If you talk to Novice Amateur Martha Fabry of Fairchance, Pennsylvania, she will tell you that she feels like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Fabry says that she has come full circle and the 59 year-old is finally back home. Last week, Fabry and her multiple world champion trail veteran partner, New Lark In Town (Scottie) took home the bronze trophy in the Novice Amateur Trail at the Novice East Championships. Scottie and Martha beat out over 80 other exhibitors to take home third place.
“I’m just so glad to be back in the show pen showing in the trail,” says Fabry, who is helped by trainers, Jim and Linda Becker. “It has been 33 years since I have shown in the trail. The last time I showed was in 1979 with my horse, Ms Eagle Sunshine. I was with Jim and Linda’s father, Jim, back then, and I am so thankful now that Linda and Jim are now helping me and have given me the boost of confidence to get back in the show ring.”
Fabry states that she is excited that she did so well at her first championship show. “I thought my prelims and finals goes were awesome. I basically had to relearn everything since the trail patterns these days are so much more challenging. It took a lot of patience and time to learn everything all over again.”
Trainers, Linda and Jim Becker are also proud of Martha and her success this year. “She was so focused and sharp and I thought she did an incredible job,” says Jim whose family has been involved in the horse business going on 60 years.
Mabry would like to thank the Becker’s for giving her the confidence to get back in the show ring and Patty Vatterott for selling Scottie.
“He’s a grumpy ornery old guy, but he knows his job and I couldn’t have had a better partner to get me back in the show arena,” says Fabry about the 19 year-old gelding who has over 2000 points and two World and Reserve Championships in the trail. “I definitely realize now how special it is to be able to pursue my passion for showing again, and this time I will soak in every moment and not take anything for granted.”
