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.

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.

April 3, 2017

Up & Coming Young Professional: Geoffrey Hesslink

Geoffrey Hesslink & Canny Windsor Z during the 2014 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals East held in Gladstone, NJ. Photo Credit: The Book LLC.

Geoffrey Hesslink was launched into the spotlight when he topped the 2014 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals East on Peacock Ridge LLC’s Canny Windsor Z. He impressed the judges throughout all phases of the competition and earned top scores during the testing where the competitors had to switch mounts.

It was Geoffrey’s first national title and a fantastic way to close out his junior riding career. Even now as Geoffrey has continued on to become a budding young professional, the win remains close to Geoffrey’s heart.

“My biggest accomplishment up to this point is when I won the 2014 USEF Platinum Performance Talent Search Finals. This holds a special place in my heart because winning an equitation final was my ultimate junior career dream,” he said. “I worked tirelessly day in and day out for years to accomplish this goal and when it finally all paid off it really felt like the ultimate dream come true.”

Since then, Geoffrey has clinched some other admirable titles such as earning the 2016 Hallway Feeds Leading Professional Rider Award, being the WCHR regional Developing Professional Champion and Reserve Champion at Capital Challenge, being USHJA year-end regional National Hunter Derby Champion for Zone 5 and overall Reserve Champion in the National Hunter Derbies.

Geoffrey originally was a competitive swimmer; however, after he broke his arm, his father let him begin riding ponies. Geoffrey said he had a love of horses from a young age. He began riding at 10 years old at a local barn, and he said, “the rest is history.”

Geoffrey, well-known as a catch rider, began catch riding ponies and then moved onto horses. Although his parents did supply him with a few horses during his riding career, Geoffrey said his career really took off when he was given opportunities to catch ride by other trainers and professionals.

During his junior career, Geoffrey was a working student for the hunter/jumper/equitation powerhouse, Heritage Farm, run by Andre Dignelli. Geoffrey had nothing but kind things to say about his experience at Heritage, calling it “a pleasure.”

Geoffrey took home the 2016 win in the Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby series at the Kentucky Horse Park and was also awarded the $10,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Professional Rider Award. Photo Credit: Phelps Media Group.

“My riding and working student experience at Heritage Farm was nothing but positive,” Geoffrey said. “The opportunity to learn and be a part of a top program like Heritage’s is such a gift that I will always be grateful for. Andre and his team know how to take any horse or rider and transform them into a champion.”

Another huge accomplishment during his riding career was getting the opportunity to ride in the annual George Morris Horsemastership Clinic in Wellington. Another special thing about his participation was that it was the last year Mr. Morris trained the clinic.

“Getting to learn first-hand from Mr. Morris had always been a real goal of mine and something I had dreamed about since I was a kid. The opportunity to take part in such a prestigious event is something I will cherish forever,” he said.

Geoffrey learned a lot in the clinic, but he said one of the many lessons he learned was that riding is more than just “the technical aspects of the sport.”

“To be successful you have to be a true Horseman and learn how to be a part of the horse and understand how they think. Equestrian sports are unlike any other because your partner is an animal, and learning how to get in tune with another animal is difficult, but deeply rewarding,” he said.

When it came to technical aspects, Geoffrey noted Mr. Morris’ emphasis on lifting the hands and keeping them elevated so that there is always a straight line from the elbow to the horse’s mouth.

Geoffrey is currently freelancing as a professional rider, but he mostly rides a variety of horses for Heritage Farm’s extensive list of clients. While Geoffrey said he is most comfortable in the hunter ring, he rides jumpers, hunters, and equitation mounts for Heritage.

“I think the opportunity to ride such an array of horses keeps me in top form and allows me to constantly improve my riding,” he said.

He considers himself to be incredible fortunate that he is still able to work with Andre and his team.

“…I plan on always having a strong connection with him and Heritage Farm. I am so grateful for the years of support and exceptional training,” he said.

Geoffrey said he loves the hunters because of the “art of it.”

