46 SIDELINES JANUARY 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
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By Jan Westmark-Allan
Twelve year old rider Jada Puleo rode away with the
Marshall and Sterling National Finals Junior Pony Rider
of the Year title in 2011 on her pony Artwork, defnitely
a career highlight for the young rider who accepted her
award at HITS-On-The-Hudson in Saugerties. Jada, who
lives in Odessa, Florida, said Artwork is her favorite pony
of all time. “I love her because she is patient and helpful.”
Jada’s riding career began when her dad introduced her
to the sport. “My grandparents owned race horses but no
one in our family ever rode. My dad wanted me to ride and
put me on a pony when I was two years old. He also took
me around to different barns and showed me all the ponies
and when I was fve I started taking lessons,” she said.
Jada had a life changing experience when her dad and
grandfather took her to a HITS show in Ocala. “I was only
seven years old but I knew after seeing the show that I
wanted to start working hard to be able to compete in A
shows. I love that my Dad got me into riding and competing
and I hope to stay in this sport for a long time.”
Sidelines:
What do you like about training with Richard
Mathews at RLM Equestrian?
JP:
I have learned so much from Richard and RLM in the
last year. Richard has taken me to a different level from
where I was. He is strict, serious and focused when he
is training me but at the same time he makes it enjoyable
and I look forward to my lessons with him each week. He
builds my confdence up and confdence is part of what you
need be a good rider. Jessica Cross is also part of RLM
Equestrian and she spends a lot of time working with my
pony and helping me out in so many ways.
Sidelines:
What division do you show Artwork in?
JP:
We are just fnishing the children’s ponies and now I
A Few Minutes with Jada Puleo
am moving up to the large pony division.
Sidelines:
What are your career highlights?
JP:
Defnitely winning the Marshall and Sterling Finals 2011 Junior
Pony Rider of the Year. Also being Reserve Champion HITS
Working Hunter Non Pro, Reserve Champion Children’s Working
Hunter Pony-Large, Reserve Champion Children’s Medal Finals
Large Pony and 1st in the $1,000 Children’s Working Hunter Pony
Large Stakes. At HITS in Ocala during 2011, I was Champion
of Hunter week 4, Champion of the Post Time Children’s Hunter
week 3, Champion of the 11 and under Equitation week 3, Reserve
Champion HITS Hunter week 3, 5th overall End of the Year HITS
Hunter and Reserve Circuit Champion 11 and under Equitation.
Sidelines:
What are your goals for the winter show season?
JP:
I hope to make a successful switch into the large pony division
at WEF and also at HITS in Ocala this year. I would also like to
qualify my pony for Pony Finals.
Sidelines:
What do you like best about being a horse kid?
JP:
Being a horse kid sets you apart from your non-horse
kid friends. You have a different kind of friendship with your
horse friends. You share a love and passion for riding and
competing that your other friends just don’t understand.
Even though you compete against your
friends sometimes, you still support
each other.
Sidelines:
What are your
hobbies besides riding?
JP:
I run track, wakeboard and
tube on my lake. I am also
learning to play the guitar and
I participate in the Performing
Arts. I also enjoy playing with
my cat Sanibel.
Sidelines:
Who are your
equestrian idols?
JP:
My idols are Beezie Madden
and McLain Ward.
Jada and her trainers at RLM Equestrian
Photo by Sheetal Patel
Jada will be showing large ponies this season
Photo by BLively Images
Jada and Artwork competing
Photo by ESI Photography