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Wednesday, December 02 2020 / Published in Sidelines Feature

Noah Stanlaske: Young Eventer With a Wise Mentor and Talented Horses 

By Laura Scaletti

Portraits by Adrienne Morella 

Do you believe in fate? Eventer Noah Stanlaske does. At 14 years old, Noah has repeatedly been in the right place at the right time to let his equestrian aspirations take flight. 

For Noah, first grade was more than just learning about reading, writing and arithmetic; it’s where his passion for horses was first sparked. “My first grade teacher rode and she did a lot of her lessons around horses. She was very enthusiastic about riding and it made me want to give it a try,” Noah said.

Although Noah’s mom had spent her own childhood riding, it was Noah who initiated the conversation about giving riding a go. At age 7, Noah put his foot in the stirrup for the first time and today he’s been riding for more than half his life.

Like many young riders starting out, Noah got his feet wet in the world of hunter-jumpers. As a member of the Rolling Rock Hunt Pony Club located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, Noah got to try his hand at a variety of disciplines. It was through Pony Club that Noah got his first taste of the thrill of traversing a cross-country course.

“I was drawn to eventing after my first experience schooling cross-country. It was so different from anything I had done before,” Noah said. “I remember thinking how much fun I had galloping around the field and that I couldn’t wait to do it again.” 

Noah credits Pony Club for both introducing him to the sport he loves and teaching him the importance of horsemanship. “It was through Pony Club that I was given a solid foundation of horse knowledge. Pony Club stresses the whole picture: how to take care of your horse both in and out of the saddle,” Noah explained.

Building Partnerships

In just two years, Noah has gone from eventing newbie to tackling the Preliminary Level. The first of the “upper” levels of eventing, Preliminary takes guts, talent and qualification.  

Noah is extremely grateful to have two talented mounts, without whom the rapid rise in the ranks wouldn’t be possible. “Chesterland and Dancing Queen are my partners in the competition ring and out. I am so lucky to call them both mine,” he said.

For the past two and a half years, Chesterland has been helping Noah advance in the sport. “Chester is definitely the horse that changed my life. He helped show me the ropes of eventing and gave me the confidence I needed to keep growing,” Noah said.

It was the summer of 2019 when Chesterland and Noah really found their stride together. The duo became a solid pair and gave each other their complete trust. “Chester’s such a special horse. He gives you 100%, 100% of the time.”

In fact, Noah and Chesterland were recognized for their teamwork last year at the Cobblestone Farm Horse Trials, winning the Charles Owen Technical Merit Award. According to the US Eventing Association, “The award represents effective precision and execution by horse and rider on the cross-country course at the Training Level of competition.”

“Chester and I were one of 10 young riders to take home the award last year. It was a very special award for me because it recognized all of our hard work, but more importantly, acknowledged we were doing things not only correctly, but also safely,” Noah said.

Over the past year, Noah has also built a solid relationship with his newest partner, Dancing Queen. A full sister to Chesterland, she has given Noah an opportunity to learn new skills and further refine his style of riding.

“Dancing Queen has really helped me finesse my technique in dressage. She’s a cross-country machine; she has so much fun on course,” Noah said.

While Noah’s two mounts are full siblings and they both excel in the cross-country phase, they are two very different horses to ride and compete. “I’m really enjoying learning what makes each of them tick,” he said.

Lesson from a Legend

For Noah, one of the most exciting aspects of eventing is getting to meet some of his heroes and watch top riders in the sport compete. When Noah was looking for his next competition horse, he not only found his partner Chesterland, he met living legend and Olympic gold medalist Bruce Davidson, Sr.

“We were in Florida looking at horses and Bruce had Chester for us to try. Bruce actually bred and started both Chester and Dancing Queen,” Noah said. “After we brought Chester home, we kept in contact with Bruce and updated him on how we were doing.”

Keeping in touch with Bruce has paid dividends for Noah. The past two winters, Noah was able to take a few lessons with Bruce down in Florida. This summer, Noah went to Bruce’s Chesterland Farm in Unionville, Pennsylvania, to prepare for the American Eventing Championships — and still rides with Bruce.

“I’m so fortunate to be able to train with Bruce full time. It’s really special to train with someone of Bruce’s caliber; his knowledge and attention to detail is extraordinary,” Noah said.

Noah’s taking advantage of every moment he can be with Bruce and learn from the master of eventing himself. He’s learned more about competing from Bruce, and he’s gained valuable insights into how to condition a horse properly for the upper levels of eventing.

“Bruce has been a great mentor, dedicated coach and a devoted teacher. Every interaction with Bruce is an opportunity to learn something, and he’s so giving of his time,” Noah said. “My favorite moments with him are just going for a hack in the countryside.”

Balancing Act

Noah is determined to do whatever it takes to make it to the top of his sport. Although young in years, he’s wise in knowing that it’s going to take a strong drive and work ethic to achieve his goals. 

“The moment Chester became my partner, my whole life changed,” Noah said. “I was at the barn several days a week learning, riding in the morning, riding at night. I did whatever I could to keep moving forward.”

With two horses in training and high aspirations for his future, Noah’s training regime has increased, resulting in more time spent at Bruce’s farm. “Once a month, my mom and I travel to Bruce’s and stay for two to three weeks at a time,” Noah said.  

Like many young riders tackling the upper levels of their sport, Noah attends Laurel Spring, a private online high school.  Every day is a balance of eventing and education for Noah. 

“Going to Laurel Springs ensures that I’m meeting all of my academic requirements, but it also gives me the freedom to train every day and have a flexible schedule. While I’m very committed to training, I know that school is equally important,” Noah said.

With two strong partners, a devoted trainer and family behind him, the future is bright for Noah. “Eventing is so exciting and thrilling to me. I hope one day to compete at the top level of the sport,” he said. 

