Each month, we will be profiling one of our Strides Student Members, so everyone can get to know each other a little! This month, let’s get to know Rita from Pennsylvania, USA
How long have you been a member of Strides?
Six months
What’s your favorite part of Strides?
I love the inspiration and camaraderie within the community. The program has motivated me to videotape a few times a month. In addition to submitting a video each month for support from the staff, I am learning to watch my own videos and self evaluate. In office hours, I get just as much watching other student’s videos and hearing the feedback.
How has Strides helped you achieve your goals or work through challenges?
Strides provides me with a support system. Although I feel that local in-person lessons are an important part of my journey with my horses, the learning platform and the Strides community provides a rich support system. There is only so much talking that I can do one-on-one with my instructor in a 45 minute lesson. The platform provides information in an easy learning format, but also the ability to talk it all out with other students and the staff. I feel like I come to my lesson more prepared to learn.
Tell us more about your horse:
I have two horses, but my main focus this year will be on my 12 year old German Riding Pony “Vivi”. I have had her for almost a year. Our first year was focused on our relationship on the ground, which has been an amazing journey. She is very talented, very sensitive, very smart and has some good training, but she has very limited mileage off of the farm and learning to travel has been difficult for her. We have taken it very, very slowly.
What’s your goal for the next year?
My main goal for the year is to start building as solid a relationship under saddle as we have done on the ground, and to help Vivi to become comfortable with local travel. I want my horse to be happy in her work. I feel like our relationship has progressed to the point that we now ready to head off the farm for lessons and clinics and hopefully to do some showing later in the season.
What is something unique about you, your journey or your horse?
I am a 64 year old amateur rider and have been addicted to horses for most of my life. Vivi, while quite petite, is more athletic, more sensitive and more forward than my previous horses and learning to ride her will be an exciting challenge for me!
Final thoughts. Anything else you wish to share here!
Thank you to my new strides friends. You all have been a true gift!
