a boarder, make sure to stay in contact with your barn manager/owner. The last thing they need is 20 worried horse owners/boarders showing up to the barn after a hurricane.) Also, if there is major flooding, do not drive through it as this is how most people end up dying after a natural disaster where major flooding is involved. When at the barn after the storm, be on the lookout for dangerous wild animals that might have sought refuge at the barn. Since it is Florida, we can include alligators as well as snakes. Avoid live electrical wires, and also avoid standing water. Make sure that all your horses (and others) are okay, check for and tend to any injuries, and assess if there are any immediate emergencies. You can and should also remove debris to clear a direct path to the barn from the road, if safe and possible.

In all the chaos of getting your horse ready for the hurricane, don’t forget to prepare yourself for the hurricane and take your own precautions as well! Remember price gouging is ILLEGAL, report it to your local authorities if you find any cases of this.

The best thing you can do is follow your own hurricane plan and stay safe.

Additional Resources for reference

http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/PDFS/CHAP02/D02-12.PDF

http://www.floridahorse.com/hurricane/hurricane.html

http://extension.vetmed.ufl.edu/files/2011/10/Hurricane-planning-for-horse-farms.pdf

ps. We are doing a silent auction to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Harvey which hit the Houston area last week. The auction runs until September 12th at 11:59 p.m. Please go here to check out the amazing items we have to offer and to make your bid to benefit organizations working to help those in need. Fifty percent of the profits will be going to the Houston Food Bank, and the other 50 percent will be going to the ASPCA.

August 25, 2017

First Derby Finals? No problem! Geoffrey Hesslink brings home top honors

Photo Courtesy of The Chronicle of the Horse.

Photo Credit: The Chronicle of The Horse.

International Derby Finals were this past week. Tori Colvin took Champion honors on Cuba, owned by John & Stephanie Ingram, LLC, Geoffrey Hesslink was Reserve Champion, as well as Champion in Section B, on his mount, Cadoretto, and Amanda Steege came in third on Wendy Salomon’s Maitre D’. Coming in fourth was Taylor St Jacques on Heritage Farm’s Charisma.

We caught up with Geoffrey Hesslink to discuss his Reserve Championship placing in Section A and his Champion placing in Section B. (To read our previous interview with Geoffrey, click here).

When we last talked to Geoffrey, he was hopefully to have his own mount soon. He found that partner in Cadoretto, a 6 year old chestnut gelding with two white socks and a white blaze.

Geoffrey described Cadoretto, barn name “Cadbury,” as “on of the easiest young horses [he has] ever had the pleasure of working with.”

“On top of that he is the sweetest, most kind horse to deal with around the barn and in the stall. Some refer to him as the gentle giant. He will snuggle with you and lick you for hours, I absolutely adore him!”

Geoffrey had been competing in the hunters with Cadoretto, often taking home top honors. They won an International Derby at Old Salem Farm a few months ago, but Geoffrey was not expecting to go to Derby Finals. However, he said after purchasing Cadoretto and seeing his new horse’s talent, he changed his plans.

Geoffrey prepared for Finals by making sure his horse was ready. He said that knowing his horse was ready gave him peace of mind which allows him to stay calm and focused on his rides.

As for Cadbury, Geoffrey put in lots of practice which included setting up spooky or different looking jumps. They also practiced a lot of handy tracks in preparation for the handy round. Geoffrey credits his trainer, Andre Dignelli, for his preparation.

Derby Finals consists of two rounds, the Classic round and the Handy round. During the Classic round, fences are set at 3’6” to 4’ in height. There are four option fences set at a minimum height of 4’3” and no higher than 4’9”. Additionally, there is at least one of the following: An in and out, a bending line, a line with an unrelated distance, and a fence with a long approach. This year’s classic round consisted of 12 fences.

Photo Credit: Phelps Sports

Going into the Classic round, Geoffrey wanted a “smooth round with no major mistakes.” He said he wasn’t really trying to “go for it,” but just wanted to be mistake-free and ultimately, advanced to the second round.

After the Classic round, Geoffrey found himself sitting in fourth place overall.

“I was very excited to place fourth in the classic round. I went very early in the class and maintained a strong score to stay at the top which was a nice surprise,” he said.

