Continuing our blogging season by highlighting the partnership of Sofia and Virtue as they made their debut in the Children's Hunter division in the Coveside ring. For this show, we chose the Signature photography package, enhanced with both Stake coverage and a Black Background session for Vinny.
Q: Sofia, how do you usually prepare for an upcoming season?
A: In the winter I like to ride as much as I can and fit lessons in. Whether we’re flatting or jumping my coach always has exercises that I feel help both the rider and horse a ton and I always learn so much that I take into the season. I also think it’s super important to not take the winters so seriously and to have some rides where you just have fun, the horses really enjoy it and it’s especially fun with other people.
Going into a new season I like to have a plan so I communicate a lot with my coach and ask a lot of questions which she always has an answer to, and I think that’s what makes the seasons go so smoothly. Around April is when clinics happen and I like to attend those as they’re always so fun and it’s just a nice way to ease into show season and hear what the clinicians feedback is.
Q: What specific goals do you have for this year's show season?
A: I think this year I would mainly just really like to keep working with Vinny and figure him out more. I would really like to be consistent in the children’s and just have some really nice and confident rounds for both Vinny and I. We’ve been working on the flat all winter so I’m hoping to do well in the hack this year as well! We will also do the derby’s again this year so I’m hoping to have just as much fun as I did last year and be a bit more handy!
Q: Who do you rely on for encouragement and support during the show season?
A: Definitely my barn family and I’ve never had to question it. They’re always there for support and encouragement and make it known, whether you’re celebrating a win or comforting a setback. They are definitely the most reliable and most consistent and I’m forever grateful for that! They’re always there at the ring for you watching and cheering you on and it’s always returned. I think my all time person I rely on would have to be my mom. She does so much for me and none of it would be possible without her. Whether I had an amazing round or one not so great, she’s always there when I come out of the ring supporting me.
Photography Marie Roy Photography, Venue Coveside Stables, Coach Danica Ellis of Horseplay Stables, Attire: Samsheild helmet, Struck breeches, Samsheild gloves and Tucci tall boots. Braids (mane) by Samantha Sharpe, Tail braid by Jessica Johnson, Groom Kelly Bitar (Mom).
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