Excellent Coaching & Dedication Brings 16-year-old to Championship at the A's

Daniel McGee sits proudly with his year-end grand championship trophy. A trophy he earned for first place overall in the OHJA "A" Level for his efforts in the 1.0M Jr/Am Jumper Division. It was a long road for Daniel this year after taking last year off from showing to search for just the right horse to enter the jumper divisions at the A's.

While looking for that special horse, Daniel worked with his young Oldenburg last year to prepare him for a future jumping career. Late in the season of 2008, that perfect horse was found. A veteren jumper, this 17.1 h Hannoverian suited the bill. His name "HomeStretch".

If you have ever seen the horse, you would know why he is called Stretch. Long and lean, he's built to jump. It was quite the difference for Daniel going from showing large pony hunter to a super large horse as a Jumper. The gentle giant in Stretch and Daniel proved to be an excellent team together. Stretch loves people, loves to work and thinks that every one has a treat for him.

Daniel credits his success this year to the consistency and persistence of his coach, Shara Pavan of Avanwhit Stables. "Shara knows what it takes to win. She knows the horses, the required skills, the effort and the training it takes to be #1," said Daniel. "Under Shara's guidance, I made it there this year!"

Daniel's commitment to the sport keeps him moving forward and learning with each ride. He also gives credit to this year's performance from having to work with his Oldenburg - a green horse at best, training and working with Donnizetti has taught Daniel more than he realized. Daniel also believes that being on the running team at Sir Winston Churchill has helped as well. The strength and stamina required to do the long distance runs has paid off in developing his leg and arm muscles for dealing with his gentle giant.

Riding should be every young boy's dream - a barn full of girls to choose from. For Daniel, however, that dream is his reality. He plans to show Stretch and Donizetti next year and is not sure what the future holds the following year. He is off to university and does not know whether his schedule will allow the commitment of the A level shows - even though he hopes it will.