Fallowfield Farm Show Team
Our Goal
- To prepare and support competitive riders and their parents
- To develop an attitude of respect for teammates, fellow competitors, officials and volunteers as well as all others
- To produce a “cult of excellence” in our athletes
- To establish a high level of horsemanship in our riders
- To provide opportunities for our athletes to achieve their goals and expand their horizons
Our Philosophy
Developing the horse and rider is a fluid process, and our approach is to put all the emphasis on that process. Riders are involved in setting realistic goals and designing a program to achieve them. We encourage our athletes to commit to the program, rather than the goals. Development is the focus, as opposed to outcome. We have found this the best way to keep our horses sound, and our riders sane!
Our main philosophy is based on learning. Each notable experience we have with the horse, either positive or negative, is reviewed and learned from. We believe that if we are learning and growing through all experience then we are on the path to real achievement. This approach develops into a mindset, and it encourages athletes to reach for more because in their minds there is no failure, only the opportunity to learn.
“Through
T- Trust
H- Honesty
I- Integrity
C- Communication
K-Kindness
And thin”
We tell team members we are in this together “through THICK and thin”. Whether they are on top of their game, or struggling with an injury, we will work together to learn from the experience. The word THICK breaks down into the main components of our coaching and training philosophy: Trust, Honesty, Integrity, Communication and Kindness. We promise these things to our athletes, and we expect our athletes to promise them to their horses.
Our ultimate goal is never a competition or a championship, it’s the synergy between horse and rider. There is no other feeling like the true communication between horse and rider – that is what we work towards.
We believe that in developing that relationship, that bond, there are vitally important life lessons to be learned.
Programs
The following are programs offered to Show Team Riders that are designed to help them fulfill their goals:
Friday Night Jump Schools
We set a show type course and get together as a team to practice at our designated heights. These evenings offer a great opportunity for parents meet and team riders to work together. We expect our more senior members to always be there to support our youngest riders, and this gives them a great opportunity to buddy up. These evenings also give us a chance to plan for upcoming competitions, work out any concerns people have, and celebrate some of our riders’ successes.
Backyard Masters
These days are designed for riders who are faced with the added challenge of preparing for the show season from their backyard. Riders ship their horses in for scheduled days in the spring, where they get lessons and use of the indoor in return for some help around the farm.
Membership
Our Show Team Members must show their intent to be on the team in February, at our first season planning meetings. Special arrangements can be made for riders coming to the program after these meetings, but commitment to the team must be made. Riders must agree to work their horse consistently following the program outlined for them. Failure to fulfill these commitments will result in a review of the program and the goals that have been set.
Our show team members are expected to complete their OEF Rider Level Exams. By insisting that riders complete their exams we are guaranteeing a certain level of horsemanship in our riders.
Team members must have their own horse, or must part-board a horse or pony for the months of April through September.
2010 Team Members
Mel Gromoff – Head Coach
Jess Smith (Texas Toast) – Assistant Coach
Deb Rodriguez (PrimaD) – Manager
Kate Dunne and Casper
Abi Mitchell and Lemony Snicket
Hannah Shuttleworth and Otto
Delaney Dunne and Nestor
Gavin Metcalfe and Rufus McDuff
Paige Whitley and Matrix
Leah Mitchell and Rum Tum Tugger
Kelsey Hewgill and QMusic
Chloe Graham and Redd Storm Rising
Hailey Cherrett and Red Rose
Dionne Shortt and Glenelg Clyde
Bryce Bull and Chester
Bevin Stephenson and Hollywood
Danielle Berneche and Glory