Written by founder Emma Mabry
Lauren Aubert is an accomplished young rider at only fifteen years old. Lauren is from St. Helena, California and currently rides one horse, Terra Hornero (Macho) who is her equitation horse. Together they compete in the 3 foot Equitation Medals, but Lauren hopes to move up soon. Aubert has been riding on and off for about eleven years now, but has only been seriously riding for seven. "When I was three, my parents signed me up for riding lessons at a place near my house. Later, I took a four year hiatus and was involved in dance and soccer, but took up riding again, this time as a more serious beginner at another barn. Finally I switched barns once again and started my serious riding career as a new beginner. I'm not exactly sure what made me want to start riding, but all I know is that I am so grateful to have been given this amazing opportunity." Said Aubert. "Riding and horses has definitely had an influence on the building of my nature and personality. Horses have taught me to be patient, because you might not always get something right the first time you try it. They have also taught me how to love and trust because the bonds you create with the animal, that would do anything for you, are inseparable. Finally, horses have taught me how to be positive in anything, because when you think you're having the round of your life, the outcome you so badly want can change in an instant. Horses have taught me not to be angry when that happens, but to focus on what I accomplished and what I could improve for the next round." Aubert mentioned how her NorCal medal finals experience started off a little rocky. "When I got to the hotel after a long day at school, it was pouring rain. I thought to myself, this can't be good. What if my horse slips, what if something goes horribly wrong? The next day, I was nervous, since the grounds were covered in mud and the footing was slippery. I thought to myself, okay, it's your third year coming back for the pony medal, but considering the conditions, just get around the course and come out with a solid trip. When I entered the ring, all I was thinking about was remembering what my trainer had told me, "stick to the plan," and I did just that. Since it was my third year coming back to the finals in which the last two years were unsuccessful, I just wanted to set a good example for my younger friends that were competing in the finals. By sticking to my initial plans, I ended up having the best round of my life, winning the first round and the finals. It wasn't easy since I could have just given up because of the weather, but through my persistence I was finally able to achieve this long-term goal." Lauren never gave up and ended up with the best ride of her life. "My biggest showing accomplishment would have to be just recently winning the NorCal Pony Medal Finals on Louie, because it was such a huge deal to be able to see my name up on the scoreboard and know that I was sharing the glory of being just one of the many champions of this final, two of them being my friends. It felt amazing." Said Aubert. Lauren's short term goal for the future is to be successful and consistent in the 3 foot equitation with her new horse Macho. Since she is moving out of the ponies, equitation is new territory. "I just want to have solid rounds put in to the best of my ability, no matter the placing. Doing well in that will help me move up to the 3’3 in the future and later the big equitation." For her long term goals, Lauren would like to try the jumper equitation classes once she is ready to do so. "I aspire to be successful in the 3’6 equitation and make my mark on the West Coast, competing in the WCE finals, USEF Talent Search West, Maclay Regionals, and many more." Already, Aubert is leaving a mark on the West Coast. Lauren's advice to other riders is to consider your desired outcomes. "If it’s your first time in a new division, instead of focusing on the ribbons and score, remember how you got to where you are, what it took, and focus on a solid trip inside the ring to the best of your ability. If you’re a seasoned competitor, it's no different. Ride the best you possibly can, wherever that takes you. Put the same amount of effort in one hundred percent of the time, no matter your level and ability." "In all my years of horseback riding, I appreciate the fact that my friends are always cheering for me, even if I have the worst round of my life. I have such wonderful friends of all ages, young and old. When I finished my round at NorCal finals, it felt so good to know that they supported me and I inspired them to ride their best. When I'm having a bad show day, they always leave me smiling. I wouldn't trade the friendships I've made through the sport for the world." Said Aubert. When asked about how she handles school and riding, Aubert replied, "Handling the load of a college preparatory high school and after-school sports along with riding hasn't been easy, but I've worked with it. When I was in middle school I attended more horse shows since I was able to miss Thursdays and Fridays, but now I'm not allowed to miss any school since I'm in ninth grade. I run cross-country for my school, and since workouts are five days a week, I run and ride Saturdays, which is a reward for the long hours during the week I put in for sports and school. I'm just grateful to be able to ride my horses at all, and that's all that matters to me." Lauren's absolute favorite place to show would have to be the Menlo Charity Horse Show in Atherton, California. "It's held during the summer once a year at the Menlo Circus Club. The grounds are small, making the show quaint and almost like a mini-Devon. The prizes are fancy, and winning a class there is a big deal. I had the best show of my life there last year on my old pony Lakeview Pickpocket, so I have fond memories of the place." Aubert's most notable riding memory was at her old barn, and it was around her 15th lesson ever as a serious beginning rider. "It was at the end of my lesson when my pony suddenly executed a full out body shake, hard. I was maybe only eight or nine at the time, and I flew off like an acorn from a tree. My mind couldn't wrap around the fact that one moment I was mounted, and another I was not, and I started crying. I'm sure my trainer was shocked, and so was my mom."
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Written by founder Emma Mabry
Avery Glynn is a very accomplished young rider. Avery is eleven years old but shows as ten years old. She has been riding for nine years and lives in Sonoma County. She regularly rides two horses and ponies but constantly catch rides. Currently, Glynn shows in classes up to 3'3" and is taking the show circuit by storm. From Thermal and the Menlo Charity Horse Show to Sonoma Horse Park and Pony Finals, Avery does it all. Avery started to ride because both her parents rode and she has always loved horses. Glynn's biggest accomplishment in 2016 was winning the 3" NorCal Medal Finals and winning the year end $5,000 Pony Classic a year ago at Sonoma Horse Park. Her favorite memory is winning the 3' NorCal Medal Finals. In 2016, Glynn has won --- at the PCHA Awards Banquet, won the Middleburg Pony Classic, and Best Pony Rider Week 1, Champion Medium Schooling Pony and Reserve Champion Medium Pony Hunters at HITS Thermal on Always Happy. Avery's short term riding goal is to do well at the rest of her medal finals this year. Her long term riding goal is to jump 3'6" and do international derbies. This year she wants to continue to improve her riding. Avery's favorite place to show is Sonoma Horse Park, because she loves their pony classic ribbons. Her favorite thing about riding is being with her horses and riding friends. She also appreciates being able to spend time with animals. Glynn's riding inspiration is her mom, Hope Glynn, because, "she rides amazing and even if it doesn't work out she always has a good attitude." Riding has taught Avery to be a good sport no matter what. Throughout the circuit she has a great attitude and enjoys every second of riding and being with her friends and family. Avery's advice is to, "work hard, never give up, and take every opportunity you get." |
AuthorEmma Mabry is a Hunter/Equitation rider from Sonoma County. Archives
November 2016
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