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 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
Tuesday, November 09 2021 / Published in Sidelines Feature

Sterling Malnik: Success in Three Rings 

Story & Portraits by Ruby Tevis

For Sterling Malnik, growing up in Palm Beach County, Florida, was the perfect place for a horse-loving girl to spend her childhood. With five siblings and four half-siblings, Sterling’s childhood was never short of company—or horses. From Pony Finals to hunter derbies, equitation cups to the Junior jumpers, 15-year-old Sterling is making waves in all three rings. As she looks ahead to finishing out her Junior career, she has ambitious plans—and exceptional horses to make it all possible.

Sterling was introduced to riding through her aunt, hunter-jumper rider Alex Gresham. “She took me and my half-sister Andee Holland to her barn in Wellington when I was 4 years old,” Sterling said. “I started following her around the barn on a regular basis, and after I became involved with pony camps, it really took off from there. Florida is the best possible place that I could imagine for horses, so I got very lucky in that department.”

After several years of riding lessons and small shows for fun, Sterling dove into the competition scene. “We were shopping for a pony, and I tried one at Bill Schaub’s Over The Hill Farm,” Sterling said. Though she didn’t buy the pony, she chose to begin training with Bill Schaub and Steven Gregorio, kickstarting her success in the pony division and forming a relationship that would guide Sterling through to her victories today.

Ponies and Friendships

Sterling made her Pony Finals debut in 2017, competing in both the Small Pony and Medium Pony divisions. Though she didn’t finish in the ribbons her first year, she returned the following year to capture a sixth place in the Small Green Pony overall. For Sterling, the competition was only one aspect of Pony Finals; between learning and riding, she also enjoyed catching up with her friends.

“Kat Fuqua is a very close friend,” Sterling said. “We go to a lot of the same shows, so it’s very fun that I get to see her often.” With Sterling following Bill and Stephen to Kentucky each summer and Kat returning home to Georgia, reuniting with her good friend at summer horse shows was something Sterling looked forward to. 

One month after the 2019 Pony Finals, where Sterling finished fifth in the Large Ponies and Kat Fuqua secured the Large Pony Hunter Championship, Kat and her family offered to sell their beloved champion pony to Sterling. “We were looking for a Large, and Kat’s pony, Prestige, became available,” Sterling said. “It was meant to be. Knowing that my friend could trust me with this amazing pony that just won Pony Finals meant a lot to me. She was very supportive while I had him and always congratulated me after our rides.”

Sterling and Prestige found the winner’s circle almost immediately. “There were instant results; he was incredible,” Sterling said. The pair made a clean sweep, taking home class wins at the Washington International Horse Show, Harrisburg and Capital Challenge—a perfect way to finish out her pony career. Sterling was ready to step up to horses.

‘Rock’ing the Junior Hunters

After dabbling in the Children’s Hunters early in the season, Sterling was paired with Rockette, a mare with flair—and no lack of experience. “We tried her at Harrisburg in 2019. We were looking at horses to try, and Rockette stood out to me. She was showing with Grace Debney, and at that time I thought I’d at least sit on her,” Sterling explained. “When we got up to the schooling ring, I saw her, and someone else was trying her and I freaked out! I just knew I wanted her. We jumped maybe six jumps in the schooling ring, vetted her the same day and then brought her home!”

As Sterling’s self-proclaimed “heart horse,” Rockette checks every box, from dazzling the judges to developing Sterling’s riding skills. “Rockette is such a lady to ride,” she said. “You can’t tell her to do something; you ask her. When you treat her with respect and get her to trust you, she will try her hardest for you.”

Taking advantage of the Florida winter season to move up to the 3’3” Junior Hunters, Sterling and Rockette gained some show experience before COVID-19 forced the pair to take a break from the show ring. “We jumped back in over the summer to prepare for the Junior Hunter National Championship,” she said. With the eastern Championship based out of Traverse City for the first time, Sterling spent several weeks at the facility to get acquainted in preparation.

At the Junior Hunter National Championship, her first place in the handy round and second in the classic set Sterling and Rockette up to take home the tri-color ribbon in the 3’3” Junior Hunter 15 & Under. “Winning the Junior Hunter Nationals was one of my biggest achievements,” Sterling said. “The experience was amazing, and winning it with my girl made it so much more special!”

Equitation, Jumping and Adulting

Sterling had always wanted to expand her riding to become a versatile rider, and achieving this goal called for a versatile horse. “We bought Charlie to become my equitation horse,” Sterling said. “He’s the most dependable, kindhearted horse.”

Charlie proved to be the perfect mount for Sterling’s introduction to equitation, but he had a few more tricks up his sleeve. “He’s played Junior hunter before,” Sterling said, “but that’s not all. I also did my first hunter derby with him! We finished first in the Brandywine Equitation Cup this summer, and a few weeks later he took me to my first International Derby Championships, finishing 14th overall in Section B/Tier II! He’s everything I could ask for and more.” 

