Sisters rider earns scholarship

Sisters Middle School student Patience O'Neal recently received a scholarship designed to further her equestrian ambitions. O'Neal, 12, is deeply involved in the world of three-day eventing, a horse sport that encompasses the discipline and grace of dressage, the adrenaline rush of cross-country, and the drama of show jumping. It's a world she's been immersed in since birth - her mother, Karen O'Neal, is herself an accomplished eventer and trainer.

The scholarship was awarded by the Professional Riders Organization (PRO) to four young riders who compete at training level. Patience and her horse, Change of Pace, were judged at two different shows during the past eventing season. Judges, who are PRO members, watched for good horsemanship and riding, maturity in the competitive arena and a strong work ethic.

Patience is the youngest scholarship recipient by several years, and according to her father, Tim, has consistently been the youngest competitor in each division she's entered over the past four years.

"She is very self-motivated and dedicated to her riding because she truly loves the animal," said Tim.

She is not old enough to advance to the next level and will remain at training level for the next two seasons, competing on a young horse, Tip-Top, a five-year-old American Warmblood.

The PRO Junior Scholarship covers a week of training and board with selected trainers enthusiastic about mentoring young riders. Patience is paired with Hawley Bennett-Awad, a Canadian Olympic rider whose training facility, KingsWay Farm, is in Temecula, California. The O'Neals will be in the area in March for an event; Patience will be with Bennett-Awad the week prior to the show.

It's a little daunting for Patience to train intensively with someone other than her mother.

"My mom has always taught me from the beginning," she said.

But she is looking forward to riding with other people, especially a trainer of Bennett-Awad's caliber.

The future looks bright for this multi-sport athlete, who also plays volleyball and a bit of basketball. Her immediate goal is to keep healthy and stay in one piece. Eventually she hopes to represent her country in international eventing competitions.