Photo Credit: Diana Hadsall.

“The hunters are all about using your riding to show off your horse[,] and I think there are techniques to doing that which are necessary to success in any ring,” he explained. “I also enjoy the judging aspect of the hunter divisions because knowing you were the best in someone’s opinion is extremely and helps provide me with the confidence I need to do well in every ring.”

Geoffrey absolutely loves the hunter derbies, and he said he feels both the National and International Hunter Derbies have “brought back the excitement and variety to the hunter ring that was missing for some time.”

Although Geoffrey is very comfortable in the hunter ring and enjoys riding in the hunter divisions, he said he wants to expand his riding career and spend more time in the jumper ring – something his experience and success in the equitation ring will help him transition to easily.

In addition to getting some more time and success in the jumper ring, Geoffrey said he would like to have a horse of his own to work with, train and show competitively. Ultimately, he would like to become a successful trainer and rider.

“I want to be able to continue my own riding career while also helping other riders reach their goals. Another goal of mine is to be content and happy with what I have accomplished and what I can do,” he said.

Geoffrey riding in the annual George H. Morris Horsemastership Clinic held in Wellington. Photo Credit: The Chronicle of the Horse.

Geoffrey is lucky enough to be able to show at WEF. He said he enjoys WEF because it is “so big” and because “there is something for everyone to do.”

“There are enough classes for you to train a horse as well as compete at the top level,” he said. “I really enjoy the show grounds as well and I think Wellington has become a great place to live in the winter.”

Besides riding, Geoffrey likes to relax and spend time with his friends and family. He considers himself to be a very social person. He also thinks it is very important for anyone to sometimes take a break or step back from riding so that they can stay fresh and continue to love the sport.

Currently, Geoffrey is also enjoying the Chainsmokers’ new song, “Paris.” At the time of the interview, he was going to be seeing the Chainsmokers in concert “in a few weeks.”

For the last few summer and fall seasons, Geoffrey has been based out of Kentucky. However, he said he is thinking of being based out of New York this upcoming summer.

Geoffrey is currently partnered with Samshield and with Charles Ancona. He believes both products are top of the line.

Geoffrey sporting his Samshield helmet & Charles Ancona show jacket. Photo Courtesy of Geoffrey Hesslink.

Of Samshield, Geoffrey said, “[i]f you want to maintain safety while being stylish, then a Samshield is the best option.

Of Charles Ancona, he said that their coats have “provided a revolution in show attire.”

“They are flattering, comfortable and the ability to wash them at home is so important,” he explained. (Editor’s Note: We adore Charles Ancona show jackets and have written a review of their apparel here).

Geoffrey said he also likes Equiline and Pikeur because both brands consistently have stylish, trendy and comfortable riding attire.

We asked Geoffrey what his advice was for an equestrian that may not have a ton of money but still has passion for the sport and wants to one day become a professional. He said the key is to work hard.

“Nothing and no one will hand you anything in this sport, so it’s important that you have the desire to work hard and earn it for yourself,” he said. “If you really want to be successful you have to build a strong relationship with your peers and hold on to those connections throughout your career.”

March 16, 2017

From short stirrup to the Big Eq: Up & Coming Rider Mackenzie Suffy

Mackenzie & Metro at Devon. They qualified for and competed in the Hunterdon Cup for the first time last year. Photo Courtesy of Mackenzie Suffy.

I have known Mackenzie Suffy since she was riding her pony, Chip, at an old barn she and I both kept our ponies at. We parted ways, and Mackenzie has since made incredible progress in her riding and is well on her way to success and becoming a big name when it comes to this sport.

Mackenzie was kind enough to take some time out of her busy schedule of showing in Ocala and doing online school to answer a few questions for the blog.

Mackenzie, now 16, is a junior in high school. She began riding because her mom always rode. Mackenzie considers riding to be a part of her.

“When I was an infant she would put me in front of the saddle and canter around until I fell asleep,” Mackenzie wrote in an email.

