Rising Stars

Jessie Gushue (age 14)

From a very young age horses have drawn my attention. My 4th birthday present was riding lessons and riding has been a great joy in my life ever since. At 11 my parents fulfilled a long desired dream of having my first horse! Puff (a palomino appaloosa) taught me skills and horsemanship I would have never learned without having him. The times with him were precious and I thank the Lord for putting him in my life! From there I met Stacy Gormley. She saw talent in me and began teaching me about dressage. I was excited to have direction and goals for my riding. Since becoming a part of the Fidelis Foundation I have had the opportunity of assisting the trainers of the foundation with sessions and mentoring the children who visit our barn. My goal for 2010 is to successfully compete and qualify for the NAJRC Region 3 team. My heart is to give back to the Lord the talents he has bestowed upon me. I hope to do this by working with the children in the foundation as frequently as I can. One of the biggest reasons I ride is because I feel God’s pleasure when I am pursuing the passion he has put in my heart for riding. Competing will give me the opportunity to be an ambassador for the foundation and create awareness of the program’s positive impact on children. I also hope to inspire other kids to develop their gifts and pursue their dreams. 

Hollie (age 16)

When it comes to horses and the Fidelis Foundation, there is nothing I wouldn't do to help out. I love horses and kids, so being involved with the Fidelis Foundation is a dream come true. But more often than not, the Fidelis Foundation has helped me. Through the Rising Star program, I've gone from a beginner, to a solid 3rd level dressage rider. Riding is my life and I know I can go places, like the Olympics, with it. But I still have many goals to achieve before I'm accepted into the U.S Olympic Dressage team. My first goal is to win the National Seat class. Although I'm at the barn 3 days a week, once I get my drivers license I'll be out at the barn much more. I love working with the foster kids so I would love to dedicate more time working with them. I know I have a long journey ahead but with the help of Stacy, the Fidelis Foundation and God I'll be sure to get there.

Jessica Yarbrough (Age 13)

I began riding when I was 5 years old. My first trainer was Stacy Gormley and I have been with her ever since. While dedicating my time towards the Fidelis Foundation I have been able to help kids in need. I am a very dedicated rider and I love doing it not so much as hobby but as a enjoyment. I work very hard to pursue my goals. My goal is to be the very best rider I can be and hopefully represent the Fidelis Foundation in First level of dressage. This goal of mine would never be possible without the help and guidance of the Fidelis Foundation. In school I get a 4.0 and I have been on the A honor roll for the last 3 years. Every Wednesday I enjoy going to Morning Side Baptist Church and worshiping the word of God with many other kids.

“Molly” (name changed to protect her identity) (Age 12)

Molly had done some riding and caring for horses before she became a foster child last year.  Now as part of the Rising Star program of the Fidelis Foundation she has the opportunity to continue an activity she has always enjoyed and to develop the natural talent she has for riding.  Currently she is at an entry level of riding and she looks forward to having some training in dressage and jumping, to help her further discover her talents and identify her favorite events.  The friendship and mentoring that are provided by the other Rising Stars and trainers are helping her develop the confidence and character traits on which she can build her future in all areas.  Right now she is beginning to imagine what sort of goals she might set, and is learning that her own commitment and diligence are what will lead to the accomplishment of those goals. She also enjoys assisting special needs children who participate in the Fidelis Foundation’s equine therapy programs, and such activities help her to keep her own circumstances in perspective.

RISING STAR JUMP TEAM

Led by Kristin Schuttemeyer of www.sporthoreintl.net on behalf of the Fidelis Foundation

 Antoinette Turner (Age 14 )

I started riding about two years ago with Miss Stacy while I was in foster care. Since that time I have been given the opportunity to train as a jumper with Mrs. Kristen Schuttemeyer and compete in the IEA program. I decided to get involved with the Rising Star Program so that I could give back for all that the Fidelis Foundation has done for me. Over the summer I volunteered with Miss Stacy, working with other children in difficult circumstances. It was very hard work, but also very rewarding to make a difference in their lives. My goals for this year are to do my best while representing the Fidelis Foundation.  Now that I have been adopted, I would like to be a positive influence on kids with similar backgrounds as mine.

Victoria Joy Rivera (Age 13)

Victoria fell completely head over heels in love with horses as a small girl, demonstrating a fearless affinity for them. With her natural athleticism and a brief stint in ballet, she has become a fine young rider in an amazing few months.

A rider, a reader, and a hard working dreamer, Victoria looks forward to competing at the highest levels of equitation, dressage, and hunt seat.

The Fidelis Foundation gives me the opportunity to help other kids. The kids that come are from difficult backgrounds, and since I’m from a easier background, I can help them feel things kids should feel. They come either once a month or once a week. Hopefully, we’re giving them something to look forward to. Not just then, but in life too.

I’m glad that the Fidelis Foundation exists. It gives kids a good experience, and lets volunteers like me know that we’re helping someone. I hope it will make a difference in their lives.      

Rising Star Program

The Fidelis Foundation also facilitates the Rising Star Program. The mission of this program is to help a few ambitious and talented children achieve their dreams in the competitive equestrian world. Due to the expenses involved, too often the sport is reserved for only the elite. The Fidelis Foundation helps level the playing field by making it possible for talented riders to compete. Rising Stars contribute to the foundation by volunteering their time to help with the various programs, to mentor younger children, to be ambassadors for the foundation, and to represent the foundation whenever they compete. Candidates for this program are carefully chosen on an individual basis according to their character, determination, work ethic, ability, and desire to compete.