Rachael

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

I have been riding for about four years. I became interested when I was about six years old. I had a friend and she rode horses. I asked her where she rode and she said the barn did not have a name but it was in Deer Springs. I started riding there, but about after a year the owner moved. After that, my Mom looked into Pathfinder Farm. I was so excited when she told me I would have my first lesson.

Which horse has taught you the most?

I think a lot of horses have taught me a lot. Sootie has taught me to sit the trot, Jake has taught me to have soft hands, and Crackers taught me to have a quiet leg.

What do you love most about riding?

What I love most about riding is when I get to jump in my lessons. I also love to go on trail rides.

What would you like to accomplish in the next year?

In the next year, I would like to go to more shows and show Rosie.

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

I would like to get a horse and jump higher

Rachael would spend every waking hour with horses if she could! When she is not at Pathfinder Farm riding or apprenticing with the working students, you might find her with her dad at the San Luis Rey training track rubbing shoulders with trainers and checking out the up and coming Thoroughbred talents. (Ask Rachael her picks for the next big classic!) During the racing season at Del Mar, Rachael handles ponies and coaches the kids on leadline at Snow’s Pony Rides on the track infield. Rachael has a good eye for a horse and she is an excellent test pilot when scoping out potential horses for the Pathfinder riding program.

Rachel cares deeply about horses. She loves and treats them all equally, valuing each one for their individual qualities. There is no doubt that Rachel will be a lifetime member of the horse world!