FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES MARCH 2012 29
him to Andre for a lesson here and there to make sure they are
current. At some point, there might be a trip to Devon Horse
Show. Judy thinks that Devon is in a class by itself when it comes
to equitation. “Devon has a tradition of taking all the equitation
riders that enter,” states Judy. “They do not have to qualify for
Devon. For me as a trainer from the 60s through the 90s to take
kids and parents to Devon was a wonderful learning experience.
They watch all the other kids and they see the level of riding. It
makes the working students work harder and everyone tries to
ride better, because with one ring they can see the other people
riding. Devon also makes people, who can afford to, want to ride
better horses.”
Parental involvement is high on Judy’s list of priorities. She
thinks that parents should drive or accompany their children to
riding lessons, to be there for the good and the bad. One of the
most important elements in Judy’s long career has been sharing
the show world with Philip. “I really look forward to it when Philip
shows,” says Judy. “He doesn’t do it very often; but when he
does, it’s a major highlight. It is so much fun for me, because he’s
still so keen.” Apples, after all, don’t fall far from the tree.