The DNB Youth Mentorship Program is currently happening in sunny Wellington. Chef D’Equipe, Tiffany Dalton shares Maggie, Martha, Alyssa and Sydney’s experiences from yesterday:
“Yesterday we had the opportunity to visit Chris Von Martles’ barn where we got to meet Zilverstar, Chris’ team silver and individual bronze medalist mount at the 2015 Pan Am games, as well as his current Grand Prix mount Divertimento. The girls were able watch Chris school one of his horses, and they listened intently as he explained exercises to introduce piaffe and passage, as well as training the pirouette. Next, Lisa Von Martles took the girls on a tour of the farm, where they learned about the aqua spa, feeding programs, farm equipment and even got to clean a couple of double bridles.
After visiting the Von Martels’ farm, we were off to Ashley Holzer’s barn. Brittany Fraser introduced us to all of the horses and gave a tour of the facility. Afterwards, Ashley surprised the girls with the amazing opportunity to each try piaffe and passage on the famous Pop Art. Pop Art, also known as Poppy, was Ashley’s Olympic mount whom she rode to an individual 14th place finish in the freestyle at the 2008 Olympics, among other world championship titles. The girls were thrilled to have been given such an amazing opportunity.
The afternoon allowed the girls some spare time to tour around the WEF village and show grounds where they switched gears and watched some of the jumper rounds.
Overall it was a great day; the highlights were having the opportunity to ride the famous Pop Art, as well as being able to watch and learn from Chris, who is such a talented rider. The girls are learning a ton! ”
Thanks again for sharing, Tiffany! We absolutely love hearing about the amazing experiences being had by all!
The girls and Chris Von Martels’ Pan Am mount Zilverstar
Sydney cleaning a double bridle at the Von Martels’
Maggie trying out some Piaffe on Pop Art
Sydney thanking Pop Art for the ride
Alyssa trying out Piaffe
The girls at WEF village and show grounds
The girls and Pop Art, aka Poppy