While Mackenzie is currently competing in the Big Eq, she started out riding western because that is what her mother rode.

Mackenzie & Booji. Photo Courtesy of Mackenzie Suffy.

Mackenzie began actively showing on a pony, and then she moved up to Unbelieveable or “Booji,” a 16.2hh, 15 year old KWPN. Mackenzie has owned Booji for almost four years, and he was her pre-children’s horse in 2014. Unfortunately he had a small injury and had to be sent out to be rehabbed. He was leased out last year, but he is now back home in New Jersey, and Mackenzie’s mom rides him while Mackenzie is down in Florida.

To do the Big Eq, Mackenzie’s family imported her current horse, an 18hh, 7 year old Irish Sport Horse named Meitro H or “Metro.” They imported him off a video. Prior to that, Mackenzie had never seen or ridden him in-person.

“My first impression of my horse was him barreling at me because he got loose at the airport.” She said. “Once he was caught I looked at my mom and asked what did we just buy. But ever since he got home he is as quiet as can be.”

Mackenzie normally trains with Brian and Jolene Cash out of West Milford, NJ. However, for her time in Ocala, Mackenzie is training with Robin Fairclough because her trainers couldn’t make te trip to Ocala and Mackenzie was the only one from her barn that wanted to show on the Ocala circuit this winter.

“Ocala has been such a great experience. It has been great in the sun and at the show,” she said. “My horse is enjoying the big green fields and being able to ride outside. We have been placing in the top 4 out of group classes of 30 or more. We recently placed 2 out of 36 in the USEF Hunt Seat Medal to qualify us for the HITS Equitation Championship class during week 10 of Ocala.”

Mackenzie & Metro, her Big Eq horse. Photo Courtesy of Mackenzie Suffy.

Before beginning the Big Eq, Mackenzie did some 3’ equitation classes with Metro. Prior to her owning him, he had never shown in Ireland, so Mackenzie has been the first rider to show him.

“He has no problem jumping the bigger fences so we practiced at home and eventually went out and showed,” she said. “It was not easy at all at first. He is a big horse and the turns were tight and the courses were way more complicated. But we have adjusted nicely.”

Mackenzie said equitation is an important foundation to have as a rider, which is why she chose to do the Big Eq, rather tan focus on the hunters or jumpers. She also said Metro is not a hunter, but she also does not feel 100 percent comfortable in the jumpers.

“I still have to adjust to going faster and letting my horse go,” she explained.

According to Mackenzie, her biggest strength is her ability to get on a lot of different horses and being able to figure them out quickly. This has served her well when catch riding and also when participating in the College Preparatory Invitational in Florida. Mackenzie had to ride different horses in different classes and won a flat class on one horse and an over fences class on another.

In fact, Mackenzie said she catch rides occasionally.

Mackenzie catchriding a horse for one of her barn mates. Photo Courtesy of Mackenzie Suffy.

“I would love to do it [catch ride] more,” she said. “It is fun being able to get on a new horse and show it. It is a cool experience.”

Mackenzie said he biggest weakness is having a “string leg” and on the more energetic horses, it [her leg] doesn’t always work.

While Mackenzie is still a junior rider, she has started looking at colleges, and she would love to attend a college with a riding team. In June, she will be attending a camp at Auburn University with the equestrian team coaches to see what it is like to ride on an NCEA team..

This is Mackenzie’s first year down in Florida, which is why she is showing in Ocala. However, she is aiming to compete at WEF in the future.

One of her biggest riding accomplishments was winning the Marshall and Sterling Finals with Metro in 2016. It was his first time there, and he “really stepped up.” Mackenzie’s second biggest accomplishment was winning CPI Wellington out of over 180 people.

Mackenzie during the flat portion of the CPI Wellington competition. Photo Courtesy of Mackenzie Suffy.

