Thoroughbred Incentive Program Youth Ambassador of the Month

Meet Ella MacMaster!

Photo by Joann MacMaster

T.I.P. presents May’s featured Youth Ambassador: Ella MacMaster. Ella, 17, is from Vermont and participates in Eventing with her Thoroughbred, Dalahast (or Dallas for short). Originally from Colorado, she began riding western at the age of seven years old, and switched to Eventing when she moved to Vermont and found her passion in that discipline. She has worked with Dalahast for the past two years and has participated in the Thoroughbred Incentive Program throughout this time. In 2016 Ella won the T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award.

Ella MacMaster (17, Vermont)

Horse
Registered Jockey Club Name: Dalahast
Show Name: Dalahast
Barn Name: Dallas

How did you start riding?
I started riding at various friends’ houses who had horses, then convinced my parents to get me real riding lessons.

What is your favorite thing about riding/or your horse?
My favorite thing about Dallas is that he is constantly changing, which makes it hard but interesting to ride him.

What would you like to do when you are older?
I want to be an Equine Veterinarian.

Tell us your favorite quote and why:
“Hakuna Matata” – The Lion King, because it tells me to relax and just enjoy life. I believe that taking time to appreciate what I have and enjoy it is important.

Photo by Joann MacMaster

More Fun Facts

How many pets do you have (and what kind)?
I have two cats and a dog.

What is your favorite animal (apart from a horse)?
My favorite animal is a dog.

What is your favorite color?
Royal Blue is my favorite color.

What is your favorite food?
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

What is something unique about you?
I am able to balance a rigorous course load in school and a demanding sport!

What is one word that your friends would describe you as?
Dedicated

What do you think the most important aspects of horsemanship are?
I think the most important aspects of horsemanship are: always putting the horse before yourself, empathy, and striving to learn all you can to take care of your horse to the best of your ability.

What is one thing you would like to tell people about Thoroughbreds or the Thoroughbred Incentive Program?
I would like to tell people how athletic and versatile the Thoroughbred breed is, as I have seen them excel in every discipline possible.

What are your goals for your horse in 2017?
My goals for my horse in 2017 are to gain confidence and relaxation at the training level, then to possibly move up to preliminary in the fall.

The Thoroughbred Incentive Program was created by The Jockey Club to encourage second careers for Thoroughbreds when their racing days are over. The T.I.P. sponsors Thoroughbred-only classes and high point awards as well as Performance Awards, special year-end awards specifically for Thoroughbreds. The T.I.P. also recognizes non-competing Thoroughbreds through its Young Rider program as well as a special award for Thoroughbreds in careers such as therapy horses or other non-profit outlets.

To learn more about the Thoroughbred Incentive Program, please visit the organization’s website.