Thoroughbred Incentive Program Youth Ambassadors of the Month

Meet Chloe Bellerive and Teri Simone!

T.I.P. presents November’s featured Youth Ambassadors: Chloe Bellerive and Teri Simone. Chloe and Teri have both been T.I.P. Youth Ambassadors since its inaugural year, 2016. These returning Youth Ambassadors both participate in Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation disciplines.

Chloe Bellerive (19, Maryland & Kentucky)

Photo: Chloe / Lori Bellerive

Chloe currently is studying at the University of Kentucky. While at school, Chloe leases her Thoroughbred Grady. Chloe competes on the University of Kentucky Equestrian Team and has been named high point rider at multiple shows this year.

Horse
Registered Jockey Club Name: Elect Me
Show Name: Dream Weaver
Barn Name: Grady

How did you start riding?
I started riding when I was about 2 years old after watching my mother ride at the barn. I became quickly interested in riding and started walking around on an older school horse that was at the barn

What is your favorite thing about riding/or your horse?
I love the quietness and peacefulness of being able to ride when I would like and where I would like to. It is relaxing and is a great stress relief.

What would you like to do when you are older?
I hope to become an Equine Surgeon.

More Fun Facts
How many pets do you have (and what kind)?
I have 1 dog that is an Australian cattle dog, and 1 cat that is a Calico, and as part of the family we also have a pekingese and Texas heeler and 3 more barn kitties. My family also has a pig.
What is your favorite animal (apart from a horse)?
Dog
What is your favorite color?
Purple
What is your favorite food?
Mac & Cheese
What is one word that your friends would describe you as?
Determined

What is something unique about you?
Probably the most unique thing about me is that I didn’t talk until I was 4. Being around horses at a young age truly helped me to find my voice.

What is your favorite quote and why?
“In Riding a Horse, we borrow Freedom” – Helen Thompson

Probably my most favorite quote, especially now as it defines my life. I think I have always realized that my passion for horses actually define me and helped me to evolve to who I am, where I am and the direction I am going with my life. Riding horses has always been my soccer, my running, my therapy. While I always ride and hope I always will, and sometimes it involves training, showing, schooling, there are definitely moments that I ride to escape, to quiet my nerves, to relax my mind, or just simply disappear into a world where I am free. Much like a runner that just goes out on a run without a plan, course or destination, or the artist feverishly working on a creation in a quiet world of their own, I borrow moments of freedom with my horse where the ride is simply that, and our course and flight is unknown, but I have experienced and shared the free spirit and essence of the horse with my horse and it has made all the difference.

Photo: Chloe / Lori Bellerive

What do you think the most important aspects of horsemanship are?
I feel that there is a misconception about horsemanship. I think people believe it’s simply the art and skill by which someone rides a horse, as in their ability. Although by definition that may be the case, I believe it’s so much more than that. As a Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Ambassador for USHJA, and through my experience of testing by challenging my levels of knowledge regarding the care and understanding of horses, I have learned that there is so much more than just showcasing your ability, or being measured by your ability to ride a horse. Riding the horse is more of a display of one’s ability to merge in partnership with the horse and perform. The more important aspects are the overall care and treatment of the horse.

It can be as simple as knowing which bit to use, how to properly fasten a girth, place a bridle on a horse and know how to fit it, to wrapping legs for travel or injury and knowing the difference, proper nutrition fitting to individual horse needs, what types of vaccinations are necessary and when, how to check temperature, what to do in case of an emergency, or even just for a simple case of scratches. All of this and so much more is a part of the overall responsibility of horse ownership and involvement. Of course, the levels of knowledge can be different based on where the horse is kept, whether you are leasing or owning or just simply taking lessons. To some degree, even basic horsemanship beyond simply riding is very important with any level of involvement with a horse. Education is key and helps to promote safety and a healthier more beneficial relationship with the horse.

