paulafrederick

My daughter, Corinne, and I met Mariann in 1992 while looking at horses she had trained. There began a friendship with Mariann as our trainer, older sister, and best friend which lasted until Corinne left for college and we all went our separate ways. She taught Corinne how to ride as well as train her horses helping her qualify and attend the most prestigious equestrian events for juniors in the nation. We traveled and competed together starting in Oklahoma, through Kentucky and up to the United States Equestrian Facility in Gladstone New Jersey. Mariann knew what it took to win and what the judges were looking for and she very well knew how to train a horse to perform at it's top level. We had an immense journey with Mariann and will treasure that time with her forever. There was no gossiping at our barn, only good times, laughter and hard work. Mariann was also a star in the arena as well as in the air. She never lost her temper and only showed great respect to the judges while performing. And of course, she was always in the "ribbons." Even when she was partying and up to 4 in the morning she would be in top form at 6 in the arena schooling her clients' horses. Then she would ride her horse down to the bottom of a 5 foot oxer with nerves of steel. What an athlete!! Her love for horses and showing were contagious to all of us and we became immediately involved and committed to the sport due to her expertise, playfulness and energy she exhibited every day of her life. One of her sayings was " Get the job done" even if you were having a difficult ride over a course she would always instill...get the job done, finish the course! I feel that attitude taught my daughter to never give up and always strive forward! My favorite pass time is watching Corinne ride and I see Mariann all through her. Her style and grace is Mariann. She even has Mariann's signature elbow that sticks out on occasion. Corinne is now an instructor and trainer at Park Lane Equestrian Center and listening to her give a lesson, I hear the same phrases and tone of voice Mariann would use during a lesson and it makes me smile. And, oh by the way, she still has the last horse Mariann wanted her to purchase, Nelson. She truly followed in her mentors path and exhibits the energy and love for the sport as did Mariann, her teacher, older sister and our best friend. She was a wonderful person, loved by all and we will truly miss her. We love you Mariann!! Paula Frederick