44 SIDELINES APRIL 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Alexandra Cherubini and
EquiFit Are A Perfect 10
K
nown to most as the founder and CEO of EquiFit, inc.,
Alexandra Cherubini considers herself frst and foremost
a rider and horsewoman. She competes in the amateur-
owner jumper division and has had some impressive wins over
the years including classes at Washington and the National
Horse Show. She successfully combines her love of riding with
her business career for a wonderful life on the big league hunter-
jumper horse show circuit. Sidelines caught up with Alexandra
and asked her 10 questions.
1.
When did you start riding horses?
I started riding when I was 12 years old, when my friends Lana
Bilzerian and Marisa Fiumara exposed me to horses for the frst
time. I fell in love with it and like they say, the rest is history! I
started competing frst in the hunters and then started with jumpers
when I was about 16.
2.
What horses are you competing now?
I currently have two gray horses, Carlos and Navardo. I think
it’s funny that they look like twins; but have totally different
personalities. Navardo is the “cool guy” in the barn; he’s very
macho and proud of himself. He’s a great jumper and he knows
it. Carlos is a total sweetheart, very gentle and sensitive. He’s
like a sweet little boy next to his cool big brother. They think that I
am one big treat machine. That’s why they love me! They’re very
spoiled and whinny every time I walk into the barn.
3.
Who is your trainer?
Margie Goldstein Engle. I have been riding with her for two and
a half years. She has the most wonderful attitude and she has
helped me so much.
4.
What is your favorite horse show?
That’s a hard one! There are so many great shows that I’m
privileged to attend. My top three would probably be Lake Placid,
the Hampton Classic and the Gold Cup, mostly because the
venues are so special. It’s such a treat to show on grass…as an
exhibitor, everything at these horse shows is prestigious and I love
the storied traditions and history of these shows. And it’s really
hard to imagine any town more fun to be in than Lake Placid!
5.
Do you have a favorite showing experience?
Most recently it was the Gold Cup last fall where I placed 1st
and 2nd in the $10,000 Adult Jumper Classic. My horses were so
good that day!
6.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Having free time is rare; but when I have some, there’s nothing
I love to do more than ride! Just being in and of the moment, not
having to answer the phone and being able to focus solely on my
horse, it’s the best part of my day!
7.
What are your goals as a rider?
My goals as a rider are to be consistent, to continue to learn and
grow and most importantly, have fun and enjoy the connection
with my horses.
8.
What do you consider to be your biggest
riding accomplishment?
For me, winning any class is an accomplishment. Winning the
class at the Washington International Horse Show (2006) was
huge, as was winning at the National Horse Show (2005). It was
also very cool during World Championship Hunter Week at WEF
in 2007, when my groom Emilio got an award for his amazing care
of my hunter Good Night and Good Luck. I loved that because it
really does take a village to succeed in the show world and it was
a great moment for my whole team.
Alexandra may be the founder and CEO of EquiFit, inc.; but
considers herself frst and foremost a rider and horsewoman.
Photo by Parker/Russell – The Book LLC 2013
e
Alexandra and
her husband
Camilo Alvarez.
Photo by
Kate Soroka