This year, Mackenzie hopes to qualify for the Maclay Finals and for the USEF Hunt Seat Finals. She said she and Metro are still new to the Big Eq, and they need to work on the tests. Their most recent accomplishment is getting the flying change to the counter-canter.

Mackenzie also plans on starting to do the USET Talent Search classes, and she will be doing her first one with open water this weekend.

Aside from riding, which Mackenzie said is all she really does, she likes to hang out with her friends. She is spending two months in Florida. She arrived at the beginning of February and leaves at the end of March. She is currently doing a special program that allows her to attend school while still focusing on showing and riding.

Mackenzie is not currently sponsored by any companies, but she does have these favorite equestrian brands. She answered EquiFit, Voltaire, Baker, Tailored Sportsman, Charles Ancona, and Der Dau.

Mackenzie has this advice for a rider wanting to do the Big Eq.

Mackenzie after winning M&S Finals aboard Metro. Pictured are her trainers, Brian & Jolene Cash. Photo Courtesy of Mackenzie Suffy.

“Keep working on confidence and your releases. It will all come naturally when you get older if you have a good foundation,” she said.

Finally, we asked her who she would most love to clinic with. Naturally, she picked the king of hunt seat equitation himself, George Morris.

“He has a great sense of technique[,] and I would love to get his input about my riding,” she said.

October 25, 2016

Trying out for a Division I equestrian team: An interview with one of SHUET’s newest members, Gabi Sorrentino

Many junior riders dream of being able to represent their college or university of choice; many more dream of being able to attend a college or university that is considered “Division I.”

In order to ride on a Division I equestrian team (or any equestrian team, for that matter), one must go through the rigorous process of tryouts.

Photo Credit: Coach Tiffany Hajdasz

We talked with Gabriella (“Gabi”) Sorrentino, a Sacred Heart University freshman and a current member of Sacred Heart University’s Division I Equestrian Team. She gave us the lowdown on what tryouts are like. While every school is different, we thought this perspective would give some insight on what to expect when pursuing a coveted spot on a Division I team.

Gabi, 18, began attending Sacred Heart this past August. She is majoring in Sports Communications and Sports Management.

She chose Sacred Heart not just for availability of her desired major but also because it had a riding team that appealed to her. Additionally, she narrowed her school choice down to those within 6 hours of her home, which is in Maryland.

“I ultimately chose Sacred Heart because I loved the campus, loved the location, knew I was going to have lots of internship opportunities within my major, and was excited for the chance to get to ride and compete on an NCAA [Division I] team,” she said.

Although the Sacred Heart Equestrian Team (“SHUET”) is ranked as Division I, Gabi said she did not take a school’s riding team ranking into account when choosing where to go for her college education.

Gabi has been riding for 14 years and currently owns a horse named Covergirl. Gabi did not bring Covergirl to Connecticut, so Covergirl, or “CG,” has been getting some “well-deserved time off and lots of spa treatments.”

“My little sister has been riding her occasionally and has basically been getting to know her better. She has also had some slight maintenance done,” Gabi said.

As mentioned, to ride on an equestrian team in college, one must attend tryouts. SHUET holds its tryouts over a two-week period where potential team members rode on Saturday and Sunday of both weeks. During the first weekend, potential team members participated in western tryouts. The second week was comprised of hunt seat tryouts. Those interested in participating in tryouts were given a pattern in the beginning of the summer. They had to memorize the pattern and complete it at tryouts.

To prepare, Gabi practiced both patterns at home during the summer on her personal horse, as well as other school horses. She also did the patterns on foot, which she found to be “very helpful.” Additionally, she did no stirrup work, and she also did non-riding work such as running and other forms of working out.

Although Gabi has been riding for a long time, she still felt nervous for tryouts. However, she said it was “more of an excited kind of nervous.”

“I could not wait to meet everyone and all of the horses and get to ride the best I could. I felt some pressure because I didn’t want to forget my pattern, or mess up while riding, but I think the pressure was what kept me so focused and made me even more motivated to ride the best I could,” she said.

