"All horses deserve, at least one in their lives, to be loved by a girl." - Author Unknown
A girl and her pony, there are few things more American than this. While wild horses did once roam North America millions of years ago, they had become extinct on the continent long before the arrival of humans. Horses were reintroduced in the 16th century by the Spanish. Over time horses spread throughout the country becoming an integral part of American life. From tribal cultures to the Pony Express to the Wild West, horses shaped our history. There are now an estimated 6.5 million horses in the United States, fueling America's love for all things equine.
While visions of cowboys riding into the mountains and rodeos of barrel racing and roping calves may came to mind, there is also English saddle riding comprised of hunter-jumper and dressage that captures the heart of many young girls.
I still remember my daughter's eyes light up on a trip we took to North Carolina. When we went for a trail ride, she could not go because the minimum age was 5, she was 4. Leaving the barn she remarked, "Next year I can go." And next year she did, in fact it was all she talked about when she found out we were going to North Carolina again. Our guide hopped her tiny frame upon that large animal and it was the most natural pairing. After that her life with horses began.
"I loved riding from the first time I ever got on a horse. After that lessons became a part of my life and going to horse camps like Pine Ridge," says equestrian Marybella Bailey. She began taking hunter-jumper lessons at River Pine down South Parkway. After that she began taking dressage lessons at River Rock barn near the Madison/Limestone county line. After the pandemic she was introduced to trainer Jane Barr Olsen through a family friend, Jeanne Allen. Olsen trained and crafted Bailey's style and helped her show not only in local shows, but shows throughout the Southeast.
Olsen's story has a bit of Huntsville history in itself. "I was introduced to horses through my great-uncle Donald Watson, a trainer for the Rothchild family in Gloucester England who visited us in Huntsville. He took me to tour local stables and find an instructor. He arranged lessons with a lovely tall blonde girl, Margrit Von Braun, who rode saddle seat. When I got home, I told my Dad of that I was going to start taking lessons, and he was surprised to learn that my instructor was his boss's daughter. I trained with Margrit for approximately a year before moving to Mrs. Hills' Huntsville Equitation School." Olsen was then introduced to the hunter-jumper world through Sherri and Frank Requet and competed throughout high school.
From fox hunting at Mooreland to running a string of race horses in Kentucky to training students for hunter-jumper competitions throughout the country, Olsen's 50 plus years of experience has made her an excellent trainer in this region of Alabama. Olsen's business Oak Crest Farm now works with Dogwood Farm in Gurley, Alabama.
As any horse mom knows, the barn is a second home. You can find Bailey almost every day not just riding, but going to the barn to take care of horse Macey. The endless tasks and care of her horse are top of mind. And it is a normal occurrence for her to wake up at 5am to go to the barn.
"The connection between my horse and me is one of the most rewarding things in my life," says Bailey. "The training never stops. Being the best rider I can be means getting Macey to understand through movements, gestures, and techniques what we have to do to compete well."
The athleticism required as an equestrian is unlike any other sport. You not only have to be an excellent athlete, but you also have to train a very large animal to be the best athlete it can be. "Horses sense everything," asserts Bailey. "If you are stressed or nervous they will sense that, so you also have to regulate your emotions."
"When I get in that saddle it is like the world melts away," says Bailey. "This is my time with my horse to concentrate only on riding, to get into rhythm and to focus."
On Macey's stall you will find the door covered in ribbons of all colors from shows throughout the Southeast. Local shows are a must because it provides such great practice and fine tunes skills to compete at bigger shows. Just an hour and half north you will find Brownland Farm in Franklin, Tennessee. Brownland hosts shows throughout the spring, summer and fall, from A rated shows to No Frills shows. This past winter Bailey competed at Gulfport's Winter Classic and will be traveling to Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina during summer, with plans of the World Equestrian Center in Ocala and Wellington this winter. A recent trip to Exel in Memphis brought with it several blue ribbons.
"Competing is hard and it is going to throw you curve balls, but when you reach your goals and perform well it is going to feel very rewarding," remarks Bailey.
Bailey hopes to continue riding during college and afterwards work with horses and have her own barn one day.
"Hard work pays off and the lessons I have learned are endless," states Bailey. "The responsibility a horse teaches you shapes your character in ways you never imagined."
If you are interested in learning to ride there are several barns in the area that specialize in different styles. Dogwood Farm where Olsen trains is located in Gurley, 25 minutes south of Huntsville and you can reach Olsen at 901.491.5075.
The connection between my horse and me is one of the most rewarding things in my life. When I get in that saddle it is like the world melts away. This is my time with my horse to concentrate only on riding, to get into rhythm and to focus.