FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES NOVEMBER 2013 19
passion and goals remain there.
What has been your greatest struggle?
Finding quality horses to compete at the top level. That’s a daily
struggle. Also to be able to keep the horses or find an owner that
would allow me to compete them at the highest level.
If you had to pick your Achilles heel, what would it be?
Maybe it’s keeping my nerves under control. Sometimes I get
too excited, I try too hard and need to relax and not get so intense!
Can you describe yourself in one word?
Hardworking.
What is one thing you love about being in the United States?
As a Canadian, I love the depth and size of the industry as far
as the sport goes. Being in California, I love the weather and the
nice competitions that they have here.
Where is your favorite place to ride?
Spruce Meadows. It’s a top-class facility and hard to win there.
Can you describe your barn where you are based now?
My barn, Epic Stables, is based at Middle Ranch outside of Los
Angeles. I think it’s the nicest facility in the L.A. area to run a
stable from. My wife, Jennifer, and I have some really nice young
horses coming along that I’m proud of. Cruise is resting after an
injury last year. I have realized I need to have a deeper string of
horses to be successful at the top of the sport. I’m also focused
on importing some quality horses for the busy market here in L.A.
What are your future plans?
I have designed a new saddle that I am very excited about!! It’s
called the e-line saddle and is handmade in this country by a top
master saddler! I like new projects like that. Other goals are to
compete around the world with top horses and coach other grand
prix riders. Since I was 15 years old this is all I’ve ever wanted
to do. My parents have always supported me as much as they
could. Although I have some other small businesses that I enjoy,
the horses will always be my number one focus!
For more information, visit
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About the writer: Holly Hugo-Vidal is Sidelines’ California correspondent and
writes the “West Side Story” column. Holly is located at The Fairbanks Riding Club in
Rancho Santa Fe, California where she specializes in hunters and equitation as well
as adults. She is an “R” USEF judge, clinician and an author. Her most recent book
is “Build Confidence Over Fences.”
Chris and Vribalia competing in Wellington, Florida.
Photo by SportFot
