Members of the Paso Fino Horse Association recently cast their votes and selected Deborah Suder as 2009 Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) Amateur Owner of the Year. This prestigious award is bestowed to a PFHA amateur owner who exemplifies outstanding accomplishments, contributions, sportsmanship and horsemanship.

Suder is a member of the PFHA Virginia Presidential Region. She also serves as the current secretary-treasurer for the region, a position which she has served in for several terms. During the formation of the Virginia Presidential Region, she played an important role in helping the region gain recognition as the newest established region in the PFHA.

Suder is an avid supporter of all amateur owners and youth members of the PFHA, and, in particular, those members within her region. Over the years she has invested much of her time and energy as regional show manager in an effort to further support regional amateur owners and youth riders. Her dedication to this position has resulted in new regional sponsors, new regional youth championship classes and a continual increase in the regional show attendance.

Actively participating in PFHA shows is a family affair for the Suders. In the past Suder competed as an amateur owner along with her daughter, Charlsie. Nowadays, however, her focus is on her grandson, Anthony, who is an avid exhibitor. Suder is very proud of Anthony’s many achievements as a youth, especially his award of PFHA/USEF Youth of the Year Award for two consecutive years (2007 and 2008). She feels that the competition has been an excellent experience for Anthony, giving him more confidence and teaching him lessons in good sportsmanship.

Since childhood Suder has had a longtime interest in horses. About 10 years ago, after retiring from her restaurant business, Mac’s Famous Bar, in Daytona Beach, FL, she relocated to her home state of Virginia. Having had a Paso Fino for her daughter while in Florida, she was already impressed with the breed. So after getting settled in her new home in Rockville, she became familiar with the Paso Fino farms in the area.

It didn’t take long for Suder to find a suitable Paso Fino. In fact she quickly found herself purchasing a breeding stallion and several mares. She has since established a breeding farm, Hacienda Ella Rosa, which her grandson helps her manage. She is actively raising and showing their horses, producing regional and national champions. She is also in the process of adding on and improving the farm facilities so that Anthony can continue his career with the horses as a trainer.

When interviewed, Suder stated that she was “completely shocked” when learning of her award and “very honored” to receive it. She said her promotion of the breed has been made possible by the support of so many other members’ involvement and participation. She passionately expressed, "We need to get the message out, 'The Paso Fino will truly capture your heart!'"