Client Profiles

Name: Loren Kristick

Horse/breed: Piritta (Zoie), 10 years old, Trakehner mare.

Describe your horse’s personality: Zoie is blind in her left eye, so I would have to say her overall character is amazing. She is always quiet, and never spooky. She loves working, which is a major bonus, and she rarely refuses to perform.

First involvement with horses: When I was eight years old, my trainer suffered a brain shear from a riding accident. I took care of her dressage school horses, and after a couple of months, I was hooked!

What do you most enjoy about dressage? I love the connection with the horses. It's hard to achieve a bond this tight with most people, and the fact that I can share it with a horse is incredible. I love competing in general, so my greatest achievement is just Zoie’s and my advancement through the levels each year.

What have you learned at Westmanton Stables? As a working student, I can tack up a horse in less than 10 minutes if needed! I think that working at Westmanton has really bettered me in every aspect of riding, be it the care of the horses or the actual training of the horse. I'm happy that I have such wonderful instructors, and really, mentors. Grant, Sharon and Nicole have made me the equestrian that I am today.

Anything else interesting we should know about you? Mount Holyoke College, class of 2010!

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Name: Anna Wood

Horse/breed: Novarredo, "Nova", Westphalen

Horse’s personality: loves bananas, is very sweet, friendly, always tries hard

First become involved with horses: I have been riding since I was about five, started dressage when I was nine, and began with Grant and Sharon when I was thirteen.

What do you most enjoy about dressage? I love that there is always something new to learn and improve in dressage

Proudest achievement: I was very happy to be able to successfully compete at the NAYRC last year.

Experience at Westmanton: I have had a wonderful experience at Westmanton Stables. I learned a lot about working in a professional dressage barn, and as a result I felt prepared when I went to work in Germany. I would not be where I am as a rider now without the incredible training I received from Grant and Sharon.

Click here to read about Anna's bronze medal win at the North American Advanced Young Rider Championships! (PDF document)