Students of Susie Beale learn early in their training the importance of even a single minute, writes Shelby Allen in a feature for the United States Eventing Association that profiles the owner and trainer of Malvern’s Cairn O’Mount Stables.
“Susie loves her work, and to that end, squeezes every second out of each and every minute,” commented Chris Adair, who has been on Beale’s team for 10 years. “In fact, if you ask her, ‘Do you have a minute?’ she’ll often raise her eyebrows with a look that asks, ‘a whole minute?’”
Originally from Scotland, Beale is an international event rider who today runs a training facility out of her own stables in Malvern. Through her lifelong dedication to horses and eventing, Beale has ridden through the CCI4, and achieved great accomplishments as a rider.
However, those who know her say that she is most proud of the numerous achievements of her students. During just last year, Beale trained and coached the leading Training Rider, Novice Rider, Beginner Novice Rider, Beginner Novice Master Rider and Pony of the Year.
“There’s nothing accidental about the success. What Susie gives to her students is hard to describe, though I wish I could bottle and sell it,” said Adair. “She has achieved that special balance of strict and forgiving, firm and kind, always honest, always brave and wouldn’t ask anything of anyone she isn’t prepared to do herself.”
Her unique approach, which balances disciplined instruction and gentler hand-holding, gives many of her student’s exceptional mental fortitude, a strength that serves them well both in eventing and in their personal lives. However, training is not her only talent, as she has proven to be an excellent matchmaker, always managing to pair her students with the perfect horse for them.
“She excels at matching horses and riders,” explained student and owner Lesley Collins, who was introduced to the sport by Beale and matched by her with her first horse, Cricket.
The minute-by-minute approach adopted by Beale in her training program also keeps each of her students looking ahead.
“Susie is not only a forward thinking rider, but a forward thinking trainer and business person. She is always asking ‘what’s next?’ It’s a way of life around her,” Adair noted. “The kids are always working towards something, and when they achieve it we celebrate it and make a new goal.”
