Our Bloggers
We are proud to introduce our Bloggers! Some will write weekly, some on a more casual basis or covering specific events, but we would like to celebrate all our contributors. If you’d like to join our team or submit articles, please email us at: info@horsejunkiesunited.com
Carrie Allen – Event Rider from Cobourg, Ontario
Carrie and Colby
Professional by day, amateur by night…such is my life. I consider myself to be the true definition of an ‘Amateur Event Rider’. I bust my butt during the day in an office so that I can bust my butt with my young, talented, stereotypical and total pain in my ass red headed chestnut OTTB mare by night.
Together we are moving through the levels and learning what it takes to be successful in this sport. Patience for me is key. Which is a challenge in itself as I seemingly have none. Colby tests me in every possible way and there are days when I am exasperated with her…but, those days are all but forgotten when those light bulbs start to flicker on…and then stay on.
She is a challenge. She is demanding. She is a talent waiting to be unleashed. And (aside from that terrifying me a little), more than anything else, it makes me want to be a better rider and give her every opportunity to succeed. I am honoured to be a part of Horse Junkies United – it gives me the tingles a little bit – to share experiences, the ups, the downs, the behind the scenes stuff NO ONE talks about and to be the voice for all amateur riders out there. Come along for the ride….
United with you, ~ Carrie
Read all my blog posts here.
Allison Stover – Jumper Rider from Ohio
Alli and Ellie
My name is Allison, but always Alli around the barn. I own an OTTB mare who in the last two years has proven to be my coach, my partner, and my new love. She has also managed to break my heart and my bank account with her health issues.
But my commitment to her and horses as a whole pushes me forward on this journey with her….. and hopefully, one day with lots of TLC and patience, she’ll be that life long partner I’ve always dreamed of.
I truly love watching riders from all walks of life form relationships with their horses and accomplish great things. Whether that great thing is a dressage test, a cross rail, or a monster fence, it’s the silent conversations that we have with our horses, our chosen companions, that make us equestrians.
Read all my blog posts here.
Cheryl (aka CRD) – Event Rider from Ottawa, Ontario
Cheryl and Clever West
I started eventing about fourteen years ago and although I haven’t competed during the last couple of years, I remain very involved in the sport. I organize the annual awards banquet, I volunteer in every and any capacity at every local horse trials.
I organize clinics and recently obtained my Technical Delegate accreditation. With my co-blogger and photographer extraordinaire Calina, the plan is to cover a few events in our area and beyond.
Calina – Photographer Extraordinaire and Cheryl’s Partner in Crime
Calina
Of course, what Cheryl has neglected to mention is that we both follow the North American eventing scene like some people follow the NHL, the NBA or the NFL. Our particular obsession seems to be less socially acceptable, but it’s infinitely more fun. Cheryl is also a rule-guru and can be counted on to point out fun FEI factoids.
Like Cheryl, I haven’t evented in a number of years. It turns out that undergrad followed immediately by law school is both time consuming and expensive. While I haven’t jumped back into horse ownership since graduating, there are some generous horse people in my life that make sure I always have something to ride, and I am now learning to balance litigating and riding.
Finally, it turns out that the one big downside of being the go-to photographer is that I never end up in any pictures. When Ecogold’s Patricia asked me for a photo, I discovered that the most recent one I could find was more than ten years old and featured petal bell boots. Yes, I was once that cool.
Jessica Phoenix
Boyd Martin
Sinead Halpin
Melissa Glover – Dressage Rider from Virginia
I am a Region 1 dressage ammie who started her horse junky obsession at a very early age and showed in the Big Eq and jumper divisions as a junior. After moving to Virginia for college, I got involved in the hunter and sidesaddle show scene. Several years ago, I decided to make the move to dressage and to work with young horses.
While working with and showing my then 4 year old horse, I met my husband Wanja, a German Bereiter. After getting married, Wanja and I started our own training and horse sales company, Performance Sport Horses, LLC. We have one son, who is often featured in my blogs. He is the perfect horse show mascot and good luck charm! I currently have an upcoming 3 year old Westphalian mare that I plan to show in the FEI young horse divisions.
Read all my blog posts here.
Cheryl Figures – Dressage Rider from Michigan
Cheryl and Kahlua
Eight hours a day I’m a corporate controller, the rest of the time, I’m a Horse Junkie. I do a little coaching, a little training a little showing, a lot of riding. I really love teaching, I do some work with “challenged riders” and spend all my non barn time with my head in books, videos, YouTube, Internet sites and chats, anything horse related.
