She trains with Team McAllister (Los Angeles region), and leads the Legis Equine Insurance company. She is a well known leading lady, together with her famous Rock Star. At her own competitions in California, as well as during the Thermal HITS shows, Vegas world cup, etc. she keeps on collecting the blue ribbons. Time for Equnews to have a little interview with Marny Langer, about her succes.
Last year was a splendid year for You and your horse Rock Star. What made you decide to buy this nice bay horse?
At the beginning of Thermal 2012 I had sold one of my horses and my other one was coming back from colic surgery. Steve McAllister told me he had several horses he could put me on so I headed out to Thermal one week having no idea what I was riding, but looking forward to getting to ride. That year Katie Cox was riding with them and serving as a working student and showing in the Young Rider classes. She is from Texas and the daughter of professionals. She came to Thermal to broaden her horizons and in addition to her Young Rider horse, she brought a cute bay horse to try to sell. Although Katie hoped the bay horse would have been a jumper prospect for her, he had not worked out and was in the their lesson program.
Steve didn’t know much about the ten year old gelding so he entered me in the 1.20M. The horse was game, but he didn’t really steer, he had a very disorganized canter, and there was no adjusting his stride. However, I had a ball on him and we jumped around some 1.20 classes. Sometimes he would run out because of lack of steering or my inability to help him rate his stride, but he was fun.
My husband, Larry, saw me on the bay gelding and asked Steve and Jenni about him. We all agreed that the horse was talented, that it seemed he could benefit from some flatwork education – even though he was already ten – and the price was right. LEGIS Rockstar went home with me.
He proved to be game and careful. As his flatwork improved and we got to know one another, our rounds got more consistent. I showed Rockstar primarily at 1.30M and we steadily improved. I couldn’t go fast in jump offs due to lack of steering and difficulty keeping him balanced, but we jumped a lot of clear rounds.
You two seem like a match. We've seen you guys in action and there's no stopping in the Jump-Off. What are the best qualities of Rock Star according to you?
I put up with his quirks and he puts up with mine. With Steve and Jenni’s guidance I have tried to improve his flatwork and help him be more balanced. He doesn’t do flying lead changes, instead he does what I call the “Rockstar Shuffle.” I have even turned him out and watched him galloping about freely and he doesn’t do a flying lead change. I don’t try to change him, I try to work with him and help him be just a little bit better.
You are the best earning West-Coast combination, and number two nation wide, how does that feel?
Absolutely, utterly amazing. I came from very basic roots. I had a funny, rotten Appaloosa horse as a kid, I grew up in a ski resort and rode primarily in the summer, and I only showed at a very low level. I always loved jumpers and when we went to big shows I hung out watching the “big” jumper riders and their horses. I read whatever I could. I only dreamed about riding at the level I am at, let alone winning at that level.
What is the secret to this success?
I have an amazing team. Rockstar and I definitely have a “thing” and over three years we really know one another. Jenni and Steve have a very strong coaching program and I have flourished under their guidance. My husband Larry is very supportive and he was a professional horseman and is very involved in the sport. Although he doesn’t offer a lot of input, when he does it is spot on. He loves watching Rockstar and me and smiles at our clear rounds and speedy jump-offs.
What are your future plans with Rock Star, reaching number one place this year? or... ?
I want to continue to enhance my skills and ride my horses how they need to be ridden. As long as Rockstar is sound and happy and likes his job, then I am happy. I can’t control if we win, but I can control my horse’s care, our training program, and my attitude. The wins are icing on the cake. And I am sure to take him on lots of trail rides so neither of us gets bored in the ring day after day.
You combine horse riding with a professional career in the insurance business. Does that match? How hard is it to combine?
Like anyone who does not ride full time and instead has a job and family, managing time is challenging. Working in the industry of the sport I am passionate about has its own challenges. I never really “leave” my work, but it is also what gives me the ability to participate in the sport. Sometimes I don’t get to ride as often as I would like, so I try to be disciplined and make the most of my time with my horse and my riding.
Now that my son is college age pursuing my own riding goals are easier. When he was younger I rode less and at a lower level. I do my work at odd hours and utilize technology to the best of my ability.
Any tips for the readers to reach their goal?
Riding is great because unlike many other sports, it is not nearly as age sensitive. You don’t see world class gymnasts past their early twenties, but you see plenty of world class riders in the their thirties, forties, and even fifties. That being said, patiently and systematically develop your skills. Get good coaches. Take responsibility for your own learning. Read, watch videos, ask questions, be a lifelong student. And finally, honor and respect your horse. In the end it should be a partnership and your horse should never be a vehicle for your goals, but a partner in your journey.
