Zone 10 Spotlight: Devon Equestrian Academy, Horsemanship Quiz Stable Challenge Winner

Devon Equestrian Academy riders and their barn mascot, Jasmine.  Photo by Allie Sibley.

 Riders from Devon Equestrian Academy, located in Covina, California, worked hard this summer to compete in the Horsemanship Quiz Stable Challenge, presented by The Plaid Horse.  The Stable Challenge, part of the USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Program (HQC), encourages teamwork and barn camaraderie by engaging a trainer’s entire barn as a team.  Their hard work in the Stable Challenge earned their trainer, Vanessa Voight, the highest score in Zone 10. 

 “I downloaded the HQC and posted it at the barn,” Vanessa recounted. “I encouraged as many of my riders to participate as possible, and they were very excited to try.” Devon Equestrian Academy is a training barn and riding school that also rehabilitates off the track thoroughbreds, so Vanessa felt her students were well prepared to take the quiz. “I encouraged all my students to participate in the care of not only their own horse, but also help with their friend’s horses and the rehabilitation of the off the track thoroughbreds as well. Having them test their skills while learning new things seemed like a great combination.”

The HQC is also in line with Vanessa’s own barn priorities.

“One thing I encourage is interest in the true meaning of horsemanship which includes riding, managing horses, the business of horses, and the joy of horses,” Vanessa explained.  “A lot of new students ask if I teach horsemanship along with the riding lessons because they are interested in not just competing, but also owning and taking care of their own horse.” 

Vanessa and her riders can attest to how beneficial participation in the HQC is.

“I have a couple of pre-veterinary students and they told me how much the HQC was able to help them,” Vanessa shared. “For the younger riders, it was a great chance for them to see if they are interested in learning even more about horsemanship. Some of my students have expressed the desire to become trainers and I think this is an important step in that direction.”

As the top scoring trainer in Zone 10, Vanessa will receive a trainer-inspired award package to share with her barn that includes great prizes like a Charles Owen helmet, one-year membership to Equestriancoach.com, a $200 Parlanti gift certificate, and more.

“Everyone was super excited to hear that we as a barn had won,” Vanessa shared.  “They were comparing notes with each other, and it was quite cute.  A lot of them want to try it again next year.”

Though entries for this year’s HQC will be closed on September 1, it’s never too early to start preparing for next year!  For more information about the Stable Challenge, visit ushja.org/stablechallenge. For more information about the USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge, visit ushja.org/HQC.