Quick Questionnaire with Samantha Schaefer

Rider status: professional  •  home base: Westminster, MD, and Ocala, FL  •  barn: Shadow Ridge LLC

As a horsewoman, I am most proud of developing young horses. 

As a horsewoman, I would most like to improve on public speaking. 

I’d be lost without my spur bag in my tack trunk. And my monogrammed gloves in my ring bag. I leave them everywhere! 

I think the biggest misconception about our sport is that riders aren’t athletes. 

My best piece of advice for young riders is: Set goals and never give up.

The part of riding I struggle most with is counting strides! 

The part of riding I’m best at is trusting my feel and gut instinct. 

I’m a sucker for a chestnut! Most of my best horses over the years have been chestnut! 

On Mondays, you’ll find me at the barn labeling and organizing things for the next week OR on a boat! I love being on the water when I have free time. 

I sometimes wish I had the time to learn how to play other sports. 

I’m afraid of the dark!

The horse person I most admire is my mom because she helps makes all of my dreams a reality. 

Something I say ten times a day is “Where are the scissors?” 

One of my greatest show ring victories was USET Finals in 2011 as a junior and The National 2020 Leading Hunter Rider. 

One of the best horse names I’ve ever heard is Over Dressed. 

My absolute favorite show is Devon because the atmosphere and history are unlike anything else!  

My motto is: Less is more, keep it simple

*This story was originally published in the March 2021 issue of The Plaid Horse. Click here to read it now and subscribe for issues delivered straight to your door!

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