As an adult over 50, my addiction to horses is even bigger now than as a child. Don’t get me wrong, as a kid I ate, slept and lived for horses. I could use a 12 step program.
Writing for HJU feeds my hunger in many ways. I have challenged myself to express creatively my ups and downs of training a green, opinionated, head strong horse, mainly alone. Through HJU I have stepped out of my little world to grow and become more immersed in the equestrian world and I have made some great friends. I cannot thank Patricia enough for letting me be a part of this great team.
Although my focus is classic dressage and I love music freestyle, as well as quadrille, I have discovered my partner in crime aka “The Mare” aka Kahlua is not the huge fan that I am. So for 2013 we are going to dabble in other disciplines, try a little hunter, some jumping and if I can find an over 50 cross country, we’ll see…
Read all my blog posts here.
Keara McMurdo – Jumper Rider from Calgary, Alberta
Keara and Traveller
Hi everyone! My name is Keara and I just recently graduated with my BSc in biology. Where I go from there is yet to be determined, but I’m definitely excited for the future.
I have been a horse junkie for a long time, first begging my parents for lessons when I was six, and owning my first horse when I was ten. Then, a couple of years later, Traveller entered my life. A feisty grey Saddlebred gelding with too many quirks to list, Trav and I have now been partners for over a decade.
In our time together we have certainly been presented with challenges, but biggest one occurred just five months after I bought him when he punctured his right eye, immediately losing sight in it. Thankfully, with the help of wonderful veterinary staff and supportive friends, we were able to help him through the transition and we have never looked back! After years of pony club, Trav and I now just play around in low-level jumper classes and enjoy the odd cross country school.
Being a part of the HJU team has been an amazing experience. I have met tons of fantastic people and have been presented with incredible opportunities. I love covering the events at Spruce Meadows and Rocky Mountain Show Jumping, and I’m slowly but surely learning my way around a camera. If you ever see me at an event, be sure to come say hi!
Read all my blog posts here.
Alison Martin – Dressage Rider from British Columbia
Dressage is FUN!!
Alison Martin here, ok, I am not an ammie dressage “nut”, I am a coach, rider, trainer – been there, done that (well not everything, since I dont have the “Team Patch”, which I used to want desperately ……….. but now, since I am turning 40 this year, I am thinking it might be just out of my reach).
Those who know me, know that I love horses – Arabs being my fav breed. I am also known to take dressage and competing seriously, but not over the top.
I have 2 little kids (age 5 and 9) and a husband who is a SERIOUS hockey fan. Since we have one TV and the NHL playoff season in full swing, I am spending my evenings on the “net”.
So, next I will blog my fav sites, blogs, apps for dressage lovers and other dressage-y internet things.
till next time…. ciao, keep having fun dressage-ing around.
Read all my blog posts here.
Eiren Crawford - Dressage Rider from Canada… living in Denmark
Eiren and the mare – photo by Kathryn Darby
I’m a 36 year old Canadian professional dressage rider living in Europe. I spent almost 3 years in Germany and now am working in Denmark.
I’ve had amazing opportunities to work with top professionals on both sides of the Atlantic, and am often just shocked that I get to do this for a living!
I’m excited to be blogging for HJU, and here are a few things you should know about me:
1) Eiren sounds exactly like Erin. Really and truly, it’s not Irene or Iron, or Ellen. Just say “Erin.”
2) I’m a talker. There are few short stories with me.
3) If there is a way to do something wrong in dressage riding, I’ve done it, or will do get to it eventually. I learn through mistakes, and lets just say I’m always learning.
4) I may be the luckiest person I know.
5) Please, call me Erin.
I look forward to sharing stories as I fumble along towards my goals of being a better rider, trainer, and coach. Cheers!
Read all my blog posts here.
Megg McClarty – Hunter-Jumper Rider from Manitoba, Canada
Megan and Wild Zulu
I am a hunter-jumper rider living in Manitoba, Canada. I competed my off the track Thoroughbred, Wild Zulu, up through the 3’3 Amateur hunters until his retirement two years ago — he can be seen in my picture, trying his heart out in the sloppiest ring I have ever ridden in.
I currently own two horses and plan to pursue selling one this summer 2013, while also pursuing my Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering.
