SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Sidelines Caps
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Monday, October 29 2018 / Published in General

Unbridled with Pam Baker

Pam Baker

By Britney Grover

Pam Baker’s multiple USHJA and WCHR Lifetime Achievement Awards as well as National Show Hunter Hall of Fame inductions are well-earned. She’s dedicated her life to advancing the hunter-jumper sport through her training and volunteering on multiple boards and committees. Her students, ranging from pony riders to junior hunters and adult amateurs, have been Champion and Reserve Champion at every major horse show along the East Coast, including HITS, Palm Beach, Devon, Harrisburg, Upperville and WIHS. With her decades of experience and influence in the horse world, Pam continues to promote good horsemanship as a trainer.

How did your horse career start?

After World War II, the first thing my father did was buy me and my brother a pony. The pony’s name was Jo Jo; he came with a Western saddle and a buggy.

What was your family like?

My father headed the music department in Princess Anne County and we bought a farm in Kentsville. Both of my parents were educators and knew nothing about horses. I was so lucky to have my parents; they instilled a work ethic and a sense of “you can achieve.” My mom was a “pusher” and my dad had a great sense of humor. He could learn to do anything just by reading a book.

How did you found Hillcrest Farm?

Hillcrest Kiddie Ranch was a kindergarten that my mother started. Then, kids wanted something to do during the summer, so we started a summer camp called Hillcrest Dude Ranch. That matriculated into Hillcrest School of Horsemanship by the time I was 20, and we followed the Littauer method. By that time we were up to 40 horses and 300 students. We had the first mounted Girl Scout troop. In the late ’50s–’60s, we bought a bigger farm, going from a 7-acre farm to an almost-100-acre farm. My brother, Jimmy Cantwell, was quite a talent and got us started in the hunter-jumper disciplines. He went from a small pony hunter to an open jumper by the time he was 12. The real turning point for me was when I attended a clinic at Sweet Briar College by Captain Vladimir Littauer — that’s the only reason I am doing what I’m doing today. It provided such insight and inspiration. His message, “If the horse understands and you have a system of communication, you will have a happy horse,” is something that I still preach to this day.

Which of your many successes as a trainer stands out to you the most?

I can’t really say there is any one success that stands out, but when I see a horse-and-rider combination in synch and doing well, that makes my heart sing. I’ve been very fortunate through the years; I’ve had about 100 horses and ponies tricolor at Devon and Indoors from small ponies to the conformation.

What’s your favorite horse experience?

All the riders and horses that have won with me over the years have a special place in my heart. They are all equally significant.

What’s your favorite thing about being part of the horse world?

Definitely the horses. They are such givers. The heart of a horse is good for your soul. I’ve seen this sport be life-changing; it brings out a person’s better self.

If you weren’t a horse person, what career would you have chosen?

No idea what I would do if it wasn’t horses. I’ve been doing this all my life.

If you had a week off, what would you do?

I’d love to go on a riverboat cruise.

Who inspires you?

My students inspire me.

What talents do you feel you have?

Tenacity!

Do you have a personal motto or catch-phrase?

I have a few mantras — “Straightness is next to godliness,” “Follow,” “Always think in the positive,” “Spell Intestinal Fortitude … GUTS,” “Are you gonna be tough or a cream puff?” “Put a tiger in your tank,” and “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Do you have dogs?

I’ve always had dogs, all shapes and sizes, from Great Danes to Chihuahuas. Love them all. My current canine companion is Meme; she came from Danny & Ron’s Rescue and can be found on my golf cart every day.

What would be the best gift in the world?

Peace and happiness

How would you like people to remember you?

I want everyone to realize his or her own potential. I truly feel everyone can do this with the right attitude, work ethic and empathy for the horse.

Photo courtesy of Pam Baker

Double D Trailers Info

Share this page:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
Tagged under: britney grover, hillcrest farm, Pam Baker

What you can read next

Taylor
The Kelpies: Andy Scott’s Breathtaking Labor of Love
Thrive Animal Rescue: From Homeless to Hopeful

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
Jessica West always rode any horse that was availa Jessica West always rode any horse that was available to her throughout her Junior career, so she knew she had an advantage when she decided she wanted to ride on an NCAA team in college. Now a senior at @@auburnu and majoring in psychology, Jessica has enjoyed everything about the equestrian team and is ready to move on to her next adventure. 

Read more about Jessica at the link in our bio!

