Client Spotlight- Bella VIPs!

1. Who are you?
Christie Foster
Fremantle, WA

2.  What do you do?
Working Rider, Commercial Manager.

3. Favourite Equestrian Discipline?
To watch it's got to be 3 Day Eventing.  I went to all 3 stages at the Sydney Olympics and it was just great.  To ride though, I just love dressage.

4. Oldest memory of riding?
Riding out with my sister back in England.  Her pony spooked and bolted.  As I am the big sister she thought I would rescue her, but as her pony galloped off all she could hear (according to her!) was me laughing.  Mum and Dad were furious with me for not being more responsible.  My sister and I still laugh about that now but I am not sure she has forgiven me just yet.

5. Best piece of advice ever heard?
No-one knows your horse better than you- trust yourself to know what's right and when something is wrong.  It is so easy as a horse rider and owner to believe that you don't know enough.  I trust myself to know when something is not right for my horses.

6. Favourite equestrian book/ magazine?
"Riding with Feel" bu Zoe Harrison- it's so good to revisit.

7. Best thing to do at the end of a long day with the horses?
Well, for me a hot bath and a glass of red wine!  But not before I hvae given the ponies a cuddle and given them an extra special tea for being superstars!

8.Who do you train with or learn the most from?
I am currently being coached by Tenille Smith who is just fantastic.  I told her what I wanted to achieve with my new (and very green) mare who just turned 4, and together we worked out a plan.  She has really developed my ability to be a thinking rider- the most important element in any discipline.  It's amazing the habits (bad in particular) you get into on a horse you have ridden for years as I have my older, more experienced horse.  I also value really highly the work of Andrew McLean- I quite often refer to his DVD's and books.

9.  Favourite piece of tack or equipment on the yard?
Actually, it's my back protector (Kan Teq Kan for Women) since my back injury.  It has given me the confidence to ride again.

10.Your top tip?
If your own personal equivalent of an FEI Competition is actually a 30cm clear round at the local pony club, a prelim test at the Summer Series or just a bush ride feeling confident, that's YOUR goal.  Don;t get distracted by others who may belittle your goals and achievements.  There is more to horsemanship than just winning ribbons. Enjoy the journey!