I love the precision and polish needed to succeed in the hunter ring- not to say that the adrenaline and quick-thinking of the jumper ring doesn’t also have a place in my heart!
Horses are a huge part of my life and certainly my greatest passion, and that’s something I hope never changes! I love following the tales and tribulations of other dedicated horse junkies, and Horse Junkies United is the perfect place for it!
Read all my blog posts here.
Stefanie Bates – Event rider from Ohio
Stefanie and Sandie
My name is Stefanie, and I work alongside a lovely little mare named “Sandie” AKA The Buckskin Beauty! I didn’t start riding until the age of 26 but even though I didn’t grow up around horses and got a late start on learning to ride, I am bound and determined to show the world that if you have a passion for the sport and a thirst for knowledge, you can achieve almost anything you put your mind to!
Sandie, who is my first and only horse, was a rescue who saved me as much as I saved her. While my trainers have certainly taught me a thing or two about riding and training a green horse over the past several years, it is Sandie who’s done most of the teaching.
Sandie and I have dabbled in many different things from Hunters to Dressage, but Eventing and now Jumpers is our main cup of tea!
I’ve met so many great friends since being inaugurated into the horsey world several years back and wouldn’t trade them or their horses for the world! That includes running into fans of HJU at hunter paces and shows – please continue to come up and say hello, Sandie and I love meeting you all! And someday I promise I will teach her to hold a pen with her hoof so she can give autographs!
There are so many life lessons to be learned on horseback and I believe that if we listen, horses have so much to tell us. Every fall, every time we get back in the saddle, and with every blue ribbon, there’s a lesson to be learned. So just open your heart, hang on, and enjoy the ride!
Read all my blog posts here.
Geri Hollander – Dressage Rider from Virginia
Geri and Timmy
I was a horse crazy young girl from New Jersey who didn’t realize her dream of owning a horse until I was in my early 50’s and living in Virginia. That’s when I bought Timmy, a 6 yr old Holsteiner/TB gelding and I started taking lessons. I learned what it was like to be competitive in my 50’s, realizing this “horse stuff” isn’t as easy as it looked.
For the last couple of years, we have been training with a fabulous dressage coach and a winning 4 star event rider. Timmy has matured and together we continue to show in dressage (training level). We board at a fantastic barn full of eventers, jumpers and pleasure riders of all ages, who are supportive and encouraging.
The horse world has opened up a whole new chapter in my life. It is all about the journey for me and Timmy and I hope we will continue to learn and improve our skills. I have enjoyed being a part of the HJU group and hope by sharing my experiences as an older rider, I can show that you are never to old to enjoy this wonderful sport of ours.
Read all my blog posts here.
Amy Vodraska – Jumper rider from New Jersey
Amy, Sugar, and the family celebrate a good day.
I’m an “ammie rider” who competes as a jumper and both my children ride as well. Professionally I’m the Associate Publisher for a B2B trade publication.
I am the proud mom of Sugar, my 17 year old KWPN mare. My children are riding an OTTB named James, who has been teaching them not only about riding, but life lessons as well. Currently I do the 3′ division, with hopes of eventually reaching the 1.0 meters and delusional fantasies of one day trying the 3’6″ classes. As I am a bit of a chicken, that would be a HUGE accomplishment. My kids are looking forward to taking James in the Pre-Children’s hunter and equitation divisions.
My posts typically focus on the issues adult re-riders face, and the rewards and challenges of a working parent who shares her passion with her children. I’ll occasionally touch on other horse related topics that catch my eye - I never know what’s going to tickle my fancy or give me a giggle, and I enjoy sharing good stuff with friends I’ve met through the blogosphere.
Read all my blog posts here.
Holly – Event Rider from Delaware
Photo Credit: “Josh Walker/Red Horse Media” – http://www.theredhorse.net/
“I’ve been eventing since the early (“ahem”) 80′s, starting on the west coast, rode to Intermediate level, trained with everybody including Jack Le Goff, and now ride on the east coast in the great big Area II region. I volunteered at the 1984 Olympic Games, and covered Rolex for Horse and Hound way back in 1984 and visited again in 1985, but then took a really long time to get back to Rolex, in 2009.