#ncea #ncaa #equestrian #collegiateequestrian #huntseatequitation #hunterjumper #equestrianlife #collegelife #showjumper #hunterhorse #horseshow #sidelinesmagazine
In the unique and challenging sport of combined dr In the unique and challenging sport of combined driving, Jacob Arnold has proven himself to be a bona fide star. It’s been said that success develops from a recipe based on hard work, perseverance, learning and sacrifice, paired with a love of what one is doing. Since the time he was a boy, Jacob has had the right combination of all of those ingredients, which have culminated in a meteoric rise to stardom.

Beginning his career as a Junior, Jacob earned the coveted @usequestrian Junior Equestrian of the Year award in 2011. Since then, he has taken the combined driving world by storm, competing successfully in four @fei_global World Championships. He also won the USEF Advanced Pair Horse National Championship in 2020 and 2021, among other victories—all before the age of 28, in a sport that has historically been dominated by older drivers. Last September, he placed 12th—the highest of any American driver—at the 2021 FEI Driving World Championship for Pairs in a field of over 100 top-level drivers.

Read more about @jacobarnoldcombineddriving at the link in our bio!

@alex.banks.photography #combineddriving #drivendressage #dressage #driving #carriage #horsedriving #equestrianstyle #equestrianlife #horselover #drivinghorse #carriagehorse #showhorse #sidelinesmagazine
@rolex Testimonee Daniel Deusser has claimed the f @rolex Testimonee Daniel Deusser has claimed the first equestrian Major of 2022, winning the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters. In doing so he also claimed an additional bonus for non-consecutive Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping wins, following his victory at CHIO Aachen last year. The German champion’s outstanding performance riding his trusted partner Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z once again makes him the live contender for the coveted Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Catch up on all the action and watch the free highlights video on the Sidelines Show World blog (link in bio!)

#showjumping #rolex #grandslam #rolexgrandslam #showjumper #dutch #netherlands #dutchwarmbloods #equestrianlife #hunterhorse #hunterjumper #equestrianstyle #showhorses #showjumpersofinstagram #jumpinghorse #grandprixjumer #grandprixhorse #sidelinesmagazine
Dog and Horse friendly 3 bedroom 2 bath on 1.25 ac Dog and Horse friendly 3 bedroom 2 bath on 1.25 acres in Jupiter Farms, Florida.

Jupiter Farms is an equestrian community with a trail system and a sand riding arena at the park. Charming home features vaulted ceilings, custom trim, custom lighting in master bedroom that changes color with a remote. Granite countertops in kitchen and laundry room. New 2022 stackable washer/dryer. Privacy fenced backyard with beautiful tall pines for shade, many palm trees also on property.

Secure fenced  25’ x 25’ pen with wood fencing , for a horse, dogs or a garden.  Wonderful property in desirable Jupiter Farms. 45 minutes to Wellington, 25 minutes to Jupiter Dog Beach. Perfect oasis for dog and horse lovers, close to everything in South Florida. MLS# 10778333, Agents welcome.

$655,000
Contact 561-246-9317
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • FARM HOUSE TACK
    14 Minutes From TIEC 22341 Asheville Hwy Landrum, S.C. 29356 864-457-3557 farmhousetack.com

    [Read more]

  • Tenney's Custom Saddlery
    OUTFITTING BOTH HORSE AND RIDER FOR OVER 27 YEARS! Tenney's Custom Saddlery has an extensive line of Hunter/Jumper Equipment, Horse Care, and Premium Riding. Apparel. We are your "Go To Place" for expert Saddle and Tack Repair, Custom Chaps and Half Chaps. Our exceptional Team hopes to work towards your Success in the Equestrian Lifestyle!

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • A Paris Horse Adventure: Saut Hermes 2022
  • Better Business with Malvern Bank: Michael Meller’s Secrets to Success
  • Third Annual Painted Ponies Art Walk takes over Southern Pines, NC!

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Jung Ends as He Began — On Top — at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™
  • ROLEX TESTIMONEE DANIEL DEUSSER WINS ROLEX GRAND PRIX AT 2022 DUTCH MASTERS
  • STABLE VIEW IN AIKEN POSTPONING ‘A’ RATED $400,000 H/J CHALLENGE SERIES DUE TO RESTRICTIVE MILEAGE RULE

Category

Recent Posts

  • Taylor Land: A Positive Outlook on Show Jumping

    By Cheyenne Lord Portraits by Kristie Scholten ...
  • Unbridled With John Roper

    By Britney Grover     John Roper absolutel...
  • Unbridled with Bev Bedard

    By Britney Grover     Other than leaving f...
  • Katie Duerrhammer: Driven by Love and Respect for Horses

    By Kimberly Gatto Portraits by Melissa Fuller &...
  • The Importance of Finding the Right Bit for Your Horse

    By Liz Halliday-Sharp Anyone who knows me is aw...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!