There are some people who are born knowing what they want out of life. Alex Gainer is one of those people. At only 19, she received her Bronze medal in Dressage from the United States Dressage Federation. At 20, she obtained her Silver. Alex is now hoping to win her Gold and eventually become a Grand Prix champion. At the end of December, she will be traveling to Florida with her beloved Thoroughbred, Princeton for the Winter Intensive Training program (WIT). There she will train with international Olympic champions to refine her and Princeton’s skills.
What makes this even more impressive is that Princeton is an off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB), a descendant of the highly esteemed Secretariat. While Warmbloods dominate the Dressage world, Princeton has shown that he possesses the skills and determination to compete against them.
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Alex and Princeton’s journey began as a chance of fate. In the spring of 2009, Alex took her Quarter horse, Charm, to a Courtney King-Dye clinic in Columbus. Antonella Bell, another horse enthusiast, was so impressed by Alex’s ability to push a Quarter horse as far as she did, that she offered Alex Princeton. Free of charge, with the stipulation that she works with him. Alex accepted and thus their journey began.
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WIT will be the next step in refining Princeton at the Prix St. Georges level as Alex hopes to qualify for the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). WIT will provide a learning experience that will greatly benefit Princeton and Alex. “I hope to become a more well-rounded rider, trainer, teacher, and a better business woman. I have already brought my off-the-track Thoroughbred through training, first, second, third, and fourth levels to the Prix St. Georges and expect us to go much further.”
The WIT program “is not for the casual dressage rider, but for aspiring young riders that are committed to be the best they can be. This program takes determination, drive and passion. Taking place in Wellington, Florida the participants will have a full schedule of learning that includes fitness, theory, tests, riding lessons, field trips and lectures on many pertinent subjects. It involves three months (January-March) of pure growth and first-hand experience to open the young rider’s eyes to what it’s like to be a the best dressage rider they can be.”
This is an exciting opportunity for Alex, but unfortunately it is expensive. For the three months, it will cost a total of $2,600, which does not include room and board or transportation. She has set up an online donation fund where those who wish to help can donate. You can view it here.
If you wish to contact Alex or are interested in lessons please email her at alexgainer66@yahoo.com.
For Boarding Questions:
State Street Stables
3618 State Street NE
North Canton, Ohio 44721
(330) 936-6020