Next came the Handy round. For the Handy round, there must be a minimum of 8 obstacles set at 3’6” to 4’ in height with high options of a minimum of 4’3” and a maximum of 4’9”. According to the official specifications from the USHJA, the handy course should simulate riding over hunt country. As such, a minimum of three of the following handy options should be included in the course: tight turn options, different tracks, clever options for jump approaches, pen type obstacles, hand galloping to a jump, trotting a lower obstacle not to exceed 3’, a walk fence not to exceed 12” in height. The Handy round at this year’s Finals had 12 obstacles with fence no. 7 being a trot fence.

“My plan for the handy round was similar to the classic round plan. I wanted to maintain a forward pace, have another smooth round with no errors and utilize the high options when appropriate,” Geoffrey said. “My goal was to complete the course feeling good about Cadoretto and my first [D]erby [F]inals experience.”

Photo Credit: The Chronicle of The Horse.

Geoffrey placed second in the Handy round with Tori Colvin placing first and Taylor St Jacques placing third.

Overall, Geoffrey felt both courses were “excellent and very well-designed.”

When asked if anything didn’t go as planned, Geoffrey said he originally was not planning on jumping all of the high options. However, he said once he got in the ring, his horse felt “amazing,” so he changed his plan and tackled all the high options successfully.

Overall, Geoffrey said he was very pleased with how the week went, and he was especially pleased with his horse. Although Cadbury is only 6 years old, he handled the prep for Finals and the large ring, including being under the lights, like a “true champion.”

“To take a 6-year-old horse to an event of that caliber and be that successful is so rewarding for me,” Geoffrey said.

Photo Courtesy of Geoffrey Hesslink.

Geoffrey said it is hard to put into words how he feels about bringing home Reserve Champion for Section A and Champion for Section B at his very first Derby Finals. He said he is extremely grateful for the opportunity, is incredibly humbled, and has certainly set the bar high for years to come.

Geoffrey had a successful junior career and was a working student for many years for Heritage Farm. He said he feels that experience greatly helped him get to where he is today.

“Determination and hard work have been the biggest factors in getting me where I am today. If I have learned anything in this business it is that no one will hand you anything[,] and you have to work to be successful in and out of the show ring,” he said. “Being a working student when I was young taught me how to manage myself and my horses and gave me perspective on what it really takes to be successful in this sport. In addition to that I have had some terrific mentors along the way and I try to learn as much as I can from them.”

Geoffrey also said that he believes if an equestrian works hard, there is a way to make opportunities for oneself so that one can pursue the sport without the financial means that other equestrians may be fortunate enough to have.

Geoffrey + Andre Dignelli sharing a high five after one of Geoffrey’s rounds at Finals. Photo Courtesy of Geoffrey Hesslink.

“It is not easy, but if you are passionate about the sport and willing to make sacrifices and work hard it is possible. Finding the right opportunity is very important,” he said. “I had complete support from my parents and family as well as great trainers.”

Currently, Cadbury is taking a small break before the fall. Geoffrey plans on attending some of the indoor shows, as well as the Hampton Classic, Gold Cup, and Capital Challenge. Finally, Geoffrey will be in Wellington for the winter circuit where he will continue competing in the professional hunter divisions and in hunter derbies. He also hopes to break into the jumper ring this year and become competitive in the U25 Grand Prix classes.

While Geoffrey has not made any concrete plans yet for his professional status, he said he does really enjoy riding, training, and showing all types of horses.

“Each horse, whether it is a client’s horse, my own horse[,] or a catch ride, provides challenges and opportunities to improve and learn. Each horse can teach me something as well as a rider and that makes every ride unique and special,” he said.

Geoffrey said he also enjoys teaching and helping other riders.

“It is really fun to see a rider make a connection with their horse and have success … I believe that as a professional in this sport we need to give to others and support other riders,” he said.

Photo Courtesy of Geoffrey Hesslink.

As for next year, Geoffrey plans to continue to be competitive in the professional hunter divisions, the National and International Hunter Derbies, and the U25 Grand Prix classes.

Geoffrey certainly showed his talent as a junior rider with some big wins in the big equitation classes, and he is certainly proving to be a big contender in the professional hunter divisions.

To see Geoffrey’s rides at Derby Finals, as well as other individual rides and the full class, you can click here.