PrintShe’s planning on peaking for her last year as a young rider.
Sarah Cunningham learned to like showing because of Ivan. For the past three years he’s helped her gain confidence so she can head down centerline with a smile.
“He’s an amazing horse,” she said. “He’s taught me so much. He allows me to learn. I can get nervous at horse shows, and he doesn’t care.”
Ivan and Cunningham trotted off with two wins at the Zada Cup, Feb. 15-17, in Apopka, Fla. She took home the Young Rider Team Test victory (65.55%) and the Young Rider Prix St. Georges (65.25%).
Cunningham, 20, acquired the 18-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Columbus—Fastrona) with the hope of competing in the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. She fulfilled that dream last summer when she rode on the Region 1 team.
“We were in the middle of the pack, and it was a great experience,” recalled Cunningham. “It’s my last year, and I’d love to be able to go again.”
She trains with James Koford, who also had numerous wins at the Zada Cup, and she lives in Raleigh, N.C., where she is a sophomore at Meredith College.
“All the teachers are great with working around the horse shows,” said Cunningham. “They’re excited to hear about how I do.”
Although showing seriously and going to college isn’t easy, Cunningham is able to do it because of her amazing support team, which includes her parents, Koford, Caroline McNair, her boyfriend, her friends and God.
Horses have been a part of Cunningham’s life for as long as she can remember. “My cousins barrel race, and they had a Shetland pony I used to ride when I was 2 years old. They would have to take the saddle off with me still on the horse. I never wanted to get off,” she said.
She started showing dressage at age 8. “I did hunters before I started dressage. I enjoyed that, but I broke my arm really badly and decided to try dressage,” she said. “I think my mother was pleased when I decided not to jump anymore.”
More Experience
But even though Cunningham had plenty of riding experience, the show ring wasn’t a comfortable place for her.
“One of the horses I had before Ivan was very strong, and I got nervous in the show ring,” she said. “Ivan has developed my confidence so much. He’s the best horse I’ve ever owned.”
Cunningham still has those show nerves, but Ivan doesn’t mind.
“The first day we had a great warm-up, and I went in and felt really confident. Ivan was ready to go. Our lateral work always needs improvement, but overall I thought [the team test] went really well,” said Cunningham. “I prefer the Prix St. Georges because I get the team test out of the way first, and my nerves are gone. But I don’t think I gave myself enough time this time, and our warm-up was a little shaky. Ivan went in the ring, and we pulled it together. I can count on Ivan to do that.”
Sarah Cunningham learned to like showing because of Ivan. For the past three years he’s helped her gain confidence so she can head down centerline with a smile.
“He’s an amazing horse,” she said. “He’s taught me so much. He allows me to learn. I can get nervous at horse shows, and he doesn’t care.”
Ivan and Cunningham trotted off with two wins at the Zada Cup, Feb. 15-17, in Apopka, Fla. She took home the Young Rider Team Test victory (65.55%) and the Young Rider Prix St. Georges (65.25%).
Cunningham, 20, acquired the 18-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Columbus—Fastrona) with the hope of competing in the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. She fulfilled that dream last summer when she rode on the Region 1 team.
“We were in the middle of the pack, and it was a great experience,” recalled Cunningham. “It’s my last year, and I’d love to be able to go again.”She trains with James Koford, who also had numerous wins at the Zada Cup, and she lives in Raleigh, N.C., where she is a sophomore at Meredith College.
“All the teachers are great with working around the horse shows,” said Cunningham. “They’re excited to hear about how I do.”
Although showing seriously and going to college isn’t easy, Cunningham is able to do it because of her amazing support team, which includes her parents, Koford, Caroline McNair, her boyfriend, her friends and God.
Horses have been a part of Cunningham’s life for as long as she can remember. “My cousins barrel race, and they had a Shetland pony I used to ride when I was 2 years old. They would have to take the saddle off with me still on the horse. I never wanted to get off,” she said.
She started showing dressage at age 8. “I did hunters before I started dressage. I enjoyed that, but I broke my arm really badly and decided to try dressage,” she said. “I think my mother was pleased when I decided not to jump anymore.”
More Experience
But even though Cunningham had plenty of riding experience, the show ring wasn’t a comfortable place for her.
“One of the horses I had before Ivan was very strong, and I got nervous in the show ring,” she said. “Ivan has developed my confidence so much. He’s the best horse I’ve ever owned.”
Cunningham still has those show nerves, but Ivan doesn’t mind.
“The first day we had a great warm-up, and I went in and felt really confident. Ivan was ready to go. Our lateral work always needs improvement, but overall I thought [the team test] went really well,” said Cunningham. “I prefer the Prix St. Georges because I get the team test out of the way first, and my nerves are gone. But I don’t think I gave myself enough time this time, and our warm-up was a little shaky. Ivan went in the ring, and we pulled it together. I can count on Ivan to do that.”
