February Rider of the Month: Aubrey Adler

The Stables at Magnolia Ridge is proud to recognize Aubrey Adler as our February Rider of the Month! Aubrey’s deep-rooted passion for horses, dedication to the equestrian world, and inspiring journey make her a true standout in our community.

A Lifetime in the Saddle

Aubrey began her riding journey at just four years old, though her love for horses started even earlier with pony rides. Encouraged by her parents to explore different activities, she and her sister quickly found their passion in the equestrian world. Growing up in a riding school run by her mother, Aubrey’s journey naturally evolved from student to teacher. She became a certified instructor at 16 and turned professional at 18. Although she initially balanced her equestrian pursuits with a career in special education, she fully committed to the profession six years ago.

Meet Rush: A Horse and a Mirror

Among Aubrey’s four horses, Rush lives at Magnolia Ridge. She is a 9-year-old Oldenburg mare (with a little Thoroughbred thrown in for fun 😊). Rush is not just Aubrey’s baby but also her mirror. Like many horses, she reflects emotions, but she also thinks like Aubrey and has faced similar challenges. She is incredibly smart and loving but also opinionated and a bit shy. It takes her time to warm up to people beyond those who simply feed her.

After a major life detour last year, Rush has been more reserved. Aubrey finds herself both captivated and distracted by their similarities. While Rush is her own being, Aubrey has realized that many of the challenges her horse faces mirror her own. In finding strategies to help Rush, she has, in turn, helped herself.

Unique Quirks and Cherished Memories

Rush’s skeptical nature makes her unique—she takes time to process new experiences but fully embraces them once she understands them. She also adores full-body scratches with a hairbrush, carefully shifting to ensure Aubrey finds just the right spot!

One of Aubrey’s favorite memories is their first show season together, which was both hilarious and triumphant. Their first test involved navigating through soaked footing, and Rush’s athletic enthusiasm led to moments that looked more like levitation than dressage! Despite the challenges, they ended on a high note, scoring in the 70s.

Aubrey also cherishes quiet moments, like sitting in Rush’s pasture or on a mounting block while Rush puttered about—always returning every few minutes to check in.

In the summer and drier months, their favorite spot is the cross-country field. Though they don’t jump out there, Rush and Aubrey love riding in the grass and using the hill to build strength. Rush definitely loves the grass pastures. Aubrey has spent many hours sitting in the shade of a tree, sharing her Starbucks with Rush—who has developed a particular taste for chai frappuccinos!

"The day she discovered chai lattes, she was hooked. I mentioned how she is my mirror, right?"

Passion for Dressage and Lifelong Learning

Having explored various disciplines—including eventing, drill team, vaulting, hunter/jumper, and gaming—Aubrey has found her true calling in dressage. As a professional dressage rider for six years, she values both competition and the invaluable learning moments clinics provide.

One such transformative experience came in November at a clinic at The Stables at Magnolia Ridge with trainer Henrik Johansen. It helped her regain confidence and rekindle her passion for riding.

"I wasn’t even sure I would do any mounted work, but he did some valuable groundwork first. Then I mounted up. It wasn’t pretty at first, but he was able to work through that, and we had a good ride. He gave me hope to return to what we used to do."

A Journey of Resilience and Strength

"February 6th, 2024, my life almost ended. I don’t say that in a joking or light way."

Aubrey was riding a client’s horse—a good, solid citizen. She was wearing a high-quality helmet with MIPS, properly fitted and well within its age limitations. She was seen riding around... and then, 15 minutes later, she was found unconscious on the ground, barely breathing.

The horse was covered in footing, his side scraped—clear signs that he had gone down. No one knows exactly what happened. Fortunately, the person who found her knew what to do and jumped into action. As Aubrey was barely breathing, they performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

She was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where she spent over a month. Her injuries were severe—significant brain swelling, a midline shift, at least three brain bleeds, a subdural hematoma, and a skull fracture. Though she had been breathing somewhat on her own when paramedics arrived, she was not oxygenating well enough to sustain life. She was intubated, and at the hospital, her body completely shut down.

Miraculously, despite the severity of her injuries, Aubrey has made an incredible recovery. Though it has been neither easy nor straightforward, she stands today, much as she was before her injury.

Finding Strength in Community

The Stables at Magnolia Ridge has been an essential part of Aubrey’s recovery. The supportive and loving community, exceptional care for her “kid,” and especially the guidance of trainer Lauren have played a vital role in her healing journey. Rush has also benefited from the facility, growing stronger with outdoor work, particularly on the hills.

"The facility has been a dream."

Aubrey expresses immense gratitude for the opportunities and friendships she has found here.

The Bond Between Horse and Rider

Aubrey deeply values the unique relationships she forms with each horse. After her injury, Rush struggled with the abrupt change, learning to trust others in Aubrey’s absence. Their ongoing journey to rebuild trust and confidence is a testament to their deep bond.

"Rush is my baby. She was very traumatized when I was suddenly pulled from her life. She had to trust people she didn’t know—that was hard for her. We are still rebuilding her confidence and our relationship. It’s getting there, and I know it will be that much stronger when we work through all of this." Lola, Aubrey’s pony, played a different role. Aubrey took care of Lola when she was injured, and in turn, Lola took care of Aubrey.

"The first time I saw her after my injury, about seven weeks later, I was still shaky and using an arm crutch. She heard my voice and swaggered over, but when she got close, she stopped. She sniffed me from head to toe, assessed the situation, then positioned me in the corner of her shelter. She angled herself across the corner, blocking me with her body, and gave me a big hug with her neck—then turned to ward off the other horses, as if saying, ‘This is my baby. No one comes near her.’ She treated me like her foal. As I healed, she backed off and expected more from me—primarily more bum scratches! But when I first got back on her, five months post-injury, my spicy, speed-loving hellion gave me the softest, quietest ride. She has always known my abilities better than I do."

Advice for Fellow Riders

Aubrey’s biggest advice? Listen to your horse.

Understanding their personality, needs, and perspective is key to developing a strong bond. Every horse is different—some need a teacher, others a friend, and some a firm leader. Figuring out that dynamic strengthens the partnership and enhances the riding experience.

"Many of us call our horses our babies, but how do they view you? Are you their parent, their lead dance partner, or their drill sergeant?"

Beyond the Barn

Outside of riding, Aubrey enjoys baking and often shares homemade treats with fellow riders. She hasn’t ventured into making horse treats—yet!

Looking Ahead

Aubrey’s current focus is regaining her previous riding abilities, with a long-term goal of earning her USDF Silver Medal.

The best advice she’s received—both in riding and life—comes from her mom:

"This too shall pass. The good and the bad. So focus on the good and weather the bad as best you can, for it will pass."

Aubrey’s resilience, dedication, and love for horses make her an inspiration to us all. We are proud to celebrate her as February Rider of the Month at The Stables at Magnolia Ridge!