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 Shonnessy from Washington, USA.
How long have you been a member of Strides?
A bit over 4 years
What’s your favorite part of Strides?
My favorite part of Strides is the community cultivated by Amelia and her team. This is such a wonderful, supportive group of people who come from all different places and experiences. I have made some of my best friends from my time in Strides, and met some truly remarkable people who are all committed to learning and being the best they can be for their horses.
How has Strides helped you achieve your goals or work through challenges?
In 2023 Allie had an accident that resulted in a fractured pelvis, soft tissue damage, and SI injury. Rehab was a very slow and steady process over about a year of time. I relied heavily upon Amelia’s trainings and materials to make certain we were rebuilding Allie’s body in the most correct way to return and maintain her soundness. When I started with Strides I was a first level rider, and now we are working on 3rd and 4th level movements.
Tell us more about your horse:
I’m lucky enough to have two amazing horses. Allie is the one I post about most often, she’s a Trakehner mare and we are working on 3rd level. Allie came from an abusive background and we spent a lot of time in the beginning just working on comfort and confidence. It’s the biggest compliment that people who knew her when she was first rescued tell me how relaxed and settled she is now. She’s probably the sweetest horse I’ve ever known. My other horse is Starla, she’s my 33-year-old National Show Horse. My friend got her off a used car lot when we were 14, and we shared her for years for 4H and showing. When I was 20, my friend gave her to me, and she’s been my best friend ever since. We’d done pretty much every horse sport except things involving cattle. Nowadays I’m lucky enough that I can put a friend or my mother on Starla, and we can hit the trails with me on Allie.
What’s your goal for the next year?
This year I’m hoping to finish my scores for my Bronze medal, and maybe my next Equitation Award. I’d also like to try a Working Equitation show and a mounted obstacle competition.
What is something unique about you, your journey or your horse?
I think we are the epitome of enjoying the journey, not just the destination. I had assumed I would get my Bronze medal years ago, but several broken bones and herniated discs on my part and then Allie’s accident have meant there have been a large number of detours in the process. Every time I feel like we come back better, stronger, and more connected.
