Sunny Krajcovic. I would like to introduce myself, Sunny Krajcovic, and my horse Velour.I was asked to provide a little background on myself and my interest in horses. I thought that my story was unique, because I never rode a horse until about 6 years ago.But the more I talk to people, the more my story is like so many people my age, which I feel is very encouraging.I am a retired biologist with the State of Michigan and now spend more time trying to learn the art of dressage. I grew up loving horses like most young girls, but my parents could not afford to purchase one with four kids in our family.So, I just enjoyed them at a distance or took advantage to be around them at fairs.Then about 8 years ago, I lost my Dad, and two years later I lost my Mom, which made me think about how short life was and that one should be sure to accomplish all that is within your means. One of those accomplishments was to learn to ride a horse. I had met a woman in Lansing that grew up around horses and excelled in the Hunter circuit, although she had quit riding and moved out of Rochester Hills.She still had connections in that area and told me that she could help me find someone for a teacher.She was asked to work at a show, and she also offered my services as a ribbon lady to see if, after being around horses, I still wanted to learn how to ride.I was hooked!!!I told her that I wanted to learn how to ride “without moving”.She still reminds me that I said that.
She contacted a few trainers in the Rochester Hills/Metamora area and found Kim Robbins, who trained under Sarah Michaels, to give me some lessons.Oh, yes, I had to learn to brush, clean, saddle, tack up, and be safe around horses.My first mount was a horse owned by the barn and was an Arabian.I learned a lot and got thrown once but soon decided, after 8 months, that I needed my own horse.Kim found a 15.1h quarter horse named Ain’t She Sweet, and it was love at first sight.I just call her Sweet Pea.Sweet Pea was a cutting horse, a barrel horse and a western pleasure, but never a dressage horse.So we proceeded to learn together. I then decided to bring Sweet Pea closer to home and moved her to a barn in Laingsburg.Shelby Blades was a trainer at the barn and also a board member for GLASS-ED, and she became my next trainer.I entered Sweet Pea into a few Intro to Dressage classes and got a 1st. 2nd and 4th the first year.I felt we did excellent for a western horse and a green rider.The next year we found out why Sweet Pea was retired from barrel racing, she hated to canter.And also she really didn’t like the in-door arena. That’s when I asked Shelby to look for a new horse for me.She knew of a horse that was not being ridden because the owner had no time for her.Shelby had at one time trained the horse for the owner.The horse is a 17.1h German Westfalen by the name of Velour.Early in her life she had traveled the U.S. winning Championships for her confirmation and breed.She then was bred and trained in dressage.The owner then lost interest and she spent a couple of years in the field being a horse.That’s when Shelby thought she might be a perfect horse for me if the owner was willing.The owner agreed and I thought it best to lease Velour to determine if she and I were compatible.And the rest is history.I went from a 15.1h Quarter Horse, that I still own, to a 17.1h Westfalen, and what a difference.
The first year, I worked mostly on ground work so that Velour and I could get to know each other, and entered her into some in-hand competitions.We received three 1st places and a Grand Champion.The next year we entered Intro to Dressage and won 2-1st , 2-2nd , 1-3rd and one 5th.I decided that I needed to establish my seat better and took a year off with a trainer that provided only lunge line work.This helped me with my seat and balance.The last year I entered into a couple of shows, and this next year I hope to advance into Training levels. My girlfriend moved to Wellington to manage a horse barn.Whenever I go to visit her, she tries to schedule my stay around dressage and show jumping competitions.I have been given the opportunity to sit with Sue Blinks, gold metal winner in 2002, and Michael Barisone, the alternate in 2008, giving lessons to Olympic hopefuls.She has also gotten us VIP passes to watch upper level show jumping, which makes me realize that I don’t want to try it. Velour is a great mover with a kind mind.She and I have become great friends, and when we play tag in the arena, people are in AWE at her size and strength, and how she shows me I’m her person.She knows, no matter what, I will bring her her favorite treat, “apples”, and a scratch between the eyes.She is capable of competing at the higher levels and sometimes I regret holding her back, but maybe someday I will be able to ride and compete to her greatness....or we will just both retire together. Sunny
