52 SIDELINES JANUARY 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
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On Course with Schaefer Raposa
By Jan Westmark-Allan
Successful junior rider Schaefer Raposa is a star in the
show ring and the talented equestrian has learned the
horse business from the best possible source – her family.
Schaefer is the daughter of equestrians David and Kara
Raposa and the 17 year old has followed in her parent’s
footsteps by riding into the winner’s circle over and over
again, recently winning the 2011 Pessoa/USEF Hunter
Seat Equitation Medal Final.
“Growing up in a horse family has changed my life. My
parents are both hard working professionals and I greatly
respect them for it. Having a family business and living
on a farm has taught me many things,” Schaefer said,
adding that her family has farms in Clinton, New York and in
Wellington, Florida. “I am aware of the amount of hard work
professionals put into their business each day. At times
the business can be very stressful and I understand what
it takes to makes sales and make a living. The way I was
brought up has allowed me to appreciate the dedication it
takes to thrive in the horse business. Coming from a horse
family has helped make me the person I am today.”
While Schaefer’s pony career is behind her, most of it was
made up of catch riding. She did have her own pony, named
Longacre Jack B Nimble, and in 2004 Schaefer and Jack
B Nimble won the Medium Pony Championship at Devon.
“That was one of my most memorable accomplishments.
We still have my rounds on video and my ribbons and
pictures are framed in our living room. Longacre Jack B
Nimble was my favorite pony. He was something. He
taught me how to be a team. He wasn’t always the easiest,
but he was a great pony.”
Sidelines:
Who in your family is involved in the horse world?
SR:
My dad has been riding horses his entire life. My
grandparents on my dad’s side are also involved with horses. My
mom, on the other hand, is the only one in her family to choose
the horse world. Her parents bought her a pony and she trained
it to do all kinds of tricks and also gave pony rides to her friends
in the neighborhood. Once my parents started with horses, they
stuck with it. My parents have taught me everything I know about
horses. My dad’s mom is a horse trainer and teaches in a college
riding program. My dad’s dad is involved with racehorses and
trains in Rochester. I have a cousin who I am very close with and
she rides, too. She is now in college and is on the riding team.
Sidelines:
What are some of your career highlights?
SR:
During my pony career, being champion in the small ponies at
Pony Finals was a highlight. I was also champion at Washington
in the large pony division and I was leading WCHR rider for two
years. Some highlights of my junior career would be ribbons in
the low, medium and high junior jumpers including being third in
the High Junior Jumper Classic at Lake Placid this year. I was frst
in the USET at Devon in 2009 and also won the Wolffer Estate
Hampton Classic in 2009. In the George Morris Equitation Class
at WEF I have placed 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th over the last four
years. In 2010, I placed seventh in the Maclay Finals and in 2011
I placed third in the USET Finals and I won the Medal in 2011.
Sidelines:
You train with Andre Dignelli and Patricia Griffth, how
long have you ridden with Heritage Farm?
SR:
I started riding with Heritage when I was about eight years
old. Patricia Griffth started me out in the ponies and has continued
to help me every step of the way. Her words of encouragement
Schaefer and Asten compete at the National Horseshow in
Syracuse
Photo by Alex James
Schaefer and Mimosa at the Palm Beach International
Equestrian Center
Photo by Mancini Photos