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 Brandy from Wisconsin, USA
How long have you been a member of Strides?
3 years
What’s your favorite part of Strides?
Strides is an awesome community of support and knowledge! I love the video reviews. There is so much information shared that is applicable to me (and others) when watching everyone’s reviews. I appreciate that everything is recorded so it is easy to refer back to.
How has Strides helped you achieve your goals or work through challenges?
30 DTR was our launching pad! Before Strides I never thought Essie could move the way she is moving now. She is so much more rideable! She’s stronger and using her body better. Not only have I learned to be more effective with my aides, I’m learning what the appropriate response is supposed to be. Because of the things I’m learning, Essie seems to enjoy working more. The connection that we have during grooming, groundwork, and play time has extended into our under saddle work now. Our rides are more of a productive conversation.
Tell us more about your horse:
Essie is a 14 year old 14.1 hh stock type mare. She is missing her left eye. It was surgically removed after being seized by the sherif in a humane case when she was 6–8 months old. Because she is strong willed and a fighter she survived her horrendous situation. Her strong will and big opinions have been a blessing and curse when training. I never have to guess how she’s feeling. While having one eye has caused some physical issues it honestly doesn’t slow her down at all. She loves jumping and doing obstacles. She is inquisitive and wants to smell and see everything.
What’s your goal for the next year?
More off farm adventures! I would like to show training level, which means we need to canter under saddle. More off farm lessons and trail rides- which will set us up for show success.
What is something unique about you, your journey or your horse?
In 2014 I was 42 and knew nothing about horses except that I loved them. Essie has one eye and came to the barn where we did lessons to be a barn project horse. Her behaviors were so “big” that no one at the barn wanted anything to do with her. She was a sweetheart in her paddock, but very scary when taken away from her friend. I showed up day after day and got my proverbial butt kicked. But I’m too stubborn to quit and I gave my word that I would work with her. I adopted her after 6 months. Our journey together has been 12 years of me learning to work and ride horses while teaching a very stubborn opinionated mare how to be handled and then ridden. I would definitely never recommend this path to anyone. lol Green on green equals black and blue! But for us the road of hard knocks has worked out, and for that I’m forever grateful!
Final thoughts. Anything else you wish to share here!
The best investment I’ve made in addition to my regular riding lessons is my subscription to Strides. I’m so grateful to my friend Tammy for gifting me my first 30 DTR (unfortunately I wasn’t able to complete it due to unforeseen circumstances). But the next year when she asked me if I was going to do it again, I knew Essie and I needed it. That 30 DTR was a game changer for Essie and I! I subscribed during the enrollment window at the end. 3-2-1 we ARE doing it!!! Thank you!
