“Okay, you all get ready to go; harness ponies are getting ready to come out!” the announcer bellowed over the loudspeaker. I waited with Abraxus in the small warm up ring at the top of the ramp to Freedom Hall. Abraxus was nervous; I continually had to slowly circle him as stopping and standing are… Continue reading Trainer Armband: An AOT’s Experience at Louisville
Author: Brooke Schafer
Growing up in Lexington, Kentucky, Brooke Schafer has always been in horse country and developed a love for horses at an early age. After showing Arabians in all disciplines under her mother Lindsay Hunter, Brooke went to work for top American Saddlebred trainer Nelson Green at the age of 11 where she rode and cared for numerous World Champions. She was also an assistant to World Champion trainer Martin Teater and worked for Steve and Tiffany Wheeler and Jack Noble. She has also competed successfully in the hunter jumper and eventing disciplines riding with top instructors Michelle Zimmerman, Karen and David O'Connor, Boyd Martin, Buck Davidson, Julie Norman and Jules "Butch" Quattrochi. Brooke was also a competing member of the University of Kentucky Equestrian Team. She is currently and AOT working her Arabian and Saddlebred show horses as well as eventing prospects.
Brooke has worked many years in veterinary medicine at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Equine Medicine and Surgery, and Red River Equine Hospital. She has a Masters in Communication Disorders and currently works in the Mercer County School System in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Brooke also portrays her knowledge and love of horses through her artwork and business Keepsake Equine Custom Art.
On the Road to Louisville – From an AOT Perspective
I’ve grown up with horses. My mother is a trainer/instructor and has always had a barn full of horses for me to ride and learn on. Now, though, I am the one doing most of the riding and training of our horses. She still occasionally takes an outside client but she and I both find… Continue reading On the Road to Louisville – From an AOT Perspective