Brittney Allyn and some other students interviewed Kathy Hobstetter. Here are the questions asked and the answers given.
Q: What is your philosophy regarding the work program for horses in the barn?
A: I don’t believe it is fair to ask a horse to do something it physically or mentally is not prepared to do. As horsemen we need to be certain we have laid down the physical and mental foundation for each horse to do the job expected. If a horse is not fit enough to jump the jumps, poling will not make up for the deficiency and in the long run will only be detrimental. If a horse is not developing confidence at the jumps with it’s rider, then using bigger spurs to jump bigger fences will create problems that may not be reversed.
Q: Who have/did you learn the most from?
A: My father! Raised on a cattle/Quarter horse ranch we had no choice but do the daily hard work to keep the cattle and horses alive. I never heard him complain, ever. But I heard him whistle alot. He had a bunch of sayings, sort of like Jimmy Williams: “If you are smart enough to SEE a problem, you are smart enough to also SEE a solution”. “Creek didn’t rise and we didn’t die so it must be a great day”. “Only thing you have no one can ever take away is your character and intregrity, only YOU can make the choice to keep or give them away”.
Q: What is your best accomplishment?
A: Seeing young professionals come through the business and learn. It is exciting to help young people find a better way up than we did in the early years of this industry. The Mentor Program for USHJA was created by me based on what has happened through the Fox Pointe business. It is especially rewarding to have a visit from a Trainer that has accomplished things on their own yet they come back for a cup of coffee and a time to say thanks.
Q: What, in your opinion, is lacking in our young Professionals:
A: I think a strong daily work ethic, a committment to know what “paying their dues” means and not be afraid to take the time to do that but mostly appreciation and respect for the people that have helped them along the way.
Q: Who is your favorite horse of all time?
A: Rox Dene with scores in the high 90’s! Balubet do roulette (Roderigo Pessoa) for the jumpers, he makes the big jumps look like a hunter round.
Q: In your opinion what Trainers or Professionals have been instrumental in the changes of the horse industry.
A: Of course Jimmy Willaims comes to mind first because he helped me and others so much in the beginning of our careers. He is responsible for most of the top Trainers here on the West Coast. Geoff Teal for his heart for professionalism, Richard Spooner for his gift of promoting horse show sponsors, Bill Moroney for his vision, Frank Chapot for his committment to the Teams, Sally Ike for perserverence at USET, Larry Langer and Tom Struzzairie for the show visionarys they are that changed the face of horse showing in the states, George Morris for bringing us back to the top again, Hap Hansen for his example of a gentleman. There are so many !!!
Q: How do you feel about the Horse of the Year Award systems?
A: I think it is time for a revamp of a wonderful program the needs to come into the present. Horse of the Year should be the true epitome of the very best horse we have in the show ring, not the one who stayed sound enough to show the most.
Q: What saddle would be your first recommendation or choice?
A: Used to be that we chose one brand/model and that is what we tried to get all our riders to purchase. Now, with the sophisication and craftmanship of so many exceptional brands there are endless choices. I think it is important to be flexible enough to select the right saddle for each rider. People and horses are all different and we are fortunate to have superior saddles.
Q: What are you most thankful for?
A: There is not ever a day I am not amazingly thankful that I stand in the California sunshine and get to play with horses. I am grateful to the people that have and continue to help me, clients who support and believe in Fox Pointe, parents that appreciate the love of horses instilled in their kids and children children children. And did I say horses, horses, horses!!!
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