Rider Bio: Carly Klose

Name: Carly Klose, “Car”
Major: Outdoor Recreation & Education
09-10 Status: Freshman
Birthdate: October 8, 1990
Hometown: Centerville, OH
IHSA Division: Novice Fences & Novice Flat

Before college, Carly was a ‘thrill seeker’ when it came to riding horses. After riding saddleseat for two years, she discovered jumping and knew that it was for her. She competed on the Dayton Local Show Circuit doing Hunters and Dressage until the excitement of it began to wear off. From there, she began doing eventing, which she claims is her favorite. “My horse at the time, Arizona, did not share a mutual love for the sport.” Although never having owned him, Carly leased the 15.3hh Quarter Horse for six years. “It’s hard not considering him mine.” With help, Carly taught Arizona jumping and dressage and competed up to 2’9 and First Level Dressage. Of Arizona, Carly gushes, “He is very smart and quirky and will do anything to make life easier on himself! We learned a lot from each other and he was an amazing first horse.”

New to the world of Equitation, she says, “I never would have pictured myself as an Equitation rider and I think it has improved my riding immensely.” A natural to the discipline, Carly placed high throughout Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter and attended Regionals this year at Lake Erie College, placing sixth out of 23. Carly enjoys IHSA because of the chance to ride great horses she would have otherwise never gotten the chance to, “It’s disappointing to draw a ‘bad’ horse, but I believe it is those horses that will make a rider stronger to the point they can ride anything well!”

When it came time to go to college, Carly knew that not riding wasn’t an option. “I think that it is important for every human being to have a passion and for me that passion is riding.” She knows that riding isn’t about the achievements and enjoys more the bond that is formed with the horses and her teammates.

It’s Carly’s thrill seeking nature that drove her into Outdoor Recreation and Education. “It’s different from any other major in that the classes are extremely hands-on and can be physically demanding, such as wilderness living skills and whitewater kayaking.” Eventually, Carly would like to open a therapeutic riding summer camp for children with disabilities and expanding it across the country. But until she can achieve that goal, she going to travel and work as an outdoor educator around the world.

Always up for some excitement, Carly’s favorite horse to flat at Stonegate is Prada. She enjoys Prada’s antics and even finds them funny. But her favorite part about the mare is how much fun she is, “She is really responsive and just takes a soft ride and being told what a good girl she is. Once you figure her out a little, she’s incredibly comfortable and fun to play with.” But since Prada doesn’t jump, Carly mentions that her favorite horses to jump are Basie and Dillon.

Rider Bio: Megan Chalk

Name: Megan Chalk, “M. Chalk”, “Megs”
Major: Pre-Social Work
09-10 Status: Sophomore
Birthdate: April 26, 1990
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
IHSA Division: Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter

When Megan attended a summer camp 13 years ago, she discovered horses. “I loved how they moved and how sweet they were.” Since then and before college, Megan competed in small Hunter/Jumper shows around Cincinnati.

Megan rides at college because she loves horses and riding. “I wanted an opportunity to do what I love while getting involved in the University and meeting new people!” She enjoys the variety and challenge that IHSA presents, “I like drawing a horse you’ve never been on before and trying to do your personal best on a strange horse.”

She has very specific goals in mind after college. “I want to work for a government agency designing programs for inner city schools.”

As for her favorite horse at Stonegate, Megan is between two, “Trump and Milo are tied.” To her, each has their strong points. “I love jumping Trump because he is always so eager and willing to jump.” But, to her, Milo’s sweet personality and ground manners make him wonderful to work with, “Milo always aims to please.”

Rider Bio: Sara Dziegielewski

Name: Sara Dziegielewski, “Sara D-Z”
Major: Health Service Administration & Business
09-10 Status: Sophomore
Birthdate: July 25, 1990
Hometown: Madison, CT
IHSA Division: Open Fences & Open Flat

While at home, Sara rides on the ‘A’ circuit in the Connecticut Hunter Jumper Association. “I stopped riding my Junior year of high school because we wanted to make sure we sold my horse before my sister and I left for college.” Sara joined the team this year as a sophomore because she missed riding too much. She says of the team, “It was one of my best decisions! I love all the girls on the team and I think riding is a great escape from the stressful college life.”

