08/14/2024
In between saddle fittings, I really like to give back to the community!
I have donated a lot of saddles to equestrian organizations and nonprofits. The latest one was this Youth Dressage Saddle to the SCDCTA in June.
My colleague, Brittany Bird Saddle Fitting, in South Carolina came up with the idea to make a young rider earn the saddle. The contestants had to compose a “Pick Me!” essay that included personal, academic, and equestrian accomplishments and goals, provide two references from an equine professional, and describe what they would do to give back to the horse community.
We are thrilled to announce that Isabella Lucarelli won the contest! And because we couldn’t pick just one winner, a second-place prize of a lovely Passier Bridle was given to Alexis Ryan!
Isabella has had quite a journey with her mare, Sugar. In early 2023, they competed in their first rated dressage show scoring in the high 60s and even earned a 70 in one class! But when Sugar’s behavior suddenly changed, they learned that Sugar had developed a serious fear of saddles. Working closely with her trainer, Isabella has helped Sugar get over her fear and together they are back in the show ring.
Alexis is a hardworking young equestrian, actively involved in the Aiken County Pony Club. She currently has her C1 certification and would like to get her A rating by the time she graduates high school. She volunteers often both within the USEA and Pony Club, maintains a 4.3 GPA, and aspires to become an exotic veterinarian.
Let’s congratulate both Isabella and Alexis for their achievements! We can’t wait to see these two in the show ring with their new Passier tack!