What Andrina
is doing now!
By Anna Calder (Andrina's
mother)
From the beginning
of time all Andrina could think about was riding her pony.
It was that simple for Andrina! The idea to ride for pleasure
was all that she ever desired yet this lead her to an incredible
adventure in the sport of 3-Day Eventing. An adventure that
only dreams are made of…I still imagine it as a dream…
It was Andrina’s
idea at 11 years old to take on the challenge to put herself
in a most unique situation, yes she was so young yet always
possessing a maturity that never let her worry what anyone
else was thinking. Andrina had her mind made up and she was
100% committed as she went
onto live and train full-time with one of the best coaches
in Eventing, Darren Chiacchia; Andrina found her perfect and
magical horse in Herzprinz: she rode in the most prestigious
Events all over the USA; she accompanied Darren to Burghley
and Blenheim; along the way she met so many big name riders;
she met the organizers of the major Events and the great people
who sponsored and owned the most successful horse and rider
combinations, all of them offering their friendship and support...it
didn't stop there, at 15 yrs old Andrina went on to win NAYRC
(North American Young Riders Championships) both as an individual
and with her team – US Area One, she got the attention
of Tide P&G for a sponsorship, then named to Canada's
long list at 16 yrs old…all of this is bigger than any
dream I could have had in one full night's sleep.
Some people called
this LUCK but Andrina under Darren's program was never trained
to depend on luck. Darren made sure all his students worked
equally hard and they were made accountable for their own
failures and successes regardless of age. Everyone on the
farm had a responsibility to the team and to themselves and
he pushed them all to their maximum potential in all aspects
of riding and on building a strong character to survive life
in general.
I still smile to
this day when as parents we were in constant amazement knowing
our children were getting up at 4:00 a.m. to pack and get
on the road for an Event, then to compete in all weather condition,
often all of them so exhausted but all kept their focus to
get the results. These were the times for the greatest lessons
and lifetime bonding amongst the students and parents…what
more could anyone ask for, work hard, play hard!
Yet Andrina never forgot her need for
an education but with this rigorous training program it was
impossible for her to attend a traditional school program so
the best solution was to get educated with the help of her tutor,
Sonya. As exhausted as Andrina was at the end of her day Andrina
embraced Sonya nightly. I could see why Andrina loved Sonya,
Sonya was one of the few that remembered Andrina was still a
child and she would spoil her with "treats" that were
forbidden on the farm…it was their secret. Sonya always
encouraging Andrina to achieve her grades to ensure that one
day Andrina would graduate and have College as an option.
The turning point
came at 16 yrs old for Andrina; she wanted to experience her
senior year in a traditional school environment. In May 2006
Andrina successfully graduated at West Port High School in
Ocala, Florida "cuma laude" and achieving further
recognition from her Art teacher Mrs. Lovill with an award
to represent the Florida school district in Europe within
the US - People to People program. Surprisingly to Andrina
but not to her family this short time in school gave Andrina
the opportunity to realize her natural artistic talents, which
lead her to Savannah College of Art and Design.
What about Herzprinz
(Hank)? During this period Hank has been under Darren's care
keeping him sound and happy. Andrina could never part with
Herzprinz he will be coming home to Canada this fall to enjoy
retirement and light pleasure riding.
So to this point
all is perfect!
Will Andrina return
to Eventing? I know only that Eventing is deep in Andrina's
heart and soul…time will tell…regardless it is her
decision alone and she has the love and support of her family
on whatever direction she chooses is right for her.
Thank you kindly
to all those who have given their friendship and support to
Andrina along the way!
Cheers and good wishes to all.
Anna Calder, September - 2006
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