From a Pony to Conrad Schumacher's
from the Region 2 Newsletter
The learning process began at the age of three, when Laura Hamler recieved her first pony. From that day, she was surrounded by dressage.
Laura's mother, Lynn Hamler, has operated her own dressage barn in Frederickstown, OH (Hobby Horse Hill), since 1982. Lynn recieved her Riding Masters Degree in 1976 and then began insructing, training, and judging. While grooming for her mother in Region 2 and Florida, Laura developed a sharp eye and watched as her mother won her silver medal with USDF and earned three scores for her gold medal.
At the age of 17, Laura managed the business for a month while Lynn traveled to Australia as a paid official (one of ten judges chosen from the U.S.) to judge the eventing at the 2000 Olympics. Several years later, Laura managed the 30-horse farm while Lynn flew to Europe to select horses for clients. It seemed only natural that Laura would evolve from lead-line to 4-H, pony club, schooling shows, recognized shows, and finally to the USDF Young Rider program.
Being a part of the USDF Young Rider program presented a wonderful opportunity to train with one of the best in the world, Conrad Schumacher. This man has an almost magical way of transforming the almost correct horse into the absolute correct horse. At the same time, allowing for the horse to develop a relaxed understanding, the rider then zeroes in on feel. Through the Young Rider program, Laura was fortunate to ride with Conrad on four occasions when he was in the U.S. After working with Laura in the clinics and discussing much theory over dinner, Conrad decided Laura and her horse Kuer's Light (bred by Rick Maioriello) could come to Germany and train for two years.
How exciting and yet scary for a 21-year-old who had never left home, to travel to a foreign country and not even know the language. (Although they do speak English on Conrad's farm.)
Faith, determination, and many friends make it possible. The Ohio Dressage Society has an annual youth scholarship of $1,000 - this amount was granted to Laura in 2004. They also helped with a fundraiser that produced $3,500. When Laura returns homne for a visit, she is giving a free clinic to the club members to share what Conrad has been teaching her.
Several businesses helped sponsor Laura:
The Ansur saddle company sold Laura a saddle at cost.
Equessentials donated four pairs of full-seat breeches.
Many church and family members donated money, and by the time July 2004 arrived, she had enough to transport her horse and study at Conrad's for one full year!
Laura searched USDF, USEF, and The Dressage Foundation looking for some financial help. Unfortunately, no funds exist to help a young rider train in Europe. Maybe that could change in the future. So for now, Laura is trusting on everyone's generosity that there will be enough money gathered to allow her to stay for the second year.
Laura is learning so much. Conrad is giving her six lessons a week. When Conrad travels, Ellen Bontje instructs Laura. (Ellen won an individual silver medal at the 2000 Olympics.) Laura is currently schooling Grand Prix on her horse and also one of Conrad's horses. Conrad says, "Laura has a wonderful gift of feel, which very few riders have obtained." If all goes well, she plans on showing in the spring.
Between cleaning stalls and tack, helping at competitions, and riding in lessons, there is very little time to be homesick.
Remember that the youth are the future of our sport. Challenge your GMO to start a youth scholarship and support your junior and young riders! Anyone wishing to help Laura can send a donation or card of encouragement to: Ohio Dressage Society (c/o Kathy Painter, President), 675 Preston Trails Drive, Pickering OH 43149.
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Questions, comments, concerns, donations? Contact Lauren, the webdiva.
