youthTrainers: BobHART
Livin’ The Dream … Then & Now
AHT invited youth trainers to reflect on their early experiences with horses, how the equine world has evolved since their youth, and to offer valuable advice. Here's what they shared ...
VALLEJO III, INC.
# of years an instructor: 50+
At what age did you begin riding horses and how were you first introduced to the Arabian horse?
I was about 2 when I started riding. My introduction to horses was through my parents, Betty and Bob Hart, Sr. who owned and trained Arabian horses.
What was your favorite thing to do with horses growing up?
Rope, and it still is today!
What did you do with horses as a child that is no longer accepted or done?
As a teenager I would ride horses through the local sale barns for $5/horse. These types of sale barns don’t really exist today.
In one word, what were horses to/for you growing up and does that word still apply today?
LOVE, and yes it still applies today!
What advice was given to you as a child that is still true today?
My Dad always told me, “Teach your horse.”
What is the biggest change you have seen at Youth Nationals since your days showing there?
Needless to say, Youth Nationals was not around when I was a kid, but both of my daughters showed at the first one. The biggest change I have seen over the years is the increase in quality of horses shown.
If you could change something about Youth/Mid Summer Nationals, what would you change?
I would split it and have the first half for Mid Summer, and the second half just for the Youth.
What would you tell someone who wants to have a career with horses?
The time the best way to learn this business is to go work for 3-4 different trainers before you go on your own.
Katie HART
VALLEJO III, INC.
# of years an instructor: 25+
At what age did you begin riding horses and how were you first introduced to the Arabian horse?
My parents bred and raised Arabian horses, so I was riding before I was born.
What was your favorite thing to do with horses growing up?
Spending my weekends out on my parent’s ranch riding all day. My good friend Shanna Sommermeyer and I would pack a lunch, a jug of water (bottled water did not exist then) and we would go ride all day until the sun went down. We never used saddles, but we did save our money and buy bareback pads so we didn’t get so dirty.
What did you do with horses as a child that is no longer accepted or done?
We used to ride all day, no helmets, no saddle and if we fell off, you better not let go of your horse or you would have to walk home! Today most parents think riding without a helmet is not a good idea.
In one word, what were horses to/for you growing up and does that word still apply today? Horses were EVERYTHING!
What advice was given to you as a child that is still true today?
Buy the most expensive, best quality tack I could afford, take care of it and it will last. Both Bob and I have tack that is over 30 years old!
What is your favorite part of training Arabian horses and their riders?
Arabian horses are so smart, they often try to outthink their riders, so it is a constant challenge to stay one step ahead of them. Training their riders is challenging to get the rider to think on their own and stay a step ahead of their horse as well.
What is the biggest change you have seen at Youth Nationals since your days showing there? When I was a youth rider, Youth Nationals did not exist! “Going to The Nationals” meant riding at the U.S. Nationals in the fall. Initially there were only four classes kids could ride in: English Pleasure, Saddle Seat Equitation, Western Pleasure and Stock Seat Equitation, and they were all 17 years and younger. This was super intimidating when I was still competing in 13 and under. So, seeing the creation of Youth Nationals was a huge dream come true even if it was well after I was an adult!
What would you tell someone who wants to have a career with horses?
Establish a great work ethic first, because if you don’t work hard, you will never make it. Second, if you want to become a great trainer, find a mentor and work for them for a minimum of 5 years, learn everything you possibly can, ride anything you can; every horse can teach you something. Learn to create a champion, not just ride it. And lastly, take care of your body as best you can.
Tara
E.A. LAFAVE
DOUBLE DUTCH FARM, LLC
# of years an instructor: 22
At what age did you begin riding horses and how were you first introduced to the Arabian horse?
I started riding horses when I was four years old. At seven, my parents moved my instruction to Brookwood Farm which is where I was first introduced to the Arabian horse. My first lesson horse was Ed-Mar Sittsaffe. After a few months of riding, my parents leased me Trymee, a 1994 grey Arabian gelding.
What was your favorite thing to do with horses growing up?
