Beth Donoghue Sweeney

 

Growing Up In Middletown, NJ

 Beth started riding at young age, going to local stables that she could ride her bike to. Although she learned many things at these barns, her real learning experience came when she and Coltie teamed up.

At age 17, Beth went to work at a Thoroughbred Breeding Farm, the same farm where Coltie, a two-year old at the time, lived. Due to the fact that Coltie refused to run, his owners gave up on him. This led to them giving him to Beth.

Coltie and Beth soon became a highly successful team, both full of things to share with the other. Coltie has taught Beth many things such as patience and how to build a horse's trust, but most of all-how to hang on!! After successful years of racing, showing, hunter paces, and trail rides, Coltie is now 33 and spends his time basking in the sun and overlooking his farm.

Beth's Philosophy

As soon as Beth started riding at age 13, she knew that this is what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. Not letting her dream slip away, Beth went into business for herself soon after graduating from high school in 1979.

The most important lesson that Beth wants her students to learn is to appreciate horses as the beautiful, majestic animals that they are. She feels that another very important thing a student must learn is that horseback riding is a partnership between themselves and their horses. A bond between a rider and their horse is one that can never be broken.

Beth's program consists of teaching her students how to properly care for a horse, as well as the level of responsibility that there is while being with horses. Another important aspect, is learning the proper riding positions. Using the book "George H. Morris Teaches Beginners to Ride" as a bible and an aid, Beth's specialty is taking beginners from the ground up and turning them into confident, polished riders.

Following in George Morris's own philosophy, Beth also believes that riders should be schooled on all areas of horsemanship, not just learning how to ride.

Accomplishments and The Love of Teaching

One of Beth's proudest accomplishments is her daughter, Ashley Joy, who is also very involved in the business of horses. She shares Beth's fervor for horses and riding, and wants to major in Equine Studies after graduating high school. She is proud to have Ashley involved with her business, as all of Beth's younger students look up to Ashley because of her ability to work one-on-one with them and make them feel individually special.

Overall, Beth's favorite thing about teaching horseback riding and being around horses is that the passion never dies. Even after 30 years, Beth still doesn't feel like she has a job, only a passion. She never "goes to work", she just "goes to the barn."