All it took for Ella Solvelli to fall in love was a free riding lesson at a horseback camp when she was nine years old.
“October 2020 was her first ride.” said Sasha Solvelli, Ella’s mother. She said, “She attended her first barn show that winter and she fell in love with the ‘show’ part of it. She showed…with leased horses in the spring and summer of 2021.
“She started riding at a local stable, where she developed a solid riding foundation and a true love for horses.” said Sasha. “She recently moved to a new training facility to gain further knowledge and develop her skills.”
Ella, now 12 years old and a sixth grader at Beatty Warren Middle School, recently competed in the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Ella and “Scooby” placed:
2nd place in Grand National Walk Trot Saddle Seat Classic Equestrian 10 & 11 (age group).
2nd place in Grand National Walk Trot Classic Pleasure Saddle 10 & 11;
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“All of these were in very competitive classes of six riders each.” said Sasha.
“I love being able to show who I am.” said Ella, who lives in Russell with her parents Dan and Sasha and sister Jade.
“This is a me vs. me sport.” Ella said. “The competition part of it is just against myself and it’s my last performance.”
Ella added, “My favorite part of the show is when I get to hear my name with the horses after I finish class. I know we’re just going to put our best into that ring.”
Each horse listened when I needed it, gave me a warm body to cuddle, and gave me someone to rely on. They bring me so much peace. ”
Horses are new to the Solvelli family.
“We own horses now.” said Sasha. “We bought her first horse, Agents Noble Image CH (Scooby), as a surprise in the fall of 2021. He treated her very well and was a great first horse. I recently sold him and just bought Mui Vien CH (Big Hoss) to continue teaching younger students.”
This newfound passion brought Sasha and Ella closer together.
“We spend so much one-on-one time with each other.” said Sasha. “We’ve traveled a lot to different cities, found new favorite foods, and built so many relationships in different states. I’m her biggest cheerleader. Dad too! We talk a lot! I think much more than most mothers (and) preteen daughters. She taught me horse knowledge and probably some life lessons she might not have learned so early on. Taught her a lesson: Show riding is not for the faint of heart. It’s tough. And it always comes with a confident pep talk. Every. Single. Show.
“We are most proud of her work ethic.” said Sasha. “She held a fundraiser while in Oklahoma. She printed flyers and posted them on social media advertising stall and tack cleaning, along with feeding and caring for the horses. I was amazed at how much effort she put in while presenting herself on that show. She even earned enough money to pay for some of the things the show required. She showed herself at such a young age. I’m amazed at how you market yourself, but she doesn’t even know what she’s doing. She thinks she’s just making friends and really wants it.
“We enjoy watching her.” added the mother. “Her smile, her love, and my heartfelt gratitude every time, no matter where I am. I always ask, ‘Did you do your best?’ Because that’s all we can ask of her. We also met some of the most amazing people across the country. Rivals who will help you even at the last moment. ”
According to Ella, there is no day off.
“Horses are her world.” said her mother. “Even when she’s not on her phone, she’s thinking about what’s on her phone. She needs a videographer (Sasha) for every lesson so she can replay and study the lessons. We have an old rocking horse with a saddle that my mom has had since she was a child, and she practices leg and rein position. She studies all the videos of other riders she can find. , I’m constantly monitoring social media to find the next great horse star. When I can’t be near my horses, I’m swimming recreationally at home or riding my horse around the property. Either they’re riding around, or they’re talking in someone’s ear (usually their father or a neighbor).
“As soon as the World Championships are over, I will go back to training.” said Sasha. “There are no days off. Ella will be learning new skills and bonding with her new horse this winter.”Big Hoss.“Ella trains at Champion Hill Farm in Akron, New York under the guidance of Josh and Olivia Piatt.”
Oklahoma City is the furthest place she has ever traveled. Clearly, she’s hooked.
“I think so!” said the mother. She said: “This was her last year competing in the walk trot. She is now older and plans to show off her new skills and compete in the Junior Exhibitor.
“She is (already) actively considering the best university and hopes to start a business centered around the horse industry.”