With much experience in the Children’s Hunter and Children’s Equitation Division, it was no surprise when Sara was placed into Open Fences and Open flat her rookie year on the team. The team knew Sara would truly be an asset when she won her very first Open Fences class at OSU.

Sara really enjoys the challenge that IHSA presents, “It really allows the judge to pick the best rider. It’s not about who has the most expensive horse, but rather who is able to work with the horse they are given.” Of the bad draws that IHSA presents sometimes, Sara is optimistic, “I think every rider has had their fair share of ‘bad draws’, but that it how we learn and improve.”

Sara has high aspirations for her career, “I would like to become the head of a healthcare facility. With healthcare being a growing field, I think it will provide me with some excellent opportunities.”

Always the most pleasant person on the team, Sara can’t pick a favorite horse. “I think it’s awesome that we have the opportunity to ride so many horses.” However, she is partial to Vega and Avis. “Vega is so different than any other horse I’ve ridden. I was nervous to get on him at first because of what everyone had said about him, but he turned out to be a lot of fun!” Of Avis, Sara fondly says, “Avis has such a carefree personality like me and is probably the most trusted horse at Stonegate. He can go from an Open Fences lesson to teaching someone to post in the same day.”

Rider Bio: Amber Adams

Name: Amber Ann Adams, “Triple A”
Major: Pre-Veterinary Studies
09-10 Status: Freshman
Birthdate: April 8, 1991
Hometown: Lancaster, OH
IHSA Division: Walk-Trot

Horses run in Amber’s blood. Her great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother all showed in 4-H. When Amber was young, her mother bought the horse her family still has today. Red Sonny Deluxe is a 15.2hh Quarter Horse and Amber says that he’s incredible. “He was a mounted patrol horse for my mom. He’s 30 now and still amazing!” Her family also had a Saddlebred/Quarter Horse that her family bought to rescue. “We bought her from some people who didn’t treat her well. It took a lot of work to gain her trust, but the time was well worth it!” After much love and care, unfortunately the mare passed away in March of 2009. Amber says, “I miss her dearly and will always remember her!”

New to showing, Amber really enjoys showing in IHSA. “It has taught me so many new things about the horse showing world, it’s really a great experience!”

Of her major, Amber wants to become a large animal and equine veterinarian. There was no other career she would have chosen. “I hate desk jobs and I want to spend the rest of my life working with animals.”

Amber loves all the horses at Stonegate, but raves about Annie, “I absolutely adore her. I loves mares with an attitude and she definitely has attitude!” Not only does Annie’s attitude make her Amber’s favorite though, “She’s the first horse I’ve ever jumped! It was so much fun!”

Rider Bio: Hallie Seiser

Name: Hallie Seiser, “Hal”, “Hallywood”, “Big Stoop”
Major: Exercise Physiology & Pre-Physical therapy
09-10 Status: Junior
Birthdate: April 24, 1989
Hometown: Canfield, OH
IHSA Division: Intermediate Flat & Intermediate Fences
Team Position: Safety Officer

Coming to college, Hallie had plenty of experience in the Hunter and Equitation ring. She showed primarily in the Childrens Hunters in OPHA and on the ‘B’ and ‘C’ circuits. When Hallie came to college, she sold her Children’s Hunter ‘Dance’ and tried to take a break from riding. After riding for fifteen years, she felt it was the right time. She found herself miserable throughout Fall Quarter and joined the team to fill that empty space. Hallie impressed everyone by walking onto the team and winning her first Novice Fences and Novice Flat class at Lake Erie College.

Right now, Hallie owns a 17hh 9 year old Thoroughbred named Ralph. Ralph has an interesting history, “He shattered his tibia in the fall of ’07 after being kicked in the field and he almost didn’t make it. I helped with his therapy and was the first person to get back on him when he was healing.” Today, Hallie and Ralph have shown in the Adult Amateurs and Pre-Greens with success. They hope to continue to progress and eventually move up to the 3’6″ Hunters together.

In college, Hallie enjoys IHSA. She says of it, “It’s a tough challenge to be able to get on a horse you know so little about and be able to show it. It can be hard when you get a horse that doesn’t suit your style of riding.” She has proven herself as a very adjustable and invaluable member of the team. Of her accomplishments she says, “I competed Novice Flat and Fences last year at Zones for the team in Detroit. I won my fences class and got second on the flat. This year I qualified as an individual and I’m riding for the team at Zones in Intermediate Flat and Fences. I’m just really happy to be so successful and help my team.”