I’ve been riding and training horses over 40 years, writing about them and covering equestrian events and issues on and off for about the same amount of time, and been published in several books and many horse magazines all over the world. I had a general race horse trainers license in the 90′s, have competed in three countries, and currently have just one really great Thoroughbred gelding I foxhunt and event to Training level ( 2009 Area II open training level champion, Rugby.) Oh, and I’m still volunteering! If you see me, say hi when you ride by on cross-country!”
Read all my blog posts here.
Sarah Baldridge – Hunter rider from Washington
Sarah and Cisco – photo by Jay Goss
I was blessed to have grown up surrounded by horses and horse people. My mother was a small time breeder of Arabian horses, and her passion for the breed passed to me from a young age. I grew up showing Arabians and was fortunate to spend summers, weekends and horse shows learning everything I possibly could from my trainers and instructors. Through high school and college I earned my keep by starting and training horses at a stable near my home.
Today, I do most of my own training, supplemented of course, by the invaluable insights of the pros with whom I’ve had, and continue to have, the privilege to school. I take enormous pride in being able to attest that my horses are “amateur trained and shown”.
I’ve found my niche in the Arabian Sport Horse circuit, with ventures into the open hunter jumper and eventing circuits when finances permit. My current partner in crime is Zip Drive (“Cisco”), an Arabian/QH gelding who is not only my dedicated show horse but my best playmate who graciously tolerates my desire to “try anything”. We have big ambitions for our competitive future but we’re pretty serious about our play time too which includes everything from fox hunting to leisurely trail rides to cow sorting – and little does he know I’d like to try mounted cowboy shooting one of these days . . .
I’m excited to be part of the HJU crew! I have big aspirations and even bigger dreams for the future and I can’t wait to share the fruits of my experiences with all of you!
Read all my blog posts here.
Emma Louise Coverdale - Event rider from England
Emma Louise and Maude aka Up ‘N’ Rising
I’m an amateur rider based in the North East of England and currently working full time as a support worker for disabled adults, often doing night shifts, so my life is anything but normal. After spending may years being spoilt by my schoolmistresses doing Novice level British Eventing, last year saw my actual first season riding at entry level BE90. Despite it being a lower level, the new challenge of riding a young inexperienced full thoroughbred has been an eye opener especially with this boy’s many quirks (did I happen to mention he’s petrified of horses!?!? ) It definitely makes for an interesting warm up!
Obviously, being a one horse rider I may not be competing as much as others but I’m often travelling and normally try to incorporate equestrian events within my travels. For instance before the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, I was in Holland and managed to see their ‘Final Good Luck Show’ which offered the chance to see their team including at the time their ‘wonder-horse’ Totilas. Last year, I was also able to go to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event for the first time, as I happened to be in the US at the same time.
Read all my blog posts here.
Tracy Porter – Eventer, now focusing in Dressage and HJU Photographer from Illinois
Festin and I at our first away from home show!
My name is Tracy and I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. At the age of six I was able to take my first lesson and at nine I met my horse of a lifetime, Total Reflection.
After the loss of my amazing partner, I adopted an extremely sensitive OTTB named Festin and set my goals toward combined training and three day eventing.
We have recently re-evaluated our goals and have decided to concentrate on dressage! In fall of 2012 we attended our first away from home schooling show and we are hoping to compete in our first USDF recognized competition in 2013.
By day I am a veterinary technician and in my free time I am working on growing my equine and automotive photography business. I will try to share as many photos from the events I am able to attend as possible! I enjoy being a part time contributor and creating the weekly newsletter for HJU!
Read all my blog posts here.
Kerry Weisselberg – Event Rider from England
Kerry
I was born in New Jersey but moved to England when I was very little. I started affiliated eventing in the U.K. 1988, back when we started at Novice (110cm) and either sank or swam! I was instantly bitten by the eventing bug, and since then I’ve produced my own horses to placings at Nov, Intermediate and Advanced. I’ve worked with some fantastic trainers along the way, and I was lucky enough to complete long-format 3-days up to 3* level.
I particularly enjoy producing and competing mares, and currently have four of my own – three to compete (hopefully) and a homebred foal, destined for greatness I hope! I’ve had a few years away from competing due to injury but am very eager to get back to it this season, and would love to have a horse good enough to do the big stuff again.
I’m an eventing fanatic, a safety fanatic, a regular on Horse and Hound Online forum, and I help out behind the scenes for the Event Riders Association (UK). Oh, and in my spare time, I get a bit of work done too!
Read all my blog posts here.
