At The Stables at Magnolia Ridge, we are thrilled to announce our Rider of the Month, Kiola Krienke! With 24 years of riding experience, Kiola’s journey in the equestrian world began with a thoughtful birthday gift from her husband—a month’s worth of riding lessons that ignited her passion for horses.
Meet Buddy: Kiola’s Trusty Steed
Kiola is the proud owner of Buddy, an off-the-track thoroughbred she purchased at Emerald Downs. Originally named "If Ur Not Early," Buddy is now a spirited 10-year-old. Despite facing significant health challenges, including the removal of one eye due to nerve complications, Buddy’s gentle and curious nature shines through. Kiola shares, “He is a sweet, sensitive, and curious gelding,” highlighting how their bond has deepened through mutual support and care.
Overcoming Challenges Together
Buddy's journey has not been without its hurdles. After undergoing multiple medical procedures, Kiola made the compassionate decision to remove Buddy's eye when it became clear that the stress of treatment was too much for him. Thanks to the guidance of Elaine Ackerly from Hear the Herd, Kiola has worked tirelessly to help Buddy recover from his past trauma. “With help, we have worked through much of his trauma,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of patience and understanding in their evolving partnership.
Goals and Growth
Currently, Kiola is focused on getting her riding legs back with the assistance of instructor Christina Drake on Cheryl Keefe’s gentle horse, Capone. She is eager to delve deeper into dressage, showcasing her commitment to continuous growth in her riding journey.
A Community Like Family
What Kiola loves most about The Stables at Magnolia Ridge is the sense of community. “The Ridge is my home away from home. I love it here, and the people feel like family,” she shares. The supportive environment, where everyone genuinely cares for one another and celebrates even the smallest successes, has greatly impacted her experience.
Kiola appreciates the reliable care her horse receives, noting that Marco and the team are always communicative about Buddy’s needs. Those little gestures, like receiving a random photo of Buddy, make a big difference, reinforcing the strong bonds formed within the community.
Learning and Inspiration
Kiola also enjoys auditing clinics at the facility, finding inspiration in the shared knowledge from various clinicians, particularly Ulf Wadeborn. “There’s always some wonderful gem of knowledge I can come away with,” she says, with hopes of one day riding Buddy in one of Ulf’s clinics.
Words of Wisdom
When asked about the best advice she’s received as a rider, Kiola emphasizes the importance of resilience: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; that is how we learn.” She also highlights the simple yet profound reminder to “breathe,” which helps her stay grounded while working with horses.
Kiola believes that the bond between horse and rider is transformative. “Horses help me to be a better person,” she expresses, a sentiment that resonates deeply with many in the equestrian community.
Tips for Fellow Riders
For those looking to strengthen their relationship with their horse, Kiola offers a heartfelt tip: “Spend as much time as you can just being with your horse. No agenda, just hanging out and enjoying one another’s company.”
Lastly, for every rider, Kiola has one essential item in her tack box: unscented baby wipes. “I absolutely will never put a bit away dirty,” she insists, sharing her practical approach to horse care.
We are proud to celebrate Kiola Krienke as our Rider of the Month. Her dedication, resilience, and love for Buddy exemplify the spirit of The Stables at Magnolia Ridge. Join us in congratulating Kiola, and stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our vibrant community!
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