Lauren MacLeod

When I was little, I begged and pleaded my parents for the chance to ride and "be a cowgirl." Understandably, they were reluctant to allow me to participate in such an expense and dangerous sport, but when I turned eight I received riding lessons as a birthday present. I started out riding many different old, lazy, naughty, or hot>horses, most of which were Arabians. These horses were mostly difficult rides but they taught me the important lessons of patience, kindness and determination. I was in riding for the love >of horses, and ten years later, that has not changed one bit. In Grade 9 I had found my most treasured partner yet, Eclipse. At the time, he was 15, the same age as me. He is a black Thoroughbred/Paint cross, and he was my gateway into dressage. When I started riding him I still considered myself a hunter/jumper, and our first few months consisted of mostly jumping lessons. His real skill though, was a safe and reliable dressage teacher. Eclipse is the type of horse I could go for a gallop with on one day, do a test with the next, and fly over fences with after. We progressed, and our achievements include Dogwood Champion 2005/2006, Rising Stars Reserve Champion 2005, and Southlands Winter Series Champion 2006. I am so thankful to have had such a dependable horse. This fall I found myself needing a younger, more dynamic horse to take to Second Level. My coach, Wendy Christoff, was so kind to let me lease her horse, Odelmar. He is a 1997 liver chestnut, 16.3hh  Dutch gelding. So far it's been a great learning experience, and he is the sweetest horse I've ever met. He has also been an excellent teacher and I'm enjoying learning new skills and progressing, and I feel so privileged to be able to ride him. I'm looking forward to experiencing the 2007 show season with Odelmar and all of the Young Riders!