Andrea Walker – Jumper rider from British Columbia
Andrea Walker and Quinn – photo courtesy Totem Photographics
Hi. My name is Andrea and I’m Horseless. Well, unless you count my 6 year old’s mini shetland cross. I’ve traded riding and showing for mommyhood and my own business. Lucky for me, I’m a photographer, a web designer and a blogger – and I’m getting to indulge in my passion for ponies ringside with my camera and here at Horse Junkies United.
I’ve been so blessed by the horses in my life and I’ve had some pretty amazing experiences, including riding with the first horse group to ever carry the Canadian Flag in the Rose Bowl Parade. In 2010, I retired a wonderful horse Quinn, who got me around the Long Stirrup Hunters (and in the ribbons) when i decided that re-living my hunter-jumper youth was on my bucket list.
For now, I’m satisfied with turning the reins over to my little girl. This summer, I’ll be spending my “horse time” ringside at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC- but I’ve got a couple of best friends who always have a horse for me to ride when I need to.
Sue Moore – Dressage rider from Illinois
Carter and I, learning together
I am an amateur Dressage rider with a lot of firsts since the beginning of my horsie journey which started in July of 2011. That’s the first time I actually rode a horse and I knew I was hooked after my first lesson.
By November of that same year I became the proud human of Carter – otherwise affectionately known as Munchkin, beast, and more but his real name is Carter. Foaled in 2008, he is a 15.3 Buckskin Thoroughbred who is the joy of my life.
Carter and I are learning together which some may find crazy since he’s a four-year-old (mild mannered, level headed, and smart – yes, I’m biased) Thoroughbred and I’m a “going on 48 year-old gir”l with her first pony — especially since we began competing in 2012 in the ribbons at schooling shows and this year we make the move toward rated shows with our sights set on beginning our medal collection.
When I am not at the barn, I spend my days as Director of Channel Marketing at a technology company. It gives me an opportunity to take on this horse junkie obsession of mine! I’m passionate about writing, dance, marketing, and tennis too, so being able to combine the love of horses (well, Carter and dressage), with dressage, with blogging for HJU I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot – if I could only figure out how to incorporate tennis… hmmm… Olympics 2020 maybe? HA!
My goal for being a blogger is to share my insights, our adventures, and the craziness of a middle aged (he he) not quite….rider! For those of you who may not be “officially” a horse junkie (e.g. you are in your 40s and always dreamed of hopping on a horse) I have five words. What. Are. You. Waiting. For?
Read all my blog posts here.
Alison Thompson – Dressage Rider from New York
Alison Thompson and Ike – photo by Angelina Tankelwicz
I am a 44 year old amateur rider who got back in the saddle after a more than 25 year hiatus thanks to my husband who signed me up for riding lessons as a Christmas gift in 2004.
I started taking dressage lessons in 2005 on my now retired off-the-track-Thoroughbred who didn’t always want to participate in my chosen activity.
Commanders Eisenhower, AKA Ike, is my four year old American Dutch Harness Horse. He joined the family in August 2011. With Ike, I’m hoping with all fingers crossed that I have found a cooperative partner to continue my centerline adventures beyond Training Level.
Read all my blog posts here.
Justine Griffin – Hunter/Jumper & Dressage rider from Florida
Justine
When I’m not riding, I’m writing, and vice versa. I am a rider that grew up riding on the hunter/jumper circuit around Florida and have dabbled in dressage in college and on into my adult years.
I’m bringing along a young and goofy Hanoverian gelding Reggio who is quite the trouble maker. You can read about him on this blog. I am a newspaper reporter by day and try to compete in the local and some A rated circuits in Southwest Florida and abroad.
I’ve lived all over the state, from north Florida to just south of WellyWorld, and have covered and attended fun and exciting events like the World Dressage Masters and some grand prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival.
When I’m not in a newsroom at the barn, I’m spending time with my little whippet puppy, Josie!
Read all my blog posts here.
Celeste Wilkins – Show Jumper from Ontario, based in the UK
Celeste and Harvey
I am a Masters student studying in England at the Royal Agricultural College for my MSc. Applied Equine Science. Originally from Ottawa, Ontario, my journey across the pond started when I undertook my BSc (Hons) Equine Science at Hartpury College. I grew up riding in several disciplines, including a few seasons doing jumpers on the ‘A’ circuit. I loved it so much that I wanted to make a career out of it, but keep the riding aspect ‘just for fun’. So, I decided to pursue a degree in equine science and it’s been the best decision I could’ve ever made! I’ve had some pretty amazing opportunities over here – I recently did some research in conjunction with the Animal Health Trust and Hartpury Equine Therapy Centre where we compared the gait of ridden horses on the straight and on a circle using infrared camera technology.
