FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES MAY 2012 29
eye for quality gave me a whole new outlook on the sport. He
always had a stable full of world class horses. I was lucky to be a
part of his team at a young age and to have that knowledge and
experience at the core of my own business today.
Sidelines:
Do you like training, teaching or competing?
BW:
To me all three aspects are intertwined and all play a part
in loving what I do. I love training horses; it is like completing a
puzzle. Putting the pieces together challenges you to be patient
and smart. I’ve also always loved to teach and I love students who
want to work hard. To watch the progress of my students, see
them connect with their horses and develop into great riders and
competitors is a huge reward. Of course competition is why we
are all here! It gives you a goal and reward for hard work and
dedication. I’m naturally a very competitive person and played a
lot of sports as a kid. The thrill of it will never get old for me.
Sidelines:
You have a great family history in the equestrian
world, what disciplines did your family ride?
BW:
My mother and uncle both grew up riding with Gladys
Adam in Montreal, Canada. My mom went on to ride with Brian
and Kevin Lenehan in Southern Pines, North Carolina and my
uncle with Ronnie Mutch. My maternal grandparents bred and
successfully raced thoroughbreds in Canada and my grandmother
rode dressage growing up in Germany. My father tinkered in polo
and his mother was an avid foxhunter in Aiken. I also have an
older half sister who rides on Long Island. Simply put, horses are
in my blood!
Sidelines:
What are your goals in the horse world?
BW:
Like many other riders, one of my goals is to ride on the team
someday. Beyond that, I want to be known for fnding, training
and selling the best horses suited for their disciplines. I have a
deep appreciation for quality horses, who are superior athletes
and have impressive jumping styles. To be able to work with that
type of horse, to be challenged by each new horse I sit on and to
learn each day is a major reason I am in this business.
Sidelines:
What would you do if you weren’t a rider?
BW:
If I wasn’t a rider I would love to be a fy fshing guide. I
spend two weeks every summer with my father, fy fshing on
the Bonaventure and Grand Cascapedia Rivers in the Gaspe
Peninsula of Quebec, Canada. It is truly the most beautiful place
in the world. I love the peaceful wilderness, the landscape and the
whole experience.
Brian’s second love: Fly fshing!
Photo courtesy of Brian Walker