Leetal is the Winter 2022 Dreamers & Schemers Horse Show Awardee, sponsored by Dreamers & Schemers.
Hi there! My name is Leetal Shelemay, and I am 17 years old. I fell in love with horses and riding when I was 6 years old, and I did a week of pony camp during the summer. I still remember all the horse books and magazines I read to prepare myself for the experience (I use the term “read” loosely as I mostly just looked at pictures). I specifically remember learning how to hold the reins, practicing on pretty much any variety of rope or string that I could get my hands on because I knew I wanted to blow everyone away with how good I was for my first time on a horse. Writing this now makes me think of how little has changed, I still aim to impress every time I sit in the saddle. I continued to go to that same camp for a week each summer until I finally convinced my parents to take lessons at a local riding school at 9 years old. We arranged that I would pay $5 towards every lesson I took, and I continued to do this for my weekly lessons until my parents were convinced of my commitment to the sport. It’s been 8 years since then, and I’ve been to so many different kinds of facilities trying to get all the best experiences I could get. My current short-term goals are to continue competing in the hunter/jumper/equitation disciplines and to get as much hands-on experience as I possibly can.
After graduating this year (class of 2022) I will most likely be staying here in Ottawa, Ontario to attend the University of Ottawa in the International Business program which I have been accepted to for early admissions with a scholarship, then to a combined law-MBA program. I then plan on pursuing a career either at an international law firm or in management. I currently hold the role of external representative for a student-led law society, which has helped me make many connections in the law industry.
My experiences as an equestrian have been bittersweet, but horses have always been an outlet for me throughout all my mental health struggles. At many points it was difficult to stay involved in the sport, knowing the unfortunate reality of the financial commitment it requires and what that means for my goals. It’s difficult not to be discouraged, but I have been lucky enough to have a great support system of people I have met through horses. My mental health situation has been difficult since I was very young, but riding taught me how to deal with my emotions properly. My love of animals and passion for mental health were realized when I worked with my mentors at mindyourmind, a division of Canada Service Corps, to create an initiative that brings people and animals together. I plan to launch this program once I start university next fall and am so excited to see it come to life.
When I get in the saddle I have to learn to separate my emotions and be 100% present in the saddle and there for my horse. I have found a great barn and a coach that can help me work through my mental barriers. I part board a talented warmblood, Zizi, from my coach and would love to see our hard work play out into the show ring this summer.