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Featured Horse & Rider May 2009
 
Name?  Karen Whiteley
How long have you been riding? I have been riding since I was 10 years old, but more seriously in the last 5 years.
Featured Horses name, age, how long owned, breed, sex? I own two horses. Maddie and Strider.
Maddie is a 6, year old Warmbood/Thoroughbred Mare and I have owned her for 14 months
Strider is 4 year old Irish Draught/Thoroughbred Gelding and I have owned him for 3 years.
Horses Likes? Maddie loves Gulliver my sisters horse that Tonya has on loan, Maddie also has a passion for jumping,with me as passenger!!
Strider likes children and loves attention
Horses Dislikes? Maddie does not like a lot of affection, a quick pat and she’s off. My partner Gary, says that we’re a match made in heaven because I’m the same!
Strider is very ticklish so he is not keen on been brushed.
What are you working on at the moment?

Maddie and I are working on canter transition, keeping her working from her quarters and keeping it contained,

Strider has been mainly hacking and done some basic schooling and just started lessons working on General Straightness, flexibility plus right canter transitions. As well as my own horses, I’ve just finished breaking two horses for some farmer friends, plus schooling and hacking another.

What's your Favourite horse item? My GP Albion saddle
What’s your favourite rider item? Just recently I borrowed my brother’s breathable waterproof poncho, it kept me and my saddle bone dry. I now find it wet weather rider’s essential. He has now given it me, £15.00 at the army stores, bargain!!
 
What would be top of your Dream Equestrian Shopping list!? A 60 x40 indoor arena or just my ménage finished!
Best Thing about Horse ownership? It gives me focus, a wonderful hobby, goals and drive.
Worst Equestrian Moment? I had a Mare before called Abby. One winter evening, I went to bring her to the stable for the night and in one mad moment of excitement with some other horses, she got her back leg caught in a steel galvanised gate... I lost her through that accident. Beware of steel gates and horses, they are so dangerous!!!!!!
Aim? I want to improve Maddie to a greater level. She’s a great horse, and I want her to be a success.

 

Karen Whiteley and Maddie: