Ivy Gate Farm
Rider of the Month
January 2010

“Rider of the Month” is presented to an Ivy Gate rider who displays outstanding horsemanship (safe and compassionate care of their equine partner).  January’s rider is very special. She exhibits qualities that every young person wishes to possess; a good work ethic, honesty and reliability.  I have watched her grow over the last few years not only as a rider, but also into a wonderful human being.  This month’s rider is Sydney Szabo.  Sydney and her family joined the Ivy Gate family a few years back and have blended well with the riders and parents.  Sydney works hard each and every time she is at the barn.  Now do not get me wrong she does have her days when it is hard to get her to smile, but put her on a horse and the worries of the day seem to melt away.   Sydney has taken on the responsibility of one of our senior citizens at Tar Farms Rosie, my 24-year-old mare.  She cares for her as if she were her own and I am thankful for her loving efforts and so is Rosie.

Let’s learn a little more about this outstanding rider.  Sydney started riding in New Jersey in 2005.  She rode at a barn in Pennsylvania called Reinbow’s End, but once she moved to California, Ivy Gate has been her home.  However, riding is just one of her many endeavors she runs, plays soccer, lacrosse and swims.  I know from a good source that she has run a few marathons, an impressive young lady.  Sydney has always loved horses and shares this love with her Aunt in New Jersey.  When asked what a perfect day of riding looks like she said, “A long trail ride with friends and a cross country hunter course with her Aunt.” Sydney works very hard during her lesson and desires to improve her upper body position, elbows in, hands low and no “puppy paws.” In reality, she is a very skilled and passionate rider, who loves horses and sees herself riding into her golden years.  Sydney’s dream horse is an Irish Sport Horse or a Westphalian, 17+ hands and Chestnut in color with a blaze and 4 white socks.  His name would be Federalist, a fine name for a horse that would take her to the Olympics.  Ivy Gate would not be complete without Sydney and her family we count it a privilege to have her as our Rider of the Month.

Congratulations Sydney!