Northwest Autumn Classic 2020

This show is not only special because it hosts the Maclay Regionals, but also because it is the first show that I officially own Wesley! I was so excited coming into this show, excited for Maclay Regionals and excited to be back at Meadow Wood. Warm-up days went well doing the 1.10s and the much anticipated Regional class was coming closer and closer. On Friday, Wesley and I won both of the equitation classes, which was a big confidence boost for the weekend. Also on Friday, the smoke from the wildfires started coming in which was concerning with the air quality getting worse for Saturday. My horse always comes first and if I ever felt like his health was being compromised then I would scratch without hesitation.

Saturday morning was filled with damp air and fog, we would have to wait for the fog the lift before being able to truly assess the air quality. Through the entire day Wesley was in his tent stall with a fan over him and access to water at all times. His breathing was never abnormal, he never coughed or sneezed and his nose never ran with any discharge. We continued to monitor the air throughout the day and when the time of the class came we felt that the horses were comfortable and healthy. We did a short warm-up and went into the Special Equitation class before the regional with confidence. Wesley felt amazing and we won the class, another great confidence boost. Another quick and easy warm-up and we went into the regional class. The course really complimented my horse. There were three left rollbacks which are a strong point for my horse and only on bending line off the right lead, our weak point. I went third so I was able to watch two rounds before mine to see how everything rode and I felt like it gave me an advantage because I was able to watch a couple rounds to watch the course but not watch too many to get nervous.

We went in for our round and it started with a left lead rollback, we nailed it and then came the one right lead bending line which was what I was most worried about. I structured the bending line into two parts, five strides each and it ended up working out beautifully. After nailing the bending line I was confident and the rest of the round came up in stride. I was thrilled with the round and ready for the flat phase. The flat came around and I could feel Wesley getting jazzed and he was a bit more up in the flat than in the class itself. He was strong through the class but it was manageable and I was able to hide it well. We lined up after the flat and they announced no further testing. This was nerve-wracking since then they go right into announcing the results. Going from last place to first, riders got excused one by one until it was only Wesley and I standing in the center. I was thrilled, what a great way to end the regular season! I can’t thank my trainers John Turner, Quinn Partridge, and Gillian Baird for all they have done this year to help us get to this point. Another special shout out to barn-mate Emily Steckler for placing third in the regional!

Looking ahead to the future, I don’t plan on going back East for Medal Finals since it is a weird year with COVID and we can only afford to go back East one year. Fingers crossed for next year! After this show and this class, Wesley will have some time off due to the poor air quality and will resume slowly coming back to work once the air clears. Hoping everyone stays healthy during these times, horse and human. Thank you to my mom for making this show possible and for everyone who has helped me along the way! Can’t wait to see what the future has to hold!

Northwest Spectacular 2020

Week 2 here we come! Fresh out of a successful first week, I was feeling confident and excited for the second week of Wilsonville. We started the week off as usual, in the 1.10 jumpers for warm-up. We played around with adding and subtracting strides in lines and taking more inside turns, it was a lot of fun and got me excited for the weekend. The weekend came and we were schooling Wesley differently than the week before, trying different methods to help him keep his legs up over the jumps and not hit the rails. The main method we used was for me to lean up his neck so he would have to really pick up his legs to lift my weight over the jump. This method worked really well and Wesley was being very careful. When we went into the ring, Wesley was really thinking about our school and was more backed off than I was used to. This caused my eye to be a little off and it really showed in the first class. Distances that were usually right on were showing up too long or too short and overall the picture was off. The next day we addressed this and found a happy medium with how we schooled. Saturday went much better and we got back into our groove. I learned that changes in how we school are great and beneficial, but too drastic changes at the last minute can hinder us more than help up.

