16 SIDELINES DECEMBER 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Katie Shoultz
Reese Koffer-Stanfeld is a United States Dressage Federation
Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist who has risen through the ranks
and established herself as a premier rider, trainer and coach in the
industry. With a bachelor’s in Agricultural Economics and master’s
in International Commerce, Reese’s business savvy is displayed
in the daily happenings of her own operation, Maplecrest Farm,
based in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Reese’s success in the show world includes her “career
highlight” on her horse Kasper. “He was a ride of a lifetime! I
hope I have that experience again; but I know he was something
special. We were fourth at the National Grand Prix Championships
at Gladstone in 2009. It was simply incredible to be able to do so
well and compete on that level; I know what that feels like now.”
Earliest memories of time spent in the saddle?
I think ‘pony’ was one of my very frst words. My mom owned
horses and was very involved in the hunter/jumper industry. I was
probably four or fve, and I desperately wanted to ride. She told
me I could ride if I paid attention to her, so I was a very attentive
pupil!
What activities do you enjoy outside of the horse world?
I am the new co-host of the Dressage Radio Show on Horse
Radio Network. I guess that’s still horse-related, but it’s fun
and different! I am also involved in the Kentucky Agricultural
Leadership Program, where we work on agricultural policy and
trade. And then I have a husband whom I dearly love. My dad,
very early on, said boys like football and sports, so I should pay
attention! My husband and I like to watch football and we’re very
devout University of Kentucky basketball fans. I also really like to
cook.
Any superstitions or competition rituals?
I get really nervous with a lot of activity so, for an hour or so
before my ride, I don’t like a lot of activity around me. I try to stay
focused and collected with just a few people around. As I’m getting
ready, I always take a minute and put medals on my jacket.
Any “most embarrassing moment” with a horse?
Daily (with a laugh). I think that’s one of the good things about
horses; they’re very humbling. I had a horse get loose at the Horse
Park once. I also have one that has the worst neighs; I’m like the
mother with the kid screaming in public.
What has most infuenced your method of training?
I think my time in Germany. That’s where I really learned to
understand the scale of training, and why it works the way it
works. I went two different times, frst when I was 18 and then
at 22. I loved it. I learned that there is a systematic way to train
whereas before I really honestly didn’t know.
What excites you most about the future of dressage?
It is the kids and what is happening on the youth development
front. I can look back at my own career to see that there is so
much more offered for younger kids now. Sometimes I used to be
the only junior competing. Now, as I have observed the emerging
athletes program grow, the pony division, it’s really exciting. I had
a blast at NAJYRC this year when I was coaching a competitor –
to see the quality of horses and training is very encouraging.
What advice would you give to young riders?
This industry is very hard to break into. Unfortunately, if you
work hard in the wrong places, it doesn’t help you, so I try to be a
role model. My favorite age group is college and I am involved with
several college advisory boards. I think there are two absolutes.
First, ride on horses that you can learn on and realize that on
occasion you have to be creative about how you get the rides.
Second, every single day show up on time to work hard.
About the writer: Katie Shoultz is a freelance writer and photographer residing in
Lexington, Kentucky.
Kentucky Girl Does It All
Reese Koffer-Stanfeld
Photo by Mary Phelps
e
Dressage