54 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Alexa Cheater
At 20 years old, Alexandra Reid of Carlisle, Ontario, has al-
ready made a name for herself on the North American dres-
sage scene. With aspirations of an international career, this
up-and-coming rider is defnitely one to watch. Reid had a
remarkable 2012 season, claiming the bronze medal for her
Young Rider Individual performance at the North American
Junior and Young Rider Championship in Lexington, Kentucky.
Days later, she was on a plane headed to the London Olympics
where she groomed for Canada’s David Marcus, her coach of
the past two years.
Alexandra returned from London to make a clean sweep of
the FEI Young Rider divisions at both the CDI-W NEDA Fall
Festival in Saugerties, New York and the prestigious CDI-W
Dressage at Devon in Pennsylvania riding VIP, an 11-year-old
Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Deborah Miculinic.
With a combination of talent and tenacity, this rising star is
sure to shine in 2013 as she continues to contest the Young
Rider division.
How did you begin riding?
I always loved horses. I grew up in a small rural town so horses
were very accessible. All of my friends had ponies and horses and
there were plenty of schooling barns close by.
What is your most memorable moment with horses?
That special moment you share with a horse when you know
they really know who you are, trust you and genuinely enjoy your
company. While grooming for David I have become very attached
to many of his horses; but there are defnitely only a select few,
both now and in my past, that I have shared such a touching mo-
ment with.
What is your most embarrassing memory with horses?
Falling off of my pony almost every day and at horse shows.
Sometimes he would jump out of the ring. I would get so upset
and embarrassed but now, looking back, I’m glad he made me re-
member where the ground was. He really taught me how to ‘stick’
and to always get back on, learn from my mistake and try harder.
His name was Johnny Be Good.
If you could ride any horse in the world, living or dead, who
would it be?
This is actually an impossible question! I’m a total Totilas fan, as
well as Valegro - the list goes on and on. I would also have really
loved to sit on Hickstead. I can’t even imagine the energy that
horse would have given off.
What do you consider your greatest riding accomplishment
to date?
That’s a tie. Receiving a bronze medal at NAJYRC was mind-
blowing; so unexpected but really inspiring at the same time. I
think that pushed me to keep improving and striving for top spot.
Having back-to-back wins at the Saugerties and Devon CDI’s was
pretty amazing.
Alexandra Reid and VIP
e
Canadian Connection
What are your future goals in terms of your equestrian ca-
reer?
The Olympics is a must for me. I also want to continue learning
and improving for the rest of my life. I hope to one day be an ac-
complished and respected competitor and trainer.
Who has had the biggest infuence on your riding career?
David, without a doubt. Edward Gal is also one of my idols.
What is the one piece of riding equipment you can’t live with-
out?
My red Tucci’s.
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t riding?
Rest!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Stay true to yourself, be honest, work hard and appreciate all
that you have. That in itself is inspiring and there’s nothing more
fulflling than inspiring others.
Alexa Cheater is an avid horse lover who spends an inordinate amount
of time at the barn for someone who doesn’t own a horse. When she’s
not enjoying the company of her favorite four-legged friends, she’s
writing about them as Communications Specialist for Starting Gate
Communications Inc., a public relations agency specializing in equestrian
sport. www.startinggate.ca
Alexandra Reid -
Canada’s Rising Dressage Star