30 SIDELINES SEPTEMBER 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
I
n 2005, Suzy Stafford stepped into the world spotlight at
the World Pony Driving Championships in England as the
youngest and first American driver to win individual gold in
an international driving competition. Since then she has collected
countless World and National titles
with a variety of horses and ponies.
Suzy began working with seven-
time United States National Pair
Combined Driving Champion Lisa
Singer in 2001 and took every
opportunity to work with many
different breeds in both pleasure
showing and combined driving. Suzy
soon became Lisa’s assistant trainer
and honed her skills to become the
sought-after trainer, instructor and
clinician she is today.
Suzy is dedicated to her sport
and loves representing her country.
Sidelines
caught up with Suzy while
she was flying to teach a clinic in
Missouri — to find out more about
the talented driver, including what
she likes to cook and why she won’t
be singing for her supper!
1.
How did you get started in
driving?
Formerly an eventer, I had a
riding injury that kept me out of
the saddle at the upper levels
competitively. I found combined
driving supplemented my need for competitive goals, my interest
in training and the thrill and adrenalin that eventing had given me.
I started in a career as a youth and adult riding instructor focusing
on Pony Club involvement and the sports of dressage, eventing
and show jumping, but driving
ended up as my passion.
2.
What aspect of competitive
driving hooked you and what are
your future goals as a driver?
The well roundedness of
combined driving and the similarity
of it to my first love I found in
eventing. You have the precision
in the dressage and cones and the
sheer excitement on the marathon
course. The combination is
challenging on so many levels. My
plan is to continue to compete at
the FEI level for the United States
and develop young driving horses
for future drivers.
3.
Who has been a mentor or
inspiration to you?
There are many people who have
inspired me throughout my career.
To name them all would be a novel.
My mother, Linda, has inspired me
to fulfill my dream and follow my
“calling” in life. Lisa Singer was
a huge influence as I started my
Suzy and Peace of Mind at the Southern Pines Combined
Driving Event
All photos by Pics Of You,
Suzy Stafford:
Driven to
Be the Best
e
Sidelines Top Ten
Suzy is all smiles during the awards
presentation at Southern Pines CDE.
