2005 Dressage at Devon - American Junior Riders Championships

Meet the Riders - Amanda Stearns and Nice Catch

Young Amanda Stearns has proven that age doesn’t affect quality this year. At 14-years-old, Amanda is by far the youngest rider to make one of the three junior teams in 2005. A long time resident of Wellington, Florida, Amanda is by now very used to competition and pressure. Under the skillful instruction of John Zopatti, Amanda has grown in leaps and bounds. The past five years have seen an impressive progression in quality of mounts for Amanda as well as an impressive progression in Amanda’s riding abilities. Amanda has developed quite a reputation with John as being a light hearted, low stress individual whose winning attitude has been delightful to work with.

“Slammer” is a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (x Amaretto) and is owned by Dr. Kristi Truebenbach. Kristi offered Slammer to Amanda to show just over a year ago, and it proved to be a perfect fit. Kristi is also a long time student of John’s who has enjoyed many successes as a result of his quality training mixed with her hard work. Amanda couldn’t be more thrilled with the opportunity to ride Slammer. “I love Slammer! We have really grown close in the past year and have improved the quality of his connection dramatically.”

“My parents are so awesome! My dad is so excited for me and my mom is already emotional about the experience and I haven’t even shown yet. They are the very best and I am incredibly blessed to have them.”

Amanda’s goals for the upcoming year include trying out for juniors again, this time on John Zopatti’s horse, Mitchell and showing fourth level and Prix St. George with Slammer. Their season average coming into this competition stands at a 67.218%.

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