Schatz girls shine in horse events

Maria Schatz practices jumping scenarios with “Joe” for the upcoming eventing season. PHOTOS BY ADAM STEWART | STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS The grace of horse jumping is hypnotizing. Watching the Schatz sisters, of Stanwood, Maria, 16, and Olivia, 13, guide their horses through the air, it’s easy to forget the dangers involved.

Their mother, Dawna Schatz, never forgets.

With each leap her heart skips until four hooves safely return to the ground. Although her daughters have been riding since the age of 4, the autonomic reaction never fades.

“It’s not easy being a spectator,” said Dawna. “I hold my breath a lot.”

Regardless, she loves to watch.

Maria, who attends Stanwood High School, and Olivia, a student at Stanwood Middle School, rarely receive the same coverage in the local sports section as certain high-profile activities; however, their commitment, drive and work ethic are comparable to fellow athletes in school.

Trainer Jessica Heidemann double checks equipment on Olivia Schatz’s horse, Izzy, after practice. Looking on is Olivia’s sister, Maria Schatz (right), and their mother, Dawna Schatz (center). The sisters don’t ride for glory in the rags or recognition at pep rallies. They enjoy the companionship of the animals, the bond with their trainer, Jessica Heidemann of Cain Lake Stables in Sedro Woolley, and the adrenaline rush of eventing — a sport consisting of three disciplines: dressage, cross-country jumping and stadium jumping.

The pair finished in first place for their respective divisions last show season in Area VII of the United States Eventing Association, which includes competitors from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.

Maria won the novice level with her horse, Joe, a thoroughbred. Olivia and Izzy, a Welch quarter horse cross, took top honors in the beginning novice level.

Both riders will mount up for their third season in a new competitive level. Under the tutelage of Heidemann, they’re ready for the challenge.

“Jessica never lets us move up without being prepared,” said Olivia.

“She prepares us well,” added Maria, “and takes it very seriously.”

To put the dangers involved in perspective, each rider at competition wears an arm band containing vital medical information. Helmets and chest protectors are worn, but proper training is the best safety tool, said Dawna.

The training eases nerves associated with faster speeds and higher jumps. Having a positive coach with a firm hand allows their mother to relax, as much as she can.

It’s hard to find a teacher that can balance encouragement and discipline, said Dawna.

“Jessica makes it happen,” she said. “We’re lucky to have her.”

The Schatz family hauls their horses from home to the training facility two days a week. Heidemann runs the girls through drills and techniques unique to each event.

Specific patterns, called “tests,” are performed in sequence for dressage, occasionally referred to as “horse ballet.” The purpose of dressage is to promote the training ability of the horse through standardized methods.

Cross-country jumping, the girls’ favorite event, tests the endurance, power and speed of the horse as well as the control and mental fortitude of the rider throughout a 2- to 4-mile course.

The final event, stadium jumping, requires competitors to navigate through a series of vertical and horizontal jumps in various combinations. While crosscountry jumping highlights speed, stadium jumping focuses on precise movements and controlled pace.

Scores from all three events are combined at each show to determine season rankings. Eventing season runs from May to October. Last season, Maria and Olivia competed at nine shows in three states.

“It’s exciting to travel and compete at different shows,” said Maria.

On average, they go up against 50 riders in their division. A sense of community is shared at the shows and during training sessions.

“The sport is surrounded by great people with good values and morals,” said Dawna. That support, combined with the unparalleled speed and power provided by the horse, is why her daughters love the sport, she said.

Eventing instills dedication, responsibility and perseverance in Maria and Olivia, said their mother.

“As with any sport, everybody has good and bad days,” she said. “The girls have also learned that every animal can have a good and bad day. That’s a bond you can’t teach.”