The rest of the weekend went well besides one spook from Wesley on Sunday. He takes care of me so much and has been so good that it’s unreasonable to be upset about one spook over the course of the past four shows. Once again, I was lucky enough to work for Casey Sorita and Ross Alexander with Therapy Corner Store. Special thanks to them for continuing to let me work and learn from them to make my horse feel better. Thank you of course to my trainers Quinn Partridge, John Turner, and Gillian Baird for making this week successful and to my dad for making this week possible! Now one week at home and then back to Meadow Wood!

Sunshine Series I and II

Photography courtesy of Shanna Waite

Goodbye beginning of Washington winter, hello California!!!

Woohoo! Not only did I get lucky enough to escape Washington when the clouds started rolling in, but I also got my school work done, which allowed me to skip ten days to attend both weeks of the Sunshine Series. Located in Thermal, California, at the Desert International Horse Park, it was the perfect dose of sun before the cold winter. I also got the opportunity to work for Thumbs Up Farm throughout both weeks to help my parents with those never-ending expenses!

During this horse show, the Maclay Finals were going on during the first week. We chose to not go to the Finals this year because of expenses, and since Wesley and I are both green. We want to save our trips for the next couple of years when we're both more seasoned. I also feel like two weeks of consistent showing was more beneficial for us than a few classes at the National Horse Show would have been, for three times the cost.

Since it was the first time I’ve ever shown in California, I was excited to see where I would stand in the pool of California riders. Considering it’s more competitive down in California than in the Northwest.

The elevated level of competition almost “forced” me to step up and ride my best. It was insightful to watch many talented riders in person and see what qualities made their rounds go well. Additionally, what made their rounds not go as well. Watching all of these quality riders also made me want it more, want to be as good as them, better than them even. I would make a mental list of the qualities of these riders that I thought were beautiful and use this list as homework to do when we got home. Nothing like some motivation to get us through winter training!

I was surprised with how Wesley and I placed during these two weeks, we even won the WIHS overall the first week, qualifying us for the Hunterdon Cup next year! That would be super cool to attend for the first time next year if all is willing!

I hope to come back to California soon to show! I want to thank my dad, Casey Sorita, and my trainer’s Quinn Partridge and John Turner, for making these two weeks possible!

Maclay Regionals

Wow! Where to start. Since this was my first Maclay regionals and both Wesley and I being in the big equitation for only five months, I didn’t expect to place very high, if at all, in the regionals. We’d been relatively consistent during the first days of showing, having minor errors here and there but no major standout mistakes. Being consistent and having no expectations helped me with my nerves going into Saturday, the day of the regional class. I haven’t been a nervous rider in the past, but the conditions of this class got to me a little bit. It also helped that I was doing the class with my friend and barn mate, Emily Steckler. She has done the equitation for a while, and her level headed attitude helped me to stay calm.

Emily and I walked the course with Quinn and John: right lead to the triple bar, bending 7, single oxer, two-step, bending 9 to an end jump, roll back to another end jump, rollback to the Swedish oxer, another rollback to another end fence, then finally a bending gallop to the final oxer.

I went second in the order, a position I was okay with since when I watch more riders, I tend to overthink the course, but I still have one person to watch before me. Our first round went well; we had a couple rubs at the end jumps, but other than that, I was pleased with how Wesley went and with how I rode. What made the round even better was the cheers from the Thumbs Up Farm ladies that came to support! With that, I still figured I wouldn’t be in the running for a top placing considering the quality of riders that were going after me.

Emily went two rounds after me, so I stuck around to watch her before taking Wesley back to the barn. She had a beautiful round, so everyone was happy. We took our horses back to the barn to wait for the flat phase and went back to watch the rest of the class.

Not too long after, it was time to get back on for the flat phase, our least favorite part. Jessica, one of the trainers at Thumbs Up and our main flat position trainer came to watch us in the flat phase, so the pressure’s on! I wanted to give it my all in this class, and that is what I did. I don’t think my thighs, back, and core have ever hurt so bad in a class! We flatted well, and everyone was getting anxious to hear the results as we exited from the ring.