In the future, Sterling plans to step up into the international division and eventually branch out further into the jumper ring, where she has been competing in the Low Children’s division. “I want to be heavily involved with horses for the rest of my life,” Sterling said. Though she has plenty of time to think about her future career, she is working hard now to build a successful foundation in the show ring and in the classroom.

With such a busy show schedule, Sterling transitioned to online school for her freshman year of high school. “I can bring my laptop to horse shows, so it’s very convenient,” Sterling said. “My dad was a bit skeptical because he’s very strict about education, but he’s seen that I can keep good grades, so he allowed me to do it again for my sophomore year.”

Traveling to Kentucky for each summer served as a perfect way for Sterling to spend quality time with her mother, Nancy Malnik. “She would come up with me and we would stay together while I was in Lexington to train and do horse shows,” Sterling said. “This year, though, my parents let me go by myself and I was staying at the apartment at the barn. I loved being independent and having that freedom!”

Learning life lessons outside of the arena has added even more to Sterling’s first independent experience. “Bill has always been there for me, and I learn so much from him every day. I got to see him a lot more while I was living at the barn, so I’d always ask him for his insight on things. He’s a judge and he’s done it all,” Sterling said. “Steven teaches me something new in every lesson. He really breaks everything down in a way I can understand. He’s such an incredible rider, and I learn so much from him every day. I stayed with two girls who work for them, Haley Zimmerman and Cassie Speagel, and I’m so thankful for them taking me under their wing, teaching me new things and for taking such good care of me.”

Family and Fun

Just as Sterling has a big family at home, she also has a barn full of seven horses. “I have a very individual connection with each of my horses,” Sterling said. “I try to take my time with them and take them out for a graze so we can form that connection. It’s hard to keep up with them all sometimes, but the Over The Hill Farm team is amazing for backing me.”

Though horses remain at the forefront of her life, Sterling still tries to make time for other activities. “I live on the beach, but I’m afraid of sharks!” Sterling laughed. “In my free time, I love to bake. I love to whip something up in the kitchen and bring it to the barn for all of our guys and everyone to enjoy.”

Because her father, Alvin Malnik, doesn’t travel with her to horse shows, Sterling tries to spend as much time with him as she can while she’s at home. “My dad is a very big art collector,” Sterling said. “I always ask if I can go look at his new pieces to give him my opinion—even though I’m no art critic! He’s always been interested in my hobbies, and I’m also interested in his.”

Looking back on her achievements and looking ahead to what lies in store, Sterling’s gratitude is immeasurable. “My parents have both been very supportive of my life with horses,” she said, “and everyone at Over The Hill Farm—Bill, Steven, Cassie and Haley have done so much for me. I’m so grateful for all of them, and thankful to all of my horses!”

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: equitation, hunter derby, pony hunter, show jumping, Sterling Malnik

What you can read next

Molly Ashe Cawley — Life, Love, Family & Horses
The Challenge Perspective
Mimi Gochman: Jumping Into Her Family’s Legacy

