42 SIDELINES SEPTEMBER 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Dani Moritz
From competing at the grand prix
dressage level to earning a USDF Gold
Medal, Gigi Nutter, has what it takes to make
it in the equestrian world. Gigi, a hunter,
jumper and dressage rider and trainer,
has many accomplishments under her belt
and has successfully helped her students
qualify for prestigious competitions like the
Medal and Maclay Finals. Gigi owns her
own equestrian center, Touch n’ Go Farm
in Whitesburg, Georgia, that specializes
in hunters, jumpers and dressage. And if
that isn’t enough, she is also a coach for
RateMyRiding.com—which allows her to
connect with students across the nation.
Despite being busy at the barn, Gigi sat
down to answer a few questions for us.
Here’s what she had to say:
How did you get involved with horses?
I was on a horse before I was born.
My parents had one of the frst trail riding
businesses in the Pocono Mountains.
Horses were part of my life from birth as I
napped in my pony’s manger. I grew up with
them.
What’s the greatest riding advice you’ve
ever been given?
As a jumper rider I was told to “throw
your heart over the fence” by Flo Lininger,
my frst riding instructor. In addition, Karl
Mikolka passed along a quote from his
mentor that I believe in deeply. “The book for this horse hasn’t
been written yet. It is up to you to write it.”
Who is your equestrian idol and why?
Karl Mikolka. He rode at the Spanish Riding School for 14 years
and rose to the position of chief rider. He has taught me so much
about the timing of the aids and how exercises systematically
develop the horse.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Your horse is a mirror to your soul, sometimes you might not
like what you see, sometimes you will.” -- Buck Brannaman
What’s your favorite genre of music?
My favorite genre is Classic Rock and everyone knows I’m a
Rod Stewart fan.
What’s your favorite hobby outside of the barn?
Clinics and lessons take me away from my family; but I love
spending time with my daughter and husband when I’m home.
We enjoy the beach, traveling, swimming, shooting, bowling and
hanging out with our four-legged menagerie.
Who is the greatest horse you’ve ever ridden and why?
During my career, I’ve ridden many special horses that were
“great” for different reasons. If I had to name
one, I would choose my second Grand Prix
dressage horse Fahrenheit (aka Wendell).
I purchased him as a jumper prospect and
decided to make him a dressage horse after
having my daughter. He didn’t have great
conformation and the movements never
came easily. Wendell’s strength came from
his willing heart and love for me. Together,
we achieved more than anyone thought
possible including winning the Region 3
Championships at 4th through every FEI
level and several Horse of the Year Awards.
You’ve ridden with George Morris, what
was it like?
In a word, demanding. George instilled
discipline and commitment and insisted on
me riding absolutely straight lines. I can still
hear him saying “STOP on your line!” To
this day, I still think of George when I enter
the dressage ring and ride down centerline.
George is “frm yet fair.” He gets the best
out of any rider who is committed to being
the best they can be.
What is your greatest equestrian
achievement?
Over 50 years of riding experience
makes this difficult to answer. Putting
flying changes on an event horse
headed to the Sydney Olympics is
certainly one. Watching students achieve
individual goals as simple as getting
their horse on the outside rein to career
accomplishments like earning the USDF Gold Rider Medal.
How do you unwind after a long day at the barn?
I love talent shows on television such as “American Idol, “The
Voice” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” As with horses, it’s
fun fnding the undiscovered “diamond in the rough.”
How did you get involved with Rate My Riding?
Susan Starr, the director of Rate My Riding, approached me
and asked if I would like to be one of the coaches. It didn’t take
long for me to become interested in the opportunity.
What is the best part of Rate My Riding?
Riders can get different views from other professionals they
might not have access to otherwise.
What are you looking forward to as a Rate My Riding coach?
Teaching is my passion. As always, I’m looking forward to
sharing my knowledge and experience with people who love to
ride. Video critiques are an effective means to highlight a rider’s
strengths and areas for improvement.
About the writer: Dani Moritz is a senior at William Woods University
and is a writer/producer and creative director for RateMyRiding.com. She
is also the 2012 American Horse Publications Student Award Winner.
Gigi and her favorite horse Wendell
competing at Devon
Photo by PhelpsPhotos.com
Gigi Nutter Shares Her Passion
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Horse Show