Written by founder Emma Mabry Charleez Simcik is a fourteen year old accomplished rider from Carroll County, MD. Charleez trains with her mother, Stacey Simcik and is currently showing one horse, Czech Mate. He is a 17 hand Warmblood who she adores! "I've only had him two months so we are still warming up to each other. I've taken him to several shows and done some low jumpers and the 3' Eq. If all goes well I plan on showing in the 3'6 Eq the rest of the year." Stated Simcik. Charleez said she loves riding because she is a huge animal lover. "I live on a farm and I adore all the animals! Riding is such a unique sport and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to do it. I've made amazing friends and I have such a deep connection with these animals. I like to think of my horse as my best friend." Simcik sees herself riding for the rest of her life. She wants to continue to grow as a rider. "I want to be better and keep moving up and doing bigger heights and going to bigger shows. I would love to go to the Olympics or World Games. I want to travel the world with my horses and compete and show as much as I can." Simcik shared her progress with her horse and her hopes for the future. "Right now I'm working with my horse. He's young and he hasn't done much in the past year or so, so I'm trying to bring him back. We are working on cleaning up our act for the horse shows and I think we could be very successful." Simcik's goal for this year is to show in the 3'6 Eq classes and to qualify for the big shows. "In my future, I want to show at Grand Prix level and in big Eq classes." Charleez biggest riding inspiration is Beezie Madden. "I've looked up to her even since I was in 3rd grade when I did a project on her. My assignment was to pick someone I admire and do a whole presentation on them and dress as them! I got to wear my riding outfit to school and show pictures of her. I've seen her ride in the Devon Grand Prix many times and I hope to see her more. She has been to the Olympics numerous times and she is one of the most successful riders. I hope to be just as good and successful as her one day." Said Simcik. Charleez shared a personal story to inspire other riders, about never giving up and not worrying about having the most expensive items or horses. "One thing I've learned through my years of riding is that you don't have to have the most expensive horse or fanciest clothes to win. Two and a half years ago I started to lease an off-track thoroughbred. I was 11 and my horse was 7. She was a small horse with a lot of potential. The horse and I managed to qualify for Harrisburg and Washington International Horse Show 2015. I was year end Champion and Reserve Champion with her in numerous associations. I'm so proud of this achievement because I showed everyone I don't need a 6 figure horse to be competitive. I believe the horse is only as good as the rider. I want people to know that they might not have the fanciest horse, but that doesn't mean they can't do well. If you ride well, and have a good relationship with your horse, you can achieve so much." Simcik started to ride before she could even walk. She didn't have much of a say when she was younger but learned to love it still to this day. She made memorable bonds with the horses she rode, "My life circles around them and I never want to stop doing what I love."
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AuthorEmma Mabry is a Hunter/Equitation rider from Sonoma County. Archives
November 2016
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