FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2014 147
Kristy on Laredo at the Del Mar International Horse Show.
Maria Morgan - Captured Moment Photography
in the effort to continuously learn, I had the respect and admiration
of my peers. It seems silly, but it was a moment I’ll never forget.
Right next to Mark and Victor allowing me the experience of the
Maclay Finals in 1988 on a quirky OTTB.
How do you deal with nerves or anxiety? Do you have a pre-
show warm-up routine?
Prior to a big class, if we’re able to walk the course, I take a
snapshot on my iPhone. I walk it from start to finish and then stand
in the middle … absorbing. I think of each step, each aid I will
need and what the expected response is. I am known for riding
the more difficult horses so often I’m thinking of what we need to
do together to have the most successful trip. I often get input from
other trainers, coming up with a game plan. Depending on where
I go in the lineup, I’ll either get on and offer a relaxed warm-up or,
if I’m lucky enough to watch a few, will see if I still agree with my
original plan. I try to stay relaxed and organized.
What advice do you have for young riders wanting to make
this their profession
?
Time and experience. I believe we have too many young
trainers that hang their sign out the day they turn 18. Even the
most accomplished riders don’t always have the business skills
or maturity to be a full service facility. Ride as much as you can,
groom as much as you can, work as much as you can. Watch and
learn. Take the positive and the negative and remember how you
were treated as a younger rider, what did you like and dislike? Be
the best horseman you can be.
When I approached Kristy about this interview we chatted for
a moment and she gave me some great perspective on the ups
and downs of the sport. I so appreciated her taking the time to
share with me some of her hard-earned wisdom. She was so
encouraging and truly present in the conversation with me. I saw
for a moment what I imagine she must be like with her students.
Kristy Miller makes a great impression inside and outside the ring.
About the writer: Sophie St. Clair is a high school freshman from Southern
California. She has an interest in the psychology of high performance athletes. She
is also a Junior Ambassador for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where she works
to raise funds and awareness for the hospital. Sophie is working toward becoming a
professional show jumper but is taking it “one jump at a time.”
