 January
2009
Elizabeth Morgan
When
I first arrived at Stoneridge Acres in Edmond, Oklahoma,
I didn’t want to show horses. I came from an American
Saddlebred stable, and I was not into its expensive impersonal
showing style. I started taking lessons with Ashley McKenzie,
and I distinctly remember playing red light green light
but not being able to win because I was having too much
fun to keep my horse still. Within a couple of months,
I started leasing JT, a quarter horse from Kristen Wallace.
JT taught me how to relax and ride western instead of
saddleseat. Once I had proven to my dad that I was dedicated
enough to take care of another life, I got my first horse
in the spring of sixth grade. His name was Polo, and
he was the best first horse I could have asked for. Although
he was a Saddlebred, I quickly turned him into a game
horse, and for an old man at the age of 20 he wasn’t
too bad.
My brother Jack saw how much fun I was
having at the barn, and he wanted to join in. That next
Christmas, Jack got his first horse Dusty. Dusty had
an attitude that typically comes with mares, but she
and my brother worked well together, especially in pole
bending, their favorite class.
The following spring, my dad decided
I was ready for a POA. We purchased Cortez from Kathy
McKenzie, and I fell in love. He was trained by Allison
Muzyka. To this day, he remains my favorite horse because
of his quirky and willing attitude. I took Cortez to
the 2004 International, and we did alright for my first
year in 13-18. At the 2005 International, Cortez and
I ran into some bad luck: as a four year old, Cortez
didn’t measure in. We
had known his height could pose a problem, and luckily
my dad came prepared with his checkbook. After some research,
we found Touch O Letters a.k.a. Jay, a green five year
old with good potential and no known problems with measuring
in. On the drive back to Oklahoma, I couldn’t stop
thinking about my new horse. Little did I know what I
was in for. Compared to Cortez, Jay knew nothing, and
to make matters worse, we were both incredibly stubborn.
It’s taken a few years, but Jay and I have finally
figured each other out. Internationals 2007 and 2008
were successful, and Jay’s getting better each
time I ride. I’m hoping to make my last year in
13-18 the best one yet.
I would like to thank everyone at Stoneridge
Acres for making my show career fun and exciting. I would
especially like to thank the McKenzie family for supporting
me and making me jump even when I didn’t want to. Kathy,
Leslie, Robine, and Dee Ann, thank you for all the shows
you’ve ever taken me to. Lastly, I would like to
thank my family, Dad, Gayla, Jack, Gabby, and Cooper.
Gayla, thanks for understanding that riding is way more
important than eating dinner. Jack, thanks for helping
with the chores (I know you enjoyed it even if you pretend
you didn’t!). Gabby and Cooper, thanks for coming
to watch Jay and me. Dad, I can’t even begin to
say thank you for everything you have done for me. I’ve
had so much fun with POA’s. I’m looking forward
to 2009. Best of luck to everyone!
Lizzy Morgan
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Pony Of The Americas Club, Inc.