still acts like a youngster, so there’s a lot more maturing that needs to happen.” Over the past seven years, training with Bea and Derek diGrazia in California and working with Capt. Mark Phillips at developing rider training sessions, Tiana and Finn have developed a strong partnership. “Probably what’s most special is that we’ve had such a long relationship. At the end of the day, I trust him like I don’t trust any other horse,” she says. “He has an incredibly ability to sort himself out over
difficult jumps, and in a lot of ways, I’ve done a lot of growing up with him, too.”
Life as a Role Model While tennis players often reach celebrity status at a young
age, equestrians usually take a little longer to reach the upper echelons of the sport. For aspiring young equestrians everywhere, these three riders are rock stars. Barely older than their young fans, they have already achieved the Olympic dream. Reed in particular became a darling of the media well before she and her horse set foot in the Olympic Stadium, and naturally her success at such a young age has ignited the dreams of young riders around the world.
“I always imagined
I could be a great rider but I never thought I
could be a role model, and that has been really special,” she says. “I’m still a teenager and I make mistakes, but this year has really launched my career into the public eye and I try to be as much of a role model as possible! I’d have to say that
At top: Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Master exit their dressage test. Above: Reed Kessler at the “100 Days Out from London” promotional event in Times Square, New York City. Right: Adrienne Lyle and Wizard at the Gladstone Olympic selection trials.
20 November/December 2012
it takes a lot of dedication. I never went to prom or dances or class vacations. It was a lot of riding without stirrups, struggling and failure along the way. The most important message I have to send out to young riders today is the desire to move up.” She continues, “Equitation and hunters are steps
into the jumper ring; there is no Olympic hunter or equitation division, so once those classes have served their purpose, MOVE UP! If you are winning in the high juniors, don’t hang around because it is easy—push yourself up into the Grand Prix division! Yes, you will struggle, and it will be hard. You might even look dumb the first few times, but that is what it’s all about: becoming the best rider you can be!” After dealing with some highs and lows in the years leading up to the Olympics, Tiana is excited to be following in the footsteps of her equestrian idols. She recognizes that she still has her work cut out for her as she strives to represent the Stars and Stripes again. “When I think of the unwavering support of everyone who has helped take Finn and I from small town to this level, I am so grateful!” she remarks. An all-American girl who made it to the Olympics through
hard work and dedication, Adrienne also has an inspiring story. “I am quite honored any time someone calls me a role model for the next generation of dressage riders,” she says. “If they can learn anything from me, I hope that they realize that dreams really can come true if you have the dedication and commitment and are willing to put in the endless hours of hard work.” Adrienne grew
up riding western on a small cattle farm, and says that riding in the Olympics felt like she was in a whole different world. “But it was always my dream, ever since I was a child, and I jumped at every opportunity I could find to further my dressage education. I came to Debbie McDonald at the Thomases’ River Grove Farm in the summer of 2005 as a working student. I would groom horses, clean tack, etc. in exchange for lessons on my horse. This position soon morphed into the most amazing opportunity of my life and led to me getting the ride on Wizard. So my advice to up and coming dressage riders would be to jump at any opportunity that comes your way and be willing to give your all and put in the hard work, because you never know what doors may open for you from people you meet along your journey.”
Amber Heintzberger
Amber Heintzberger
Kim MacMillan/MacMillan Photography
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