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Bethany began riding in 2019 at our John’s Creek campus, using a package of lessons she received for her 6th birthday. Her legs didn’t quite reach past the saddle - but Ladybug and Giblet didn’t mind. Weekly lessons turned into twice a week, and by her 10th birthday, she was leasing Pilgrim, the Perfect Paint Pony. The consistency of their partnership fostered growth, boosted confidence, and led to much success at both the Amoeba and Starter levels. However, those once-short legs soon outgrew that perfect pony. In the Fall of 2024, Bethany was offered a new partnership with Vista and together the two jumped straight into the world of USEA recognized shows. Looking ahead, Bethany and Vista have set their sights on qualifying for this year’s American Eventing Championship at the Beginner Novice level. Bethany’s favorite GWIF memory is competing with barn friends at the Interscholastic Eventing League Championships this past May. IEL Champs adds many layers of fun to a typical horse show, and Bethany was proud to represent her barn on one of the GWIF Groupies teams. Out of a large field of riders, she and Vista won the entire Starter division - celebrating their first victory lap together! Halliea nominated Bethany and shared the following: Pressure is privilege and there's not much more pressure than riding the barn owner’s daughter’s pony who won AECs with her previous partner (Madison Z). Bethany must be made of coal, because she's taken that pressure and turned it into something beautiful and worth admiration. What sets Bethany apart, and garnered her the privilege of a Vista partnership, is her love of and attention to her horse. One of the greats of all time in the horse industry once said, "Time is love. In horses, we call this stable management." Bethany is fastidious, attentive, curious and always Vistas best advocate, noticing and treating the smallest of changes.
As if those qualities weren't enough, Bethany also demonstrates extreme courage. Being so thoughtful comes with understanding risk - and once that risk is understood, many riders cannot overcome and continue on. I'm so proud of how much courage and strength she displays when facing adversity. "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear." Congratulations, Bethany, for being selected Rider of the Week!
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