06/01/2022
Cedar Bay Stables is proud to announce the first recipient of our Youth Bursary, Sydney Southwell.
Sydney has been leasing Cookie, a Cedar Bay horse, over the course of the last year. She is a dedicated member of our stable cooperative, and will be attending her very first horsemanship clinic this weekend in Dryden.
We asked Sydney to write a brief essay about what the horses and Cedar Bay mean to her. This is what she has to say:
"My interest in horses began when I was three years old. I remember watching my older sister Lindsey riding horses when she was around 10 to 12 years old. My parents took us to most Cedar Bay events such as Winter Sleigh rides, Pony rides, BlueBerry Festival sleigh rides and then we would also go to Cedar Bay and walk the trails and then go see the horses. I can remember being afraid of the horses and didn’t want to get too close. If it snorted or made any kind of noise, I would be scared of it. Since then, I have become more passionate about horses and love to be with them.
Cedar Bay is important to me because if there weren't any horses, I would not have had any chance to experience horsemanship. It has been healthy for me to get out everyday to make my body move and clear my mind. It has helped me learn to focus. Things I love about horses are their personality and the stress relief they offer. When they are in new spaces or have to be introduced to new horses, it is fun to watch them figure out each other. Sometimes, when I’m done with my chores I like to have one on one time with Cookie, the horse I lease through Cedar Bay. Being able to lease a horse has allowed me to learn more about horses and after having lessons, I am able to do free riding and practise what I have learnt.
Cedar Bay Volunteers and borders have taught me so much on what I need to do to care for the horses, their paddocks and the barn area. The people that have given me time and shared their information, knowledge and passion for horses are Mike, Destiny, Myriam, Johanna, Anina, Sam and Melanie.
Mike was the first person I talked to about my interest in horses. He offered to give me ground work lessons any time. He taught me how to control horses on the ground, with moving and pivoting the horse. He answers all the questions I have. If he sees me getting confused with something, he shows me techniques that work for him. He told me that before having horse time, my chores have to be done around the barn and paddock.
Destiny has been my coach and has given me lessons to teach me how to control a horse while riding. Also how to act around horses, how to take care of horses - grooming, tacking up and riding. She taught me the feeding schedules including making sure the right horse gets the right feed, and supplements that certain horses need. She told me what the chore board meant. She explains why she does things when she works with her own horse and when I have questions.
Myriam has taught me that upkeep of fences and gates is very important. She has asked me to help her out with the repairs when she needs an extra hand. She also gives me pointers and tips when it comes to ground work.
Johanna, Anina, Sam and Melanie have been there and allow me to ride when all the chores have been done.
I have learned that it's hard work to have a horse and if you have a horse it becomes a full time responsibility. I have seen and learned that horses adjust to your schedule. I have learned that working as a team gets things done and that there are a lot of people that do things to keep the horses safe.
On September 18, 2021 I went to a Fun Day in Dryden with my coach. That day was a learning experience and I saw what they do at these events. My favourite event was the pole bending and I can’t wait to do it again.
The reason why I think I deserve a bursary to the Cain Quan Horsemanship Clinic is that I put all my energy into taking care of Cookie and the horses at Cedar Bay. I respect the rules that Cedar Bay has for leasers and volunteers. I work really hard trying to keep the paddock clean and stocked with hay and water. I point out things I think are concerning, I volunteer on the chore board for morning and/or night shifts. If something comes up and I can’t get there, I always make sure I ask someone to switch chore days. I always help on work party days and every day that I can, I go to the barn knowing I have to work first before rides or fun. I am very grateful that Cedar Bay has offered this money for the clinic and I fully look forward to learning as much as I can at the Cain Quan Horsemanship Clinic"
Thank you Sydney for your continued dedication, we are very happy to be able to support your horsemanship journey!
