The following SendonWay Success Story was submitted by Judy Sunder, the mother of SendonWay's boarder/Young Rider Kate Sunder.

What is Success?
Success may be defined as a favorable termination of a venture, according to Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary. To a Young Rider, devoting her youth to the sport of dressage, that successful termination is often measured by securing a spot on the North America Young Rider’s team. To work hard, ride well, and score appropriately are the essentials required to lead to that success.

As a mom of a Young Rider, I’ve watched my daughter work hard and ride well, cheered scores, and braced for the disappointments of the not-so-successful outcomes. I have often stood by as a sounding block, a shoulder to cry upon, a cheerleader, a tack hook, and even a devil’s advocate. My fingers were crossed, my soul prayed, and my support did not waiver as my daughter attempted to secure one of those spots this past year. This was her final year as a Young Rider and what a favorable termination of the whole venture that would be!

However, my Young Rider did not make the team. Does this mean that the termination of this venture was unsuccessful? For me, and hopefully for my daughter, the answer to that question is a resounding NO!

Kate’s success is displayed with the two horses she began riding on a regular basis in January. She had six months to establish a relationship and groom two FEI horses to ride their best. She did not have the luxury of a long-term relationship with her horses. On Leclusive, her success was not in his scores, but in his ability to begin to trust that he could perform, and also that he could execute a pirouette. On Fendi, her success came in his trusting her, a new rider on his back. Fendi would challenge, often with a knowing kindness, but would let her know that she always needed to do better.

Kate can measure her success in her riding skills. She has learned to use her aids more effectively, ride more from her seat, and assess each of her rides. Who ever would have dreamed that Leclusive’s trot could be sat without complaint, that he would appear confident in the ring, or that she could make Fendi do that extension that Nancy, his previous owner, so often achieved.

Most importantly, her success is evident in the immeasurable devotion she is showing to her sport. She has embraced the experiences and the knowledge of her previous trainers, her current trainer, and the clinicians she has felt privileged to ride under. She has independently sought and applied for grants to assist with the cost of advancing her riding. This year she was persistent in applying for the Dressage Federation’s Young Riders Olympic Dream Program and was selected for a trip of a lifetime to Europe to see the European Young Riders Championships. She has always spoken kindly and supportively of her peers.

Life in the saddle does not end with Young Riders for Kate. She has set new goals for the coming year. She wants to make Leclusive more confident and accurate at Prix St. Georges and to teach him new skills. She will take Fendi to new levels at Intermediate I and II and cement their partnership, ready for Grand Prix.

Kate, your venture as a Young Rider is almost complete. I toast your success! You often quote others saying that “to ride dressage truly will take a lifetime” and that “there is always something to learn and know in this sport.” With your love, devotion, and passion for dressage, I know that this venture will never be terminated, and that your successes will be many and favorable!

I Love You,
Mom