"Money is like manure; it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around encouraging young things to grow" - Thornton Wilder. My connection with my horse, Devon, is indeed a young thing that is growing everyday. With the generosity of the Hillside Equestrian Center, I now have the great opportunity of developing this relationship in a fresh direction through professional instruction. I am sincerely appreciative for being chosen as the recipient of the 2007 grant.

As a student in my third year at Bucknell University, it is difficult for me to afford a horse, let alone pursue certified coaching. Most of my work with Devon has been on my own. We have succeeded in Training Level and are actively working on the challenges that First Level presents. Although, I consider myself an intuitive rider, books and observations alone do not offer the awareness of subtleties that the trained eye of a judge can so easily identify. For this reason, I am ardently looking foreward to working with Patti Thompson while I am home from school this winter.

Again, I wish to extend my gratitude for this opportunity. Thank you for "the manure" to grow!

Regards,
Stephanie Rozolis & Devon