Hallie knows exactly what she would like to do when she graduates. “I want to become a physical therapist and take after my dad. He was my hero and I envy the compassion he had to help others.” But she would love to include horses in the equation saying, “I would also like to get my license to run a hippotherapy program. Being able to complete therapy on horseback would combine my two passions.”

At Stonegate, Hallie is very fond of Flash. “She came from my barn and I love her. I helped train her when she came off the track and I’m so proud of her and how far she’s come.” Flash aside, Hallie is partial to Zen. “He’s my blue ribbon pony and I love his kind, childish personality.”

At Regionals, Hallie placed 2nd in her Novice flat class and will be headed to Zones on April 11, 2010 in Findlay, OH.

Rider Bio: Brittany Smith

Name: Brittany Marie Smith, “B”, “B Smitty”, or “Brit”
Major: Organizational Communication
09-10 Status: Junior
Birthdate: July 28, 1989
Hometown: Pickerington, OH
IHSA Division: Open Fences & Open Flat
Team Position: President

Since she was 5, Brittany has ridden horses. Starting in 4-H when she was 9, Brittany also was active in Pony Club where she rated up to C-2 with her horse Austin. In junior high Brittany began showing in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, which is how she heard about IHSA. Of her horse Austin, Brittany says, “He’s a 14 year old Quarter Horse and simply amazing. We taught each other how to jump and now he’s a pro. We’ve competed in the 3′ to 3’3 ring.” But that isn’t the only reason Brittany is proud of him, “He taught my sister how to jump when I left for college until she moved up.”

Brittany has every reason for riding in college, “I couldn’t imagine life without being on the back of a horse. The equestrian sport has given me so much in my life, and I was not ready to give that up.” And college riding has worked out well for her. Having moved from Novice flat and Fences into Open, Brittany has proven to be a true asset to the team. Riding aside, she has shown her capabilities as a leader. Whether it’s directing meetings, organizing our shows, or even making sure her teammates are mounted, Brittany has been a huge part to our success this year. As a Junior this year, Brittany has plenty of experience, “[IHSA] shows the true ability of the rider to adapt to other horses. While sometimes it does come down to the luck of the draw, the true test of a rider comes from their ability to work with what they have.”

Although her major isn’t well-known, it does provide to be useful. She chose it because she loves working with people and collaborating with others on ideas and watching them come to life. Brittany plans to do event planning or public relations.

Brittany enjoys many of the horses at Stonegate, but says that her favorite is Faylene. She says, “No matter how many days in a row that you have ridden her, she is different everyday. There is always a challenge present that you have to work out. I know that it keeps me on my toes and I love that about her.”

Brittany placed 2nd in Intermediate Flat at Regionals and will be headed to Zones to ride individually on April 11, 2010!

Rider Bio: Emily Laurel

Name: Emily Laurel, “Crutch”, “Emmy”, “Em”
Major: Political Science
09-10 Status: Sophomore
Birthdate: February 4, 1990
Hometown: Swanton, OH
IHSA Division: Intermediate Fences & Intermediate Flat

Emily never would have considered herself an Equitation rider. Priding herself as a Hunter rider, she may have dabbled in other disciplines but was most comfortable in the Hunter ring. She competes at home mostly with her Appaloosa Zinger and her off the track Thoroughbred, Major. Zinger has been her rock and the horse she goes to when she wants to learn something new. Major, who will be coming to Stonegate shortly, was a birthday present from her parents. Emily says of Major, “He’s the guy I thank for my confidence. He’s very athletic and never hesitates to let you know that.”

Emily knew long before that she would ride in college, “Quitting riding in college wasn’t really an option.” Emily enjoys IHSA for the variety, “I spend all summer showing my own horse, it’s nice to ride other horses. I also like knowing the playing field has been leveled.”

But Emily is a high achiever. With her political science degree, she is considering attending law school in 2012. “I’m really into politics. I’m thinking either real estate and tax law or constitutional law.”

Stonegate is home to many of Emily’s favorite horses. “Devon, Charlie, Trump, and LA. They’re all sensitive guys that like the hunter-type ride so we get along really well.” Charlie is a horse Emily trains for a friend and she does not own him, and enjoys that he’s learning a lot while at Stonegate. “I’ve ridden him since I was 15, so he hold a special place in my heart.”

