time as a trainer. I could be critical about a variety of policies and procedures that all of us are subject to every time we attend a breed show, but I think that amateur reinstatement is not one of those onerous procedures. I found the process to be simple, fair and I felt as welcome as the first day that I joined AHA. Other breeds outside of USEF are much stricter in giving trainers back their amateur status. Do you feel our system is fair? What would you change? I think that it would be unfair to increase the amount of time that a pro needs to wait before they can get their amateur status back. There are others amongst the amateur ranks that have tried training and found out quickly that they were not interested in pursuing the profession for one reason or another. There should not be a punishment period for changing one’s career that keeps one away from their passion. I think that we would risk losing riders to other circuits or breeds if we increased the time that members have to wait to regain their amateur status. If I had to suggest one thing, I think that a form which states all of the relevant information needed by USEF to determine the alteration in status would streamline the follow-up process. My letter covered almost everything that they needed to know, but there were follow-up questions about some information that could have been avoided if there was a basic submission form sent in with the request letter. Do you enjoy the industry more as an amateur? What is life like now? My return to showing as an amateur was like coming home. Everyone was so welcoming and I found that I had so much more fun showing in my amateur group than I ever had when I showed in the open classes. I reconnected with friends whom I had lost touch with while I was training. In addition, I found that I now have the time and freedom to learn and grow as a rider that I would never have had when I was busy training horses.
Photos top to bottom: Brianna with her first National Dressage Champion, Cyx Pak, parents Barbara and Mike, and Dennis Wigren.; Brianna and Triple Crown winner Liberty Valance V at the 2005 U.S. Nationals.; Brianna and Ladighazi, 2005 U.S. National H/A English Show Hack AAOTR Champions.
I am building a career and for now, I certainly don’t make enough money to own my own horse or to show very much. I know that the economy and other factors might prevent me from showing more than occasionally for the rest of my life, but while this hindrance makes me a bit sad, it also makes me appreciate each time I get to trot into the arena that much more. I feel so lucky that I have been able to rejoin my friends who show amateur. I look eagerly forward to joining them in the show ring on a more consistent basis. This whole process of transition has revealed to me all the wonderful and supportive people in my horse show family and I am so grateful that I am still a member of such a lovely community! n
Ar abian Horse Times | 116 | Volume 47, No. 4A