Natalie

How many years have you been riding horses and what sparked your interest?

"I am not sure exactly how long I have been riding. I started riding at Blue Bird Riding School when I was 7. I only took one lesson a week and I always took a couple of months off when I played soccer, softball, or basketball. I didn't learn very much at Blue Bird, just the basics. I remember I had been looking for a new barn. When I told my Girl Scout troop I received two recommendations. One was Clover Ranch. The other was Pathfinder Farm recommended by Evie. I count bluebird as one year, and I have been at PFF for 4 years. So I have been riding for a total of 5 years. I have always loved horses since I was little. The first pony that I rode (sat on while being lead) was my grandpa's little pony named Tony when I was about 3 or 4 years old, and I have been riding ever since."

Which horse has taught you the most?

"It is very hard for me to say which horse has taught me the most. At first I was going to choose the ponies, but then I changed my mind. I think that Jake has taught me the most. He has taught me so much ever since I started riding him. I remember the first day I rode him, I loved him. I had fun riding him and I learned a lot too. I can never get away with anything when I ride him. Like if I try to use only my right hand to turn right, he would bulge left. If I didn't use my left hand to half halt him while cantering to the right, he would take off. He makes me stay focused on my riding and on him mostly. I always have to keep him straight on the flat or on our way to a jump. He bends, bulges, and turns his head a lot; I have to keep him focused on where we are going. I, like Jake, like to look around the arena too. If I am trying to make him look and go forward then I have to also. When I first started leasing him I thought that it was impossible to get him on the bit because he was so high-headed, and impossible to canter without stirrups because he would always speed up. Now I can get him on the bit in every single lesson and cantering without stirrups is easier and more relaxing than with stirrups! I have learned so much from riding Jake."

What do you love most about riding?

"I love to work peacefully with the horse. I also enjoy an accomplishment that I have been working on for a long time. But, jumping is my all time favorite."

What would you like to accomplish in the next year?

"I would like to get Jake to get on the bit and stay there. I would also like to go to more shows next year and show low children's and children's jumpers verse just low children's jumpers. I would also like to place high in the Open and GSDHJA Medal equitation classes."

What goal would you like to reach within the next five years?

"In five years I will be attending my first year of junior college. I should be able to take at least one lesson a week. I wouldn't be showing or leasing anymore, but I will still be riding. I really don't know what I want to accomplish within the next five years. I don't normally think that far ahead in advance! All I know is that I want to improve everything I do. Make everything just a little bit better, and I will be happy."

AMBITION!!    Natalie knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it! Since their pairing last year, Natalie and Jake have become quite a team. We have watched Jake's transformation as Natalie has learned to maximize his potential by getting him on the bit. Natalie carries her excellent equitation skills over to every horse she rides and always brings out their best qualities.

Natalie is also Pathfinder's unofficial photographer and hones her skills weekly, getting some prize shots of our students and horses. You can see many of her photos on our web site.

Good luck Nat and Jake!

-- Patty Morton, Pathfinder Farm