Meet Equestrianista Brand Ambassador and Dressage Trainer Suzannah Simon
Julie Frykman
Posted on February 23 2014
Equestrianista Apparel is very excited to welcome the enthusiastic and professional Suzannah Simon of SKS Dressage as our new Brand Ambassador! Suzannah is an FEI Bronze & Silver medalist, a former working student for Caroline Roffman & Endel Ots and was recently selected for the USDF/EF Young Rider Graduate Program Conference. We fell in love with the fact that she's not only clearly achieving her dreams, but Suzannah is accomplishing this while still holding education and community service a high priority.
When did you first fall in love with horses?
When I was 6 years old, we had just moved to a new town and my parents thought that a riding lesson or two would help me to meet new people in the area... 16 years later I’m still head-over-heals in love with every aspect of these fantastic animals!
Have you always ridden dressage?
Actually no, I started out 4-H,western, jumping AQHA and even a bit of roping! I also was involved with Pony Club & Interscholastic Horse association in High school, but I started showing mostly USDF about 10 years ago! I still believe strongly in cross training in order to have a well balanced horse; so we often go on hacks, do a bit of jumping and try to get out-and-about as much as possible!
Who was your first horse?
On my 7th Birthday I stepped into the barn and there she was, my Farah! She was a stocky little paint horse mare that taught me so much, about patience & how to have a good seat ;)
What is your schedule like? Training, showing, attending school, etc.?
It really depends on the week but during the school year... I go to college full time, school my personal horses 5-6 days a week, frequent the gym and on friday nights usually work a shift at the hospital (I am a tech there!) and teach lessons on Saturday & Sunday then start all over again! Its a busy schedule, but with practice and a lot of organization, it is very manageable!
How do you make it all work? And how do I do it... drum role please... A PLANNER & Coffee! No really, my planner is my life, with out organization I would probably accomplish nothing throughout my day & yes coffee does help on occasion!
Where is the favorite place you have competed at?
Still to this day, my favorite show is Horse Shows By the Bay in Traverse City, Michigan. It’s not the biggest show that we frequent, but the grounds are gorgeous, the competition is always great, and its very fun to have such a great facility with in a few hours of the barn!
What are your current goals?
I have two horses that are moving up to the small tour (Prix St. George & I-1) and two younger horses that are going to be doing their first shows this summer! Looking forward to qualifying for regionals and hopefully nationals this coming fall! Also, I have the great privilege of teach some very talented students in our area; I look forward to seeing them have a successful 2014 summer season!
What do you do for a living?
I am a full time student, working on my Bachelor's in Allied Heath Science & Psychology. I also work part-time as a Patient Tech at a local hospital and teach/ride at two riding facilities in our area!
What kind of saddle do you have?
I sit in a LOT of saddles throughout the week because it really depends on the horse! But, my two personal horses go in a Prestige which fits both of them wonderfully!
Do you have a must-have piece that goes to the shows with you?
YES! My favorite cherry socks (my mom got them for during one of my first seasons:) )!
If you could clinic or train with anyone in the world, who would it be?
That is a REALLY though choice!!! There are sooo many fantastic trainers to choose from I could literally make a list! It would be an honor to sit under Danish rider Lars Peterson or USA Rider/Coach Debbie McDonald. Both totally different teaching styles but symmetric in the way that they consistently produce great horses and successful riders.
What is the best advice you have been given?
~KEEP THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING~
And
~Someone has to be successful, why not you?~
What advice would you give someone trying to juggle life and horses?
Be focused, goal oriented, balanced, and don’t forget this is suppose to be fun at the end of the day:) Take time for yourself each day, do something for someone else, and stay joyful even when the going gets rough... tomorrow is coming!
What are your current goals?
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