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 Bianca from California, USA
How long have you been a member of Strides?
I will have been a member of Strides for four years this September, and it has become such an important part of my journey with Henri.
What’s your favorite part of Strides?
One of my favorite parts of Strides is the monthly content, but the video reviews have to be my absolute favorite. I love getting personalized feedback on my own videos, but I also learn so much from watching the reviews of other members’ rides. So often I can relate to the same issues they are having, and hearing how to correct those problems helps me apply the same ideas to my own riding. It truly feels like I am learning not just from my own experience, but from the entire community.
I also have to mention my Strides Circle, because that has become one of the most meaningful parts of the program for me. Having a group of people who understand the ups and downs of this journey, cheer each other on, offer advice, and show up with encouragement makes such a difference. The education in Strides is incredible, but the friendships and support have been just as valuable.
How has Strides helped you achieve your goals or work through challenges?
When I first got my horse Henri, I honestly could not ride him at all. I couldn’t steer him, I couldn’t get him round, and I never quite knew which version of him I was going to get that day. He could go from lazy and behind my leg to suddenly too hot to handle, and he would spin and bolt without warning. I often felt insecure riding him.
Strides gave me the tools, structure, and confidence to work through those challenges instead of giving up. The diamond pattern helped me tremendously when I felt like I had no steering, and when I am working on roundness, I still hear German’s voice in my head saying, “Shorten your reins. You’ve got to shorten your reins. Shorter. Shorter. Shorter. Aha.”
Now Henri and I have a much more harmonious relationship. He is still the same big personality, but we understand each other so much better. Strides has helped me realize that progress is not always about moving up the levels quickly. Sometimes the biggest success is building trust, communication, and confidence with the horse you have. He trusts me and I trust him.
Tell us more about your horse:
My horse is San Heinrich RF, a 9-year-old troublemaking gelding, lovingly called Henri. He has always known he was special—he was selected to be on the cover of Warmbloods Today as a foal, and by the age of 5 he was already a national champion at Training Level and a state champion at Third Level.
When I got him at age 6, I had big plans. My original idea was to have a friend ride him so he could continue moving up the levels while I rode him more casually, because at the time he felt like too much horse for me. Unfortunately, their partnership was difficult. He would either refuse to go forward or rear and dump her.
After consulting with my vet and trainer, I made the decision that I was going to learn how to ride him myself. I let go of the expectation that he had to make it to PSG or Grand Prix, and instead focused on becoming the rider he needed. Henri is smart, opinionated, talented, and a little mischievous, but he has taught me more than any easy horse ever could.
What’s your goal for the next year?
My goal for the next year is to start flying changes. Henri already knows how to do them, but I am still learning. I have had some setbacks due to a torn tendon in my left ankle, which required me to ride without stirrups for a solid year. While it was challenging, it has really strengthened my seat and my balance in a way I don’t think I would have developed otherwise.
I am still not fully healed, but I am now back to riding with stirrups, which feels like a huge step forward. I am especially excited for the upcoming canter challenge because I know I need more canter work to feel confident and secure in the flying changes. My goal is to continue improving my strength, timing, and communication with Henri so that the changes become something we do together with confidence.
What is something unique about you, your journey or your horse?
What is unique about our journey is that when I first got Henri, he was much more horse than I was capable of or prepared to handle at the time. He had already proven how talented he was before I got him, but that didn’t make him easy. I initially thought someone else would develop him while I rode him more casually, but instead he pushed me to step up, learn, and grow into the rider he needed.
On top of that, I have worked through my own physical challenges, especially riding for a year without stirrups due to my ankle injury. It hasn’t been a straightforward journey, but it has made every bit of progress more meaningful.
Henri is talented, dramatic, funny, and full of opinions. He has humbled me many times, but he has also made me a stronger, more thoughtful rider. Our journey has become less about chasing a level and more about building a true partnership.
Final thoughts. Anything else you wish to share here!
I am truly grateful to be part of Strides and very thankful to whoever nominated me. This program has supported me through the challenging parts of my journey, not just the highlights. Riding can be humbling—especially with a horse who pushes you—but Strides has reminded me that progress is still progress, even when it comes slowly.
I am especially thankful for my Strides Circle. Amelia’s idea of creating Strides Circles has made such a huge impact on my life, far beyond what I ever expected. What started as a group of fellow riders has become one of the greatest gifts of this program. My Circle has been there for me almost every day, practically 24/7, helping me through not only horse issues, but personal challenges too. They understand the hard days, celebrate the little wins, and always seem to know when I need encouragement, honesty, advice, or just someone to listen.
They are not just Strides friends anymore—they have become some of my closest friends, and I truly believe they are friends for life. I am so grateful to Amelia for creating a program that not only helps us become better riders, but also brings people together in such a meaningful way.
The encouragement, education, and sense of community in Strides mean so much to me. I am grateful to Amelia, German, and the entire Strides community for helping riders like me keep learning, stay motivated, and continue showing up for our horses. Henri has taught me perseverance, and Strides has helped me believe in the process.