I grew up a “barn rat” and I feel that anything to do with horses became my favorite thing to do. It didn’t matter if it was cleaning stalls, cleaning tack, or riding. However, some of my favorite memories are from when all the riders would spend warm summer nights sleeping outside our horse’s stall on cots. It was one huge sleepover with anywhere between 10-15 of us!
What did you do with horses as a child that is no longer accepted or done?
Oh gosh, sometimes I wonder how more of us didn’t get hurt or worse. Many times, our only voice of reason was each other, all of us being minors; and let me tell you, we got up to many shenanigans when left to our own devices. The number of times that we rode with no parental or adult supervision gives me chills now as an adult.
In one word, what were horses to/for you growing up and does that word still apply today?
PEACE! Yes, this still applies today. No matter how hard a day can become, there is nothing better than sitting with your favorite horse (or two) and letting the stress or bad mood just fall off you.
What is your favorite memory from your days showing at Youth Nationals as a Youth rider?
While I didn’t show at the Arabian Youth Nationals, I’ll share my first memory of my first Youth Nationals. I remember coming, not quite knowing what to expect with just one rider; this was her first and only time as well. I enjoyed sharing all those firsts with her and seeing the camaraderie between all of those competing. It’s still one of my favorite things when we return.
What advice was given to you as a child that is still true today?
Do not be afraid to fail! Without failure it’s impossible to have success; similar to there cannot be good days without bad. Embrace both!
What is your favorite part of training Arabian horses and their riders?
As a trainer of many different breeds, my
favorite part about working with Arabian horses is their personalities. Each one is so different and sharp, that working one will never get boring. Then when you find their perfect match in their rider, seeing the bond that is created is quite extraordinary. To earn the love and respect of an Arabian horse is priceless.
What is the biggest change you have seen at Youth Nationals since your days showing there?
Each year the competition at Youth Nationals continues to grow. These riders amaze me with their talent and drive. Sometimes it is easy to watch a class and forget they are just youth and not professionals out there.
If you could change something about Youth/Mid Summer Nationals, what would you change?
I think this answer might be quite common.... The HEAT! Aside from that, I love that AHA can provide a show centered around the Youth riders during their summer break.
What would you tell someone who wants to have a career with horses?
Figure out which part of the equestrian community makes you the happiest. From there, research and study the ways to create an income from that. There are so many opportunities if you know where to look. Not everyone has to be a trainer with a big show string. Some other avenues are Equine Therapy, Reproduction, Large Animal Vet Tech, Massage Therapist, etc. My second bit of advice is to work under or job shadow as many people as you can in any of the career paths that interest you. Go into it with eyes wide open.
ChristyHigman-Clements
CHC TRAINING
# of years an instructor: 37
At what age did you begin riding horses and how were you first introduced to the Arabian horse? I started riding horses when I was seven years old. The farm across the street where I lived had Arabian horses, and I walked myself over there and told them I wanted to ride.
What was your favorite thing to do with horses growing up? Grooming and bathing.
What did you do with horses as a child that is no longer accepted or done? We rode the same horse in several disciplines. My horse did western and English. There was no country and hunter had just begun.
In one word, what were horses to/for you growing up and does that word still apply today? Everything!
What is your favorite memory from your days showing at Youth Nationals as a Youth rider? When I showed as a youth, I got to show at U.S. Nationals. Once youth began, I was a young adult and took students to the first Youth Nationals.
What advice was given to you as a child that is still true today? Work hard and it will pay off.
What is your favorite part of training Arabian horses and their riders? Arabians are the most kind, versatile breed there is, and I enjoy seeing my kids grow and thrive with their horses.
What is the biggest change you have seen at Youth Nationals since your days showing there? The smaller class sizes, unfortunately.
If you could change something about Youth/Mid Summer Nationals, what would you change? I would shorten it. It is too expensive for most people to be there that long, and we don’t have the numbers we used to have.
What would you tell someone who wants to have a career with horses? You must do it for the love of the horse and be ready to work hard!
Jessica BEIN
BEIN PERFORMANCE HORSES
# of years an instructor: 30 (gulp… I’m not old enough for that!)
At what age did you begin riding horses and how were you first introduced to the Arabian horse?
