08/15/2022
Proud trainer moments from these past few weeks….
Nori has always been dedicated to her dressage training and is not only a talented student but she loves to challenge herself to be the best she and her ponies can be. She sets goals for herself and works hard to achieve them.
After great showings in July at National Dressage Pony Cup with a Reserve Championship with her pony Maximus and 4th with her pony Martian, Nori showed a b***o she trained from Wild to tame the following weekend. She understands that horsemanship is a huge part of her success with her riding and enjoyed the opportunity to improve her skills with her b***o Ned finishing 4th in a competition with him also.
Next up on her list is Festival of Champions where she will compete for the Dressage Seat Equitation National Championship at the end of August. Kids from all over the US will come together to compete for this prestigious title. As we headed home from Pony Cup, we were talking about who she wanted to ride and her mom said we need a horse that just puts his head down and does his job like my gelding Spike.
After a vet check to get approval on him coming back to work, they started to train together. Spike is 26 and had retired from showing two years ago but he has been happily back at work with Nori for about three weeks now. After a quick message to our Custom Saddlery fitter Lori Nelson, we were scheduled for an appointment and we’re able to find the perfect saddle that both Nori and Spike LOVE!!!! The Everest R is amazing for both of them.
Today Spike and Nori went to their first show together so they could get in the ring once before championships. They earned a 70% in their class and set a great foundation for Championships. Years ago another youth rider rode Spike in a clinic with Lilo Fore, an Olympic judge. She asked me at one point if I was more proud of my student or my horse and today that went through my mind over and over as I watched them together. The other youth rider went onto ride Grand Prix and I have no doubt Nori will achieve that also.
Nori also showed today for the first time as a Team Rider for Custom Saddlery with a two year sponsorship of her and her team of incredible mounts. So proud to be her trainer and mentor her on her journey with horses, ponies and Dressage.
Tracy Arthur Benck
Patti Gruber
