AtlanticRider of the Month

Tova Ackermann and Ria

I have attached a photo of my daughter, Tova, with "her" horse Ria. Tova is 3 and has been around horses all her life, she LOVES helping my father and I feed the horses and clean the barn. Tova also loves to ride and takes every opportunity she is presented with to ride Ria (who also happens to be Tova's favorite horse). Ria is a 7 year old Thoroughbred mare. Ria has a huge personality and absolutely LOVES kids and dogs. Ria's favorite pass time (aside from her walks with Tova) is throwing her grooming tools at her stable mates, Jake and Jenny; Ria also loves to chew cross ties, chase pigeons, and turn her feed tub over. Ria always takes great care of Tova during their rides and will stop walking if she feels that Tova is off balance, even though Tova has an adult walking on either side of her at all times during her rides. Tova says she wants to be a farmer when she grows up, buy a tractor just like her Grumpy's, ride Ria every day, and give Ria lots of carrots and apples. Tova is also looking forward to competing in the hunter/jumper circuit when she gets a little older.

This photo was taken by my father, Dr. Mike Ackermann, at Reaching Strides Equestrian Centre's Halloween fun show. Ria belongs to my father.

-Adrienne Ackermann