Milestones, Musical Freestyles, and Medals
By Anika Sadler
Back in March 2024, I shared the beginning of our journey in an article titled Roush: The Dream Pony. At that time, Roush and I were heading into our first full season competing at First and Second Level. We had dreams of freestyles and medals, but those were just that—dreams.
Looking back now, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need a fancy horse or a state-of-the-art facility to achieve your goals. What you do need is a good plan, a lot of heart, and the determination to keep showing up even when it’s hard.
Over the past two seasons, Roush and I have worked through our share of challenges, and reaped the rewards… not because everything was perfect, but because we kept putting in the work.
In 2024, we successfully debuted at Second Level. By 2025, we were able to take the big step up to Third Level, achieving my long-time goal of earning my USDF Bronze Medal. We also had the opportunity to compete at the Great American/USDF Region 6 Dressage Championships, where we took home the Adult Amateur First Level Freestyle Championship and placed third in the Second Level Freestyle, just 0.31% shy of Reserve Champion. It was a moment that was both humbling and incredibly motivating.
Building Strength, Setting Goals
One of the biggest things that helped us progress was shifting our mindset from focusing only on big, long-term dreams to setting small, achievable goals that we could work on every day, at home, by ourselves.
In April of 2024, I connected with Nadine Schwartsman, and even though she’s a 1,000-mile round trip away, I committed to hauling to her for three-day bootcamps almost every other month. That meant a lot of planning, especially while running a business with my husband and managing a barn full of animals at home, but it was a game-changer. Nadine’s guidance helped refine our program and gave us the tools we needed to keep moving forward.
Our biggest ongoing hurdle has been building strength. Roush is a smaller horse competing against big, powerful warmbloods, and he needs more time and focused work to develop the muscle and fitness to stay competitive. I’ve had to create a program that builds his strength gradually, without overworking him. What he may lack in size, he more than makes up for in heart and try, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
Remote Challenges & Winter Realities
Training from a remote location adds its own unique set of obstacles. We live in the mountains of North Idaho, hours away from the nearest indoor, with only an outdoor arena at home. Our first snowfall usually arrives in October, and the arena footing often doesn’t melt out until May. That means we essentially lose half the year to winter.
During those months, training becomes less about progress and more about maintaining what we’ve built. I trail ride on the snowmobile trails, and we haul to an indoor arena three to four times a month to stay sharp. We also enjoy shifting our focus and having some fun by actively competing in skijoring each winter. Roush absolutely loves it! It’s not traditional dressage training, but it keeps us connected, strong, and happy through the toughest part of the year.
In a sport that can already feel isolating—especially as an adult amateur—living so remotely adds another layer of difficulty. There are days it really does feel like I’m on an island. I’m incredibly grateful for the support network of friends, mentors, and trainers who keep me grounded and motivated, even if it’s just over the phone.
Heart and Determination
Reaching Third Level and earning my Bronze Medal on a horse I’ve brought along myself is more than just a goal achieved; it’s a reflection of hard work, resilience, and the people who believed in and supported us along the way. Most of all, it’s a testament to the pony who gives his heart every single day.
Roush may not be the biggest horse in the ring, but his willingness and effort are unmatched. As he’s gained more strength, he’s really stepped up to the plate, and every new challenge seems to bring out more of his try.
Looking ahead, I’d love to work toward my Silver Medal—and go down centerline in a tailcoat someday. That dream is quietly sitting in the back of my mind, but I’m in no rush. Roush gives 110% every day, and I never want to push him beyond what he’s ready for. For now, our goal is to become more confident and consistent at Third Level, and to keep growing as a team.
Because no matter what, I already have the dream pony, and he’s proving every day that big goals are for everyone – no matter how small the horse, nor where you come from.
