I have loved working with this pair a few times a week all Summer. Finley and I have built a Language together along with Mystic. I’m so please to be able to help her realize that position is everything and less is more!
Teaching such a motivated child rider and talented pony is rewarding- but I always try to keep a balance of education and fun – both Mystic and Finley need to remain and grow in this sport for a long time! Keep your eyes on this pair.
Ruth Hogan-Poulsen
Finley Peterson, age 11, and her teenage German Riding Pony, Mystic Max, is a recent addition to Ruth Hogan-Poulsen’s student roster.
”I have seen Ruth and her students at shows the last few years and admired they way the horses were presented and ridden,” shared Finley’s mom, Patti Kuzmickas. “When we were looking for a trainer for Finley, I felt Ruth would be the best to help her grow and be most harmonious with her pony.”
Both Finley and her mom credit her training relationship with Ruth for recent progress.
A Central Vermont Dressage Association (CVDA) member and regular Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) competitor, Finley and Max recently stepped up to Second Level at the GMHA Fall Show, earning the event’s Junior and Second Level High Point Award.
“Ruth proved to me that the solid basics make everything better. She analyzed everything, every step and part of every movement and has the simplest and clearest ways to make everything better,” stated Finley. “She gets my pony and knows what I need to do to help him hear me and bring out his best.”
Patti agrees that Ruth has made a profound difference in Finley as a rider in a short amount of time.
“Finley is 11 and highly motivated,” observed Patti. “Ruth spoke to her at a perfect level to balance her age and drive and skill set. She has always made us feel like she is on this journey with us.”
An accomplished rider already, we’re all looking forward to watching Finley continue to develop and mature as a rider and part of Team Poulsen.