Susan Deakin

Female

Apalachin, NY

United States

Profile Information:

A Bit About Me and my Horse(s)
As a child I watched others riding at a local country club and wished and hoped and prayed that I could join them some day. It took a while, but I finally made my dream come true at the age of 21! I found a trail riding stable and made myself a regular for about 6 months. Guessing that there must be more to this riding thing, I decided to take some lessons. Another 6 months went by and I started to look for my first horse to buy...because, after all, I was an expert by now, right? Ha, ha...my first horse was the best horse ever but he certainly knew much more than I did! What a saint!

I went on to learn how to really ride as the years went by. I hooked up with a crazy jumping teacher, got a new horse and entered the world of Fox Hunting and Hunter Paces. I had a blast!

But I still searched for more knowledge.

Over the years I have studied, attended many seminars and clinics and have come the conclusion that it takes more than a lifetime to learn enough to be a good horseman/woman. I have come to realize that these gentle creatures are very "deep" and they deserve so much understanding from us humans. I have made it my life's work to teach people about fairness, and empathy when dealing with horses.

Now, almost 30 years later, I own a 40 acre farm in Upper New York State and I teach riding to other budding super stars! I go by a lot of Sally Swift's teaching of Centered Riding. A series of back and shoulder injuries (not horse related, thank goodness) have led me to crave more education on the use of body as it applies to riding. Biomechanics of both human and horse are discussed here daily. It takes a lot to do it all right to make our horses happy and comfortable (us too)...and a happy and comfortable horse is a safer horse to ride.

I love my life....horses are my life! God bless the horses!
Country
USA
Do you have any pets?
I have two dogs and a cat to keep my 15 horses company!

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  • Jackie Cochran

    Hi Susan--I tried to e-mail but it didn't go through.  I'll keep an eye out for her.  I have been riding, around once a week on average during the winter.  We had spring last week, up in the 70's, but now its in the 40s and due to freeze tonight. 

    I hope your weather improves soon!

    Mar 28, 2011

  • E. Allan Buck

    Did You sign the online petition for bitless competition?

    Oct 7, 2011

  • E. Allan Buck

    FYI

    We [my attorney and I] need national help from potential bitless competitors and bitless manufacturers.

    USEF refused to hold a hearing with me in May of this year on allowing bitless bridles in recognized competitions.  This was a scheduled hearing....so you see they have a big problem.

    Now I am taking appropriate legal action and need notarized affidavits from individuals who desire to compete bitless.  My rule change had been specific to allow 'all' bitless bridles so as not to exclude any design.

    1.  We need signed notarized affidavits from individuals who wish to compete in USEF sanctioned competitions stating they wish to compete bitless for the health and welfare of their horses and cannot do so because of the failure of USEF to change the rules in an appropriate manner.

    2.  Also it woud be very valuable if makers of bitless bridles [no matter the design] would send notarized affidavits stating that their business is negatively impacted by the refusal of USEF to allow open bitless competitors.

    3.  Also it would be very valuable if trainers who use bitless bridles [no matter the design] would send notarized affidavits stating that their business is negatively impacted by the refusal of USEF to allow open bitless competitors.

    The complaint we will be filing will directly affect national and international competitions.

    My attorney needs these affidavits and I am asking for donations to be paid directly to my attorney to help with the fees.

    In order for this to proceed pursuant to my attorney's request, all affidavits and attorney fee donations will have come through me to my attorney.  If individuals contact me directly I will give them the required information they need to fulfill the requirements.

    Any help you could provide in this endeavor for the health and welfare of the competitive horse would be highly appreciated.

    Oct 7, 2011