San Francisco Peninsula Chapter California Dressage Society

Meet the SFP Members

This Month: Annamae Braun

Q. When did you first start riding?
I first started riding at the age of 9 and took hunt seat lessons at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

Q. Tell us a little about your horse.
Well, first off he's the most spoiled horse on the planet! He's 17hh part Holsteiner/ Thorobred and he's 13 years young.

Q. How did you become interested in Dressage?
My first horse had been trained in Dressage by the previous owner. When I first watched her ride him, I was in awe of how she put him through his paces and thought I'd like to do that. I had to learn how to ride totally different after riding hunt seat for so many years and that's when Dressage became all consuming to me.

Q. What are your goals?
With age and body permitting, I would like to become a more effective rider, so my horse can understand my questions. To improve the quality of his gaits and hopefully move up the levels while maintaining a good foundation of the basics. And, get his flying changes confirmed.

Q. Where do you keep your horse?
I board my horse at a small barn located in Montara. It may not be fancy ,but my horse is very happy where he lives and we have access to miles of beautiful trails and a decent size arena to work in.

Q. Do you train with anyone? If yes, who?
I'm very fortunate to have two great trainers, Debra Thomas, whom I've been with for 8 years and recently with Heidi Gaian, clinicing twice a month at Stanford.

Q. Do you show?
Yes. I've been showing my horse for the last six years and we started third level this year.

Q. What is your regular "day job"?
I've been a hairdresser for the past 28 years. Love my clients and my job!

Q. How do you fit riding into your schedule?
Luckily for me, I can make my own schedule, so I ride in the morning and work in the afternoons and into the evening.

Q. Is your husband/partner/family supportive of your riding?
Oh yes, my husband is very supportive of my riding and calls my horse his son! He even attends some of the shows with me and makes a very good groom. Does he accumulate good husband points, you bettcha!

Q. Outside of riding, what other hobbies or sports do you enjoy?
Well, when I'm not tending to my horse's needs or mucking out a stall I usually like to come home relax and cook something nice for my Husband. Having a horse and a full time job doesn't allow for much else and that's just fine by me. I think we Dressage people are a pretty lucky bunch to do what we love.


	Meet the SFP Members This Month: Annamae Braun *Q. When did you first start riding?* I first started riding at the age of 9 and took hunt seat lessons at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. *Q. Tell us a little about your horse.* Well, first off he's the most spoiled horse on the planet! He's 17hh part Holsteiner/ Thorobred and he's 13 years young. *Q. How did you become interested in Dressage?* My first horse had been trained in Dressage by the previous owner. When I first watched her ride him, I was in awe of how she put him through his paces and thought I'd like to do that. I had to learn how to ride totally different after riding hunt seat for so many years and that's when Dressage became all consuming to me. *Q. What are your goals?* With age and body permitting, I would like to become a more effective rider, so my horse can understand my questions. To improve the quality of his gaits and hopefully move up the levels while maintaining a good foundation of the basics. And, get his flying changes confirmed. *Q. Where do you keep your horse?* I board my horse at a small barn located in Montara. It may not be fancy ,but my horse is very happy where he lives and we have access to miles of beautiful trails and a decent size arena to work in. *Q. Do you train with anyone? If yes, who?* I'm very fortunate to have two great trainers, Debra Thomas, whom I've been with for 8 years and recently with Heidi Gaian, clinicing twice a month at Stanford. *Q. Do you show?* Yes. I've been showing my horse for the last six years and we started third level this year. *Q. What is your regular "day job"?* I've been a hairdresser for the past 28 years. Love my clients and my job! *Q. How do you fit riding into your schedule?* Luckily for me, I can make my own schedule, so I ride in the morning and work in the afternoons and into the evening. *Q. Is your husband/partner/family supportive of your riding?* Oh yes, my husband is very supportive of my riding and calls my horse his son! He even attends some of the shows with me and makes a very good groom. Does he accumulate good husband points, you bettcha! *Q. Outside of riding, what other hobbies or sports do you enjoy?* Well, when I'm not tending to my horse's needs or mucking out a stall I usually like to come home relax and cook something nice for my Husband. Having a horse and a full time job doesn't allow for much else and that's just fine by me. I think we Dressage people are a pretty lucky bunch to do what we love.