Monthly Column by Carol Dean-Porter |
RICHARD SPOONER
Richard Spooner is one of the brightest young
stars on the international show jumping scene. He just returned from a tour in Europe with
the West Coast Active riders group which included a victory in the Grand Prix of
Bratislava and a second place finish for the Team in the Nations Cup competition.
I talked with him during the GTE horse show, recently held in Huntington Beach, CA, just
after he had won the Waterfront Hilton Grand Prix.
Richard is a hard worker who started riding in his mother's old English saddle at the
Huntington Beach Equestrian Center. His first lesson was at age 10, and he started showing
at age 11.
His mother, Ginny is now the owner and operator of J. Alden Enterprises, a training stable
located at the Huntington Beach Equestrian Center.
Richard comes from a middle class family who worked to help him achieve his goals and
dreams.
Richard had success as a junior rider including:
* Winner USET finals at Los Angeles Equestrian
Center
* 2nd AHSA finals
* 2nd ASPCA finals
* Winner Los Angeles Horse Shows Assn. medal finals
* Winner Orange County Horse Shows Assn. medal finals
Richard started jumpers in 1989, with a young horse, and brought the horse along into the
open jumper ranks.
He worked for George Morris, Ian Millar and Rob Gage before taking a job riding the
Sandstone jumpers. He stayed at Sandstone for 2 1/2 years riding everything from the very
green ones to more experienced horses.
Richard then went into partnership with Emmy Goldsborough at Half Moon Bay, which he now
owns and operates. This barn is located at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank,
CA.
He teaches lessons daily as well as riding and overseeing this very large and successful
show barn.
Richard has had considerable success in the jumper world including:
Two time winner $150,000 Grand Prix of Indio with Kirk and Robinson.
Four time winner The Oaks Grand Prix.
Winner of Grand Prix of Bratislava and member of second placed Nations Cup team.
4th in the World Cup finals with Casino.
PCHA leading rider 3 years in a row and leading again this year.
Recently Richard has been spending his time with a new organization which he founded and
is President - the West Coast Active Riders Association. He saw a need for riders who are
based on the West Coast to gain International experience.
Richard advocates hard work, desire, drive and focus. He says "Never give up your
dreams and never let anyone tell you that you are not good enough or don't have what it
takes!"
Carol's
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