PARA EQUESTRIAN DAILY
Para Equestrian Close Up - Finally Time to Ride - Frederick Win
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Posted by Holly Jacobson



Frederick Win riding Kaboom owned by USEF 'S' judge, Sara Schmitt, at the 2011 NEDA/USEF Para Equestrian National Championships held in Saugerties, NY.
In quick order, he had to find an appropriate mount (with a passport per FEI rules), file all necessary paperwork, join all required memberships, memorize multiple Third Level tests (equivalent to Grade 4 Para), squeeze in rated shows to get qualifying scores and be classified to ride as a Para.
Win was born missing a knee and thigh on his right leg. His lower leg and foot are attached at the hip but the hip bones are only joined to pelvis by muscle. He walks with a prosthetic leg but rides without it. He uses a normal saddle with the stirrup modified for safety. His posture is straight enough to have a steward in the CDI warm-up mistake him for a trainer until the horse changed direction. Classified as a Grade 4 rider, the least disabled, Win says that it’s very different from a rider who becomes disabled, where what someone once had or learned is taken away or changes.
Horses Need No Translation

"During my law school years in Michigan, I really wanted to ride but law school was so hard I had to focus 100%." After he graduated with a Jurist Doctor Degree and passed the bar exam in 2007, Win thought - mission accomplished. "Now I was ready to ride again but I graduated with a huge student loan, so it was back to work, work, work."
Aware of his horse background, friends often invited win to join them on trail rides but he refused. "I can’t ride a horse like a taxi - I can’t just go on a trail ride knowing I won’t be there tomorrow. I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the moment because I would miss not having it every day." About 10 years ago, a friend and Para competitor, Kathy Whelan, took him to show in Virginia holding Para Dressage classes and told him, "You’re gonna see something!" There he met Hope Hand, another serious Para competitor who is now the Director of the USPEA.org and the idea took hold. Finally in 2011, Win decided that now or never, he would ride again. Driving around N.J. he stopped at farms and introduced himself as a para rider. "They’d pull out a retired horse from a pasture that barely moves. They think handicap means I can sit only on a safe horse." Win googled dressage judges in the area for leads and found rated 'S' judge, Sarah Schmitt, who was willing to assess his skills on a school horse. "It’s not called dressage at home in Burma but we know it exists in America and other countries from watching videos. But when we jump, we teach flat work. The horse’s basic training is universal." After Win demonstrated some lateral work and half-pass, Schmitt told Freddie, “You have a very good seat and harmony with the horse but you need to be refined. If you improve, you can ride my horse, Kaboom. I was so happy! I appreciate every single word of her advice. She’s a tough trainer and almost never gives compliments,” Win says laughing.
Sara Schmitt - A Quick Study

Win competes as a Grade IV rider, the least impaired classification.
"Freddie accomplished his goal of qualifying for the championships in a very short time period. I think Freddie's experience encouraged my other students to push themselves a bit harder to go after their own goals," said Schmitt. Under deadlines, the paperwork and dispensation from USEF was rushed so Win could show to qualify. He rode Kaboom three times before trotting down centerline at a USEF-rated show but nailed the blue ribbon and qualifying score of 65 at Third Level-1.
"Kaboom is an amazing horse but I don’t feel I know him well enough to gain his talent," said Win. As a busy lawyer, he had to reschedule to get classified for his official Para ID days before the Nationals. He only had one day to practice his freestyle. He listened and watched it ridden first. "The music-me-the-horse together only one time - but it went smoothly so we quit. I’m a very confidant person but I still make mistakes. I have everything to learn, so I was a bit frustrated." He knows with more time, he can deliver a higher caliber performance. Still, Win said it was very exciting at Saugerties to see more young para riders and experienced riders. He noted how much the level of riding has improved since the show he attended years ago. “Without prompt help from the FEI classifiers and USPEA.org, I wouldn’t have been able to make this show,” he says. For Win, time is of the essence.
An Ultimate Honor

His busy practice includes immigration law, criminal defense, and Equine law. He also has a wife and son who is part of his motivation. "I want to show my son that with a positive attitude and commitment, anyone can do anything." Win strives to go beyond the example of someone who is handicapped and has a normal life. "I want my son to think that his dad is handicapped but achieved success in moral character, education and athleticism." Win is thankful he can now support his mother in Burma and grateful for having opportunities.
"I’m fortunate enough to come to the U.S., which gave me education, freedom, and success if you work hard. I want to give back. To represent the U.S. as a citizen would be an ultimate honor." He hopes to fulfill that ambition by competing in Palm Beach if he can find a four-legged partner.
For more information, please visit: www.USPEA.org or Para Equestrian at www.USEF.org or www.fei.org/Disciplines/Para-Equestrian.
Frederick Win can be reached at AttorneyWin@gmail.com or on Facebook.
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