Equestrian Professional Member Spotlight - Mary Lynn Foster of Trinity Farms

When someone tells you they are getting ready for a "recital," most people usually think ballet or piano.  But this is not the case when you are talking to Mary Lynn Foster.  Her 3rd Annual Recital was held May 22, 2011.

Riders get to showcase their talents in front of their friends and family, present their new skills and set goals for  the year.  Punch and cookies have been replaced by a pitch-in cookout and the farm family takes the day to promote friendships and create bonds that will probably last lifetimes.  Mary Lynn says, "I had 16 riders participating and an RSVP list of over 70!  This was our third recital and the largest one so far.  I started them to give our riders an opportunity to demonstrate their skills, no matter what level they are riding."  This is just one of the many unique opportunities horse enthusiasts have with Mary Lynn. To view a YouTube clip of the recital, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFpiSkeJg6s 

3rd Annual Trinity Farm Recital

Mary Lynn, like many little girls, grew up dreaming of the world of horses.  However, it wasn't until her oldest daughter came home begging to take riding lessons that her life took a very sharp turn into the world she had always dreamed of.  She began taking Saddle Seat riding lessons as an adult with her daughter. Saddle Seat riding is an English style of riding used primarily with Morgans, American Saddlebreds, and Arabians with an emphasis on the high trotting action.  The style developed into its modern form in the United States, and is also seen in Canada and South Africa. Saddle Seat riding is done on the flat and horses can be trained to do five gaits - the walk, trot, canter (WTC), plus the slow gait and the rack, which is an extremely smooth four-beat gait performed "at speed." 

In 2005 Mary Lynn took another leap of faith and purchased her own farm just west of Indianapolis, Indiana in Clayton called Trinity Farm.  As a single mother and Registered Nurse, her goal then was to bring all her horses home.  In the beginning, it was a personal joy to live and work on the farm, caring for her beloved horses on a day-to-day basis.  Mary Lynn has been involved with the Indiana American Saddlebred Horse Association as a member and secretary for many years.  Her involvement with 4-H as a parent and instructor, supporting both Saddle Seat riding and the American Saddlebred horse, has put her in a position to promote the needs of those at the beginner level. She began giving lessons and holding day camps on the farm - teaching not just the skills of riding but the knowledge needed to care for horses, and teaching what building a personal relationship with a horse can do for a person's confidence and soul.  Trinity Farm developed a bigger purpose and vision.

She now works with students ranging from ages 2 - 70 of all different skill levels.  Her focus is to not only help build the confidence needed to be a competent rider but also the skills needed to care for a horse and building relationships on the ground - helping people to learn how to care for their own horses with compassion and respect.  She also works with many young beginners and with the help of her trusty Halfling/Sheltland cross - "Samwise" - she is able to give lessons to even the smallest and youngest horse enthusiasts. The farm has been instrumental in giving those outside of the industry a chance to experience life on the farm.  Girl Scout troops are also frequent visitors to Trinity Farm.  Mary Lynn takes pride in providing workshops for scout troops, and home school groups, and family's interested in their own farm day.  Trinity specializes in programs that meet their individual goals or interests around horses and horse care.   Mary Lynn also continues her full-time job as a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse at Riley Hospital for Children. 

They have hosted tours on their farm and Mary Lynn says, "The Farm Days offer opportunities for children and their family's time to visit the farm, interact with the animals, play games and make crafts.  We offered a Tiny Tot Farm Day for the little people to visit the farm. Children between the ages of 1 and 4 years old meet the horses, ride a pony, and feed the chickens and rabbits." 

Trinity Farm riders also have opportunities to show off the skills they have learned.  They can participate in Saddle Seat Academy shows held throughout the year at both local and area shows.  She also runs horse day camps that are held during the summer and in the fall.  During these camps, children get the chance to spend entire days on the farm feeding, grooming, cleaning stalls, riding bareback, playing games, riding, caring for a farm, and learning about horses. 

Hunter with his Mom Amanda, both in Recital, with Mary Lynn(Photo by Nancy Kehlenbrink)

This year, Mary Lynn will be hosting the first ever Adult Day Camp at the farm - giving those adult beginners the opportunity to experience horseback riding camp with some adult twists.  "This camp offers adults an opportunity to try something new or build existing knowledge, and develop some new friendships with horse loving people," states Mary Lynn. 

The camp covers basic horse care, handling, grooming, includes guest speakers, along with learning riding skills. Having been an adult beginner herself, Mary Lynn knows that sometimes dreams take time to come true.  She provides an amazing opportunity for adult beginners to come and learn a skill they may have been dreaming of most their lives.   

Having seen the positive effect of a lifetime of horseback riding has had on the lives of her two daughters, Abra and Hannah, Mary Lynn works to bring her passion and skills to a new generation of riders.  She believes in the power of vision and believes in making dreams come true.  She is proof that you're never too old to make your dreams come true...or the dreams of others!

Why is Mary Lynn a member of Equestrian Professional.com?
"Equestrian Professional.com has offered a tremendous variety of information to support my business.  The webinars and articles are varied, interesting and I keep a 'library' of sorts of the ones I know I will need to draw information from later. I find the regular newsletter via email jump starts my thoughts around what I can do next for my business.  I also feel connected to a larger varied group of professionals that I can draw on.  I feel I have found a life-time of support to grow Trinity Farm into the success I see in my vision.  I really lucked out in finding this support!  Thanks for all the connections!"

If you would like to learn more about Mary Lynn, please call (317) 539-5081 or visit the website of Trinity Farm at www.trinityfarmindiana.com