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 Christy from Michigan, USA.
How long have you been a member of Strides?
I just discovered Strides in December and immediately joined, so just 9 months!
What’s your favorite part of Strides?
There are so many wonderful parts of Strides!! My two favorites are:
– Video Reviews through Office Hours. It’s absolutely amazing to me how much more I learn in Virtual Lessons, where I hear Amelia and team’s feedback while watching my videos!
– The amazing community Amelia has built! I’ve never been part of such a positive and supportive community before!!
How has Strides helped you achieve your goals or work through challenges?
I first learned about Amelia’s programs last fall when I signed up for her Groundwork Essentials programs for my giant at-the-time 1 year old who was struggling with manners. That program gave me a whole new set of tools, and really changed my yearling! I then joined Strides to continue working on his Groundwork and getting feedback, and I can honestly say Amelia and team have helped me transform my young horse!! He’s now not only safer and more respectful, but more confident and happier!
Amelia’s programs have also really helped me with my rehabbing OTTB mare. She was a jumper before her injury, and now we’re focusing on dressage, and Amelia’s programs are helping us to really improve our dressage!
Tell us more about your horse:
I have 2 horses now:
My 11 year old OTTB mare who is rehabbing from a severe freak pasture accident last summer. She was primarily a jumper before the injury, but now we’re focusing on dressage. Like everyone else’s horse, she’s the best horse in the world for me! She’s a hot tamale and has affectionately earned the nickname Dragon-horse, said with love, and we’re working really hard at using her energy in a positive way.
I also have a now 2 year old giant Oldenburg gelding, by Qredit. He’s already 17 hands and absolutely loaded with personality! I’m excited to see what the future holds for him.
What’s your goal for the next year?
My goals for next year are:
– Finish rehabbing my mare, and compete in First Level shows. This year we did Training Level and First Level through Virtual Shows (she was vet-cleared during rehab to show), and next year I’m hoping to show First Level live.
– If my gelding is physically ready, I hope to get him started under saddle next year!
What is something unique about you, your journey or your horse?
Maybe most unique is I’m a Thoroughbred Mare girl! I’ve had 3 show horses, and they’ve all been Thoroughbred mares. I absolutely love their athleticism and their big hearts. So my baby is a big change!
I’ve been riding for 30 years, mostly Jumpers (up to 4′ jumper divisions) and Eventing (up to Prelim). I’ve always appreciated Dressage, but I’m not naturally good at it. I’ve been learning so much through Amelia’s programs!!
One more unique thing about me – before learning to ride, I was a competitive swimmer for 15 years, including swimming through NCAA’s and Olympic Trials (I swam butterfly and breaststroke). I’m naturally muscular, and I’m learning my muscles sometimes get in the way of my riding!
Final thoughts. Anything else you wish to share here!
I wish I’d found Amelia’s programs years ago!!! I’m so incredibly grateful to be part of this community, and to feel like I have so many wonderful horse friends. I’m also incredibly grateful to my friend Leslie Kot for introducing me to Amelia’s programs!!