But with the healthy mentality fostered from Pony Club to training with Bruce, he’s also sure to enjoy the journey.

“My favorite aspect of eventing has to be the partnership and trust you form with your horse,” Noah said. “Developing and building a bond with your horse takes time, but once you have it, it makes everything you go through that much more rewarding.”

Photos by Adrienne Morella, adriennemorellaphotography.zenfolio.com

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Tagged under: eventing, Noah Stanlaske, rising star

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We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on o We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on our socials where we share some of the lovely stallions, and their breeders featured in each month's magazine. Our first feature on this #STUDSunday is...

 ✨ALVESTA OWAIN✨
Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Fairy Lustre
13.1hh, Welsh section B
Stud Fee $750 (plus collection)
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Fairfield, VA

Contact Cheryl Maye at (703) 431-9096 for more information
https://www.mayeshowponies.com/more-info/stallions

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

📸  SAS Equestrian
‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️ The purpose of this ‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️

The purpose of this month’s column is to help the young equestrians of our sport develop and maintain healthy friendships within the industry. Cultivating healthy relationships with other members within the industry is not as easy as one may think. As a young equestrian, it may be difficult navigating friendships at the barn and at horse shows. Typically, kids have friendships within the barn they ride at but also friendships with others from different barns in their area. 

Initially, it may seem as though making other friends in the sport would be easy and ideal; after all, there is the common interest of horses. However, because of the natural therapeutic benefits of horses, the sport has a history of attracting all types of people, with a wide range of personalities. This can be both an advantage and a drawback. We are now in an era that acknowledges the growing need to discuss and manage one’s mental health. 

One thing I have learned is that we are likely to notice mental health challenges at an age younger than most people may think. Some of the friendship dynamics I have observed over the years have caused me to pause and really think about the future of our sport. Without looking for a source to blame for the cause of this, i.e. social media, parents, school, teachers, etc., I think if all adults involved worked to encourage, affirm, love, and respect our youth, the likelihood of them developing authentic friendships with their peers may increase.

Both humans and horses were designed to have connected relationships. These relationships allow a greater sense of security when one experiences challenges in life. Cultivating the quality and authenticity of these relationships requires intentional work. 

Thank you Rob for providing your helpful insight on developing healthy relationships. Check out his tips in his column you can find in the link in our bio.
Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine🦄 

Photo by Blenheim Equisports

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Don't get caught without your green on today!🍀🍀
 
In today's featured article, we have Jessica Howington, who is dressed for the occasion in her green shirt! Jessica is the Owner/Rider at CrownView Dressage, a Realtor with Showcase Properties of Central Florida, and a Nurse Practitioner! Jessica has been involved with horses since she was a little girl. Everything from bareback to eventing she tried until she found her love for dressage.

Today, she and her family own CrownView Dressage, a 157-acre training, boarding, and breeding facility in Ocala, Florida. Jessica started training and teaching but felt as if her life was still missing something. Until Jessica focused on horses full-time, she didn’t realize how important the healthcare field was to her life. Jessica missed seeing patients and being in the medical field. Jessica is now back to working again as a nurse practitioner while also focusing on training her five competition horses, including her Grand Prix mare Cavalia. 

Jessica feels lucky 🍀 to have two amazing parents who have supported her in all of her endeavors and instilled the importance of work ethic, morals, dedication, and sacrifice. 

You can read all about Jessica and how she's finding fulfillment in her busy lifestyle in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine! Click the link in our bio for more 

✳️Tag us in your “lucky” photos for a chance to be featured on our story! Happy st. Patrick’s day everyone!🍀🍀

📸Photos by Melissa Fuller, msfullerphotography.com 

#stpatricksday #irish #stpattysday #green #ireland #luckoftheirish #stpaddysday #shamrock #happystpatricksday #lucky #saintpatricksday #leprechaun #stpatricks #stpatrick #kissmeimirish #clover #paddysday #march #potofgold #stpattys #love #beer #guinness #shopsmall #handmade #stpatricksdaydecor #stpatricksdayoutfit #fourleafclover #stpatricksdayparade #luckycharms
Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no stranger to balancing a busy schedule. From serving as president of the Pony Club South Region Youth Board to working on her online high school courses and modeling gigs, Devon has nearly every minute of her time planned out. And with her horses right in her backyard in Ball Ground, Georgia, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Devon’s fast-paced lifestyle stems from growing up around her parents’ animal casting business, Animal Casting Atlanta, where they train and provide animals for projects in the film industry. Devon’s parents, Carol and Greg, took her on her first film job at just two weeks old; both parents pushed Devon toward acting when she was younger. While Devon didn’t want to be an actor herself, she did follow in their footsteps with her love of animals, especially horses. 

“My parents’ company has provided animals for ‘The Hunger Games,’ ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Suicide Squad,’ a majority of the Marvel TV shows, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and so many more,” Devon said.

Devon started her equestrian journey when she was 9 years old. Initially, the Tresans bought a flashy gray Welsh pony, I Am Superman, for Devon to take in the hunter ring. However, Superman lived up to his name and proved to be too speedy for the job. 

“He was super cute and just a great little ride,” Devon said, “but he was still a pony! He made me work hard for everything we accomplished together. I was lucky enough to ride with a trainer who did both hunters and eventing, so we were able to switch disciplines pretty easily. Those eventing lessons together kickstarted my love for the sport.”

Read all about Devon and her busy life in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more
@TrDevon Lane Tresan  @Devontresan

📸Photo by Carol Lane Tresan
📸Photo courtesy of Devon Tresan
📸Modeling photo by Sara Hanna, @atlphotos 

#model #fashion #photography #love #style #instagood #photooftheday #beauty #instagram #beautiful #like #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #Sidelinesmagazine
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