Anne in the Spotlight!
Chronos, my 5 yr old Frisian Stallion in Mexico
Anne is a highly qualified, level 3 international trainer (IGEQ). Originally from Germany, she is personable and highly knowledgeable and we are lucky to have her expertise around the MC Equestrian stables.
How long have you been coaching at MC Equestrian Riding School?
I started with Dee two years ago in 2020.
What led you to start your job at MC Equestrian?
I leased a pony from Dee and she saw me teaching my daughter to ride and asked if I’d be interested in working at MCEQ - luckily for her I was actually a certified coach.
I got my first trainer certification when I was 16 and kept going until I had my level 3 international trainer license (IGEQ). Although I taught some lessons and clinics internationally, I was always focused on my corporate jobs due to my parents’ instance. However, it was always a dream of mine to become an equestrian coach, so now I have finally fulfilled my childhood dream!
You have lived and worked with horses in various countries. What are the biggest differences?
I am fortunate enough to have been trained in Germany and correct riding is universal. The horses don’t really care about the language but I admit the terms differ largely across borders. For example, fresh in Australia I had no idea what the terms float, agistment, spelling, and hacking mean. In the US they say trailer, boarding, putting a horse in the field, and hacking is only used for trail rides. If you ask an American if their horse floats well you likely get a disbelieving stare.
When I watched the first hacking competition, I was completely aghast. I had never seen something like that before. A big difference to riding in Germany is that in Germany we don’t specialize so much. Every rider (and horse) has to do dressage, jumping, and cross country up to an advanced intermediate level. In my opinion that leads to better balanced riders and healthier horses.
Fortunately, I have been able to establish some of my past experiences into the MCEQ schedule such as the Adult Classical Nights and Childrens Vaulting classes. My goal is to show everyone the fun of riding across disciplines.
What does a typical day involve for you?
Every day is different and the work never stops. I teach several lessons, school (ride and educate) our client’s horses or school horses, I keep an eye on the school horses in regards to their mental and physical condition, and help wherever I can to make this a happy place for horses, clients, and staff alike. I also coach some of the specialty classes including Vaulting and Adult Classical Nights - contact the office for more information.
Tell us about your horses over the years?
I have owned a few in the different countries I have lived in. As with most of the horses in my life, my current horse Connor found me, he is an off-the-track thoroughbred. I was schooling him for Sarah when one day she asked me if I’d like to buy him. I first thought he might be a fun pony to go on trails with but he has developed into a competitive dressage horse. He is also very talented at jumping and fearless at cross country. Connor (pictured show jumping above) always greets me with the cutest whinny. My daughter Pamina rides him too, and he gives us just the best feeling.
In Germany I had a huge bay called Luisitto (pictured above in dressage) a German Warmblood that I had imported to New Jersey when we moved there. He was a beautiful horse, unfortunately it was too costly to bring him out to Australia. I also trained another Chestnut in St Louis (pictured above close up & on cross country course) called Jackpot and Chronos, my 5 yr old Frisian Stallion in Mexico (pictured at the top)
Tell us about your favourite horse adventure?
Many years ago, my best friend and I once a year packed our saddle bags and took our horses for multiple day rides across the country. We slept in the hay and had the time of our lives.
Tell us about a funny horse moment?
A pony I rode as a child purposefully looked out for low hanging branches to scrape me off his back. I am still convinced that it takes more skills to be able to ride a pony than any horse.
What do you like best about working at MC Equestrian?
I love our wonderful horses, my colleagues and the super nice clients. It’s just great to be appreciated and to be able to do something meaningful.