My mom was a trainer and I was born into the industry. She changed from Quarter Horses to Arabians about the time I was born.
What was your favorite thing to do with horses growing up?
When I was a kid, I rode English horses; hunter wasn’t even really a thing and “stock horses” were limited. I would ride anything I could find and if I could get my hands on anything with “more quality,” I’d try whatever division it fit into. My favorite thing was “figuring it out.”
What did you do with horses as a child that is no longer accepted or done?
We had an actual show season when I was a kid so horses had a break, and we would trail ride more.
In one word, what were horses to/for you growing up and does that word still apply today?
Lifeline. All my dreams were wrapped up in horses when I was a kid. Nothing has changed; still chasing the dream!
What is your favorite memory from your days showing at Youth Nationals as a Youth rider?
The very first Youth Nationals I was so excited to get my picture taken in the infamous coliseum in OKC. I couldn’t believe I would have the opportunity to show there. The first time I smelled the gateway of champions, I knew I would never quit until I was the one leaving last from the arena.
What advice was given to you as a child that is still true today?
That I was going to have to work harder than everyone else. I was told I had the talent but people “like me” had to work harder. Every professional told me if I was going to be a trainer, I needed to have a lesson program. I was told giving lessons was the only way to make money in the industry. I was fortunate to have great role models.
What is your favorite part of training Arabian horses and their riders?
I love the game. They take longer to train, but they last a lifetime.
What is the biggest change you have seen at Youth Nationals since your days showing there?
The evolution of classes. We have so many classes now and so many divisions.
If you could change something about Youth/Mid Summer Nationals, what would you change?
Having the working western judges judge the showmanship based on their ability to use a scorecard.
What would you tell someone who wants to have a career with horses?
Have passion because some days are so long and so hard that normal people will quit. If you don’t have that built-in insane passion for the horse and sport, you’ll never make it. The hours are long, the pay is short, the people judgy. So why do I do it? For the love of the horse.
SkylarPOWELL
SILVER ASPEN RANCH
# of years an instructor: 16
At what age did you begin riding horses and how were you first introduced to the Arabian horse? I grew up with the Arabian horse. I’ve been riding Arabians since I was 3 or 4 years old.
What was your favorite thing to do with horses growing up?
Do goofy things, like playing tag around the arena, shooting arrows at targets, trail riding and showing, of course.
What did you do with horses as a child that is no longer accepted or done?
I don’t think there’s anything we did then that can’t be done now. We should be having fun with our horses, not just intense showing.
In one word, what were horses to/for you growing up and does that word still apply today? Important. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the horses I got to ride growing up. Showing horses teaches you the best life lessons including patience, competitiveness, compassion, and perseverance.
What is your favorite memory from your days showing at Youth Nationals as a Youth rider? The water fights. Youth was huge when we showed as kids and the water fights were epic!
What advice was given to you as a child that is still true today? If it doesn’t go well, let it go. It’s just a horse show; don’t make it bigger than it is.
What is your favorite part of training Arabian horses and their riders? Arabs are so smart and can be easier to train most of the time.
What is the biggest change you have seen at Youth Nationals since your days showing there? The horses. We see more and more big-time horses showing at Youth which has made the competition even tougher.
If you could change something about Youth/Mid Summer Nationals, what would you change? I would love for the open classes to be limited open. I want to get younger trainers a chance to show on a national level and as an industry give a spotlight to the up-and-coming talent that will be the future of this breed. I feel like Youth is the perfect place for that.
What would you tell someone who wants to have a career with horses? It’s one of the greatest, most rewarding jobs on the planet. And it’s also one of the toughest. You have to be determined and committed. You’re also going to need people skills and business skills. Most of the time the horses are the easy part.
Rene
RAMIREZ
RAMIREZ TRAINING CENTER
# of years an instructor: 20
At what age did you begin riding horses and how were you first introduced to the Arabian horse? I began riding at 5 years old. I am the third generation. My Dad, Arthur Ramirez, introduced me as he himself had trained Arabians.
