Rider of the Month

Mary Dahlin
Age: 75
Located: Byron, MN
Style of Riding: Fox Hunting
About my horse: Theo, 8 year old Thoroughbred x Welsh Cob, 15.1h
How long have you been riding? I started riding around 13 years old after my sister and I begged our parents for a horse. I had to take some breaks to go to college and grad school. But I couldn’t stay away from horses, which is why it took me two years to get my masters, because some classes interfered with my riding. I got my first fox hunting horse in 1983, Bunter, and finished my riding career in 2012, but I continue to enjoy taking care of my horses every day!
What has your horse taught you? Theo has taught me to just slow things down, take it easy, give them time, and don't be abrupt and demanding of him. Always be respectful and say thank you. Also to remember that it’s a two way street of respect. For example; when Theo is ready to go out to the pasture, I work on slowing myself down, waiting until he is standing there being quiet and then making sure he quietly and politely goes through the gate.
"Theo gets the Carrot Chia. Theo was kept at a boarding barn and when he came back home his feet were falling apart and he just looked okay, not great. Once back home we pulled his shoes and started him on the Carrot Chia. Now his feet look GREAT! His feet are strong and he has been without shoes for months! His topline has improved AMAZINGLY! He also had a thin wispy tail that we always thought would need a fake tail for shows, but not anymore. His tail has actually grown out to be very thick, which we didn’t think would ever happen. His coat is dark, doesn’t bleach out and I don't need to groom him! Overall, his attitude, coat, tail, and feet are GREAT!"
VIEW ALL OF OUR RIDER OF THE MONTHS HERE.
Sponsored Riders
Claire Cumbee Robinson
Macartney Greenfield

Julie Christie

After 15 years of teaching equine science, Julie now focuses her time on her business, Equine ETC (Education, Training, and Consulting). Julie is an FEI dressage competitor and shows both her 2003 Oldenburg/TB gelding, Rizo and her 2014 KWPN mare, Jackie. Rizo gets daily Sea Biscuit for his allergies, hooves, and digestive health. Jackie loves the Papaya which she gets for ulcer prevention and amino acid support.
Julie is from Nova Scotia, Canada but now calls Rochester, MN home. She has earned her USDF Bronze and Silver medals in addition to a Master’s degree in Equine Science.