Help Savannah & Nate get to Oklahoma Nationals

Hi, my name is Savannah Wilkinson & I am a very passionate 11-year-old; I am fundraising to help me get to the Oklahoma Grand Nationals with my partner and best friend, "Nate the Great." This is my story...

My passion for horses started almost two years ago when my family moved from South Carolina to New Hampshire. My nana knew I was having a hard time with our move and wanted to try and find something fun for me to do; she grew up riding and had a feeling I would love it. Once I took my first lesson, I was hooked and never wanted to leave the barn. This is why I love working every day, helping do tack up for our lesson program at Great Island Riding Academy. My instructor Ellie Stevens took me right under her wing and showed me the ropes, teaching me from the ground up. I became a sponge, asking every question I could think of, from parts of a horse to the different tack we had used and why. Horseback riding to me is not just about jumping on a horse; it's also about how to properly care for your horse, along with some amazing life skills.

I started riding in academy shows last year, not knowing who I would be riding, but it didn't matter; I was just thankful I was able to ride. However, once our season was over, I was a bit sad not knowing what would happen the following season, I had my hopes and dreams that I would get the opportunity to ride a big fancy show horse, but I also knew not to get my hopes up.

Well, my dream came true; for Christmas of 2021, I was given the opportunity to train and ride the amazing "Nate the Great" his actual show name is CRD Wealth of Nations, but he's loved and known to so many as "Nate the Great". Nate has shown me so much, not only what it is like to ride a fancy show horse but what it takes to work hard and achieve your goals. When I'm training on Nate, I feel like we are one; I love it when I hear others who have known Nate for years say, "I have never seen him so happy as he is with Savannah" It makes me feel honored because I feel the same way about him.

We did our first show, called Greater Boston at the big E, which turned out amazing. I was shocked we took home first place in our qualifying round and, on the second day, took home our first Tri-Color Championship ribbon as a team; what an amazing feeling hearing your name called, knowing that all of your hard work, the blood sweat and tears that have put in has paid off. Seeing all the smiles and cheering from your coaches, your friends and family, and even complete strangers makes me realize it's more than worth it. This season, my goal for Nate and I is to get to the biggest Morgan horse show in the world, Oklahoma Grand Nationals, held in October.

Savannah has also been featured in two big magazines; in the updates, you will see her full-page feature in National Horseman!!

TESTIMONIALS

Martha wrote:

Savannah is one of the many kids that I have watched over the past 30 years around the barn. She is a rare combination of being a very hard worker in all the areas and also is an extremely talented rider. She has a sunny attitude and is extremely quick wit!! The full package!!

Ellie wrote:

Savannah is passionate and dedicated to the sport she loves. She is a great role model to younger students and is showing other riders that hard work pays off. Her work ethic goes beyond time in the saddle--but truly caring for every horse.

Elizabeth Highgas wrote:

Imagine the chance to travel across the country to compete in a world championship! Riding into a coliseum where the excitement bursts around you, the energy fills your horse and you. Savannah Wilkinson has this opportunity in front of her, and her riding community would love to see her get there. Even at her young age, Savannah shows what it means to take advantage of every moment an opportunity provides. Savannah is dedicated to her riding and all that comes with it. Be it early mornings to get horses ready, supporting her stablemates in their greatest and lowest moments, sharing her knowledge with new riders, providing a passionate smile to worried parents as their child heads to a lesson, or simply just being part of the rhythms of a riding facility. Riding isn't just being in the saddle; it's understanding and appreciating what gets a horse into the ring; a blue ribbon isn't the winning accomplishments; it's the experiences that get her there. Savannah understands this, and she knows what it means to work towards a goal. As Savannah creates her own side business selling dog treats, let's also come together and support her to help reach her goal: The Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show!