54 SIDELINES AUGUST 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Susan and Moneypenny, owned by Katy Peterson, at the 2010 Alltech FEI
World Equestrian Games Selection Trials for the USA Para-Dressage Team.
Susan qualified for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, competed, and
earned a 10th place individual finish.
Susan with Kamiakin, her prospective mount for the 2014 World
Equestrian Games in Normandy.
Photo Courtesy of Susan Treabess
the class asked the judge, “What did you think about the para
rider?” The judge had no idea there was a para-dressage rider in
the class. Not all para-equestrians can do that, but someone at
my grade (a grade IV, meaning low disability) should be able to do
that IF they want to be competitive internationally. Besides that,
I make a living training horses and riders, so my credibility is on
the line. Do I have physical battles on a daily basis, aches, pains,
numbness, doctor visits, etc., and do I sometimes have to figure
something out that would be easier with two hands? Sure, but I
don’t let it be the focus of my attention.
Has anything unusual ever happened because of your
prosthesis?
One time we were at a horseshow and my hook broke. I was
either going to have to scratch or tie the reins to the end of my
arm. I tied the reins to my arm. I got one of the highest scores I’ve
ever received from an “I” level judge, and it was a darn good test.
How did it feel to represent the USA at the 2010 Alltech FEI
World Equestrian Games?
That is a hard feeling to describe. When you work so hard,
fall down so many times on your journey to achieving it, and
then actually succeed it is surreal. For me it was an out-of-body
experience. I think if I represent the United States again, it will be
different and I will feel more present and in the moment because I
know what is coming and what it takes to get there.
Where are you now with training and horses?
I have a really fantastic eight-year-old PRE stallion named
Kamiakin (Kam) that I am currently showing Third Level in the
open division and schooling Prix St. George at home. He has
been with us for almost two years and my assistant trainer rode
him while I was pregnant last year. I think he is going to make a
super FEI horse and he is a blast to ride. He is also about the
best match of a horse I have ever had so it has
been fun developing him and advancing my own
riding at the same time. I am hoping to compete
in the FEI Developing Horse division next year in
addition to trying for the US Para-Dressage Team
headed to the 2014 World Equestrian Games in
Normandy. This year is about getting back in the
ring and forming a competitive partnership.
How do you balance riding, training and
family?
I work on it every single day. This business is hard
because you have to be passionate about it if you
want to succeed and you have to be devoted. We
have 10 horses in full training and about 65 on the
property boarded by our clients, many who are also
in training. We have everything from weanlings to
30 year-old horses. We are a full-circle operation,
which we love, but it is tricky to find personal time
sometimes. I have three different personas: the
mom; the trainer/coach; and the competitor. So
I compartmentalize quite a bit. When I’m training
and coaching I’m 100% focused on that. When
I’m competing I’m in my bubble. When it is family
time, I’m starting to be protective and stick to my
guns about that being my personal time with Scott
(Susan’s husband) and Logan.
Who would you say is your hero?
I admire a lot of people and I have had some
amazing mentors both in the horse world and when I
worked in politics, but I have to say that my husband
is the person I turn to for everything. He’s my rock and I look up
to him. He is very wise and caring and has helped me become a
better person.
What are your future goals?
I would like to bring Kam to Grand Prix. It would be my first
horse to train through all the levels and I can’t think of anything
more rewarding.
All photos by Lindsay McCall, unless noted
