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  Ellen Ziemer, who is from Bahama, North Carolina, USA!

How long have you been a member of Strides? About 6 months

What’s your favorite part of Strides? I appreciate the training lectures, videos and office hours. Video review is incredibly helpful, and the challenges are inspiring.

How has Strides helped you? My depth of knowledge has improved, my riding plan is better focused and I feel part of a supportive community.

What kind of horses are your favorite? Warmblood horses and ponies. My Primary riding horses are a New Forest Pony, Galant, and a German Riding Pony, Shylah.

What’s your goal for this year? For Shylah, contact and connection. For Galant, one more 4th level score towards my silver medal.

What is something unique about you, your journey or your horse? I have been breeding horses since I was a teenager. I am a USDF gold medal breeder.

What achievement (with horses or not) you most proud of? My family is very precious to me. My husband of 43 years, Jerry Waddle, and I are both veterinarians. Our biological children, Erica and Mark, are doing well, both physicians, and both have children now. 

What challenges have you overcome? I’m an older rider (68). I’ve had a number of injuries through the years, including 8 concussions and a number of broken bones. Physical therapy and consistent exercise are essential, as well as safety in the saddle as well as on the ground.

Any final thoughts? The video reviews with Nicole and Amelia in Strides are a total game changer for me. Thank you so much!