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 Cindy from California, USA. 

How long have you been a member of Strides?:

2 years

What’s your favorite part of Strides?:

This is a hard question as there are so many parts I enjoy. I love having a monthly topic, as I am still learning basic things about dressage. I love the monthly lectures and videos. The office hours are extremely valuable. And my Circle is so supportive and helpful.

How has Strides helped you achieve your goals or work through challenges?:

Because literally everyone involved with Strides is so supportive and not judgmental, I feel comfortable posting embarrassing videos and asking questions that may seem dumb. There is a wealth of topics with training tips regarding a goal or challenge to access. Lifetime access is super.

Tell us more about your horse::

Corazon (Zory) is a 21 yr old Kiger/Sorraia mustang. (Sorraia is a Portuguese wild horse) He is super intelligent (I have taught him tricks), bold, tough, and very bonded to me. I have owned him since he was 7 mos old. I trained him to be an excellent, safe trail horse for me to ride when I was in my 60’s. He did that perfectly. Now we are trying to figure out dressage. He has a strong sense of justice. He requires leadership or he will do it himself. He is not a cuddly type. He is noble. I actually admire his character, even though he is not easy some times. When he turns over his trust to you, there is a real responsibity to do right for him.

What’s your goal for the next year?:

I immediately came up with 5 but will limit my answer! My BHAG is to do a flying change (may or may not happen) so I am working to improve Zory’s canter. We live in a rural area and since I am older I don’t want to drive anywhere to compete. I still would like Zory to be a 1st level horse and am learning what that means and where he is lacking. Better half steps and more lateral work are in our future too. In a nutshell my goal is for both of us to keep improving

What is something unique about you, your journey or your horse?:

We live near Yosemite National Park and for a decade or so I was a distance rider in the park. Our weekly day rides usually averaged 30 -35 miles with most of the trails being very technical. I wrote a little book and had a website for riders called Yosemite on Horseback, with maps and pictures. When my mare was retired my next project was to learn how to start a horse, my mustang Zory. A few years ago I was ready to make a change (my rides were already down to 10 mile days) and I found new enthusiasm with dressage. There is so much to learn, it is very exciting. I feel dressage will help Zory stay sound longer as well as help us both to grow.

Final thoughts. Anything else you wish to share here!:

I would like to say how I appreciate Strides and the Dressage for All concept. I am going to sound like a sales person! I have a backyard horse, with a tree in my small arena, a shoestring budget and really knew very little about dressage when I joined Strides. Somehow Amelia and all have created a supportive environment and I have felt more than welcomed. I value the friendships I have found in my circle as well and appreciate having others I can talk to about my journey. I get a lot of motivation from the Strides program to go out there and ride! With so much negativity in social media, Team Amelia has managed somehow to do things right!