equestrian lifestyle COLLECTING THOUGHTS The Trainer Who Influenced Me the Most: I have been blessed to have trained with some amazing people—Herbert Rehbein, Sigfreid Pielicke, Hans Rueben, and Hubertus Schmidt. Every one of them has influenced me greatly in different stages of my life.
Favorite Horse: That is hard, as I have had so many favorites. Cinbad was so special, as he gave me my start in the United States; he just passed away. He kept showing successfully into his 20s, and in his career, he helped not only me, but several different young riders after me. He was a special one.
Lucky Charm: I travel with a rosary. Worst Fall: I try not to think about those. Probably the worst was when I got bucked off a stallion at Dressage at Devon. Thankfully, no one got hurt!
Guilty Pleasure: Ice cream. When I’m Not with My Horses, I Like To: Enjoy time with family and friends; go shopping.
Best Piece of Riding Advice: Ride every stride and enjoy it!
Why I Ride: I love it. Horses are such amazing creatures. I love the feeling a horse gives you when it really understands what you want; when it starts working on your side, it is so special. I love the challenge and the mental aspect of the sport.
If I Knew Then What I Know Now: I
Cesar Parra On Enjoying the Ride and Learning Life Lessons
believe that life is about constant learning, and I try to be open to life’s lessons. Some of those are: to keep perspective on things; tell the ones you love that you love them, and tell them that often; avoid distractions; keep positive thoughts; put your head on the pillow every night knowing that you did your best, and leave the rest to God.
Favorite Quote or Phrase: “Failure to plan is planning to fail.” - Alan Lakein
The Last Book I Read Was: The Power of the Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy.
If My Horse Were a Person: He is like Farm Affiliation: Piaffe Performance Farm Background: Riding was a hobby for me in Colombia and Germany before I moved to the United States in 1999.
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a genius—very special, very gifted. He would be one of those people that is fascinating to talk to, as his brain is constantly working. He would be a leader of a big company, probably developing something very creative.
PHOTO: SUSAN STICKLE
Age: 50
| December 2013
11/13/13 2:00:29 PM