Meet Ipanema, “Nina”, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood bay mare with a small white star on her forehead. Nina is owned and ridden by Shay who trains with Nicole Saathoff at S 4 Farms in Cypress, TX.
Shay’s mom Stacey shares that they originally bought Nina as a 2’6″ horse when Shay was just showing walk/trot on her. “She and Shay have been through ups and downs and she has taught Shay a lot. Recently we decided to try her at 3′ Children’s Hunters. The first week didn’t go as well as we hoped. Partly due to Shay’s nerves as it was her first time moving to that height. I told Shay maybe we should keep her at 2’6”. But she firmly told me “No! It was my fault she will be better next week.” I agreed to keep her in the 3′ and the next week they had scores in the 80’s and placed well in the Classic against both the 14 and under and older children proving she could move up! We all had a tear in our eyes as she walked out of the arena after the first round because of the determination Shay had to prove to both me and her trainer she and her horse could do it!”
Nina lives at the Mlak Family home where they have a rather impressive farm, ranging from many different types of horses. Nina loves waiting in the backyard in the mornings for Shay to give her treats before heading to school. Shay also shows El Cerrito and Cisco, and all horses are trailed to Cypress for lessons at S 4 Farms with Nicole Saathoof.
Shay and Nina have had many accomplishments having been together and grown so much with one another. One of the most memorable was placing Champion and Reserve Champion in 2’6″ including Reserve Champion in Kentucky, which is a huge deal considering they had some tough competition. “The two share an incredible bond that not a lot of people get to have. We are so grateful for Nina.”, says Stacey.