My other teacher is Harvey, a KWPN gelding I compete in showjumping. Harvey has a hilarious personality and has taken it upon himself to find all the loops in my equine education and exploit them! I’ve learned about conformation, biomechanics and rehabilitation when Harvey had a sore back. I’ve learned how to really ride to fences with confidence. He has also taught me how to cope with setbacks, treating each one as a learning experience. There’s always another show next week! I am very lucky to have such a wonderful partner to help me de-stress after a long day of lectures and studying.
I’m excited to share my education with HJU readers – it’s not every day that you get to sequence equine DNA or see the inside of the equine brain!
Read all my blog posts here.
Carrie Houts – Hunter Jumper from Ohio
My husband has been nothing but supportive of my horse obsession
My name is Carrie Houts, and technically I would be considered an ammie Hunter rider, although I’m yet to show since coming back to riding after college. I am hoping to get back into the local show ring during the summer of 2013.
I have been very blessed to always have horses as a part of my life, and love learning everything that I can about them whether it is in or out of the saddle. I have loved horses since the day I was born, and dream of the day in which I can finally stop being a habitual leaser and own a big, beautiful, chestnut horse.
I am currently working as a Patient Advocate at a cancer hospital in Columbus, Ohio, attend grad school, take a lesson a week and try to spend time at a friend’s barn on the weekend working with her rescue Percherons. I am definitely the type of horse junkie who finds horses to be the most perfect way to re-center after a stressful day or week at work.
I also am a newlywed who is fortunate enough to have a loving husband who doesn’t find my horse obsession to be (entirely) crazy. Balancing horses, work, school, family, friends and my new marriage has its ups and downs, but is always worth it in the end.
Read all my blog posts here.
Susan Wachowich – Dressage rider from Wellington, FL
Dressaging in Wellington
I was born and raised on a ranch in Alberta, Canada. My sister got her first pony when I was seven years-old and I fell in love immediately. From then on, like the rest of you I am sure, you couldn’t get me away from the horses. Through broken bones and concussions, I still saddle up as a true horse junkie each and every day.
In 1999 I made the Young Riders Team, on a horse I trained myself, and competed as one of the first riders from Alberta to attend the NAYRC in Chicago. Today I reside in Wellington, Florida with my horse, Welmingh a 10 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Flemingh/Cocktail). In January 2012 I made a very impulsive decision to take my riding to the next level. I haven’t looked back once and I will share my journey with you as I experience Wellington, through the eyes of an amateur.
Read all my blog posts here.
Mary Getsey Bernier ~ Aspiring eventer from Virginia
Mary Getsey Bernier
I started riding at 12 years old, begging my parents for lessons at the US Marine Corps Base Stables, in Quantico, Virginia, where my father was stationed, in 1979. Any time we moved, the first thing I would do on arrival was find a horse to ride. Traveling around the world as a military dependent, and later as an adult, I rode horses in Africa, England, France, Costa Rica, Germany, and Puerto Rico, riding English, Western, or bareback! When I met my husband 20 years ago, he knew from the start that horses were inextricable from my life, and he has lovingly supported my “horse habit” as long as we’ve been together.
I took lessons throughout the years, leased, beg, borrowed, and bartered to ride anything I could find. My background and training is informal by most standards. As an adult, I have learned to appreciate the technical side of riding, and I read as many horse books as I can find. Being a catch rider most my riding life, in the past I would usually get the free crazy horses no one else wanted to ride, for one reason, or another. On one hand it has benefited me by riding literally almost a hundred horses in my lifetime; but on the other hand, I have yet to develop that long-term bond with just one horse. I started as a Hunter/Jumper; and rode a year of Dressage when I lived in Africa. Only recently, I discovered Eventing. I love the mental part of Dressage, but I am also an adrenaline junkie, and I love cross country!
