The 2018 Short Stirrup Medal Final at the 10th anniversary Downeast Medal Finals was won by Kaitlin Farrell. In this Get to Know series, we will be highlighting the champions of our 2018 Medal Finals classes as well as our 2018 Hunter Derbies. Here is what Kaitlin had to say:
"Hello. My name is Kaitlin Farrell. I am 13 years old and in the 8th grade. I have been very fortunate to be able to ride, show, and lease horses over the last few years. This has enabled me to progress in the equestrian world. George, my current lease horse, is an indescribable boy! He has allowed me to jump higher than ever before and learn that the sitting trot isn’t the easiest. Horsemanship is not just get on and ride, but building a bond with the horse you are a team with.
My current riding and training with George has allowed me to overcome challenges that I did not think I would be able to ever overcome. All of this is a major thanks to my mom, Cindy, who has taken me back and forth to the barn for lessons, my practice rides, every show from before the sun comes up to after the sun comes down, and IEA. I also want to thank my friends Julia and Jenna Vinci and their mom, Lori, as they were vital to introducing me to the world of riding and starting lessons. If my mom hadn’t taken me to watch a show at Senator Bell Farm, or an IEA show at Atkinson Riding Academy, I would not ever have gotten this amazing opportunity.
2018 is my first year actively riding where I qualified for the Downeast Medal Finals as well as NHHJA. I give so much credit and appreciation in learning and growing as a rider to my trainer, Jess Hunt. From her love of coffee, to our school horse Howard and her awesome dog Arlo who lies by the jumps without any fear, I could not have gotten to where I have without her guiding eyes and training. I am very thankful for her!
Riding is something I hope to continue my entire life. It’s enabled me to be the best I can be as a person and as a rider. Throughout 2018, I gave my best showing abilities on different horses which eventually qualified me to go to finals. Winning the Downeast Short Stirrup Equitation Medal Final on the horse I was leasing, Dancing in Moonlight (aka Pepper), was a major contributor to my success! Thank you to Amy and Abby Zemp for that opportunity!
As an equestrian rider, I am excited for the upcoming 2019 show season, along with countless learning opportunities and experiences I will gain along the way. I wish every rider the best in all you do, how you learn and be the best you can be. It is not about what you do, but how you learn to do it. "
