Catherine Haddad

The Janet Schneider Trust

A private sponsorship established in 2003 by Mrs. Janet Schneider of Casper, Wyoming, launched Haddad’s career into the international show ring. Riding Maximus JSS, Haddad was longlisted for the first time in 2004. After Janet's untimely death in 2005, her children continue to sponsor Catherine. Robert, Richard and Susan Schneider are trustees of the Janet S. Schneider Trust.

Haddad's top horse Maximus JSS is owned by the Janet Schneider Trust. The chestnut gelding is a 12 year old Danish warmblood by May Sherif. "We were very successful in the small tour in Germany, winning the Golden Horseshoe Trophy in 2003, before we started in our first Grand Prix in 2004."

Haddad's freestyle for Maximus JSS is choreographed to the music from the film, The Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe. Maximus was named after the general in the film. His owner, the late Janet S. Schneider, was a student of Latin and Roman history and she found the name fitting for the horse. "I've tried to choreograph a bit of the film story into my freestyle," says Haddad. "The music by Hans Zimmer is very dramatic and suspenseful. I hope it pulls the whole crowd to the edge of their seats."