Congratulations to Susan on her 2011 induction into The Quarter Million Dollar Club! (And for being the first Non-Pro to achieve this honor!)

This story is reprinted courtesy of The Way To Go magazine

THIS FLORIDA EXHIBITOR’S EARNINGS TOPPED $250,000 IN 2010 MAKING  HER THE FIRST NON-PRO TO JOIN THE NSBA QUARTER MILLION DOLLAR CLUB 
BY MARGARET STORRS

Like so many in this industry, Susan Scott’s love for the horse started early.

“We were moving from New York to my Miami and to help us adjust my mother promised my sister and me a horse,” Scott explained. “I showed open shows and then progressed to showing AQHA.”  It wasn’t long before Scott then began breaking out and training a two-year-old project.

“I showed my two-year-old in NSBA futurities and after that I was hooked,” she  said. “I think everyone loves horses; those who think they don’t just need to experience it.”

Susan Scott and her husband, Stanley, own Haylo Frams in Ocala, Florida. They both are heavily involved in showing, as is their daughter, Nancy Wilkinson. Susan Scott, however, has the distinct honor of being the first non-pro exhibitor to earn $250,000, making her eligible to be included in the NSBA’s  Quarter Million Dollar Club.

“It is unbelievable when I think about it; I had no idea I had accomplished such a feat,” said Scott. “This industry is a place where you are able to accomplish something with your horse; whether you win, place or get the gate,  you can still love what you are doing and strive to for a better ride than last time. It is a lifestyle that unites us. No matter what hardship this industry might face, it is an opportunity for us to stick together and grow. The most
important thing we can do is encourage newcomers and strengthen the friendships we already have.”

You can count on her to be in the show pen prepared as well as doing her part outside the ring to help this industry grow. Her love for horses has led to great success and she is a well known adversary in the show pen.

“The NSBA is a place for owners, trainers and riders to become close friends and compete,” said Scott. “We should be proud of our accomplishments with our horses regardless of who wins. I think one of the biggest things that has helped this industry grow is being able to compete with so many talented riders and horses and knowing that on any given day anyone could win or do well.”

Scott’s experiences have given her a knack for finding what qualities in a horse work for her and how to combine her strengths and those of her horse’s to create a winning combination. 

“As a non-pro rider I need a horse that is good-minded. I like a horse that is natural in its movements and has its ears forward enjoying its job,” Scott said. “That is one of the great things about the Quarter Horse; they are typically calm with a great temperament and are very loving.”

Innovations in breeding and training have allowed competitors to showcase the natural movements of the horse, according to Scott.  “As owners, exhibitors and professionals we all need to protective of the horse’s well being,” she said. ”They are after all the reason we are here and NSBA has done a great job of ensuring this.”

Scott’s achievements include: 1995 Non-Pro Two-Year-Old Western Pleasure Congress Champion with Docs Outta Town; 1996 AQHA High Point Amateur Western Pleasure; Multiple Winner of the NSBA High Point Non-Pro Rider several times; 2000 AQHA Amateur Western Pleasure World Champion with Huntin For Chocolate; 1994 Congress Amateur Western Pleasure Champion with Forever A Zippo

"I have been lucky to have had so many exceptional horses, not to mention the  talented trainers that have helped me over the years,” Scott said. “I have some wonderful memories with Docs Outta Town, Huntin for Chocolate, Forever A Zippo, Don’t Skip Zip and Huntin For Money. I have enjoyed all of them so much it is impossible for me to choose a favorite.”

For Scott induction into the Quarter Million Dollar Club is a dream come true.

“I would like to thank my husband, Stanley, for finding and raising such great  horses for me to show year after year,” she said. “Thank you to my family, friends and the wonderful individuals who have helped me over the years. I would like to give credit to all of the horses I have had the joy of work with.  It is with their help that I am able to accept this award.”