Experience
Whitney was born outside of Philadelphia, but took her first riding lesson in a small southern Illonios town. At the age of 4, Whitney began riding her first pony in Oregon. Over the years to follow, she joined pony club and competed in Oregon, Washington, California, and Montana at national competitions. Whitney began attending Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania in 2003. Being on the east coast opened up a world of opportunities; she was able to train with Susie Beale and Major Jeremy Beale, competed in her first international event in Virginia, and trained and competed up and down the east coast from Pennsylvania to South Carolina and Georgia. In the spring of 2006, while she was studying abroad in Bristol England, Whitney competed on the university team against other teams around England. She was a working student for Carol Gee in Kilkenny, Ireland. That April, she represented the United States in Zurich, Switzerland at the Senior Riders Nations Cup, competing against fifteen countries.
In 2006-2007, Whitney trained with Phillip Dutton, Olympic gold metal veteran and number one ranked eventer in the United States. Since graduating with a double honors degree in Psychology, she has returned west to manage Westwood Stables (westwoodstables.com) in her hometown, while teaching students and young prospects.
Eventing: demanding and expensive
Eventing is both a demanding and expensive sport. It is a 12 hour-a-day, 7 days a week commitment. The morning is spent caring for the horses then riding and training a minimum of 4 horses. In the afternoon, Whitney teaches students and maintains the farm.
Since eventing is comprised of three different disciplines, much more equipment is required, which often means 3 times the expense of other equestrian sports. On the west coast, competitions are spread out, ranging from 2 to 16 hours away! Needless to say, This sport requires great dedication, tenacity, and support; both emotionally and financially. The days are long, the competitive schedules intense, and the years it takes to rise to the top are immense.
"We have one life to live, follow your passion"
Team Weston has a budget for the 2008 competition season of over $35,000. Sponsor support is essential.
Donations are
100% tax deductible according to IRS Code Section 501(c)(3). The
American Horse Trials Foundation was established in 1987 to assist 3-Day
Event Riders and Organizers in raising tax deductible financial support
for national and international competition. In 1996 the Bylaws
were revised so that the Foundation could assist riders competing in
the related disciplines of dressage and show jumping. I have recently
established grant eligibility with the AHTF. By making a tax deductible
contribution to the AHTF, you will be helping me realize my dream. There are other sponsorship opportunities available. Please contact Team Weston for more details.
Please contact me if you would like to make a tax deductible donation to the American Horse Trials Foundation, Inc. Please make the check payable to The American Horse Trials Foundation and mail to:
The American Horse Trials Foundation, Inc.
c/o Whitney Weston
1335 Heydon Rd
Roseburg,OR
97470
or email at westwoodstables@gmail.com
Please contact the AHTF directly for further information about their tax-deductible giving opportunities:
American Horse Trials Foundation
Email: ahtf@att.net