I made the transition from being an International Development Program Manager to being a stay-home Mom, 13 years ago. We have two children: a son, 13, a daughter, 9. I started my equestrian consulting business, Jump Start Solutions LLC, in 2009. At 46, I still dream of having my “first” horse. I competed as a young rider, and on my college riding team; however, I do not compete the horse I lease, at the moment. To compensate, I volunteer as much as I can at local clinics, shows, and horse trials.
I attend USEA shows in Area II, and I trek to Lexington, KY, for Rolex. I am the Newsletter Editor for Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association, which allows me to interact with other riders and horse people in my region. I write about horses and riding, whenever an idea inspires me. I worked as a research assistant with a prominent Virginia-based equine veterinarian. I also work as a journalist, covering various equestrian events and personalities.
It is a thrill to be a part of Horse Junkies United, because I can be a part of a community that understands my addiction to horses, and speaks my language. I look forward to meeting more horse junkies, online and at future events!
Read all my blog posts here.
Sarah Clark – Eventer from Australia
Riding Kirby Park Irish Consort (aka Roxy)
Based in South Australia, I’m what I like to call an “amateur-professional” eventer. Translation; riding is not my livelihood (though I do do some training and campaigning on commission) but my sights are firmly set on the highest level of eventing sport. In the coming years I aim to contest the only CCI**** in the southern hemisphere – the Australian International Horse Trials – and would LOVE to one day attempt the coveted Badminton and Burghley in the UK.
I have previously campaigned at CCI** level, but my current top horse is still relatively young and has just stepped up to 1*. I also have two real babies to campaign during 2013.
Although I am ambitious and love competing at the higher levels (and am more than a little impatient to get there), I also really enjoy producing young horses. All the horses I’ve had I’ve broken and started myself, and the partnership that is established in doing so is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced. Horses, particularly in competitive riding, are steeped in exhilarating highs and devastating lows – especially the young ones!! And then there’s the boring stuff…full time university and the day job(s)…
I am thrilled to be able to contribute to the wonderful collaboration of bloggers from across the world that is Horse Junkies United! Thank you all for having me on board.
Madison Lawson – Para-Dressage Rider from Ontario
Madison and McGuire
I’m an 18 year old Para-Dressage rider from the small town of Bonfield in Northern Ontario and train with Gary Vander Ploeg and Elaine Potter in King City, Ontario. Just as a riding career in Eventing began to flourish, I suffered an accident that interrupted my life and put a hold on my riding dreams.
While out conditioning and exercising a friend’s horse in the summer of 2007, he reared unexpectedly, throwing me to the ground and falling on top of me. I spent the rest of the year learning to walk again at Sick Kids Hospital and adjusting to life as an incomplete paraplegic.
By February 2008, I was back in the saddle, throwing my energy and time into learning everything about the Para-Dressage discipline. My new partner, McGuire a 17 year old Canadian Sport horse brought me to the 2010 World Equestrian Games as well as the 2012 North American Junior Young Rider Championships.
After those two amazing experiences representing my country, my sight is set on the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, as well as finding that next horse for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.
You are an interesting, diverse, and eclectic group.
I am a non-disciplined (meaning I don’t show or have any particular sport) rider of an OTTB who has taught me more lessons than I could have imagined.
Nice to find a group of riders who, like me, have to balance real life (aka work) with the ponies.
Best to all of you!
Love the site! It’s great to have so many backgrounds come together. Best of luck with your endeavors and I look forward to reading about all your adventures!
Hi all this is a fantastic website good job, what I am wondering ifs if there is a way to have one of your bloggers in the western diciplines preferably penning or cutting? thank you soo much
I agree with you Dawn! I am a life long H/J rider, who just discovered cutting! I have jumped some really big jumps in my life, but I have to say that cutting is just as big of a rush!
Really love this blog because it is about real people, talking about their real lives in an honest way! I also love to hear from those with my dream life for inspiration
Thank you for gathering all of these perspectives in one place and delivering down to earth “nuts and bolts” content.
Hi,
I love this website. I was wondering how you came about such a diverse group of writers and if you are looking for more?
Keep up the good work! I am a broke college student that has both my horses leased out. I feed my habit honing my dressage skills with weekly lessons along with guiding the average non-horsey tourist on trail rides in the Chattahoochee National Forest. I love reading articles from people who have a “real job”, a great inspiration.
Thanks!
Wow! So glad I found you guys! (via a FB post, BTW)
Hi to all of you……I’m a male horse lover from England who would love to groom for any of you.
just discovered site. very cool