The first Best Ever Pads English sponsored rider, Lily Berlin, competes on the Hunter/Jumper circuit in Zone 10.
Berlin’s horseback riding career began in New York at the Claremont Riding Academy, and traveled with her when she moved to California.
“I rode competitively in high school and college. I was lucky to have two good horses throughout those eight years that allowed me to compete regularly,” Berlin said.
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Although English has always been her primary focus, Berlin enjoyed team roping and running some barrels at a ranch rodeo.
Much like her diverse riding career, Berlin has also held a variety of professions.
“I thought a lot about becoming a professional trainer and devoting my life to the horse show circuit that I love but I wanted to explore many things,” Berlin said. “I’ve worked as a chef, winemaker, service dog trainer, and am a mother to three children, all the while keeping my hands on the reins.”
Berlin has plenty to keep her busy with three competition horses; Quasiboy (“Boyo”), Blackjack, and Star of the Show (“Star”).
“Quasiboy is a 12 year old Zangersheide who I imported from the U.K. in 2012 as a coming 7 year old. He has allowed me to take my riding further than ever. We have formed a solid partnership over the last 5 seasons and I hope to pass him on to one of my daughters when our journey concludes. Blackjack is a 12 year old KWPN Dutch Warmblood also from the U.K. who I partnered with just this year and am very excited for what the future may hold for us. We are a new team but we are both very competitive and game ready. It is exciting to join up with a mature experienced horse with an excellent mind and I couldn’t be more excited. Star of the Show is a 14 year old KWPN Dutch Warmblood from the same stable in the U.K. that I got the other two from. He was purchased for my 12 year old daughter but he is proving to have enough scope that we get to share him…for a while anyway.”
Berlin first got connected with Best Ever Pads a couple of years ago, when she wanted a custom pad designed to fit her jumper saddles.
“I really loved the support and versatility that the felt provided. I’m not into the “princess and the pea” feeling as I like to feel my horse’s back under me and the Best Ever pads seem to give me the connection I crave with the support my horse needs,” Berlin said.
“I was riding a few other horses in addition to mine and the pad seemed to fit all types, which I really appreciated. I also liked how the pads stayed sharp looking without washing. In the English world everyone is obsessed with everything looking really clean and sharp and the amount of laundry that is done is discouraging from a save the planet standpoint.”
Berlin is proud to be the first English rider accepted into the elite class of Best Ever Pads team riders.
“I love the energy that Best Ever puts out,” Berlin said. “Super positive, and you can just feel the love!”
To view Lily Berlin team rider profile, click here.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]