by Margit Deerman
4 Star Senior Parelli Professional
I never wanted to compete. The thought of it made my stomach ache. I am, by nature, an RBI, and the idea of being in front of people would put me way outside my comfort zone. But I wanted to be a better rider and learn dressage, so the journey began. I have been competing professionally for ten years now.
Pat Parelli taught me the habits and skills through Level 4, setting my horse, Panadero, and me up for the sport. When I started the task of searching for a trainer, I was always very respectful of the knowledge. I learned from them and stayed very professional and respectful as a student, even if I only took one lesson from them. Most of the time, I did not stay because there was not enough release for my horse. I always wanted to keep my principles of natural horsemanship intact. I finally found someone who took a few clinics with Pat Parelli in the 80s and understood this. For six years, I took weekly lessons. I also spent the summers studying on campus. Luis Lucio, a two-time Olympian for Spain and Parelli Level 4 graduate, was one of Pat’s dressage mentors. As I improved, a good friend and I hosted Luis annually for five years and traveled abroad twice to ride with him.
I remember being so nervous at my first show. My butterflies were definitely not flying in formation. All I could think about was not messing up my test. My horse did fantastic and filled in for me. I did every show I could, and it got easier to think and breathe. My goal was that my horse stayed relaxed and happy at every show. Because I am a horse professional, I had to compete in the Open Division against many Dressage trainers. For three years, we became San Diego Dressage Champion in Level 1, 2, and 3 Open Division. Competitors started asking me questions, being more friendly, and asking if I could help them with trailer loading and ground manners. I had to earn their respect in their field for them to respect mine.
For the last four years, I have been competing at Working Equitation, a sport with four events: dressage, ease of handling, speed, and cattle. I took Panadero to Nationals in 2019, where he placed 4th in Novice B. He recently was diagnosed with mild ringbone, so I decided to retire him from showing at age 20 and bring his daughter along. She is an RBE, so keeping her relaxed is always my goal. She has already qualified for Intro Division at Nationals 2022. I am so proud of her. I don’t get sick to my stomach anymore because my comfort zone has gotten bigger. I am so eager to learn more. I think of it as putting my principles to purpose and having fun!
Enjoy the journey!
