146 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Sophie St. Clair
I first met Kristy Miller last summer when attending a show at
the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, in Huntington
Beach, California, where Kristy’s barn, Black Star Equestrian,
operates. Black Star Equestrian sponsored the classic I won.
Kristy, the sponsor for the classic, escorted me to the center of the
ring for the prize ceremony. Her warmth and friendliness put me at
ease. Right off the bat I knew I’d like to get to know her.
Later that summer, I rode in another classic sponsored by Black
Star Equestrian and won that one too. Kristy teased me saying,
“Sophie, you are getting used to stealing my money!” Since then,
I’ve bumped into Kristy a few times at the shows, so I decided to
ask if she’d like to be featured in my column.
Black Star Equestrian is a full service training and sales
business. In addition to owning and managing her barn, Kristy
is also a frequent rider in the grand prix on a new horse named
Laredo. Prior to meeting her in person I‘d seen Kristy on the circuit
and had formed an impression of a hard working professional.
But it was hearing about the enterprising start to her Black
Star Equestrian that permanently solidified that impression.
How and where did you start in the sport?
At the age of four, I had begged my mother and father almost
daily as we passed the Lazy Creek Saddle Club in Laguna Beach,
California. After Girl Scouts, ballet and other activities couldn’t
hold my attention, my parents finally gave in assuming a short
attention span as well. After 38 years, I think it’s safe to say, they
made the correct choice.
Most influential trainer and why?
I had the amazing opportunity to ride with the late Mark Mullen
and Victor Hugo-Vidal as a junior rider. I had a solid base thanks
to Edee Weigel, so the transition to equitation and jumpers came
easy. I had the honor of being a working student for the trainers
and learned from the ground up what it took to be a horseman.
I try to attend as many clinics as possible. In 2013, I rode with
George Morris and Markus Beerbaum.
When did you become a professional?
I turned professional in 2004. My older grand prix horse was
ready to step down. Being a single mom of a 14-year-old son, at
the time, I didn’t have the resources to acquire another one. I had
contacted Julie Golden to assist her with some young horses, by
the advice of my then trainer Mike Nielsen. I showed up for a
lesson and she offered me a job. I was working for Vans (Action
Sports Shoe Company) corporate office assisting in athlete
contracts, event planning and anything else that came my way
e
Juniorside
and couldn’t make the full-time commitment with a teenage son.
I worked for Julie part-time for three years, while also continuing
at Vans. It was at that time that the president of Vans helped push
me out on my own. Mr. Murray reminded me how important it is to
follow ones dreams and talents. Taking risks follows with reward.
As scary as it was to take that leap, I’ve never regretted the initial
jump – which allowed me to go part-time. I was able to do Vans
and Black Star Equestrian on a flexible schedule. As clients came,
I kept moving more to the horses and finally went full-time within
three months. With the help and support of many great friends and
family, Black Star Equestrian was founded in 2007.
What do you love about being a professional rider?
What I love most about being a professional trainer and rider
is the feeling of pride I receive when a horse or student and I
click. That “ahhh” moment. My motto is “Teaching Responsibility
and Reward,” which I believe in for all riders, myself included, in
addition to my amazing staff.
What experience in your development as a rider offered you
the most growth?
In 2013, at the Flintridge West Palms Event, I had the most
amazing weekend. It wasn’t the ribbons or the horses … it was
the other trainers. I had received many compliments about my
training, my business and my riding. By taking the time and putting
Reward Follows
Risk
Kristy on the Derby walk at Del Mar International.
Photo Cheval Photos/Selena Frederick
Kristy teaching Mackenzie Cowles at Huntington Central Park
Equestrian Center.
Photo Bret St. Clair
