“Going through the certification program is demanding and
humbling. It made me grow as a teacher, and growing as a teacher made me grow as a rider.”
she’s hesitating about traveling to Illinois for the big event. “He’s doing all the Third Level work now with ease, but the Young Horse competition asks a lot of these youngsters. I want him to be a Grand Prix horse someday, so he needs to stay sound and happy for a long time.” The nine-year-old Friesian mare, Trijntje v.d. Bokke-
farm, by Beart 411 and owned by Karen Guerra, has been a fun project for Stacey. “She’s a very powerful horse and can be a bit hot, yet she is so light on her feet,” she says of the elegant mare. “I’ve had her four years now. She started her career a little late, but early on I had to be very care- ful to spend a long time building up her back muscles by keeping her neck longer and lower. With a natural high-set neck and head, without the proper back development, the mare would not be able to be soft and through and could easily tighten her back.” Her patience with the basics paid off, as the pair is currently scoring in the high sixties at Prix St. Georges.
ADVICE FOR YOUNG TRAINERS There are many lessons that Stacey has learned over the last thirty years that could help younger riders who aspire to be professional trainers. “First,” she says, “you have to be willing to work hard and put in a lot of hours doing whatever it takes to further your education about all aspects of horses, not just the training. There were times that I had to ride horses for free just so I could gain some recognition and experience.” Second, Stacey believes it’s vital to mentor with a good,
reputable trainer. “I was so fortunate to have had Michael Poulin take me under his wing. Aside from teaching me how to train a horse (which is still ongoing), he taught me all aspects of the training business,” she continues. “I learned how to drive a tractor and manipulate a front end loader, drive a tractor trailer to get shavings from the local lumber yard, how to stack hay correctly, devise feed- ing programs to accommodate the individual needs of each horse, groom, and the list goes on. It’s important to immerse yourself in all things that apply to your business.” She adds, “What he really did was give me something no one could take away: knowledge.” She also recommends earning respected credentials,
such as the USDF certification for instructors, and/or obtain- ing a judge’s license. “Too many people will say they are trainers but have no proof of it. The newcomer can easily be fooled. Going through the certification program is demand- ing and humbling. It made me grow as a teacher, and grow- ing as a teacher made me grow as a rider. While preparing for certification, when I was teaching I would imagine I was being tested. My lessons needed to have structure. I also needed to put my ego aside and admit when I went down
a road that wasn’t working. It’s a wonderful program that a young professional should work towards.” “Additionally,” she advises, “learn to ride all types of
breeds of horses. This will further your abilities and make you more marketable.” She also credits Michael for encour- aging her to get on as many horses as possible (as long as it was safe), since a trainer can learn something from every horse, not just the ‘fancy’ ones. “Be realistic about your riding goals,” Stacey adds.
“Maybe riding on a U.S. team at the Olympics or World Equestrian Games is a bit farfetched, but shooting for a regional championship or good placement at the U.S. Dressage Finals may be more attainable.” There are many more aspects to this industry than train-
ing, she says. Stacey believes that it’s best to be honest with yourself and go in the direction that will make you happy and where you excel. “I owned a farm for several years and found it hard by myself to run the barn and have enough energy to ride and teach. However that was close to the start of my career and I couldn’t afford much help. I am so fortunate now to work at the beautiful farm Painted Meadow owned by Scott and Kim Clark who are 100 percent behind me and I’m 100 percent behind them! We have a wonderful relationship and have had much success.” Another very impor-
Stacey stays athletically fit by train- ing at Crossfit regularly.
tant part of Stacey’s success is found off the farm. “A trainer has to be fit! I train at Crossfit regularly. I also compete. This year, in my age divi- sion, I was top 100 in the world out of about 4,000 women. Cross- fit has made me very fit, flexible and strong. When I compete at a
horse show and ride in as many as ten classes a day, I can’t be overwhelmed with the physical demands. Without the stamina that Crossfit gives me, I’d probably pass out!” she exclaims. Lastly, Stacey is passionate about being a mother.
“Parenting has helped me in my riding career. Through my beautiful daughter I have learned a love that I didn’t real- ize existed. She has helped me to step outside of myself and listen to her needs and feelings. My relationship with her has encouraged me to be a more compassionate rider and given me more patience. I am forever grateful to her for this.”
Warmbloods Today 33
Heather Whittington
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