It certainly appears Sydney Miller inherited the riding “bug” from her mother, Veronica, and they both experienced great success at Equine Productions Inc.’s Winter Series at Lake St. Louis. Veronica took home top honors in the Adult Amateurs for the Series aboard Showtime, who KEE Inc. Trainer Katana O’Brien piloted to the series title in the Green Conformation Hunters and Pro Hunter Horse. Twelve-year-old Sydney, who began showing in the Children’s Hunters this winter, captured the reserve spot in that division with Connie Fry’s horse, Nathaniel.
“I started riding when I was seven and rode through my junior years,” said Miller. “As a matter of fact, Katana and I rode together as juniors. Then, like many people, I took 16 years off for college, career, getting married and having kids. I started back riding in ’94 with Katana.”
Upon her return to the show ring, Miller experienced great success for several years in the Amateur Owners with her thoroughbred gelding, The Late Show. Although “Carson” is taking a break from showing, she or Sydney still ride him almost every day.
O’Brien was showing in Ocala three years ago when she spotted Showtime. “I watched him go and immediately thought of Veronica,” explained O’Brien. “He’s a warmblood version of Carson. I called Veronica and told her to get on a plane. The rest is history.”
“Sydney was five when she started lessons with Katana,” said Miller. “And Katana found us a wonderful short stirrup pony, Helicon Headliner. It seems like just yesterday that Sydney was riding Jake around the ring with her pigtails and ribbons. Now, we take group lessons together!”
“Sydney even looks quite a bit like Veronica when she’s riding – their position is so similar,” commented O’Brien. “And it’s not something I’ve taught Sydney. It’s either genetic, years of watching her mom ride, or a little bit of both!” |
