“This letter is to recommend Amelia VanDevender for your consideration to attend your school. Amelia is an outstanding student academically. Amelia is also a passionate up-and-coming horsewoman eager to learn, easy to coach and a competitor at heart! Amelia has demonstrated admirable personal qualities and aptitude for the equestrian sport of hunters and equitation.
I have had the opportunity to work with Amelia in Chicago during clinics and lessons in Wellington, Florida. Amelia is coachable, applies the lessons to her competitive rounds, and accepts the struggle of learning as well as enjoys the achievements of success. I am impressed with her eagerness to help set fences during other riders’ lessons, assist other students in shortening their stirrups, and be willing to be the demonstrator for driving reins to a greener rider: all done to help others. Students who spend time helping in the stable or during other riders’ lessons develop advanced horse IQ which is key to succeeding in equestrian sports.
My name is Diane Carney, equestrian professional of 50 years, USEF R Licensed Official for 20 years, and national clinician/coach, I am one of the commentators for Desert International Horse Park, Thermal, CA and have worked for the Pennsylvania National Horse Show hunt seat medal finals, Capital Challenge WCHR week, and judged the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the National Horse Show.
I am confident Amelia would contribute academically and in her sport at your school. Thank you for your consideration.”
~ Diane Carney, www.DianeCarneyUS.com
“I have had the pleasure of coaching Amelia since the spring of 2023. She is a talented and hardworking student who truly loves this sport, demonstrates a desire to improve with every ride and puts her horses’ welfare above her competitive goals. She gives her all during our lessons and in the show ring and pushes through difficult exercises with grace and fortitude. Amelia is extremely motivated and strives to perfect her ability to communicate with any horse she rides. She brings a determination that inspires others around her and is loved in our barn by young and old alike. She is a delight to teach because she is extraordinarily coachable and has a great mindset about developing as a rider.
It has been a joy and privilege to work with Amelia and watch her excel as part of our barn family. Given all her excellent qualities, I believe that Amelia will be an asset to any program.”
~ Lorrie Canady, Owner/Head Trainer at Galway Farm, Long Grove, IL
“I joined Galway Farm as an assistant trainer in the summer of 2023 and have worked closely with Amelia since that time. As a young professional, I’m very aware of the dedication needed to excel at this sport and Amelia embodies all of the qualities that will set her up for success. Amelia is genuinely dedicated to improving her riding skills and developing her horsemanship. She is a pleasure to teach and has a great attitude at the barn no matter whether she’s riding or helping with barn chores. At shows, Amelia is the first at the barn and the last to leave. I can always count on her to help me ensure that Galway’s team is successful and that our clients and horses have the best experience possible. Amelia is an excellent teammate, and I am confident that she will be an amazing addition to any program she is a part of.”
~ Katrina Shulda, Assistant Trainer at Galway Farm, Long Grove, IL
“During her time as a student with UEA, Amelia has earned A’s in all of her coursework. Amelia sets high academic goals for herself and consistently puts in the time and effort to meet these goals. She is on track to take AP Language and Composition and AP US History in her junior year. Even with an intense training and competition schedule, Amelia prioritizes school and finishes assignments by the deadlines that are set.
Perhaps more importantly, Amelia has the personal characteristics and values that will make her an asset in any learning community. She has learned excellent time management and has developed the study skills needed for success. She is the type of student who is consistently a favorite with her teachers due to her maturity and work ethic. Amelia values her relationships with others: she is open-minded, friendly, and well-spoken. She is kind, inclusive, and well-liked by her peers.”
~ Heather Amber, Partner at Upper Echelon Academy and Academic Advisor