What is one thing you would like to tell people about Thoroughbreds or the Thoroughbred Incentive Program?
The Thoroughbred Incentive is a wonderful program that offers many opportunities and awards for thoroughbreds in their second career of all disciplines. I truly believe it is responsible for bringing back the realization that all disciplines have a spot for the thoroughbred.  Thoroughbreds are truly the heart and symbol of the equine sports and deserve to be recognized and celebrated.

Teri Simone (19, Ontario)

Photo: Rachel Sulman

Teri currently is studying at the University of Western Ontario. Teri competes on the Western University Equestrian Team.

Horse
Registered Jockey Club Name: Indy League
Show Name: Rapsallion
Barn Name: Indy

How did you start riding?
I got involved with summer camps at a very young age, and fell absolutely in love with horses. I wanted to take riding lessons, and once I began regular lessons it was obvious that it was more than just a phase, I was hooked!

What is your favorite thing about riding/or your horse?
I love the feeling of peace that I get when I sit on Indy’s back, and the incredible connection that comes from the two of us having so much trust in each other. When I master a new technique or overcome a challenge it is so satisfying to see that every ounce of effort I continue to put in really does pay off in a big way.

What would you like to do when you are older?
I want to go into business and hopefully be able to combine my passion for horses with my work somewhere down the road in my career! I hope to attain a degree from the Ivey School of Business at Western University, which has been my dream since I was young. I am on my way to achieving this goal, and hope to go to Business School in my 3rd year of university if I meet the requirements.

More Fun Facts
How many pets do you have (and what kind)?
A Lowchen! (A type of dog that nobody has ever heard of normally). Indy doesn’t count as a pet, he’s my team mate.
What is your favorite animal (apart from a horse)?
Ducks!
What is your favorite color?
Blue
What is your favorite food?
Sushi
What is one word that your friends would describe you as?
Compassionate

What is something unique about you?
Apart from horseback riding, I am very passionate about theatre and acting!

What is your favorite quote and why?
“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try” – Gail Devers

I love this quote because it is so applicable to me and my riding career, and also my decisions leading up to attending university this fall! I love to see hard work pay off, and to see how far I’ve come by looking back on accomplishments I’ve made; personally, academically and with horseback.

Photo: Rachel Sulman

What do you think the most important aspects of horsemanship are?
Trust, honesty, and partnership. Nothing will be accomplished without trust between horse and rider, and you must be honest. With yourself, the horse, and those who are helping you. Know your limits and abilities and never be ashamed of them. Partnership with the horse is so important to build a bond and to be successful at communicating as a rider.

What is one thing you would like to tell people about Thoroughbreds or the Thoroughbred Incentive Program?
Thoroughbreds are such intelligent and willing animals who genuinely want to please. If you can develop a partnership with a thoroughbred at any opportunity – take it. You will both learn so much from each other about patience, persistence, dedication, and trust, and be rewarded in the most incredible ways. I can’t recommend thoroughbreds highly enough for any discipline, as even after their racing careers they are so versatile and quick to learn that will excel wherever you may take them. The average person has many careers in their lifetime, why should a thoroughbred only have one?

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I am an avid promoter of off-track thoroughbreds and horse and pony rescues, as I have learned and grown so much from riding at Sherwood Farm under the instruction of Robin Hannah-Carlton and mentorship of Marilyn Lee. I have helped, for the past three years to emcee and organize a fundraising event called Bit by Bit to assist the retraining of off-track thoroughbreds, and rescue horses and ponies. It is so rewarding to be able to give back, especially as I know how much time and energy it takes to work with these incredible creatures to help them reach their maximum potential. Every time the opportunity arises, it is so incredibly worth it.

The Thoroughbred Incentive Program was created by The Jockey Club to encourage second careers for Thoroughbreds when their racing days are over. The T.I.P. sponsors Thoroughbred-only classes and high point awards as well as Performance Awards, special year-end awards specifically for Thoroughbreds. The T.I.P. also recognizes non-competing Thoroughbreds through its Young Rider program as well as a special award for Thoroughbreds in careers such as therapy horses or other non-profit outlets.

To learn more about the Thoroughbred Incentive Program, please visit the organization’s website.