Amelia
Youngest working student at Halifax Farm, 2002

  Amelia is 13 years old and shy when you first meet her. One of the first things you notice is her beautiful smile. Living out in the country Amelia is familiar with lots of animals. When asked about her favorite animals she will say toads/frogs, salamanders, cats, horses and elephants.
  Amelia is the youngest working student at Halifax Farm. It is unusual for Suzin Daly, trainer to accept a 13-year-old working student. Amelia is the exception. Amelia is a home study student that allows her the opportunity to do the morning barn chores. Nancy, Amelia's mother, worked part time at Halifax Farm ten years ago.  She is very supportive and proud of Amelia. Suzin accepted Amelia into the working student program because of Amelia's talent as a rider. Suzin's says, "It is rare that I find such a gifted young rider with natural ability and feel for horses. I instruct Amelia as if she is an adult. She has never complained or becomes distracted during a training session. Amelia is at one of the hardest stages of training. As a beginner rider on the lunge line she rides over half of her training session trotting without stirrups. There are not to many experienced riders who spend that much time without stirrups. It's a lot of work. Amelia never says a word but grins ear to ear. I find myself grinning with her."
 
 Amelia only has been riding for approximately 2 months at the time of this article. Amelia rides once a week. To watch her you would think she has been in training almost a year. When Amelia was asked what she thought about her training sessions and being a working student, she says, "I enjoy every moment of riding. I feel free. One of the best parts of the lessons besides learning and riding is tacking up." I hope to continue riding and further my equestrian studies. The thing I like the best about my job is feeding the horses, putting their halters on and leading them out. I would like to become a veterinarian of animals big and small."