Bridgette Allan started her riding journey long before she entered into the show arena. I guess you can say it runs in the family; in a small town in upstate New York, Bridgette’s mother started the horse journey herself and ignited the fire. You know that line, “She loves her horses and her boyfriend too,” well, Bridgette’s mom was actually the inspiration for that line. How crazy is that? Her mom dated Tom Petty’s drummer, and was the real inspiration for that line in the song “Free Fallin”. Her love for horses greatly impacted Bridgette’s love for horses as well, and what started as a few lessons at the age of four, turned into a lifelong obsession. Twenty-one years later Bridgette is still riding. Despite so many setbacks including rough rides, falls, getting stepped on, stitches, anxiety in the show ring, and even a few tears, Bridgette just can’t seem to stay away from horses. She shares, “Each horse is very different from one another, and getting the chance to understand their personality means the absolute world. Connecting to such an animal is truly magical and I couldn’t be any happier to call myself an equestrian.”
Bridgette is currently showing two geldings, Cayman & Kingsley. They are each very unique and quirky in their own way. Cayman, as a seven year old Westphalian, lived in Canada and then ended up in New Jersey after his previous owner passed away. Cayman was left at a sale barn for quite a while until he found a home in Texas. The pair has just started their journey together, but their bond is already growing stronger. When Cayman sees Bridgette from across the field, he will come running up and lick her face! I had the pleasure of meeting Cayman at Bridgette’s family barn in Montgomery,TX and I can attest that he has the goofiest personality. Kingsley is an eight year old Oldenburg. Bridgette met him at Tryon while competing, and ended up with a chance to bring him home. He is extremely trusting, and always willing. He is one of those amazing old soul kind of horses, even though he is relatively young. With his king eye, and handsome good looks. Bridgette says, sometimes she catches him sitting like a dog in the pasture. I can’t wait to see where Bridgette goes with her two boys.
I always love hearing my clients’s favorite memories, Bridgette’s fondest memory goes all the way back to her short stirrup days. She says she was probably only 5 or 6 years old. She shares that she remembers being absolutely terrified, and so nervous to go into a ring all by herself. Looking back at this memory makes her laugh a little, because she realizes how far she has come in this sport. Competing at GSWEC has always been a huge part of Bridgette’s life, and she shares that she is incredibly grateful for such a beautiful facility with hardworking staff that work to create the ultimate show experience.
Having the unique ability to watch the facility grow over almost her entire lifetime, Bridgette raves about how much the facility has grown. “Throughout the years, I have seen the show grounds completely change into this beautiful facility! Showing isn’t always about competition; it’s showing the bond between you and the horse despite are best efforts sometimes. By all means I have had some terrible show days, but being at this facility highlights my love for riding.”
Bridgette offers some advice for juniors and young riders who what to continue to grow up in this sport, she says, “never give up, or let the thought of defeat ruin your drive and love for horses.” The best part about horses is that they will, “love you even on your worst days, and take care of you if you take care of them.” Last but not least, “If you fall down, or even off, just get back in the saddle and ride on!”
