FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES JANUARY 2014 77
Savannah’s horsemanship skills and devotion to the sport
haven’t gone unnoticed. In July 2013, she was one of 10 riders
nationwide named to the Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes program.
The program, a partnership between the United States Eventing
Association (USEA) and United States Equestrian Federation
(USEF) cultivates riders for future high performance teams.
“This [honor] is really important,” Savannah said, “it means that
you were recognized as having potential.”
Riders are named to the list based on talent, competitiveness,
commitment, potential and eagerness to learn. The program,
overseen by U.S. Team Coach David O’Conner, provides
mentoring and training to the young riders, encouraging them to
continue with the sport.
“I hope to get to the next step, the Under 25 and then get into
the pipeline for the Olympics,” she said.
A Lifelong Quest
An early introduction to horses was influential in helping
Savannah develop a love for horses.
“At two weeks old, we bought
her first pony,” her mother Karen joked. “I had always wanted a
pony so it was really more for me than for her.”
Even though she was unable to ride the pony because she was
too young, she did spend most of her time at the barn bundled up
in the stroller while her mom taught riding lessons. It was during
this time that she earned her nickname “Woodge” – a name that
has stuck and become the name by which most everyone knows
and addresses her.
“I was born in December and there was quite a lot of snow. I’d
be all bundled up in the stroller and my mom said I looked like a
woodge,” she explained. “When people ask me what a woodge
Woodge was one of 10 riders nationwide named to the Eventing
18/Advancing Athletes program in July.
Photo by Brant Gamma Photography
Continued on page 78
