3 minute read
EQUESTRIAN SPOTLIGHT
Riding Wins In & Out of the Ring
Ava Brugger
“The unique thing about our program is that we take care of our own horses at shows. I have learned not only about riding my horse but about his care. And being on the IEA, ANRC, and show teams has helped me become a more diverse rider.”
HIGHLIGHTS:
IEA NATIONAL FINALS; RESERVE CHAMPION AT ANRC JUNIOR NATIONALS. QUALIFIED FOR MEDAL, ZONE, AND JUNIOR HUNTER FINALS, AND VIRGINIA HUNTER CHAMPIONSHIP.
“The most rewarding part of the program has been seeing tangible growth, like when I ride the same course from a few weeks ago and can feel the difference. I’ve come a long way in learning how to ride proactively instead of reactively.”
HIGHLIGHTS:
BONDING WITH FRIENDS, FEELING EVERYTHING CLICK IN PLACE WHEN I FIND MY LINE, AND WHENEVER I’M WITH MY FAVORITE HORSE (WHISKEY!).
Samira Firouz
“Growing up with a passion for horses, nothing seemed better than a school with a barn on campus. I have been riding at Madeira since I got here and have progressed thanks to the instructors and hours I have put in.”
HIGHLIGHTS:
MOST IMPROVED RIDER AWARD. MOVING FROM BEGINNER TO NOVICE AND PLACING FIRST IN MY CLASS AT REGIONALS.
Madeira’s Equestrian Program has achieved recent tangible success—IEA Reserve National Champion, ANRC Team and Individual National Champions, USEF show championships, and numerous individual IEA Regional and Zone Finalists. But, as several senior riders share, the less tangible aspects of the equestrian program are equally successful. They use words like “Family. Support. Friendships. Mentors. Fun. Belonging” to describe this community who have grown as people and as riders thanks to Madeira’s equestrian program. “Our instructors are not just coaches, they are also trusted mentors,” notes Samira Firouz ’19. Madeira’s on-campus facilities serve both as a training ground for competitive success and home to the “barn family” bonding over a shared passion. Adds Bridget Vaughey ’19, “I can walk to the barn after school or during free blocks and ride.” It is this combination of great instructors, dedicated riders, and on-campus facilities that keep the equestrian program at Madeira strong, thriving, and growing.
Bridget Vaughey
“The most rewarding thing about riding at Madeira has been learning from coaches that teach life-long lessons in and out of the tack room, meeting girls both older and younger that share my same passion, and having a place to go that can make a good day fantastic and a bad day better.”
HIGHLIGHTS:
RIDING AT MADEIRA SINCE 2014.
2016 IEA RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION IN THE BEGINNER FLAT; MEMBER OF THE 2017 RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION MADEIRA IEA TEAM; ANN SWIFT CRONIN ’58 MOST DEDICATED RIDER AWARD.
“Mr. McCartney gave me a great foundation, which set me up for my future successes. I would not be where I am today if he had not introduced me to the show world, and if he had not given me such a solid foundation to build upon.”
HIGHLIGHTS:
7TH PLACE FINISH AT THE NATIONAL HORSE SHOW 3’3” EQUITATION FINAL IN 2017
5TH PLACE FINISH AT THE ZONE 3 EQUITATION FINAL IN 2018.
Emily Cyrway Kelly Nance
“When we are in the ring we are individuals, out of the ring our dynamic is like a family. We support each other and lend a hand. I have learned so much about horsemanship, and what it means to be involved in something bigger than myself. The trainers and staff have pushed me to be the best person I can be, and I’ll always owe that to the program.”
HIGHLIGHTS:
SALLY TAYLOR SWIFT ’48 MOST DEDICATED RIDER AWARD, CIRCUIT CHAMPION FOR HITS CULPEPER, WILL BE ON EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY RIDING TEAM THIS FALL.
“The program has taught me and helped shape me as a leader. Madeira allows you to make your experience whatever you want it to be. Whether you just want to ride for fun, or you want to be showing on the A circuits, the riding program offers it all.”
