Isabella Baxter

by Founder Emma Mabry This blog courtesy of Ponies and Perlantis, a website by young riders for young riders. Visit them at poniesandperlantis.weebly.com Isabella Baxter is a fifteen year old rider from St. Louis, Missouri. She lives on a farm with about ten horses and trains with Shannon Hicks. Most of them are young and not showing, but she has a mare named "Whenever" that shows in the 3'3 Junior Hunters and National Derbies. Unfortunately, she will not be competing on her this upcoming year. She has also currently begun a year long lease on an equitation horse who's name is Chief and he will do the Big Equitation classes. She is also currently trying a horse named Jahil that she will show in the Junior Jumpers.  "This year I am focusing on the Maclays, Medal, and WIHS Equitation, as well as moving up through the Junior Jumpers. In the next two years I hope to be a contender at NAJYRC and Prix des States." Said Baxter. Isabella's biggest riding accomplishments would be: being the 2015 USHJA Children's and Adult Jumper Championship Individual Champion for the central region. "Not just because I won, but also because I was riding a horse that before I started leasing it 7 months prior, she had been to three shows and had no flatwork. Seeing my trainer and I's hard work pay off was indescribable." Isabella also said she got circuit champion in the Green Pony Hunters at Queenie Productions and that she was 9th overall at Pony Finals in the Large Pony Hunters. She also claimed the 12-14 Equitation Championship in Zone 7. "I love spending time with my horses and getting to know them better every round. Not only riding, but also taking care of them after showing, and also getting them ready to show. I also like challenging myself and having something to strive towards," mentioned Baxter. Isabella's favorite horse show is either Tryon or Colorado Horse Park. "The show grounds are beautiful and the weather was great when I went! I also love how there are a lot of things to do around the Colorado horse park, and how beautiful the scenery at Tryon is." Isabella's advice to other riders is simply to practice flatwork. "Flatwork! Actually though, flatwork has really helped me to focus on specific areas of my riding that help to make the whole look better. Set goals for yourself and be determined to achieve them. Believe not just in your abilities, but also your horses' abilities." Photo by @vgc.photo