United States Eventing Association

Amber Levine Looks to Continue Her Winning Ways with Otter Pop in the USEA Young Event Horse Series

The Young and Future Event Horse article series is being provided through a partnership between Mythic Landing Enterprises, LLC., and the USEA.

Chocolate Horse Farm in Petaluma, California, is home base for Amber Levine. After growing up in the hunter-jumper world, Amber decided to make the switch to eventing and has worked her way up the levels. She placed third in her first Advanced-level horse trials and went on to win the CCI** at Galway Downs in 2011.

Last fall, Amber and her off-the-track Thoroughbred Otter Pop were the winners of the 2014 USEA Young Event Horse West Coast Championship at Galway Downs in Temecula, California. “Otter” had only competed in two Novice events before Championships, but had the best score of both the East and West Coast Championships combined (83.2).

When Amber laid eyes on Otter Pop (Sought After – Mother of Frank), she knew he showed a great deal of potential to be successful in the eventing world and just had to have him. The Thoroughbred gelding raced six times in 2013 under his Jockey Club name Ought to Win. She purchased him from Shirley Aronson who had first bought him off the track. Once he was in her barn, Amber took care to not rush anything, and he spent a lot of time in the field just being a horse. She describes him as a horse that “just gets it.”

“He’s very athletic, naturally uphill and smart—but not too smart,” she said. This is the first horse that Amber has ever taken through the Young Event Horse divisions.

“Competing in this division is truly a lot of fun! I love getting the feedback from the judges—especially at the Championships at Galway.” She shared, “It was really interesting to hear what they had to say and to be able to have a chance to talk to them after the finals.”

For Amber, that the best part about the program is that the judges don’t have too high of expectations for these youngsters coming out to compete.

“The judges like to see expression! They would rather see your horse throw in a buck while out on the jumping course than watch a horse that just dismally canters around.”

As is evident from the YEH/FEH clinics and symposiums, the judges want to see horses that enjoy their jobs. These are all young horses that are just starting to get the hang of eventing and the jumping should be fun without too much pressure.

Amber continued, “I really appreciated how I wasn’t penalized in my dressage test when Otter broke into the canter during our trot lengthening. He had the right idea but just got a little ahead of himself! These horses are still learning and it’s nice to know that a mistake here and there is expected at this level.”

Amber expressed that the exposure and recognition that these young horses receive in the program is truly unique. Taking them out to horse trials is great, but if you have a really talented youngster, they have a chance to show off what they can do in this division and be rewarded for it without being penalized for “green moments.”

“Galway made the Championships really special and introduced a more high energy environment that will only benefit these horses in the long run—especially those with potential to compete at the upper levels. At the qualifiers, the 4-year-olds had already jumped over ditches, been through water, and up-and-down banks so at this point it was just another day for them!”

For anyone that’s planning on competing in either the Future or Young Event Horse program this spring, Amber’s best advice is to go in with the intent of having fun.

“Especially if you’re an amateur, enjoy the time that you have to move along with your own horse. Make sure that you get your horse out to some schooling shows before then; whether you compete or not, it’s good to have your horse accustomed to a show environment before going to their first-ever event. Let them tell you what they are really ready for and plan your season accordingly.”

As for Amber, she plans for Otter Pop to make his Training-level and 5-year-old YEH debut this spring!

You can learn more about Amber and Chocolate Horse Farm here.