IDS Member Profile: Suzanne Artale

Most of you have met Suzanne, whether you realize it or not. For those who have not had the pleasure of getting to know her personally, you most likely have gotten to know her hand-writing. Suzanne Artale has been an IDS member for 30 years and she has fulfilled a variety of volunteer positions with the club during that time. She currently volunteers as the IDS Secretary but the one that most of you have likely witnessed is her as a judge’s scribe at not only our shows, but also at those held by Come Again Farms.  I had a chance to talk with Suzanne a few weeks ago and thought you all might enjoy getting to know the person “on the other side of the pen.”

Katherine: It is such a pleasure to get to interview you, Suzanne! I usually just get to talk to you at the annual planning meetings. So, first question, why did you join IDS way back when?

Suzanne: I got dragged to a meeting by Linda Heiny, who told me I needed to get involved. We had moved to Indiana and I was looking for dressage instruction. Back then, instructors in Indiana were few and far between. I was taking lessons from a hunter/jumper person and somewhere in that process, I met Linda. She was looking for a working student so I moved my horses to her place, White River Stables in 1981/82.

Katherine: What was the show environment like then?

Suzanne:  There wasn’t a whole lot! Linda did 3 2-rated shows a year at White River. Dannette Morgan had shows. I think by then IDS was doing 1 sanctioned show a year.  Sunrise had a show or two a year in Richmond, and there were a few others.

Katherine: As you reflect on the growth of dressage in IN, what surprises you the most?

Suzanne: I don’t think I am surprised so much as pleased by the growth and development of the whole aspect of dressage, not only in Indiana, but in the whole US. More people are becoming aware that dressage is not an instant thing, that it is not something that can’t be rushed if you want to properly develop the horse both physically and mentally.

 Katherine: What is it that gives you hope about the future of dressage?

Suzanne: I am seeing some incredible juniors who are being instilled with the tradition and the understanding of what dressage is. I think a lot of them are being taught correctly and being taught in a manner that helps them expand on their knowledge. And then they can disseminate it to others. My personal philosophy is that dressage is for every horse, not just for those in competition! I am a long way from competing anymore, but I still focus on dressage to train my horses.

Katherine: So what is your background with horses? How did you get into this?

Suzanne: I was the child who sat in the car and counted how many horses I saw. The love of horses has been with me my whole life, starting from the time I figured out what a horse was.  I kept asking and asking for a horse until my parents gave in when I was a sophomore in high school My first horse was an un-papered Arabian named Jinx. For training, my mother brought me a book entitled “The Schooling of the Western Horse” so with that, plus my girl scout badge, I figured I was all set.

Katherine: What were your hopes when you were showing dressage?

Suzanne: I don’t know that I had hopes so much but rather wanted an opinion from a person that I hope knows what is going on, who could tell me what I am doing right or wrong and what I need to work on. For me, shows were an opportunity to get feedback, an opinion other than my instructor.

Katherine: In your dressage journey, you’ve obviously seen changes in the quality of judging. Can you comment on that?

Suzanne: Back when I started they did not have instructor programs like what we have now through USDF programs. These programs have been developed in an attempt to standardize judges, to stay true to the basic premise of dressage. From that standpoint, I think there is a lot more consistency in judging than there used to be and I certainly believe that judges are much more knowledgeable in some aspects.

Katherine: Do you think judges are getting tougher?

Suzanne: I don’t think that they are harder; they are much more educated and see things that others have not seen or have not commented on.  This is the thing that every competitor has to remember: all that judges have to go on is that five minutes in the ring. The judge has to judge what they see.

Katherine: You are such a dedicated volunteer, not only at IDS shows but also those held by Come Again Farms.

Suzanne: I feel I have an obligation to give back.  Back years ago when I was horse showing, if there were not volunteers, there would not be shows.  So, now that I am not doing a lot of other things and no longer showing, I feel that this an opportunity to give back.

Katherine: What are your hopes for IDS?

Suzanne: I would just hope that we can continue to maintain, if not expand, a viable way for people to improve their riding, their training and develop a true love of their horse and what is best for the horse. It is a great way to associate with people who have a common interest and to avail yourself of opportunities to improve your knowledge, develop your skill, and learn that there is more than one road to Rome. By being part of this club, you have other people you can talk to get suggestions or referrals. It provides a network of people you can call on if you need information or assistance.

Katherine: To wrap up our dialogue, I am just interested that, now that you are on the “other side” of riding, what are your final thoughts?

Suzanne: I am not on the other side; I am still here!  I remember once, my mother asked me when was I  going to grow up? I replied, “If it means giving up a horse, it ain’t gonna happen!”

Suzanne still keeps three horses at her home [Danny, OTTB,18, Luna, Arab/QH, 10 and Mel, QH, 22]. Thank you, Suzanne, for all that you do for IDS and the sport of dressage! We are indebted to you for your years of contributions!