Rider Bio: Chrissy Hunley

Name: Chrissy Hunley, “Red”, “Christopher”, “Chris”
Major: Psychology
09-10 Status: Freshman
Birthdate: July 3, 1991
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
IHSA Division: Novice Fences & Novice Flat

Before college, Chrissy was well-acquainted with her local Jumper ring with her horse, Lewis. Chrissy says Lewis(who is used in lessons at Stonegate), “is wonderful. He’s talented when he wants to be, other times he’s lazy and will wipe out the jumps!”

Chrissy couldn’t be away from horses, and was certain Lewis would get even fatter if he wasn’t at school. She really enjoys IHSA saying, “It’s a unique experience. You don’t often get to ride random horses in shows and I think it really proves who the best rider is.” One thing she’s discovered is that home shows are hard, “I don’t like working shows…miserable!”

Chrissy enjoys the more unique horses at Stonegate. Her favorites are Link and Calvin. “I had a lot of fun with them this year, they’re both a lot of fun!”

At Regionals at Lake Erie College, Chrissy rode impressively against 23 riders to a 2nd place finish in Walk/Trot/Canter. This placing means that Chrissy will be riding individually at Zones on April 11, 2010.

Rider Bio: Madeleine Ray

Name: Madeleine Ray, “Maddie”
Major: Environmental and Plant Biology
09-10 Status: Freshman
Birthdate: July 1, 1991
Hometown: Chardon, OH
IHSA Division: Novice Fences & Novice Flat

Maddie, although small in stature, has proven to be quite the force on our team. When not riding Equitation here at school, she rides on the Morgan Hunt Seat circuit. At home she rides a Morgan gelding whom she has worked with extensively for the past three years. “When I started working with him three years ago, no one would ride him because he bucked everyone off. We couldn’t even go into a class without rearing at least once.” But Maddie never gave up and worked hard. “Now I can put my little brother on him and trust him completely. He has come so far and I am very proud of him!”

College riding has proven to be a great stress-reliever for Maddie. “There is no better way to spend your down time than with your favorite ponies and humans!” Maddie enjoys IHSA, but thinks it has its challenges. “I like the first few minutes of every class when you’re learning the personality of the horse you’re on and how your class in going to go.”

Environmental and Plant Biology is a gateway for Maddie to spend her life outside. “I’m thinking Camp Director, Conservation Biologist, or Mounted Park Ranger, I just want to be involved with people and spend my life outside!”

Maddie’s favorite horse at Stonegate is Pumba. “He has a spunky personality and he and I just kind of click.”

Rider Bio: Kari Besler

Name: Kari Besler, “Miss Kari Baby”, “Kawi”
Major: Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
09-10 Status: Junior
Birthdate: July 7, 1989
Hometown: Strongsville, OH
IHSA Division: Intermediate Flat & Novice Fences
Team Position: Secretary

Growing up, Kari rode a variety of disciplines. Although having started Hunt Seat, she experimented with Western, Saddleseat, and even Driving. Of her riding she says, “I love variety and rode anything put in front of me. I was lucky to have a wonderful trainer who encouraged me to expand my knowledge and skills in many disciplines.” And it shows today in Kari’s riding. Having started in Beginner Walk/Trot/Canter, Kari’s ability to adapt to new horses and always positive outlook have allowed her to move up to a very successful year in Novice Fences and Intermediate Flat. Although never having owned a horse herself, she says, “I was lucky enough to have a variety of horses to ride and show. They all taught my different things that have allowed me to develop the skills I have today.”

She continued riding in college because she wanted to meet other people with the same passion for horses that she has and couldn’t imagine not riding just because she was in college. Kari has a positive opinion of IHSA, saying, “I love the challenge it presents. You have to be able to adapt your riding in order to do well. It isn’t about how nice of a horse you have or spent practicing with a specific horse.”

When you meet her, Kari’s major really fits who she is as a person. It just seems right that she would want to help people. She wants to work in a group home or rehab facility helping people with various speech problems. “I was originally a Special Education major. I took a Communication Disorders class and fell in love with the field and its endless possibilities to help people.”

It’s no secret to anyone on the team who is Kari’s favorite horse at Stonegate. She says, “I have a special place in my heart for Shifty. she is super sweet and tolerant. She taught me the basics of jumping and was forgiving when she needed to be, but made me work when I needed to!”