Eve's Equestrian Quest

My name is Eve Kendrick, I’m 16 years old and a junior at Charlottesville High School in Charlottesville, Virginia.

My quest is to compete in the ASPCA® Maclay National Championship, one of the nation's longest running and most coveted national junior equestrian championships, in November 2019. Only those 18 and younger can compete.

I fell in love with the equestrian sport when I had my first riding lesson at 6 years old. Since then I have had the passion—and perseverance—to improve my riding skills to try and get to the highest level.

My challenge has been how to advance my riding skills and compete in shows on a very limited budget in a sport that is quite expensive. I have sold homemade sugar cookies, hot chocolate and coffee lattes; made special occasion dinners for friends; done house sitting, dog sitting, cat sitting, babysitting; and washed and cleaned friends’ cars — all to help with expenses as much as possible.

Thankfully, I have met caring and talented people who have been willing to coach and guide me with their knowledge and experience. A little over a year ago, I began training with Zach Parks, owner of Cadeaux Show Stables in Keswick, Virginia. Every day—after school, on weekends and throughout the summer—I take lessons from Zach, help around the barn, and help teach the young horses.

And now my goal is to compete in the 2019 Maclay Finals.

"Since its beginning in 1933, the ASPCA Maclay has been the most prestigious and coveted award for junior riders, and the ultimate test of horsemanship and partnership between horse and rider. The ASPCA Maclay is, and always has been about, not just mastering the finest skills in hunt seat equitation; it is about compassion, consideration, and responsibility to the horses." ~ Valerie Angeli, senior director of equine and special projects for the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®)

To get to the Maclay Championships, I’ll need to compete successfully in qualifying horse shows throughout the year (typically 2 to 4 shows each month) to earn enough points to be invited to attend.

What I am seeking here is financial support in the amount of $5,000 to get a quality competition saddle and to help offset some of the costs of competing in these horse shows which cost $500 or more per show.

OVERALL WINNER AT TAD COFFIN PERFORMANCE CHALLENGE, AUGUST 2017

I have already made headway to get a competition saddle. In a competition last August, I participated in the Tad Coffin Performance Challenge and was the Overall Winner in the event. The prize was 50% of a custom made Tad Coffin Performance Saddle, exactly the kind of competition saddle I have been wanting. So I’m halfway there! I need to raise $3,500 for the other half of the saddle.

If I am gifted with more than my requested $5,000 (and I would love it!), the money will be used for additional riding expenses and college expenses.

You can see more about me and my equestrian journey on my website, www.evesequestrianquest.weebly.com

Would you be willing to contribute financially toward my success as a rider?

Thank you!!
Eve