I was halfway out of the loading paddock when I heard “further testing for riders,” and four numbers were announced. I didn’t know my number, and I didn’t think I was called in the top four, but then I heard “Heather! Grace! Ellie! Clara!” I didn’t have time to think, I got right back on and went to jump a warm-up jump.

The test: Walk-in, canter directly to 2 (End jump), rollback to a single oxer, two-step, halt, canter six and hand-gallop 10.

I tested second, the same position I was in for the first round, it was comfortable for me. I watched Grace go, and then it was my turn. Step in, left lead canter, breath. First end jump, got there nicely, look for the single oxer, stretch! It was a little long, and Wesley hit the back rail with his front legs, but it stays up. Two-step, we found the first jump in a little deep, but he covers well out of it. Our halt was the weakest part of our round, we pushed right and didn’t halt for long enough, my mind was going so fast I didn’t think to take a breath and chill for our halt. I knew I had to stand out in the test, after jumping 6 was the hand gallop jump, and I knew that was our place to show off if we could, be brilliant. So right after 6, we picked it up, and the distance was long, but we went for it, and it worked out just right for us. My heart was beating so fast as I walked out of the arena. I was so proud of Wesley for taking care of me and being the best I could ask for in both of our first regionals.

Then, I was standing in the paddock, watching the other two tests, and it hit me. Wesley and I made the test. We made the test! Both of us being unproven in the equitation ring, we worked so hard ever since he came to us in March, and it’s an indescribable feeling watching it all pay off. And then it all began, I started crying because of being so proud of my horse and myself. The amount of gratitude I feel for my trainers, parents, and supporters was so overwhelming. Jessica came over to talk to me, and I was crying and barely paying attention to what was happening in the test.

All of a sudden, “2nd place, Ellie Kurtz” come out of Mary’s radio, and I couldn’t contain myself. Never in my life have I been so proud of my horse and so gracious for everyone around me. Of course, the whole Thumbs Up Farm crew being there and supporting Emily and I just tipped me over the edge. I couldn’t be more grateful for the amount of support I’ve been lucky enough to receive, even in small acts such as coming to regionals to watch. So to all the amateurs, other juniors, and parents at Thumbs Up Farm and beyond, thank you. It means more than you will ever know. I still can’t believe it; this is how we start in our first five months. I can’t wait to see what else is to come.

The biggest thank you’s to my parents, Laura Peterson and Mark Kurtz, as well as my current trainers, John Turner, Quinn Partridge, Keri Bailey, and Jessica Friedman. Another thank you to my past trainers, who I wouldn’t be here without Ruel Johnson and Tara Devlin Johnson. I'd also like to give a huge congrats to the winner, Clara Mcdanniel! And a big congrats to Emily Steckler on her 6th place finish!

Photography Courtesy of Laura Peterson and Katrina J

Odlum Brown BC Open 2019

Fresh off the last week of horse showing, I was excited to take off where we left off! This was my first time showing two consecutive weeks with the same horse, and it was beneficial. I came into this week with a calm demeanor and with even more confidence than the week prior. This week was very similar to the Canadian Premier, except our rounds were much more consistent. As our confidence grew, so did our window to take risks, which took our rounds to the next level. I found that as the weekend progressed, the small details in our courses would improve and become more consistent. My trainers have done a fantastic job schooling Wesley, and I couldn’t be happier with how he’s been helping me learn around the ring. Outside of the show ring, this show was enjoyable hanging out with the amateur crew from Thumbs Up! As well as watching the jumpers in the beautiful grass ring. I even got to watch a Nations Cup for the first time, and it was spectacular!!

I had a lot of fun at this horse show, and I feel as it was very productive as well. We are progressing faster than I anticipated, and although it’s not perfect, it gets better and better each time, and that’s what matters to me. I’m excited to be back in Thunderbird at the end of June and until then, work, work, work at home. Huge thanks to John Turner, Quinn Partridge, the Macbeth family, and my dad for making this week possible.

