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 Kris from Illinois, USA
How long have you been a member of Strides?
4+ years
What’s your favorite part of Strides?
My favorite part of Strides is the community! I have had so much support through my personal health issues and then Soulie’s declining health. I had so many people cheering me on when I found TÃo.
When I was in Florida looking at horses, JoElyn reached out to help, and I even got a couple of phone calls from other Strides members!
The support from Amelia and Nicol (Nic) has also been outstanding! Strides feels like family and I’m learning so much to boot! The exercises in the saddle and on the ground have really strengthened the bond with my horses! Amelia’s dedication is unlike anyone I’ve met in the industry! I always turn to her program and videos first for help.
Thank you so much for the nomination! I’m moved beyond words!
How has Strides helped you achieve your goals or work through challenges?
Strides groundwork was a game changer for me. It deepened the bond with my horses and helped me learn to fix problems on the ground which then transfered to under saddle.
The under saddle exercises are invaluable!
Now that I have a new horse, I find myself going back to some of the older exercises that I used with Soulie. TÃo is a trier and I’ve learned which exercises engage him the most like the ribbon candy, snowman and dog bone exercises. To already have them in my toolbox was a huge help with my young horse!
Tell us more about your horse:
My new horse’s registered name is Buckeyes Black Diamond. We call him TÃo, which means Uncle in Spanish. It is a tribute to my late Uncle Gary. TÃo is a Friesian Quarter Horse cross. No one believes that he’s a cross, everyone who meets him thinks he’s 100% Friesian!
I found TÃo in Wellington, Florida. He was Amish trained, and has jumped through rings of fire, pulled a carriage on a highway past 18 wheelers, has sorted cattle, jumped, had guns fired off of his back and bull whips cracked on him while standing on a tiny platform. He’s been trail ridden through water, ridden bareback with a neck strap down a busy road. He competed in his first dressage show at age 7 in Wellington this past December.
I got TÃo in December 2024. Soulie had passed away peacefully in his pasture in October. TÃo has brought so much joy and laughter back into my life after losing Soulie. He is quite the character! He will smile for carrots and treats and loves to be brushed and fussed over. Under saddle he gives 150% even when we had saddle fit issues. He is kind, and I trust him with my life. He is safe, and fun and keeps me smiling every single day!
What’s your goal for the next year?
My goal for next year is to compete TÃo at 2nd level and get my last rider qualification score for my patch. I would love to go trail riding too and definitely want to dip a hoof into some working equitation!!
What is something unique about you, your journey or your horse?
Something unique about me and my journey is that I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome as well as autoimmune disease and many comorbidities that go with these health issues. I’ve been on disability since 2015. My riding is what keeps me sane. It is difficult on my body, but my heart and mind go to a different place when I’m in the saddle, a place where my health isn’t a part of the journey. For those couple of hours at the barn I am whole again and happy. No medication can give me that feeling.
Final thoughts. Anything else you wish to share here!
Strides has kept me in the horse world even when I was horseless. The camaraderie that I’ve found through on-line horse friends cannot be compared. We have laughted and cried together and educationally, Amelia and her team have been invaluable. I can’t thank Amelia enough for starting this platform and for continuing to be an inspiration to all of us!
