Member Spotlight - Sarah Blowers

​Tell us about yourself (where you are from, what you do in the “real world,” what your riding life is like, etc.) 
I am from the Capital District and my first introduction into the horse world was a summer camp at Sunday Stables. I started riding with Betsy Joyce and Glenn Geary when they operated Shadow Rock farm, riding and showing right up until high school graduation. I owned and showed another great Thoroughbred, The Navigator through my Children’s Hunter and Junior Hunter days and sporadically through college when I eventually moved to Washington DC where lived for 7 years. It wasn’t until I moved back to NY that I started riding again. When I lived in DC I got a job doing corporate travel and that is what I do today. I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home and I live 5 minutes from the barn. I ride 6 days a week and lesson in the mornings and on the weekends. 
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Tell us about the horse, and your history together (especially any fun facts, cute tricks, or charming personality traits!) 
I have an amazing mare named Roulette aka “Roxy”. I got her as a track broke 3yr old from Saratoga Racecourse. She was in training with the late Rick Violette and had zero future as a race horse. The owners were looking to give her good, with the help of Lexie Marquis and my trainer Erika Guthinger we went to the track to take a look. I was not able to try her but watched her trot up the shed-row, she was free so we took a chance and Lexie brought her the barn 3 weeks later, that was 7 years ago this past August. 

She is definitely a momma's girl, she knows my truck and always greets me with a whinny and is annoyed when she is not acknowledged right away. Her favorite treats are the German horse muffins, and absolutely hates being brushed. Hard brushes are not tolerated by the princess! 

You had such a great Annual Show. How was your summer and season leading up to the Annual Show? Did you do anything in particular to prepare for this show and/or season? 
I have a set barn schedule that I try and stick to it. Since I live so close to the barn, I ride every morning before work and lesson 2x a week, she gets Tuesdays off. I know that lots of people aren’t fans of flat work but I am a firm believer that flat work is the key to everything. Over the past 2 years we have been trying different bits to figure out what Roxy really likes best. I think over this past winter we finally found the right combination that is allowing me to get the best effort from her on a consistent basis. She hacks in a Nathe bit, jumps in an Acavallo bit with vet wrap around it and shows in a leather D bit also wrapped in vet wrap. 

Tell us about your experience at the Annual Show (what divisions you competed in, what your show routine is like, etc.) 
I competed in the Adult and Low Hunter divisions at the Annual and was super happy with our trips. Since the show is spread over a period of 4 days, I have a routine that works pretty well for her. I usually end up showing over the 4 days but like to hack her for about 20-30 minutes each morning so I have a feel of what kind of horse I am going to have that day. 

Your mom won the Horse Show Parent Award for the show. Tell us about your mom and what makes her the best horse show mom! 
Oh where to begin! I was actually adopted and my mom was the one who introduced me to horses. She was born and raised in Saratoga Springs and grew up on a farm and riding horses, and for a brief time she took lessons with Ralph Symmes. She was very supportive of my riding and showing as a child/teenager and has continued that support through my adult years. She grooms for me at almost every show I attend, videos my trips, and is the queen of the candid! I am so blessed to have been adopted by such a loving and supportive woman! 

What was your most memorable moment (positive and/or negative) from this show? 
The most memorable moments would probably be my mom winning the best horse show mom, my Best Adult Rider win and my 4th place in the 3’ Hunter Derby. This was my first year doing the Derby and although I don’t really get nervous anymore, that morning I was. Roxy was fantastic and answered all the questions I asked of her. 

What are your plans for the rest of the show season? 
We have 1 more show this season and then on to Hunter Finals. 

What are your goals for the future, and how have your recent experiences inspired or encouraged you? 
This is my 3rd year doing the 3’ and next season we are planning on moving up to the 3’3 A/O. I am also setting my sights on doing the TB Hunter division and possibly try to qualify for the TB Hunter Finals in Kentucky. 

Any other thoughts or comments? 
I think that the community interaction with Social Media was great idea during the horse show. We see people at the shows but don’t always know much about the people we show with. I am hoping that there will be more clinics and informational programs this year! Thank you again for the opportunity!

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