What was your favorite thing to do with horses growing up? Just riding them.
What did you do with horses as a child that is no longer accepted or done? Everything I did with a horse is still acceptable even now!
In one word, what were horses to/for you growing up and does that word still apply today? Hobby. Yes, because I don’t see this as a job especially, since I enjoy doing it so much!
What advice was given to you as a child that is still true today? Hard work pays off.
What is your favorite part of training Arabian horses and their riders? The results.
What is the biggest change you have seen at Youth Nationals since your days showing there? I’ve never shown at Youth Nationals, but I do think in general the quality and standards of horses has changed immensely.
If you could change something about Youth/Mid Summer Nationals, what would you change? I don’t believe anything should change.
What would you tell someone who wants to have a career with horses? Pursue with passion.
Joyce
THOMAS
N JOY ARABIANS
# of years an instructor: 50
At what age did you begin riding horses and how were you first introduced to the Arabian horse?
Began riding at the age of 9 and was introduced to Arabians by a good friend.
What was your favorite thing to do with horses growing up? Just being able to spend time with them.
What did you do with horses as a child that is no longer accepted or done? Riding double bareback and racing through the trails without a helmet or cell phone!
In one word, what were horses to/for you growing up and does that word still apply today? Happiness, and yes, still applies today.
What is your favorite memory Youth Nationals? I was a judge at the first Youth Nationals.
What advice was given to you as a child that is still true today? Be patient, practice, and don’t blame the horse.
What is your favorite part of training Arabian horses and their riders? The extreme satisfaction and pride when the horse and rider come together and get it.
What is the biggest change you have seen at Youth Nationals since your days showing there? The additional classes and diversity of those classes.
If you could change something about Youth/Mid Summer Nationals, what would you change? The heat!!!
What would you tell someone who wants to have a career with horses? It is very rewarding to be able to do something you love to do.
TamaraCollins-Grinton
EARTHQUAKE ARABIANS LLC
# of years an instructor: 23
At what age did you begin riding horses and how were you first introduced to the Arabian horse?
I began riding at 8 years old. I went to one riding lesson and the instructor was a true saleswoman. She told my mom I was a natural (definitely not), and at the next lesson I arrived to a stall that had a grey flea-bitten Arabian mare with a simple sign reading, “Welcome home Misty, Love Mom.” Yes, you heard that correct; my mom took on a free horse before my second lesson. That horse became my passion. I rode her in shows, parades, trails, and so much bareback in the pasture. I have been in a barn ever since, trying to share that passion with other girls.
What was your favorite thing to do with horses growing up?
I loved to tail braid. There was a girl in the barn that was really good, and I wanted to be better. So, I spent hours braiding and re-braiding my mare’s tail.
What did you do with horses as a child that is no longer accepted or done?
For a long time, I trained myself with just the help of an instructor, and was able to show and be successful. I think now, those days are long gone.
In one word, what were horses to/for you growing up and does that word still apply today?
Anchor. I knew my horses were always there for me. Bad day at school, horses. Friends being mean, horses. Break up with the boyfriend, horses. Parents moving away … horses.
What is your favorite memory from your days showing at Youth Nationals as a Youth rider?
I, unfortunately, wasn’t able to show at Youth Nationals. Being a single mom, she could never afford it, so it was even sweeter to return as an adult and make the dreams of my riders come true.
What advice was given to you as a child that is still true today?
Listen instead of talking and work harder than the next person.
What is your favorite part of training Arabian horses and their riders?
Teaching GRIT. Teaching how to thrive after failure. I feel these are valuable life lessons that our horses can teach us.
What is the biggest change you have seen at Youth Nationals since your days showing there?
I like that OKC offers a common space that’s not so spread out. I think it brings the kids together more.
If you could change something about Youth/Mid Summer Nationals, what would you change?
I would like an awesome opening youth party. That brings the energy level up and supports kids getting to know one another and is FUN!
What would you tell someone who wants to have a career with horses?
It’s HARD, be prepared to never stop working. Be prepared to do the one more that it takes to be better.