UPDATE: Well Darcy may be still searching for her first World Championship, but she did have a pretty good day when she placed TOP 5 in the Novice Amateur Western Riding. We congratulate her on a nice ride. GoHorseShow.com wishes her luck the rest of the week. Check out the profile of this top business woman and rider if you haven’t had a chance.
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38 Year-Old Darcy Schroeder of Las Vegas, Nevada, is in hot pursuit of her first world championship at the APHA World Show. Schroeder’s main equine related goal–besides having fun, has remained illusive up to this point, but, this week she will have another chance to fulfill that dream.
This self described exercise and fashion fanatic (she has a weakness for designer shoes and purses) will be competing in the Novice and Amateur Western Riding at the APHA World Show on Sunday with her double registered AQHA/APHA equine partner who is known by his barn name, “Chewy”, but also by his two different registered names, Vested Surprise (AQHA), and Iotabasurprise (APHA).
This duo will also be showing in the Amateur Trail, Horsemanship, and Western Pleasure. “We found Chewy last February when I was looking for a horse to teach me the Trail and Western Riding. I love those classes because they are so challenging. Chewy was in someone’s pasture taking a break from showing,” Darcy said, when talking fondly about her 10 Year-Old gelding. “I have no idea how he got his name because he definitely doesn’t chew on things. He is a lazy thug, but always puts in 110 percent.”
Schroeder, who hauls with High Point Performance Horses, recently placed 6th at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in the Novice Amateur Trail. “The Congress is an amazing place to show because of the competition and seeing so many nice horses on the top of their game, but mentally, it is a difficult place to prepare yourself to show,” she said. “The APHA World Show is great because it is a lot more laid back, and it is a place I enjoy coming. I am going to just go out and have fun and put no pressure on myself. I don’t want to stress myself out, and I think some people take showing a little too seriously. Some exhibitors get so distraught when they don’t win. They need to keep everything in perspective and realize that trying your best, exhibiting good sportsmanship, and just enjoying the experience is what it should be all about.”
Since Charlie Cole and Jason Martin are at the AQHA World Show, their assistant trainer, Greg Johnson, is helping her at the Paint World. “Greg is going to be an amazing young all around trainer. He is very good at explaining and talking you through certain techniques. Charlie and Jason have also been helping Johnson learn the Trail and Western Riding.”
Schroeder, who was born, raised, and went to college in Las Vegas, says she loves her hometown. “It is a great place to live. You can do anything, anytime, anywhere. The city is central to everything,” Darcy, says, when being questioned by GoHorseShow.com.
Darcy has also been very successful in her professional career and private life. This wife, mother, sales rep, and horse competitor has won several sales awards, including the Hexawave award where she won a sales associate trip to Vancouver. Darcy works for the company, Steris, in medical equipment sales. In her early 20s, she was a paramedic but she says that didn’t last very long. “I didn’t like being on call at night and having to sleep in different grungy places every two hours–so that is how I got into medical sales. I also met my husband, Harry (pictured right), at a party, through another doctor.”
Schroder says her husband, who is an anesthesiologist, is not involved with the horses, but that he “tolerates it, comes and watches, and, then, goes home,” Darcy, says, and then laughs. As most horse people know, horse shows are definitely an acquired taste. This couple does like to play golf together, and they will have been married for 10 years this coming February. Her 4 Year-Old son, Braeden (pictured left), loves soccer, preschool, and karate, but he loves coming to the shows and loves Chewy. “He is a mini me,” this proud mom says. “I am also very thankful for having a very supportive father who goes to all the shows. He is always there for me and have been a part of everything with the horses and have gone the extra mile. I would never have gotten this far without his unwavering support.”
Schroeder (no relation to Robbie or Joan Schroeder) got introduced to paint horses when she was in the 5th grade by her Aunt and Uncle. She started taking lessons with a local lady, Chris Cartwright, who did the open show circuit. This pretty blonde also mentions that her first trainer was APHA judge, Floyd Danley, who she considers a second father. Darcy started training with Charlie and Jason in 2002 with her horse, RL Suddenly, and says she loves hauling with them. “They are so honest, hardworking and talented. They are very good with matching horses and riders together.” Her horse is currently for sale, but she will continue showing him until he goes on to a new owner. She has a coming 2 Year Old, double registered APHA/AQHA, new project by A Good Machine that she looks forward to watching progress next year.
“I just love the people and the horses, and going into the arena and trying the best I can,” she said.
GoHorseShow.com wishes her good luck at the APHA World Show and we will update everyone on how she does this week.
