Bill Schaub
Bill Schaub is closely associated with some of the top ponies, hunters, juniors, and amateurs in recent history. He has been a professional for almost thirty years, and has proven that it does not take millions of dollars to win at the top level. Instead, Schaub says the most important qualities of a rider are dedication, a positive attitude, and a true love of horses.
Schaub was involved with horses early in life, taking lessons as a child and learning the basics of horsemanship. He used to ride his bike down the road to borrow a pony from a neighbor, which he rode bareback to another field. There he taught lessons to other children for $5, and earned enough money to pay his own way at shows.
Schaub and his ex-wife, Lee Avera, opened a business together after marrying young. After working at different barns and teaching, the couple made enough money to purchase their own establishment, Over the Hill Farm, in 1985. "Neither of our families had a lot of money when we were young. We never had our own horses, but we made it work. We were a great team," said Schaub. The couple has a daughter, Nicole, and a lasting friendship despite their separation. "We're great friends still, and Lee rides with me as an amateur now. It is a wonderful situation," Schaub revealed.
Lee stayed at the farm in those early years and ran the riding school program. Schaub believes this was the key to his early success as a trainer. "Lee gave our riders a solid foundation. She taught them the basics, and when they were ready, they would show with me. While she stayed home, I was able to travel with other clients around the country and was able to devote my time to them," explained Schaub.
One of Schaub's most consistent and successful horses was Lyrik. The 16.2 hand chestnut mare was his first big winner. Lyrik was owned by Ashley and Courtney Kennedy, and shown first by Ashley. The mare was a former field hunter, and her confidence complimented Ashley's quiet riding style. Schaub knew the horse would be a star, and he "wanted to take the big shot and win."
Lyrik provided the big wins as championships rolled in every year. Lyrik and Ashley were Large Junior Hunter champions at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in 1985, The Pennsylvania National and National Horse Show (NY) in 1986, and the Devon Horse Show, Pennsylvania National, Washington International, and National Horse Show in 1987. Ashley's younger sister Courtney took the reins in 1988 and were champion at the National Horse Show in 1989 and champion at the National and Pennsylvania National in 1990. Schaub is said to be the youngest trainer ever to have a Grand Junior Hunter champion at the National Horse Show.