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 Kate who lives in Maryland, USA
Where are you from?
Originally from Glasgow in Scotland, I’ve lived all over the world but made my last and longest move to MD, USA in 2004.
How long have you been a member of Strides?
Since August 2024 after completing the Training Scale Masterclass 2024 cohort.
What’s your favorite part of Strides?
Ooohhhh that’s difficult, and it changes based on what I feel like I need the most at any point in time! But currently I think lifetime access to the monthly themed content – including replays to all the OH sessions, lectures and other calls. I can do the exercises that seem appropriate for us right now and come back to try more advanced exercises as we progress. It’s so helpful to have a monthly focus area I can adapt to fit where we are, to be able to keep referring back to exercise videos without any time pressure, and be able to get a clinic (OH replay) whenever I have a moment.
How has Strides helped you achieve your goals or work through challenges?
The video reviews have been game changers to identify where my priorities should lie and help me put together an appropriate lesson plan I can actually execute and be successful with. Being able to watch other people’s reviews has also been inspiring and encouraging as well as educational – seeing the challenges (many that I share) faced by such a variety of horses and riders adds layers and layers of depth to the learning process; it’s like vicariously learning from 100s of horses and riders instead of being limited by my own experience. I am also so grateful for the genuine camaraderie in the FB group. There is a level of support, understanding, encouragement, and shared celebration that allows me to be honest about my struggles without fear of judgement, and to celebrate even the smallest of wins with like-minded people. I feel like I’ve found my tribe.
Tell us more about your horse:
Talking about my beautiful horse Woody is one of my favorite things to do! He’s a 9 yo Clydesdale/TB cross who fills my heart with joy. I’ve had the privilege of owning him for 3 years and when I first bought him he was just recovering from EPM and couldn’t canter on the right lead. He’s sensitive, and super spooky, but also curious, kind, gregarious, and will try all day for you if he feels safe. He absolutely knows how I feel, sometimes before I do, and grows 6 inches when I tell him how wonderful he is. In our journey together we’ve done all kinds of things including Hunter Paces, Beginner Novice eventing, a bit of Working Equitation, trail rides, and – thanks to Amelia’s programs – Dressage which we are enjoying more than I ever expected (I’m an eventer at heart so Dressage was always what you had to do to get to the fun jumping part!). I am grateful for Woody in ways I can’t even describe and having him in my life makes me the most fortunate person I know.
What’s your goal for the next year?
Woody has been struggling a bit recently with some EPM flares and lameness so obviously my main goal is taking the best care of him to get him healthy again. Beyond that, I want to continue our Dressage journey with Amelia and fill in some of the holes we have in Rhythm, Suppleness, and Connection so we can really confirm our First level work and move up to Second level. I’d also like to try to move up to Novice Eventing and start working towards certification in Equine Massage Therapy.
What is something unique about you, your journey or your horse?
I am not sure when I started riding, but I was wee, and as I child I went through a period when I used to sleep walk… a lot! At the time we lived by a farm on the moors and it was not unusual for me to wake up in a stall beside a cow, or more often, a horse. Somehow I never got stomped on or even slightly squished even though my mom was terrified I would be hurt and tried all manner of ways to keep me in the house. To this day, I get the kind of comfort that only comes from happy, deeply engrained, childhood memories by sticking my face in a horse’s mane and just breathing in. I don’t need to ride, or do anything other than breathe. It’s my happy place.
Final thoughts. Anything else you wish to share here!
I truly believe everyone’s journey with their horse is unique and precious and worthy of being protected, honored, and celebrated. Love your horse; to know them is a precious privilege. And be kind to others; even if you don’t share their goals, motivation, anxieties, or challenges, it costs nothing and can make the difference in someone’s day. We all need help and support sometimes and people to celebrate with.