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
Get your entries in for the TerraNova Dressage II Get your entries in for the TerraNova Dressage II CDI W & USEF National Level 5 dressage competition, hosted October 19-22, 2023 at TerraNova Equestrian Center in beautiful Myakka City, Florida. Conveniently located near Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota, TerraNova Equestrian Center is Florida’s premier equestrian destination. Discover TerraNova’s peaceful showgrounds and luxury facilities for a world-class competition experience. TerraNova Dressage II is managed by Thomas Baur and Monica Fitzgerald and has quickly become a favorite venue amongst dressage competitors. National Judges: Cindi Wylie Anne Cizadlo CDI Judges: William Warren (4* / USA) Elke Ebert (5* / GER) Agniezka Majewska (4* / POL) Debbie Rodrigurz (3* / USA) Christof Umbach (5* / LUX) View full prize list: https://www.terranovaequestrian.com/terranova-dressage-ii-cdi4 Enter CDI: https://equestrian-hub.com/public/show/165165 Enter USEF: https://equestrian-hub.com/public/show/184795 Closing date: October 12th – enter now! #showterranova
HELLO OCTOBER!!! Kicking off the month with Intern HELLO OCTOBER!!! Kicking off the month with International-level dressage rider Amelia Newcomb. Who is committed to making dressage accessible to anyone who wants to learn and improve in the sport. With a mantra of “Dressage for All,” Amelia, her husband, Germán Schneider, and the rest of her team at Amelia Newcomb Dressage believe that anyone and everyone can learn to love their ride. With over 100,000 YouTube subscribers around the globe, Amelia is able to share her joy and enthusiasm for the sport with more equestrians than she ever dreamed of through her online training platform. Amelia’s curriculum breaks riding down into a simple, proven system that anyone can follow and get results, regardless of age, discipline or location.“My goal is to make good dressage training accessible to everyone who is interested in learning. One way I do that is by producing quality videos to educate and encourage dressage students along their dressage journey,” Amelia said. “The transformations that my students get are insane and my business is changing the entire sport of dressage and the way people learn to ride.” While Amelia is a talented USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medalist today, she knows the struggles associated with trying to make your way in the sport without abundant educational resources. “I grew up in Colorado, where there weren’t that many dressage resources available. I was so hungry for knowledge, I would go to big shows just to watch the big-named trainers work,” Amelia said. “That’s why, when given the opportunity to share what I’ve learned along the way, I decided to go for it and start my YouTube channel.” ➡️Catch the full story at the link in our bio!! ⬇️For more information, visit amelianewcombdressage.com and on Instagram amelicanewcombdressage 📸Photos by Lindsey Long, lindseylong.com #Sidelines #sidelines2023 #sidelinesmagazine #magazine #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople
The WPCSA American National Welsh Pony and Cob Sho The WPCSA American National Welsh Pony and Cob Show is happening now! Don’t miss another second by streaming it live! 🐴 📹👀HOW TO VIEW THE LIVE STREAM The WPCSA will again be streaming footage live from the ring at the American National Show next week. You will need two free passes to get to the feed this year. 1️⃣�The first is a USEF fan membership which you can get through this site: Join or Renew | US Equestrian (usef.org) 2️⃣ Once you become a fan member, you will need to log in to the USEF Network on ClipMyHorse. A video demonstrating how to do this can be found here: Existing USEF Fan - Watch the USEF Network - YouTube 📸Pictured- Grand Champion Section B under UK judge. Owner-Barbara Chappell Handler-Paul Maye /Maye Show Ponies Fairfield, VA
A note from our editor. It's here!! The October is A note from our editor. It's here!! The October issue of Sidelines Magazine! So happy to have the fabulous Amelia Newcomb on our cover. Amelia is a dressage rider with over 100,000 students! You read that right! Amelia has a very popular YouTube Channel where riders from around the word can learn and improve on their dressage - and it's not just dressage riders who are benefitting from Amelia Newcombe Dressage on Your Tube but riders of all disciplines - don't miss her story! Thanks to Sidelines photographer Lindsey Long for the beautiful photos. This issue has so many great stories! Catch up with eventer Zachary Brandt Equestrian (make sure to see how much he loves his dogs), and meet show jumper Katherine Anne Brewer and her horse Super Bunny, artist Samantha Dawn, equestrian Megan Smith who teaches Pilates 4 Equestrians; and Ela Ladwig a dressage rider and trainer who's multi talented because she's also a talented artist also. We have an amazing story on hunter-jumper rider Lisa Mooney who has a story you don't want to miss!! We also have a story on Tyler Held who's passion for eventing has taken her on quite the journey, and we catch up with Jimmy Toon in our Unbridled column. This issue also features our Save The Date section where you can check out show dates for this year and next from horse shows around the country! So get out your calendar!! And don't miss our great columnists, hunter-jumper with Rob R.L. Jacobs, eventing with Liz Halliday Eventing and sports psychology with Margie Sugarman. And check out the photos of riders at the 2023 The Hampton Classic Horse Show also! It's another great issue! Make sure to subscribe to Sidelines also - one year for $14.95 and the magazine is delivered right to your house or barn!! Enjoy the October issue: https://sidelinesmagazine.com/app/#/reader/50029/1767167 Link in Bio!!!
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • Luke Tokaruk, realtor
    Engel & Volkers Wellington, FL cell 561-459-0782 luke.tokaruk@evrealestate.com

    [Read more]

  • EQUINE HOMES REAL ESTATE LLC
    Equestrian and Country Properties Sue Marzo 508-450-6209 suemarzo@equinehomes.com www.equinehomes.com

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West
  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Conor Swail Was the Best Bet in $15,000 CSI2* Markel Insurance Welcome at San Juan Capistrano International
  • Lillie Keenan Leads in CHF68,000 South Coast Plaza Welcome Speed at San Juan Capistrano International CSIO5*
  • McLain Ward Wins CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix at San Juan Capistrano International

Category

Recent Posts

  • October 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Zayna Rizvi: Horses from Family to Finals

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Melissa Fuller &...
  • Samantha Wolfram: Finding Success in America and Overseas

    By Juliana Chapman Portraits by Kirsten Hannah ...
  • Cedar Potts-Warner: At Liberty and Beyond

    Story and Portraits by Jennifer DeMaro   P...
  • Jordan Melfi: Turning a Secret Horse Life Into a Career

    By Veronica Green-Gott Portraits by Shelly Cart...

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!