After graduating from John Bapst Memorial in 2013, Tessa Lilley seemed to have everything in order. She had applied and was accepted into her top school choice, the University of Vermont where she would begin studies in laboratory sciences.
But, that all changed.
“I was offered a full-time working student position in northern Virginia with Olympic equestrian event rider Stephen Bradley,” she explained. “When I agreed to give up a year of school to ride, I thought I was crazy, as did many others. But, something in my gut told me to do it. So, I took a leap of faith.”
Lilley, daughter of Suzanne Russell and Carmen Lilley, has been working with Bradley for more than six months.
“I have mucked a lot of stalls,” she laughed.
Lilley works six days a week, eight hours a day in exchange for free riding lessons and board for both herself and her horse.
“I have personally met famous event riders, which many others only see in magazines or on television,” she said. “I have learned a lot about horses, people and life.”
Lilley discovered independence and maturity by taking on her position with Bradley.
“I have grown as an individual, she said. “I did not need books, lectures or even a teacher to do so.”
That does not mean that Lilley will not be furthering her education within the confines of an institution.
“The moments between riding horses, mucking stalls and doing other barn-related chores has allowed me to reflect on what the barn is, who I am, and what I want most,” she said. “Within the walls of a stable there is an atmosphere different than others — it does not consider race, gender, education level or bank account balance. Rather, it focuses on an individual’s grit and determination to become the best one can be.”
Lilley began riding competitively at age 4. Both her parents were avid riders, so Lilley found herself, “propped up on horses and led around,” she smiled.
Influenced by her father, Lilley began showing Appaloosas in the local Aroostook Riding Club, Pine and Spurs and The Maine Appaloosa Horse Club shows. When she turned 6, she joined the local Meduxnekeag River Pony Club.
“It is what got me hooked on eventing,” she said.
She started riding lessons and eventing under the tutelage of Amy Woods at Horseplay Farm in Houlton.
“Eventing is a three-phase equestrian sport,” Lilley explained. “The first phase is dressage. This is a pattern the rider and horse complete on the flat. It is judged on the horse’s obedience and movement. The second is stadium jumping, which is a course designed to test a horse and rider’s skill over fences within an arena. The last is cross-country. This phase includes large solid fences, banks, ditches, even water complexes that test endurance and bravery.”
Lilley has competed three times at the national level. She credits her time in pony clubs in helping her reach her goals.
“Many successful equestrians begin in pony club because it teaches all the basics such as horse management, riding and a great amount of responsibility,” she explained. “It is an ideal commitment for any child interested in horseback riding. Although I am not currently in a pony club, I will be joining the Old Dominion Pony Club here in Virginia. I strongly recommend pony club to parents who have children interested in horseback riding.”
When riding as a youngster, it was a hobby and a sport that Lilley related to, but she never realized how passionate she was about the animal and the sport.
“During a riding lesson my horse, Millie, reared straight up and fell over backwards on me, crushing me,” recalled Lilley. “I am lucky to be alive. I fractured my pelvis and was on crutches for three months.
“When the thought of being forced to sell my horse and give up riding became a reality, a fire within me lit and I have never felt such a strong desire to literally, ‘get back in the saddle,’” she added. “The very thing that nearly killed me is what actually gives me breath by providing me with internal strength and determination. That was the moment I knew riding was more than something I enjoyed — it was a passion.”
Lilley is staying in the Virginia area for the next few years, as she enjoys the area and of course, it is a perfect area to event.
“I am applying to colleges for next year, but I plan on working and riding with Stephen during my vacations over the next few years,” she said.
Will hometown folks see Lilley in the Olympic equestrian events?
“I have not set riding in the Olympics as a personal goal for myself, but I would love to see my horse go that far,” she said smiling. “I want to be competitive at the upper levels with Millie, but my first priority for myself is to go to school for a medical degree and eventually become a member of The Doctors Without Borders.”
For Lilley to get as far as she has, she has many people who have supported her over the years.
“I have my parents and grandparents to thank first. My parents for introducing me to the sport, my grandparents (Erlene and Marc Russell) for supporting me 110 percent, and mostly my mother for bending over backwards to help make my riding career the most it can be,” she said. “I have the USPC/MRPC to thank for hooking me onto the sport of eventing and teaching me proper horse management skills. I have Amy Metherall to thank for being my instructor when I was young — she gave me the building blocks. Sally Teague for giving me the opportunity to learn the ropes on her pony, Shivers, and then selling me my current mare.”
So, is Lilley just one of the lucky ones or can other riders aspire to reach higher, following her example of determination, motivation and commitment, while immersing themselves more into the horse world.
“I spent a lot of time working lessons and board for my horse off,” she said. “I never complained when I was asked to ride the ‘naughty pony,’ because in the end that was the pony that made me a better rider.
“I jumped at the opportunity to clean stalls in the winter, because it showed I was willing to work hard to improve,” she added. “There are many trainers around the country that are constantly looking for working students. However, like applying to colleges, you have to look for these positions. Building a resume that includes a recognized equestrian club and being an experienced stable hand are ways to increase one’s chances in the equestrian world. Professionals who ride horses and have not experienced hard work do not exist.”
Looking back over the year, Lilley feels satisfied.
“I have ridden many different horses, and I can say confidently that I made a good decision,” she said.
Keep up with Lilley’s adventure at Stephen S. Bradley Eventing at www.tessaelilley.tumblr.com.
