My name is Chloe Patterson. I am a homeschooled eighth grader in Oklahoma. I started riding horses when I was ten. Now, I am a working student at Valley View Equestrian Center in Stillwater, and a member of Region Nine Central Plains Dressage Society.

When I first started lessons, I was preparing my old Palomino for the county fair. She was my pet. I could lay on her back and read books and she would graze contently. It was hard work to get her ready, but she was a great beginner horse. I knew that I couldn’t go any further with her, so my intro to dressage started on another quarter horse, Nic. He was a schooling horse at my first barn. We did trail rides, jumping, and working equitation, but while working with Nic, I found my true passion is for dressage.

Some didn’t understand when I told them I found it more relaxing and natural. I don’t like the nervous energy of jumping or speed rounds. Nic took me through Training Level in our area schooling shows. After my year and a half with him, it was time to move up and get serious with dressage.

In the summer of 2018, I became a working student of Robin Hessel (USDF Gold Medalist and “L” Judge with Distinction) who has become my mentor. I came with no horse, and no saddle. (I work for my lessons, and I work hard.)

In the mornings, I learned how to properly care for the horses and clean their stalls. I learned I should always put them first. I am still learning how to do all of this in a timely manner and with excellence.

The afternoons varied and would include lessons on Skip Along Callie, helping others as they arrived or departed the barn, and caring for other farm animals. Callie is Ms. Hessel’s schooling horse. On her, I learned how to enhance my seat, quiet my hands, and improve my core.

When another working student left late last year, I was able to move up to Ms. Hessel’s horse Lupo, a Hanoverian. Ms. Hessel was the one who encouraged me to become a USDF member, and in January we discussed the idea of obtaining a Bronze medal. I had my first show this past March, riding Lupo. It was from then on we started planning on getting the Bronze within this year.

Central Plains Dressage Society (CPDS) offers multiple opportunities to show. I was able to get my requirements within four show weekends. Lupo is such a great horse. He has taught me a lot. I will continue forward as long as the opportunity is there.

I sometimes show my 13th birthday present, Barbie Doll, in the schooling shows. She’s a six-year old Westfalen Cross mare who is very sweet. She’s a fancy mover. My goal is to get her to Third Level. I plan to document this journey on my Facebook page, Chloe The Horse Girl, and on my website.

I love being around horses. My goals and dreams revolve around them. I see myself as a life-long member of USDF, along with becoming a judge and trainer. The ultimate would be to make it to the Olympics.