West Coaster, Mandy Porter, is one of America’s top Grand Prix competitors.This California native has travelled the world devoted to the pursuit of excellence as a rider and horseman, including a seven year stint in Europe gaining invaluable International experience.She has ridden in numerous International competitions throughout Europe and has represented the United States on three Nations Cup Teams in Linz, Austria, La Baule, France, and Gijon, Spain. She’s also had the opportunity to learn from and ride with many International level show jumpers, including Katie Monahan Prudent, Alison Firestone, Alice Debany and Peter Wylde.
As owner and trainer of ACP Enterprises, Mandy successfully manages all aspects of her elite show barn located in the beautiful seaside community of Del Mar, California. Since starting her own business, Mandy has successfully campaigned Barb Ellison's (Wild Turkey Farm) breeding stallions, and successfully rode the grey Holsteiner mare Summer, also owned by Ellison, to many wins during their six-year partnership including the PCHA Grand Prix Horse of the Year title in 2006. .
Most recently in 2009, Mandy made her third trip to the World Cup Finals with Danielle Korsh’s Dutch gelding, San DiegoOn the ground as a sought after instructor, Mandy has guided numerous riders to major victories, including Megan Ellison, Morgan Taylor and Taylor Coe, participants of the North American Young Rider Championships. She continues to attend AA rated horse shows throughout the West Coast and Canada.
This video demonstrates the use of a gymnastic line to help horse and rider develop balance. This can be very useful to help strengthen areas of weakness in both horse and rider. The degree of difficulty can range from beginner horse or rider through advanced, depending on fence height and distance between the jumps. A good "set of eyes" on the ground is also very important.
Get to know Mandy Porter from her introduction to the sport, to her biggest influences. In this exciting video you’ll get Mandy’s own play by play of her Beautiful 2007 Queen Elizabeth Cup round aboard Summer at Spruce Meadows.
Learn to make yourself ride with a consistent rhythm, with your horse in front of your leg. Maintaining good rhythm and balance can help dramatically to improve your ride by allowing the jumps to come to you instead of unknowingly changing your rhythm in search of "the perfect distance.” Trust that your horse can jump well from many distances as long as you keep this in mind.