I have quite a few equestrian "idols" or heroes. Ian Millar, Eric Lamaze, Steffen Peters, Edward Gal, Anky van Grunsven, Karen O'Connor, Lynn Palm... my list could go on, and all for different reasons.
It's hard to pick just one equestrian, or one equine to "idolize". The most influential equestrian in my books is definitely my best friend, Nikki, however :) We've learned a lot together over the years, and she's definitely taught me the majority of what I know.
Cool topic, thanks for sharing :)
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Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire. It is a grand passion. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
While I have a good number of equestrian idols, I have to say my idea of equestrian "heroes" has changed over the years and I have now have both (idols and heroes), "heroes" being those extra awesome people. My heroes are Ian Millar and Lynn Palm, both for the same reasons -- a few of these reasons are: they are masters at what they do, they are quiet in the saddle, and they are approachable by their "fans". This is a big deal to me, I feel that if you are in a position of "power", you really need to be approachable as people are modeling themselves after you.
I met a big name at an expo years ago, with my boyfriend, when we approched said person after the demo at their booth, this person was very rude and it really changed my perception of their horsemanship. While they are still a quality rider, I would never consider them up in my rankings because of this.
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Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway. - John Wayne
Frau Franke, one of the first woman to compete astride, and who beat the 'big boys' aside and astride. And definitely, Liz Hartel, who as the first woman to medal in Olympic dressage.
my horse/s my coach - I adore my coach. He's done things in the horse world most of us will only ever dream of....and coaches all over N.A.....but he is so down to earth and 'normal'...and My horse and I have come so far since we've been working with him.