It is often that life does not always happen according to plans. Unfortunately, Amateur Chelsea Martz’s lineup for this year is different than she had hoped. Three-time AQHA Reserve World Champion, Eyell Be Outrageous, affectionately known as “Rosie”, recently had surgery on her fetlock joint.
“This has been difficult news, as there is no guarantee about her long term recovery,” says Chelsea, who is from Blacklick, Ohio. “Rosie has always been there for me when I needed her, and, now, it is my turn to take care of her. While she recuperates, she will be at home with my trainers, Judd and Jennifer Paul, being loved on and spoiled.”
“Rosie is such a special part of our family,” Chelsea continues. “She genuinely loves being a show horse and knows exactly when to give you 110 percent. Rosie is very loving, although she also likes her personal space. She is the princess of the family. When we first purchased Rosie, I put too much pressure on myself because she had such an amazing reputation already. In the beginning, I never thought we would form the bond we have today. Entering the show pen with her always gives me a boost of self-confidence. When I get nervous at the larger shows, knowing I have her to rely on always makes me feel more relaxed. Regardless of what the future holds for us, I feel extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to have an equine partner like Rosie.”
Even though the 2013 show season will not look exactly like she had planned, Martz is excited about the opportunities it holds.
“I will have the chance to focus on my pleasure mare, Onlythebestchocolate (Hershey). It will be fun to go to some shows I have never been to with our pleasure trainers, Kenny and Ashley Lakins,” says Martz, who recently graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Psychology. “Hershey is one the sweetest horses I have ever been around. One of my favorite accomplishments is placing in the top ten in Western Pleasure at the 2011 Amateur World Show with Hershey. My goal for this year is to place in the top ten again.”
Martz says that she has been lucky to have the opportunity to work with some talented trainers including Judd and Jennifer Paul who foster a very family-oriented environment.
“Trail is one of my favorite classes, and the knowledge that I have gained from them over the years is invaluable,” said Chelsea, who is also excited to be the secretary for the Ohio Amateur Quarter Horse Association and on the executive committee for The Buckeye Classic. “I am also thrilled to begin working with Kenny and Ashley Lakins in the western pleasure. They both have a very encouraging and positive style of teaching. I have already learned a lot from them in a short period of time.”
The Ohio native says that she loves so many things about showing horses that it is hard to narrow it down.
“I enjoy the competitive nature of showing. It doesn’t matter how well you do– there is always something to improve upon. Horse shows also provide a unique type of family bonding,” Martz told GohorseShow. “There are very few activities that the whole family can be involved in together. My mother, Cathy, grew up showing horses and has a great passion for horses and family. She provides tremendous support and encouragement to all of us, as well as great assistance at horse shows.”
One of her favorite horse show memories is from the 2012 Congress. Her father showed Rosie in the Amateur Performance Mares while she showed Hershey in the same class.
“It was such a fun experience to share, and I was so proud of him. My dad didn’t grow up around horses, but he has grown to love it as much as my mom, younger sister and I do,” Martz states. “Another thing I love about horse shows is the chance to spend time with Judd and Jennifer’s little girl, Allie. She and I are typically joined at the hip. It’s impossible to single out one favorite memory, but I love watching her ride her own walk-trot horse, Travis. Showing has given me the opportunity to form relationships that will last a lifetime.” (pictured right: Chelsea and Allie)
GoHorseShow wishes Rosie a speedy recovery!
CLICK HERE to check out her ad in the March issue of GoMag
Photos © KC Montgomery, CERTIFIEDimages
