Ruth Rosendaul

NYB Spotlight: Ruth Rosendaul

My name is Ruth Rosendaul, and I am from Kentucky. I am 19 years old, a freshman at the University of Louisville (U of L) studying Equine Administration, and I ride on the eventing team for U of L . I have been in Pony Club for 10 years, and I am a C+ EV and C-2 HM. I have two amazing horses named Kaloosh and Master Piece Z (aka, Zedd). I have qualified for five USPC Championships and competed at two USPC Championships with Kaloosh.

Ruth Rosendaul
Photo Courtesy Ruth Rosendaul

Kaloosh is an off-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) that I have had for seven years. We have quite literally done everything together, and he has taught me to love the sport. He took me to my first eventing show, and I took him to his. It was definitely unusual at the time to see a 12-year-old on a OTTB, and we turned many heads. Nothing came easy with him, and we failed a lot before we had any success. All of a sudden, a switch was flipped, and he has been quite unstoppable! We still have many plans, and I can’t wait for what the next year has for us!

Zedd is a young Irish Sport Horse, who I have had for two years. He is quite the talented and athletic horse. What I love most about him is how he has the Thoroughbred gallop and the elegance of a Warmblood. We still have a lot to learn from each other, but when it all comes together, he will also be unstoppable, like Kaloosh.

It’s been a rewarding journey with these horses—starting from the ground up. I have a fantastic trainer here in Kentucky who has helped me every step of the way, along with many other professionals. I still have a lot to learn, but I am excited about where we are going!

In the Beginning

I started riding because my grandma met someone on a plane who was local to us who had a barn. My grandma asked if she could take me to come see the horses, and the rest was history! Shortly after, I was recommended to join Pony Club, and my mom immediately signed me up. I went to many Quiz rallies and to rallies in the Midsouth Region. I was the first one in the region to win a Stable Manager award and the first one out of my Pony Club to compete at champs. I have been in Pony Club for nine or 10 years now, and I value everything that has come out of it!

Thanks to Pony Club

Ruth Rosendaul
Photo Courtesy Ruth Rosendaul

Pony Club opened up many doors for me in 2022. I joined the National Youth Board and am now in my second year on the board. I also applied and was chosen for the Ann Haller internship at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. I was able to see what goes on behind the scenes of such a big and popular international event.

I also had the opportunity to work for Hannah Sue (Burnett) Hollberg this summer in Pennsylvania. Hannah Sue is a Pony Club alum and a 5* eventer. I was able to put all the information I learned in Pony Club to practice. I always had my manuals in my car just in case I needed to look back at any information. It was an experience I will never forget, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity.

Thank you so much to the United States Pony Clubs and the National Youth Board for all of the unforgettable opportunities, and I can’t wait to help make a positive change for the future of riding and Pony Club.

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) is the largest equestrian educational organization in North America. Started in 1954, the organization has developed curriculum that teaches safe riding skills and the care of horses through mounted and unmounted lessons. Through Pony Club, members have fun with horses and make lifelong friends while they develop skills, habits, and values that extend well beyond the barn and last a lifetime. Many members apply what they have learned in the USPC program successfully in their careers, educational and volunteer opportunities, and other life pursuits.

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