Amanda Preston was one of those horse crazy little girls who just kept on living and loving the dream. She has had the good fortune to work with some very talented riders and coaches such as (the late) Otto Sameit and Gordon Dahlshag, who said Amanda has "Olympic potential" and, most recently Sharon Merkel-Beattie and Wendy Clark, helping her along to FEI level dressage training.
Amanda has seen success in the dressage arena and also multiple National Championships in halter with horses she has trained.
Good friends and a very understanding and supportive family allow Amanda to continue to persue her dream of Grand Prix dressage. Hopefully one day her daughter will follow in her steps but we'll see how she feels about lead line this year.
Amanda wants to give a great big thanks to her husband Anthony for all of his support and understanding.
The philosophy:
As a young girl growing up in Saskatchewan, my family didn't own a horse. I spent as much time as I could at the local arena cleaning stalls and tack and otherwise gaining as much horse experience as I could. A few people took the time to teach me something, let me ride their horse, talked about horses with me or let me help them with some aspect of their horse's care. They just took the time out of the kidness of their hearts. That generous action has always stayed with me and I really feel that the little things make a huge difference, especially in the eyes and heart of a young horse-crazed girl. Kindness should always be paid forward.
The Lesson:
Horses are truly amazing teachers. If there's one lesson they will teach you time after time, it's to not take yourself too seriously. A sence of humour may be your most useful tool on any given day training, breeding, riding, or caring for horses. Like Dr. Cesar Parra says, if you're not having fun, why ride?
Rest well, my best friend Smirnoff. June 14, 2001 - July 23, 2010