Riding and Leading from Afar

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232 – May, 2016

BY DELORES KUHLWEIN

Long distance relationships, while successful for some couples, are known for their challenges and hurdles. When it comes to your horse, making the decision to send him to another state or even all the way across country might seem unfathomable.

However, keeping a prized horse with a distant trainer, no matter the geography, is fast becoming commonplace. The situation can present its own unique challenges, but many competitors seem to have worked out most of the kinks. Do the benefits outweigh the challenges? Decide for yourself with insights from amateur and youth competitors who ride or lead from afar.

Making the Move

Exhibitors who keep their horses far from home overwhelmingly agree that the biggest challenge is getting enough “handson” time, whether they show in Halter or in the saddle. What then could cause them to send their beloved horses for training clear across the country? Finding the right fit for both horse and exhibitor emerges as the number one reason.

“We picked the best trainers for the job and went to them,” says Steve Headley of Bloomington, Indiana, who keeps horses with Don Griffey in Ohio and Ross Roark in Monahans, Texas. “The fact that they’re out of state was not the main consideration. The considerations were their talent, reputation, and how they care for our horses.”

APHA and AQHA amateur exhibitor Sarah Carr lives in Harrison, Arkansas, yet travels to see her horses in Granger, Iowa with trainer Shannon Vroegh. “Shannon had helped me a few times at shows the year before, so I had gotten to know her and her assistant, Hannah, pretty well. They also got along with my horse, Misty, which was a big plus!” APHA youth Lauren Gralla of Norman, Oklahoma, found not only the right horse with a distant trainer but the right program as well. “My horse, A Sudden Legacy, aka ‘Cheeks,’ lives in Colbert, Georgia with Wade and Carly Parks. We originally sent a two-year-old to their farm to get finished. In turn, they found the perfect all-around match for me. I really value the coaching and training they provide, and I’ve also enjoyed being able to show with different competitors all over the country. They are the best trainers for Cheeks, and it’s the best program for me.”

Not one but two of Plain City, Ohio youth Natalie Vargo’s horses are in training quite a distance away in Texas. “My Hunter-Jumper horse, Art of The Deal, aka ‘Rocco,’ and my Hunter horse, Dancin N The Dirt, aka ‘Carter,’ are with Chuck Briggs and Linda Crothers. My Showmanship and Horsemanship horse, Visible Investment, aka ‘Dudley,’ is with Robin and Jenny Frid. I think, if you want the best, and trainers that you click with, then you have to sacrifice and travel to them. I just feel very fortunate that they have room in their barns for us and are willing to train us.”

Click here to read the complete article
232 – May, 2016