Meet the 2020 Advisory Board

It’s a new year and time for new junior advisors here at Young Rider. We want to welcome our new team and introduce you to their unique stories this month.

Samantha Billman, 13 years old, western

I learned how to ride on our now 21-yearold Quarter Horse mare, Chick. My step-up horse is Chick’s eldest daughter, Peep, who is 5 years old. I’m a member of the American Ranch Horse Association and love ranch events and reining.

I plan to attend the University of Findlay and pursue a career in horses. I volunteer at my barn to learn about equine management, and I plan to get a part-time job at a local tack shop once I’m old enough. My equine vet has said that she’ll let me do a summer internship with her to learn about veterinary science.

I have ADHD, and there are many studies about how equestrian activities help kids like me. I think riding centers me and teaches me to cope with whatever comes my way. My horse has taught me about patience, forgiveness, consistency and focus. She makes me who I am, and as long as I’m riding, I know I can do anything!

Samara Foster, 14 years old, western

I enjoy trail riding, bitless riding and western dressage. I also enjoy working with horses at liberty. I’m planning to become a veterinarian.

I work with horses and people in both mounted and unmounted therapeutic settings. As a United States Pony Club member, I’m introduced to many styles and methods. I volunteer at not-for-profits that partner with horses and other animals to help children and adults with physical and emotional issues. I use clicker training with donkeys, horses and other animals. I help rehabilitate horses rescued from kill pens. (continued pg. 5)

(Samara continued) I love horses because when I’m around them, it feels really special—almost magical. It feels like I can understand them and they can understand me. I love the way horses look and the way they come to greet me every morning at the gate. When I ride, I feel like I’m part of the horse and not just on his back. I love partnering with horses to accomplish something great.

Annette Bechtolt, 12 years old, English

I have many years of horse experience in care, riding and competing. I run a business called Horse Pals that helps kids ages 2 to 7 learn about horses and ponies.

Two years ago, we brought home an ornery, unhappy 12.3hand Icelandic Horse named Moon. It turns out he just needed his special person—me—to love him and train him. I compete him in dressage, eventing and hunter/jumpers. This summer I also gentled a wild Mustang and won first place in the Youth Mustang Challenge in Bloomfield, N.M.

I love the purpose that horses give me and love riding because of the thrill. Horses give me a chance to bond with my favorite animal, and I love feeling my pony’s strength and his eagerness to please me. He depends on me, trusting me to be kind and have fun.

Julie Moser, 15 years old, English

I started riding English at age 5. I switched to a western barn when I was 6 and competed in western shows and barrel races. When I was 11, I switched back to English for

I love the purpose that horses give me and love riding because of the thrill. Horses give me a chance to bond with my favorite animal, and I love feeling my pony’s strength and his eagerness to please me.

a different challenge. My mom found a barn that teaches Centered Riding, which was founded by Sally Swift.

I now attend a high school that has an equestrian program. I’m able to ride and take classes through the British Horse Society. I’ve passed stage one of the BHS exams and am currently training for stage two, which requires riders to be able to jump.

It’s hard to express why I love horses so much, but they always put me in a good mood after a hard day. I love their personalities and learn a lot about relationships. I ride for the love of horses, not to be recognized or awarded for it.

Caroline Floyd, 11 years old, English

I was given riding lessons for my 6th birthday and have been obsessed with horses ever since! No one in my family had ever been interested in riding until me. My riding inspiration is Amberley Snyder. Even after her crash and disability, she still pushed forward and pursued her riding dreams.

I ride hunter/jumpers and recently started jumping 2'3". This fall, I will get to start riding on my barn’s middle school team with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). I have won three blue ribbons, and this year I’m hoping to double that number!

I love horses because they are majestic creatures, and because just being around them clears my mind. I ride because it makes me feel free and at one with the horse.

Adalyn Boburchock, 10 years old, English

My horse experience started on my 4th birthday. It was at my grandparents’ house, and there’s a barn right near their house, so my grandpa set up a surprise to get two girls from the barn to come down with their horses. My grandma got me a gift card to go for a lesson. Now I can’t stop going back to the barn! I ride an 8-year-old gelding named Charlie.

I love horses through and through. They make the worst days the best and the best days even better. They can keep your secrets when you need someone to talk to. When you mount, you feel like you can do the impossible. You can soar above everything else. They always give you a kind eye after a bad day of school.

Ellie Maniaci, 10 years old, western

I started riding when I was 8. My first lesson was bareback on a little Haflinger named Chance. Soon after, I went to a new barn to ride English, then moved to a larger barn with more horses. That’s when I found out how much I loved western riding. Today, I ride my beautiful Quarter Horse mare, Kali, and focus mostly on western pleasure. I also love to lope bareback.

Riding has given me more confidence to reach my goals. I’ve researched what it takes to own a horse and have read almost every horse book at my local library.

I love horses because they are beautiful and powerful animals. I try to be with horses every chance I get. Just being at the barn makes me feel good! Whenever I think about my future plans, they always include horses.

Teagan Schaffarzick, 11 years old, western

I applied to be a Young Rider advisor because I love having leadership roles. My horse experience is unique because my horse can do anything. Her name is Blaze, and I do performance, gaming and trail riding with her. She is very calm but has the energy to do gaming.

I love horses because they’re majestic and beautiful. I love riding because it makes me feel free and like anything is possible.