
This month, we’re thrilled to introduce our Rider of the Month: Brigette Beasley! From pony rides at the age of 6 to the incredible bond she’s developed with her Dutch Warmblood, Jag, her equestrian journey has been filled with passion, perseverance, and progress.
The Beginning of a Horse-Crazy Journey
For Brigette, horses have been a lifelong obsession. “I had my first pony ride when I was 6 years old and got my first horse for my 8th birthday,” she recalls. “I was born horse crazy and had read every horse book in the library by about 3rd grade, despite having spent almost no time around horses.” It’s safe to say that her love for these majestic animals was meant to be from an early age.
Meet Jag: A Sassy and Lovable Dutch Warmblood
Jag, her current horse, is a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood with plenty of personality. Described as "sassy and opinionated," Jag knows exactly how he likes things to be done. “He’s pretty opinionated about how I handle and ride him, but he’ll do anything for a treat,” she laughs. Despite his grumpy tendencies, especially when it comes to grooming, Jag has a soft spot when there’s a treat involved, turning into the sweetest horse with puppy dog eyes.
A Bond Built on Trust and Reliability
Since getting Jag in March 2023, Brigette has come to appreciate his safety and reliability more than anything. “He makes me work for every bit of forward momentum when I ride him, but I know that he’ll always take care of me.” This sense of trust is crucial, especially considering the journey they’ve been on together, which began just months after Brigette overcame a significant health challenge.
“One of my favorite memories is from when I went to Florida to try Jag out,” she shares. “I hadn’t ridden in four years and had had a heart attack six months earlier. Despite how weak and out of practice I felt, I still had a really nice ride on him and even got to trail ride all over the facility without worrying at all.” This moment cemented her connection with Jag, proving that they were the perfect match.
Dressage Dreams and Trail Riding Adventures
Although Brigette spends most of her time focusing on dressage, she dreams of trail riding through the woods every weekend. Having shown clients’ horses in the past, she’s eager to finally compete with her own horse in the coming year. Her current goal? “I want to finally ride my way up the levels. It’s going to take a lot of hard work and time, but I’m hoping to make it to 2nd Level late next year.”
As for her favorite exercise? Cavaletti work. “If I had unlimited time, I’d use them every day,” she says, appreciating how useful they are for both conditioning and keeping Jag engaged.
A Community of Support and Encouragement
Since moving to our facility, Brigette has found a supportive and welcoming community that’s helped her and Jag settle in. “We’ve had a few misadventures since we moved in, but the other boarders have been so supportive and helpful when I’ve needed assistance.” She’s especially grateful for the guidance of her trainer, Lauren Henderson. “She helps to keep us moving forward and doesn’t let me beat myself up for struggling sometimes,” she says.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Fellow Riders
When asked about the best riding advice she’s received, Brigette shares a nugget of wisdom: “There are no straight lines when it comes to progress. It’s natural to have good rides and bad rides and to struggle with something that might have been easy just yesterday.”
Her top tip for fellow riders looking to build a stronger bond with their horse? “Groundwork is the secret weapon. We often only do groundwork when we can’t ride for some reason, but it can improve your relationship with your horse and help them get stronger and more supple without ever saddling up. It’s worth spending at least 10 minutes on every day.”
Beyond the Barn: Rock Climbing and Riding
Interestingly, Brigette has found a unique crossover between her love for horses and another sport—rock climbing. “When I was in Tucson, I rock climbed 4-5 days a week. Both climbing and riding are much more core-intensive than folks think, and they both require balance, intuition, and problem-solving.”
The Magic of Horse-Rider Relationships
Reflecting on the relationship between horse and rider, Brigette captures the essence of what makes this bond so special. “The best part of the relationship between horse and rider is the mutual trust,” she says. While she jokes that she doesn’t want to know what Jag thinks of her, it’s clear that their relationship is built on deep trust and affection.
As we wrap up this month’s spotlight, we’re excited to see where Brigette and Jag’s journey takes them next. Whether it's competing in their first show together or conquering new trails, one thing’s for sure—this dynamic duo is just getting started!
Commenti