Regardless of someone’s riding background in terms of discipline, they have to try out for both hunt seat and western.

It is also worth mentioning that within each discipline, there are different levels, such as Novice, Intermediate, and Open – to name a few.

During tryouts, Gabi said the riding coach focuses on “instructions, morale, form, and positive attitude.”

During tryouts, Gabi was lucky enough to know her strengths and weaknesses. For example, Gabi was strong when it came to riding “unfamiliar” horses due to her IEA experience. She also had some dressage experience, so she felt she was very prepared when it came to the flat work portion of tryouts. As for weaknesses, Gabi knew she had to work on utilizing the whole ring and not leaning forward while jumping (Editor’s Note: I have to work on not leaning forward too!)

Since SHUET is Division I and a good team, Gabi was “a bit” intimidated during tryouts. However, she said meeting everyone and seeing how nice and welcoming they were made it easier and made her less intimdated when it came to participating in tryouts.

Gabi was ultimately chosen to participate on SHUET, and she is competing in hunt seat, specially Novice flat and Intermediate over fences. She described her experience being on the team as “amazing so far.”

“Everyone on the team is so incredibly nice, the girls and coaches were all so welcoming and I am so grateful to be in a group with such amazing young women,” she said. “Even though I have only been on the team for a few months, I already feel like I am a part of the family, it is very comforting and makes the transition from being home to away from home much easier.”

SHUET members lesson twice a week. As for showing, the coach picks each show’s roster “strategically.” According to Gabi, some weeks a member is on the roster whereas other weeks they may not be. Shows are held almost every weekend.

It is rather well-known that members of an equestrian team ride many different horses that are part of college/university riding programs. A rider rarely rides the same horse in a week, and they also switch horses every lesson, something that Gabi loves. She feels this helps a rider become more prepared, versatile, and adjustable.

“Each horse teaches you something different which is very helpful in shows where you can apply what you learned to the horses you draw.”

For those of you unfamiliar with IHSA competitions, they go something like this. A riding team member will draw a random horse. After the draw, the member is not allowed to warm up on the horse. They go into the show ring and compete against multiple other equestrians from different teams on the flat and over fences.

Gabi hopes to be able to qualify for regionals in both of her divisions. She also hopes that her team goes “as far as [they] possible can” and that they “end up on top.”

So, what does a typical day look like for a SHUET member?

On a Wednesday, Gabi does the following:

Wakes up at 7:15 am for 9 am practice.
Returns to campus around 11 am or 11:30 am.
Has class at 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm.
Has a team meeting at 2:15 pm.
Has another class from 5 pm to 7:30 pm.
Attends study hall from 8 pm to 10 pm.

Outside of team practice, Gabi also tries to do cardio exercise once or twice a week. She said that walking around campus has also helped to keep her in shape.

Not only has Gabi found SHUET to be extremely welcoming, but they are also like a family.

“We are all friends and everyone is there to help each other not only with the team, but with school and transition advice,” she said. “Everyone treats each other as [an] equal[][,] even though we are all different grades, ages[,] and levels in our riding.”

Another aspect of being on a college equestrian team is having specific apparel. Each team member is given specific clothes to wear for workouts, practice, and for horse shows. Gabi personally thinks that SHUET has “nice” and “beautiful” apparel and feels very lucky that SHUET is able to provide apparel of such great quality.

Finally, Gabi had some advice for those who wish to ride on an equestrian team in college.

“Keep in touch with the coach(es)[;] do not be overbearing, but check-in once in awhile so they know you’re still interested in being a member!” She said. “Attend equestrian open houses/information days! They are super informational[,] and it is a great chance to meet some people on the team, introduce yourself to the coach, and ask lots of questions!”

Once you’ve been accepted to the school of your choice, Gabi advised an interested rider to complete all his or her forms on time, “and still keep in touch with the team’s coach so they can keep in touch with you when school starts[.]”

Information about Sacred Heart’s Equestrian Team can be found here. You can also follow them on Twitter.