GARETH A. SELWOOD 2004 Equestrian Of Honor . USEF Equestrian article by Brian Sosby. (Cont. from Page 1)
In 1989, he planned on taking a break from horses to travel to Europe. Instead, he ended up with another unique job opportunity - training horses for Angus Young, a Scottish race car driver. He returned home to the US the following year, and relocated to his now-home in Wisconsin. In 1992, he opened his Selwood Park Stable, in a partnership with Maria Galgano-Chadha. Today, that partnership has evolved into a new one, with Paul and Gail Bricco.

Along his many travels and jobs, he made innumerable friendships, and earned an impeccable reputation and work ethic. But, who has been behind him, inspiring his work and lending themselves as influences? Surely, there must be some special people who have set him on his path to success. "That would, without a doubt, have to be my mother and father, " he said. "Even though they are not equestrians, I could not have had better role models. My father is a workaholic and honest to a fault. My mother is the kindest person I have ever met."

His work has made both his parents proud as was shown at the 2004 Pegasus Awards in Louisville, KY, where they both flew to attend what Gareth said was one of the proudest moments of his equestrian career - the awarding of the Norman K. Dunn Trophy and the title of 2004 Equestrian Of Honor. "It was such an unforgettable moment, " said Gareth. "Unimaginable. Although, I have to admit that every time a student of mine is in the ring, and doing their best, I get a similar sense of pride and the same feeling. "

Obviously, Gareth loves his work, but perhaps more than that, he cares for his students. To him, passing on his knowledge and skills are just as important as standing in the ring to receive untold numbers of ribbons and trophies that he has thus done in his career. "I suppose the thing I favor about my work is the horse," he said matter of factly. "However, lately I have had such a great group of students that I think it is the working relationship between the horse and student that I have come to enjoy the most." He acknowledges the necessity and obligation he and others in the horse community have to "pay it forward", preparing future generations to continue their work and excel at something they, too, love.

And, in speaking of his horses, Gareth is compelled to note the special characteristics of the type of horses he holds such an interest in - the Baroque breeds. "I work with all the Baroque breeds, with an emphasis on the Andalusian and the Friesian, " he said. "I think people are looking for an escape from the real world of 'Post 9/11.' And, I think the 'Romantic' breeds have come in to fulfill that need better than any of the others. " His bias, as well as his affection for his breeds-of-choice, is undeniable.

At the recent International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA) Nationals in Texas, Selwood Park Stable competed 27 horses for various clients and won a record 16 National Championships and 16 Reserve titles, plus 48 Top Five placing's. He took special pride in the fact that many of these wins came from his amateur riders.

Ask Gareth if he has plans to ever leave the horse show world and he is quick to answer - "No!" Anybody that knows him is not surprised in the least by this response. "Even if I was to quit training, I would always be involved with horses in some way." Who knows? Considering it is Gareth, that future could be in any corner of the world, working his magic with the breeds he has spent so much time and energy showing and promoting. Regardless of the location, it is certain that he'll share his love of horses and excel at any area of the industry in which he chooses to devote his time. - Brian Sosby