The Rise and Rise of Phelisha Chandler
Since Phelisha Chandler won The Search For America’s Next Equestrian Star -Dressage two years ago, she worked for me for an entire year as my assistant. Last October, after aa full year apprenticing, Phelisha took a job as assistant to Tuny Page where she is doing as great a job as she did for me.
But Phelisha can be even more than an assistant. She has the talent, drive, and character to be a top international competitor and has been training her lovely horse to Grand Prix extremely well. What Phelisha really needs is a sponsor! She needs to have more and better horses, the ability to train and compete here and abroad, and the security necessary to relieve the stress she feels from knowing that money she is spending on her horse could be being utilized to pay bills and help out her family.
So with this letter I am asking anyone interested in helping this fantastic young lady to achieve her dreams to step up to the plate and contact her. Not just because she is talented, not just because as an African American in Dressage sport she is a great ambassador , not just because she shows great drive and determination; but truly because of all those things and many more do I ask you to please help Phelisha to realize her dreams.
Philesha Chandler was born in Tampa, Florida, and raised by her paternal grandmother, Anna Chandler for most of her life. Most of you know Philesha, as the girl from Kansas who won Robert Dover’s reality TV show, “The Search for the Next Equestrian Star: Dressage”. Before taking on the year of apprenticeship with Robert, Philesha had earned USDF Bronze and Silver Medals, and had won numerous Championships and High Point awards. Under Robert’s watchful eye this past year, Philesha learned the “ropes” of the dressage world, and achieved her dream of riding Grand Prix.
“I learned so much in my year with Robert! Not only about riding, but also about barn management, client services, vet care. The list goes on and on. I came into the situation reserved. I learned how to be more assertive, and how to manage a great training facility. The tools I learned for my riding in this past year will stay with me a lifetime!
Since finishing up her year with Robert this past October, Philesha has taken on the role as assistant to another top U.S. rider, Arlene “Tuny” Page. Once again as an assistant she not only rides, but deals with all aspects of helping run a successful world class facility. On top these tasks, she has a wonderful 11 year old Dutch gelding, whom she plans to show Prix St. Georges and Intermediare 1 this season in Wellington. So far Ricardo and Philesha are having success in getting their feet wet at Prix St. Georges. At their 1st recognized show this season the pair scored a 65% at Prix St. Georges. Philesha hopes to keep improving their scores and move Ricardo along to Grand Prix within the next year.
Philesha is currently looking for sponsors to help her continue her journey to becoming one of the top riders in the U.S.
Phelisha can be emailed at pac90_1981@yahoo.com or contacted by phone at 316-207-4439.
barb putnam — February 16, 2009 @ 7:14 pm
I was especially interested in reading about what Philesha is doing now. She is living her dream and I am so happy and excited for her!
I was the regional coordinator for the NAYRC Region 4 team when Philesha was on the team. I find it so amazing that all four of these young people who were on the team that year have gone on to successful and promising careers in the sport of dressage.
David Marcus, a student of the Ishoys has his own beautiful facility in Canada now.
Allison Brock took over riding for Fritz Kundrun and has fantastic opportunities ahead of her.
Amanda Johnson, my daughter, has trained her second horse to Grand Prix at age 27 and was very successful at Devon this year with Pip in the small tour. She rode with you in Illinois at a clinic and really loved it by the way. She has a waiting list for clients in the Chicago area.
Even though all these riders faced alot of challenges growing up in the midwest without the most fabulous horses they all were able to seek out the best instruction available and really commit to learning dressage.
Congratulations to Philesha and hello to her wonderful grandmother Anna.
Fred Young — February 17, 2009 @ 12:48 am
Greatest wishes of success to Phelisha!
As an African American rider myself, it’s incredibly inspiring to see another achieving such success so quickly!
Rockie Alexander — February 17, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
The CEO that owns the Innisbrook Resort in north Pinellas County (who just renovated the golf course) may be interested. I would look her up at their website. I believe she lives in the DC area. She has an interest in sports and did a wonderful job revamping that resort and the course.
Sincerely,
R. Alexander, MD
T. Rehkopf — February 17, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
I would love to help Phelisha as I reallly understand her efforts to get where she is. My marketing manager & programmer are both African-American & finally we are able to get ‘thru’ to more people w/ less ‘issues’ than we have had in the past 5 yrs I have been working w/ them. My programmer is brilliant & knows more than just the developers side, but knows the whole project management to the SEO to the marketing aspect.
I can offer her advertising on my website, featured articles on my website & in my emails & whatever I can think of. Just let me know what I can do to help.
Philesha Chandler — February 18, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
Robert, I am amazed at the responses that I have received from the article about me on your site!! I will never be able to thank you enough for your encouragement and support!!! I am very grateful to have a mentor, such as you. I will keep you posted on all of my endeavors!!
Philesha Chandler — March 10, 2009 @ 7:53 pm
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know that Ricardo and I had a successful weekend at the Wellington Classic this weekend! We competed in the Open Prix St. Georges class on Friday, and received a 65%. On Sunday, we were entered in the Open FEI Test of Choice class, and I rode the Prix St. Georges test. Ricardo and I earned a 70% and won the class. I am so proud of him. Thanks for all of your help!
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