Though many adolescents struggle with the decision of what career path to take, senior Sadie Buchenau has been set on horseback riding since she first mounted a horse at the age of 7.  Buchenau has been riding at the Mill Creek equestrian center in Topanga for the past decade.

“I think people are born with a calling and [horseback riding] is mine,” said Buchenau.  “I cannot exactly pinpoint where this passion came from, but I know I was born to have horses in my life.”

Buchenau competes in three-day eventing, a three-day long trial in which riders compete in three areas of expertise: dressage, cross-country riding and jumping.  Buchenau competes at a prestigious level and attracted the attention of three different professional riders who ride with the German Olympic team.

After much consideration, Buchenau has decided to intern as a student rider for Olympic eventer Andreas Dibowski in Germany.  Though initially she will help around the barn and train the horses, Buchenau hopes she will impress Dibowski enough for him to allow her to ride competitively under his direction.

“The more I impress [Dibowski], the more opportunities I get in my career,” said Buchenau.  “Whether I warm up horses or get lucky enough to ride, I will get instruction from [Dibows

ki] that will allow my riding to improve.”

Buchenau will have a unique chance to advance her riding skills and gain expert knowledge in the field of three-day eventing.

“This position is giving me the opportunity to learn all the things I will need to know for my future,” said Buchenau.  “The experience will improve my riding in dramatic ways.”

The program also requires Buchenau to spend a year training in Germany, meaning she must put her college education on hold.

“College is not out of the question for sure, but at the moment it is not a necessity,” said Buchenau. “I know what I want in my future, and college is not the route that will benefit me the most right now.”

When a year has concluded, Buchenau hopes to become a competing member of the German riding team and perhaps get paid to compete.

In the future Buchenau hopes to run a training facility as well as teach children competitive riding.  She is confident that the student position will give her a head start in her riding career and provide her with the tools she needs to be a successful professional rider.