EN’s Rising Stars is a new weekly series about up and coming riders in the sport of 3-Day Eventing who are exceptional in their performances and personalities. Spotlighting riders under the age of 15, the series is meant to call attention to the next generation of talent before they even become Young Riders. Have a child, sibling or student who you think deserves some notice and praise? Tip me at [email protected]!
Alina & Remi in SJ
Name: Alina Theriault
Age: 15
Hometown: Orlean,Virginia
Horse: High Definition, “Remi”, 6-yo Appendix Gelding
Level of competition: Novice
How did you get started in Eventing?
Well, I started riding when I was six years old and living in Helsinki, Finland. My Dad was in the Air Force working at the American Embassy, so we moved to a lot of places overseas. I continued riding at lesson barns when we moved back to the States in 2006. The trainer at the lesson barn helped us find my first pony, Missy. I really wanted to learn more about horses so my Mom and I did some research and thought it would be a great idea for me to join a Pony Club and we joined Dominion Valley Pony Club. The best part is that DVPC’s main discipline is, thankfully, Eventing.
Recent accomplishments?
I got Remi just as he turned three (he was completely green) and I’ve produced him through the levels. He’s been a little bit of challenge, but it was all worth it. I just got into the YRAP program and did my first session recently. I learned a lot about pacing, because I tend to either go way too slow or way too fast on cross country. I have also successfully competed in four recognized Novice horse trials, and I ended my season last year in 4th place at MDHT.
Alina & Remi on XC (photo by GRC)
What is your favorite thing about Eventing?
I love everything about Eventing! The sport has taught me how to be responsible and that nothing is accomplished without hard work and discipline.
This sport is like no other! Riding is just a small portion of all of the time and effort put into competing a horse. You can’t just ride the horse and be done with it. There are always stalls to be mucked and tack to be cleaned. It keeps me busy but I love every minute of it! It’s just so amazing how much energy and passion can be put towards this sport. And I’m soooo lucky to be at Morningside Training Farm (MTF) in The Plains, VA, and to have Skyeler Icke-Voss as my trainer and mentor – she’s the greatest! And MTF is just a great place and we feel blessed to be able to ride and learn there. And of course, nothing would ever work without support and help from my Mom – she does sooooooo much for me and is always helping me out and giving me guidance. And thank you to my Mom, Dad, and my Brother, Stefan (he’s currently in the U.S. Army, serving in Afghanistan) for sacrificing so much to help me make my dreams come true.
–
What are your plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to a Training 3-Day in the fall, which is why I’m in Aiken (for the first time ever) this year gearing up to move up to Training level. I home-school so that I can work every day for MTF as a working student and create more learning opportunities for myself and my horse.
I’m hoping to take Remi through Training level and then, sadly, sell him for an older, upper-level horse — which will be a big change for me. I really want to go to Young Riders and for that, a horse with more experience from the start would be the most suitable for me.