Canadian Premier 2019

After a month and a half of hard work at home, Wesley and I were ready for our second show, Canadian Premier at Thunderbird Showpark in Langley, BC. Personally, this is one of my favorite shows because of how it’s run, the constant big jumpers to watch, and the beautiful footing in all the rings. I was much more confident going into this show than the last. We did a month of no stirrup work and more schooling of Wesley and me over more complicated tracks. Sure enough, the jumps came more natural, and I gained confidence in our step, causing the fences to flow and connect more effortlessly. Of course, our rounds weren’t perfect. On account of our greenness, we got a little long, a little short, and a couple of rails. Those mistakes will fade away as we gain miles and more experience. I was super proud of Wesley for stepping into the Hunter Derby on Thursday evening and jumping all of the spooky derby jumps without even a hint of a spook. I was also proud of myself and Wesley for placing second in the WIHS Jumper Phase!

I don’t have much more to say about this show as I am delighted with how it went and how we improved every day better than the next. I’m excited to come back to Canada next week for the Odlum Brown Open! I want to thank John Turner, Quinn Partridge, Jessica Friedman, and my mom for making this week possible. Also, a great job to all other Thumbs Up Farm riders for putting in beautiful rounds throughout the week!

Welcome Wesley!

A story I’m super excited to share. I had the fantastic opportunity from an amateur at my barn to show her horse at Thermal week 6 in the equitation. I was thrilled as it would be my first time down in Coachella Valley, and I was so excited to watch some big names I’ve only seen on my computer. While there, I was also looking for horses to try as I had just recently leased out Danner to another junior in my barn. Throughout the weekend, I tried several horses, which were all a thrill to sit on, but the last day came around, and John told me about a young horse that he’s excited to look at. Not having much luck led up to this, I was still enticed, but not quite as hopeful as I was at the beginning of the search. We were then introduced to Wesley, presented to us by Tanya Loverchick and Krystalle Glosser of Logan Hill Farm. He was beautifully turned out and had a big presence, standing about 16.3. He had been recently imported and was doing the adult equitation for the first time as a six year old. Trying him was cool. We could tell he was green and had much to learn, but he aimed to please. We decided to have my trainer, Quinn, ride him again the next day. I didn’t get to watch Quinn ride him, but I heard it went well. We watched him show with the adult later that day in the equitation and decided to put him through a pre-purchase exam. Sunday had come too quickly, and I had to go back home to go to school, patiently waiting for his pre-purchase exam that coming Thursday.

Thursday came and went, and we decided to do a further examination of Wesley before deciding to bring him home. He went back to his home farm and then hauled out to a clinic nearby to be entirely sure he was sound and healthy. Sure enough, he passed the vet and was set to come home to us the following Sunday!

That wait from Tuesday to Sunday was probably the longest six days of my life. I am so excited for my next year lease on Wesley! I’m ecstatic to step into the 3’6” equitation, now having a horse that can take me there. I’m incredibly grateful to my trainers, John Turner and Quinn Partridge, for finding this talented horse and, of course, to my parents for the continuous support in this crazy horse world. I’d also like to thank Krystalle Glosser, Tanya Loverchick, Liz Smith, and the Macbeth family for making this weekend possible and for allowing me to pair with such a beautiful young horse.

The Move from Blue Heron Farm to Thumbs Up Farm

I want to start this post off by thanking Ruel Johnson for treating me so well the past eight years at Blue Heron Farm and for making me the rider I am today. I am forever grateful for BHF in how they developed me as a young rider and bringing out my work ethic. After eight good years, I am ready to take my riding career to the next level and have decided to move Danner to Thumbs Up Farm out of Redmond, Washington, with trainers John Turner, Keri Bailey, Quinn Partridge, and Jack Hammond. I am super excited to see where they will take me and how my education will deepen. This move could not have happened without the support of my parents and the encouragement of Blue Heron Farm. I am excited for this next chapter in my career.