eCanadian Connection Alexandra Reid - Canada’s Rising Star By Alexa Cheater

At 20 years old, Alexandra Reid of Carlisle, Ontario, has al- ready made a name for herself on the North American dres- sage scene. With aspirations of an international career, this up-and-coming rider is definitely one to watch. Reid had a remarkable 2012 season, claiming the bronze medal for her Young Rider Individual performance at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championship in Lexington, Kentucky. Days later, she was on a plane headed to the Olympics where she groomed for Canada’s David Marcus, her coach of the past two years. Alexandra returned from London to make a clean sweep of the FEI Young Rider divisions at both the CDI-W NEDA Fall Festival in Saugerties, New York and the prestigious CDI-W Dressage at Devon in Pennsylvania riding VIP, an 11-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Deborah Miculinic. With a combination of talent and tenacity, this rising star is sure to shine in 2013 as she continues to contest the Young Rider division.

How did you begin riding? I always loved horses. I grew up in a small rural town so horses were very accessible. All of my friends had ponies and horses and there were plenty of schooling barns close by.

What is your most memorable moment with horses? That special moment you share with a horse when you know Alexandra Reid and VIP they really know who you are, trust you and genuinely enjoy your company. While grooming for David I have become very attached What are your future goals in terms of your equestrian ca- to many of his horses; but there are definitely only a select few, reer? both now and in my past, that I have shared such a touching mo- The Olympics is a must for me. I also want to continue learning ment with. and improving for the rest of my life. I hope to one day be an ac- complished and respected competitor and trainer. What is your most embarrassing memory with horses? Falling off of my pony almost every day and at horse shows. Who has had the biggest influence on your riding career? Sometimes he would jump out of the ring. I would get so upset David, without a doubt. is also one of my idols. and embarrassed but now, looking back, I’m glad he made me re- member where the ground was. He really taught me how to ‘stick’ What is the one piece of riding equipment you can’t live with- and to always get back on, learn from my mistake and try harder. out? His name was Johnny Be Good. My red Tucci’s. If you could ride any horse in the world, living or dead, who What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t riding? would it be? Rest! This is actually an impossible question! I’m a total Totilas fan, as well as Valegro - the list goes on and on. I would also have really What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? loved to sit on Hickstead. I can’t even imagine the energy that Stay true to yourself, be honest, work hard and appreciate all horse would have given off. that you have. That in itself is inspiring and there’s nothing more fulfilling than inspiring others. What do you consider your greatest riding accomplishment to date? Alexa Cheater is an avid horse lover who spends an inordinate amount That’s a tie. Receiving a bronze medal at NAJYRC was mind- of time at the barn for someone who doesn’t own a horse. When she’s blowing; so unexpected but really inspiring at the same time. I not enjoying the company of her favorite four-legged friends, she’s think that pushed me to keep improving and striving for top spot. writing about them as Communications Specialist for Starting Gate Having back-to-back wins at the Saugerties and Devon CDI’s was Communications Inc., a public relations agency specializing in equestrian pretty amazing. sport. www.startinggate.ca 54 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2013 FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE