Page 115 - 2302_full

FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2011 113

successful winter season. “Hopefully in the future I can qualify for the Young Rider World Cup in Frankfurt. I also have a goal to take Watson to Europe and show Young Riders over there at some of the big shows so I can get more international experience.”

Proving that youth isn’t wasted on the young, Isabelle said that while her life is devoted to dressage, she also likes to jump. “When I was in Germany, I jumped my ponies at least two times a week and it was so much fun. Going West and I jumped a 3’6” oxer one day, which was amazing considering he hadn’t jumped in such a long time, but he was a natural.” Isabelle said riding western and reining could also be in her future, which considering the success she has already had – and her determination – doesn’t seem outside the realm of possibility. “My family and I went on vacation to a ranch in Montana and I got to ride western which was so much fun,” Isabelle says. “I also saw some reining at the World Equestrian Games last year and it just looks awesome. I would love to try it one day!”

Isabelle and Depardieu at the awards ceremony at the International Youth Festival in Hagen, Germany

Photo by Renee Leibler