Each month, we will be profiling one of our Strides Student Members, so everyone can get to know each other a little! This month, we’ve chosen Strides member Becky from California, USA!
How long have you been a member of Strides?:
I’ve been a member of Strides for a little over two years.
What’s your favorite part of Strides?:
It is very difficult to identify my favorite part of Strides because there is so much to love! I guess I’d have to say the overall structure of the program and the value of the instruction are my favorite parts of Strides. I love how the monthly topics keep me excited about learning and moving forward, while at the same time the specific exercises are often reviewed, returned to, and expanded upon. Even though I feel I barely scratch the surface of the new content each month, Dora and I are both learning and growing measurably. This sense of friendship and community is also simply amazing.
How has Strides helped you achieve your goals or work through challenges?:
Accessibility to the expertise of Team Amelia and the group experts, whether through office hours, use of #askamelia, or just going back to review particular exercises or lectures, is amazing and definitely helps me work through challenges. Aside from the expertise, the Strides community on the whole is incredibly inspirational. When other members are vulnerable, committed, joyful, and courageous, I feel encouraged to do the same!
Tell us more about your horse::
My mare Dora is an 11 year old half Percheron, half appendix quarter horse. I bought her sight unseen, and have no regrets! She was started well by a western trainer in Texas, and was going walk/trot/canter when I bought her as a six year old. I couldn’t move her training forward on my own, so she went a bit backwards in her training the first few years I owned her. In spite of these struggles, she is perfect for me because she literally goes anywhere and does anything. She is brave and energetic on trail, and will jump cross country. I’ve worn crazy Halloween costumes, crossed water, gone out alone or in groups, and she is always game. Dora is incredibly forgiving, and as I’m working hard to be a better rider for her, she tries as well. Best of all, every time I arrive at the barn, I’m greeted by her ridiculously cute face over the gate and a nicker. She truly has my heart.
What’s your goal for the next year?:
My 2025 goal with Dora is to show all three training level tests. It’s pretty lofty considering two and a half years ago we couldn’t walk, trot, and canter, nor ride a figure that resembled a circle!
What is something unique about you, your journey or your horse?:
Unfortunately, the horse world has a bit of a reputation for potentially being toxic, so this part of my journey unfortunately may not be unique. Dora and I had to overcome an awful situation early on. When I first bought her I boarded at a facility where she was not appreciated, and the care was questionable. The situation was damaging to both of us, and I am grateful that in the years since, both Dora and I have begun to thrive together. I share this in hopes that others experiencing something similar might get out sooner than later. I’ve learned to only include positive people in my (horse) world, and Strides is a part of that.
Final thoughts. Anything else you wish to share here!:
Dressage for all isn’t just a slogan. Amelia and the Strides program teach this every single day by providing such a quality inclusive program.
