Pony of the Americas Club, Inc.

June 2008

POA's Become A Become A Big Part of My Life

POA’S have become a big part of my life over the past six years.  I started my POA career with a little white pony named Muchos Hot Tip (Tippy).  We bought Tippy from the McKenzie family when I was eleven.  With the help and guidance of Megan Vanderslice, Tippy and I became a great team.  My last year in 9-12 we ended up second in the nation and won the 9-12 equitation traveling trophy.  Tippy is now semi-retired and loves being pampered and loved by everyone at the barn.  My next POA was Little High Stylin (Louis). Louis started me out in my first year of 13-18 age group.  He is absolutely the smoothest horse I have ever ridden.  He is now being offered for sell because I just don’t have the time to work with him.  Then came along TX’s Dinas Real Miracle (SKYY).  What to say about this mare!  We bought Skky at the 2005 Turkey Circuit from the Chernega Family.  I must say that she has been a challenge.  When I first started riding Skyy I was terrified…she has a mind of her own and quite a temper!!  Slowly we have clicked over the years and we have become a great team.  Not sure what our lives would be like with out (BIG GIRL) as she is so lovingly called.  Thank-you Jackie for having faith in my ability to show and care for your beloved Skyy.  Then came Pal Lance (Jaxon).   We purchased Jaxon from the Buchoz Family in Texas.  I fell in love with Jaxon immediately.  He has the biggest heart of any horse I have ever owned.  The first year Jaxon quickly mastered Jumping, Showmanship and Games, all of which he had very little experience before we bought him.  He has lead me to more highpoints than I ever could have imagined.  I couldn’t ask for a better horse or friend.  While watching one of the JPFC classes last year at International I saw a little sorrel mare, which caught my eye.  She was very green but a great mover.  I am presently leasing All Of A Sudden (Maggie) from Bonnie Lewis.  Maggie is the sweetest and fastest learner.  As a team we recently won the Jr. Hunter Under Saddle class at Fort Worth Stock Show.  Thank-you Bonnie for giving me the opportunity to ride Maggie…I have big hopes for her this year.  There are so many people to thank.  First my Parents.  Dad…or (Papa Schoppa, Mr. Doug)…thank you for hauling me all over the country and financially supporting   my very expensive hobby. You have made a little girls dreams come true.  Mom…Thank you for always being there for me, I appreciate your support and always making sure I have my lip-gloss on!!!!  And thanks to my brothers Lane and Alex I love you so much.  I would also like to thank Tom and Kenny and everyone at Rocky Lane Farms for making sure we always felt welcome.  You all are like extended family members.  Last but not least, I would like to thank everyone at MVP Show Horses….Verplanks, Cherry’s, Panchal’s, Klimers, and Stanleys.  I am so proud of all the girls and know you will have a great riding career.  Mike Vanderslice, thank-you for lending Megan to us for all these years and helping her take care of the barn.  Jerry and Leslie and BR Rothlein thank you for all your help and encouragement.  Megan, you are the best trainer and friend.  Thank you for believing in me and doing everything in your power to make sure we got to every show even if it meant pulling the trailer yourself and out-running tornados in Illinois.  You have taught me so much about riding and horses in general.  Good Luck to everyone this year at International…I look forward to seeing all my horse show friends and families in July………Parris Schoppa