Another brave lady heading to the Cheshire Point to Point.
We would like to introduce you to another brave jockey- Mary Musheno
Mary showing us all how it’s done. {Photo credit alcookphoto, all rights reserved}
So, Mary, inquiring minds want to know……
How old are you?
I am 28 years old.
Who are you riding?
My good friend Lara Lamparski’s horse, luckytohavehim. Thoroughbred, 18 years old, 16.1 hands OTTB
Where are you coming from?
Exton, Pa
How long have you been riding sideways?
I started to ride side saddle in 2007 when Amy Catell Magee taught me how to help fill USEF classes on my pony named “Flash Dance”. I may have fallen off the “on side” my first try jumping at a show, but I have been hooked since. I was lucky enough that Amy lent me all of her show gear in 2008 to take my last lease “Incidental”, to the Devon Horse Show for our last show together prior to me leaving for College. I recently got back into it last year after going to a few USEF shows and just watching the sidesaddle division and remembering what I was missing out on.
Are you a Foxhunter and if so, how long have you been hunting and who do you hunt with?
I hunt with some of the best people in the world, know as the Kimberton Hunt. I became a member after I was out of work due to a broken ankle and needed a horse fix during the week. I was lucky that I was able to follow around such a great group via car hunting. The KHC encouraged me to get back on again and have been my cheering section since at all my horse shows!
What do you love about sidesaddle?
I love how side saddle places all horses on an even playing field. A horse that has a great mind doesn’t have to be $100.000 to look like a star in the show ring.
What do you do when you’re not riding?
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and run a clinic in Parkesburg, PA for ATI Physical Therapy. I also work at Quest Therapeutics where I perform Hippotherapy for Neuro Pediatric populations which is my passion. I am also passionate about serving the less fortunate via my work from two medical mission trips to Guatemala and Africa with ATI.
I also recently completed the Certified Equine Rehabilitation Therapist Program at the Animal Rehab Institute in Florida to learn how to apply my physical therapy skills to rehabilitation, of horses.
I enjoy riding in all different venues from the USEF to local show ring, fox hunting, eventing and the IHSA. I currently ride with Hunt Hill Farm in PA.
What part of the weekend are you looking forward to most?
I am looking forward to sharing the beauty of riding aside. I can’t wait to ride with women that are international and national side saddle figures. I think just being a part of the race is an honor!
Chasing a Fox wishes Mary and her horse Luckytohavehim good luck on race day!
“Be Scared and Do It Anyway” is about hunting, nerves, and wanting to go badly enough that you go—even while privately questioning your judgment. You don’t have to ride to know that feeling. Although horses do give you some excellent reasons. Come read it on Chasing a Fox on Substack. We can question our judgment together. Link in bio.
Before I had opinions about proper turnout, I apparently had these braids. This is me, about eight or nine, at my first Myopia Horse Show aboard Mrs. Saltonstall’s horse, Henrietta. Yes, I braided her myself. There is quite a lot happening along that neck, and I appear very pleased with all of it.
I rode at Pine Grove Stables with Patty Murray, and I would ride my bike from Beverly to Hamilton to muck stalls in exchange for lessons. I wanted to ride, and that was how I could do it.
Looking at this picture now, I can have a good laugh at the turnout, but I’m rather fond of that little girl. She was willing to pedal her way there and shovel whatever was necessary to get on a horse. The braiding needed supervision. The enthusiasm was taking care of itself. And look at the helmet not even an elastic strap holding it on!
Bobby Costello was riding with Patty then, too. He went on to the Olympics, which does make me wonder where my invitation went. Perhaps someone saw this photograph.
After recording the podcast about proper turnout, finding this feels like being confronted with evidence. Here I am, having developed rather firm opinions over the years, and Henrietta has been quietly holding on to my early work. Fair enough. We all started somewhere, and someone had to be patient while we learned. I was lucky to have people who gave me that chance and a horse generous enough to wear my handiwork in public.
Who remembers their first horse show. And, more importantly, is there photographic evidence?
Cold Sunday morning. Dog in my lap, absolutely nowhere to be—and yes, my pajamas are monogrammed. I know. I’m insufferable. But I’m also very comfortable.
There is nothing particularly practical about riding sidesaddle. The habit contains enough fabric to furnish a small drawing room, mounting requires a certain amount of planning, and once everything is finally arranged, one tries not to disturb it by doing anything rash. And yet, sitting there with Thomas beneath me, it all felt perfectly sensible. Tradition is rather good at making the impractical feel indispensable.
I’m loving these features! So neat know more about these awesome ladies!