FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES SEPTEMBER 2014 31
driving career with her.
4.
How did you choose single horse over pairs or four-in-
hand?
A single is an easy way to start in the sport. The financial
responsibility to compete a pair or four-in-hand at the upper levels
correctly is a huge undertaking, one that I’m not capable of doing
on my own. I can, however, do this with a single. I’d love to compete
a pair at some point with world championship aspirations.
5.
How did you and Peace Of Mind become a team and what
are your goals for her?
I purchased Peace Of Mind, aka Hunny, as a 3-year-old as my
advanced prospect to break into the horse division (I was mostly
competing in the pony classes). She was green broke to drive
at the time. I broke her to ride soon after purchasing her. I took
it slow with her and brought her up the levels as she was ready.
She was bred by a small Morgan breeder based in Elmira, New
York. Debbie Keiffer, of Parlor View Farm, showed her in hand
a few times as a youngster. Hunny is now qualified for the 2014
World Single Horse Championships to be held in Azsak, Hungary,
in September 2014. My goal is to bring home an individual medal
for myself as well as a wonderful showing for the United States
Team and hopefully a team medal for my country.
6.
What makes Hunny such an excellent driving horse
?
Hunny has character that can’t be overlooked. She’s a show off
and loves competing in front of a crowd. Her movement is elegant,
powerful and elastic. Her temperament is very workmanlike in
harness; she’s always giving 110 percent in her training. She’s
brave, honest and intelligent.
7.
How do you hope to make an impact on the future of the
sport?
I hope to continue to give instruction and guidance to newcomers
Suzy Stafford and Peace of Mind
to the sport as well as drivers with upper-level aspirations. I’d also
like to be an outlet for developing talented driving horses for future
teams.
8.
Give us a few words that describe you?
Hardworking, patient and fun loving.
9.
What is your favorite food?
Unfortunately, I love all foods. I love to cook and make a yummy
signature sweet potato ravioli.
10.
What’s something people don’t know about you?
Well, I’m a horrible singer. I do my best singing in the shower
because you can’t hear me!
For more information on Suzy, visit
.
com.
