Meet Sponsored Rider: Alex Greer
Riding Warehouse is delighted to sponsor Alex Greer, a talented dressage rider who has earned her USDF bronze and silver medals with distinction! Alex is based in California's North Bay area and is guided by her motto, "Horses first, always." She believes in "excellence through connection" and has designed individualized training programs from Training Level to FEI that foster harmonious relationships between horse and human. The Riding Warehouse crew enjoys supporting Alex in her equestrian endeavors, and we invite you to read on to learn more about this exceptional equestrian and her experience in the sport of dressage.
Alex's Background
I grew up primarily in California, but attended college in upstate New York and also lived in Wellington. I couldn't resist pony rides when I was a child (to the point of doing 10 rides in a row), so my mom realized she needed to get me into riding lessons. I was 5 years old by this point, and I was the first rider in my family. Now I have a daughter of my own who is already riding and loving horses as a toddler. It's heartwarming to see her connecting with them.
I rode on the dressage team in college and then went the corporate route, working for a biopharmaceutical marketing research firm. I continued to ride my own horse during this time period. When my now-husband started his MBA, I decided to get my "graduate degree" in dressage and moved to Florida for intensive training. Once we both graduated and moved back to the West Coast, I realized I wanted to take the plunge and founded Alex Greer Dressage as a full-time professional in 2020.
Fast-forward to now, and things are really exciting! I have an amazing group of horses and students in my barn, with a wide range of ages and breeds. I'm keeping things interesting and incorporating cavaletti, hill work, and even bridleless riding into my regular dressage training (There are some viral videos on my Instagram of this!). I love how happy all the horses are!
Q & A With Alex:
What lessons have horses taught you?
Everything, truly.
Do you have a favorite show or a memory that sticks out?
I love any opportunity where my students and I can showcase the harmony we focus on in our training in a big setting. I always focus on the ride, the partnership, and the feeling. In fact, I actually have a rule with my team that we do not check scores until the end of the day, once all of our rides are completed. It's interesting, even when a ride goes well and you know it's going to be a great score, it really doesn't matter. The tears of joy and the hug you give your horse at the end of your ride are what matter.
How do you overcome any fears or obstacles?
I struggled with putting a lot of pressure on myself and doubting myself. I've learned to trust that what we practice consistently will show up when it matters most. I'm riding into the ring with the belief that my horse and I can do it, because we already do it.
What are you working toward now? What are some goals and dreams for the future?
Right now, I'm working on an Intermediate 1 freestyle with my small tour horse, First Wonder Ymas, aka "Wonder," and starting to school the Grand Prix with him. It would be the highlight of my career to take him from a young horse to Grand Prix. I'm already incredibly proud of him and what we've accomplished together. After spending most of my career focusing on foundation building for up-and-coming horses, I also feel very fortunate to have another Grand Prix horse in my program. He's a Lusitano, so the ride is different but just as fun.
This past year, the horse and rider matching aspect of what I do has really expanded. I enjoy sourcing horses worldwide for clients and making special, lifelong partnerships. It's not an easy job, but it brings me so much joy! I've also begun to expand my virtual lesson program.
What advice would you give to other riders to help them on their equestrian journey?
Always believe in and listen to your horse.
Closing Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed learning more about sponsored rider Alex Greer's journey as a dressage rider. We encourage you to follow Alex alongside us (she's very active on social media, always sharing exciting and helpful insights), and invite you to shop some of her favorite products below.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our helpful customer service team at 1-800-620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com for assistance. Happy riding!
Stay up to date with Alex by following her on these platforms:
Instagram: @alexgreerdressage
Website: www.alexgreerdressage.com
Alex Greer's Favorite Products
About the Authors
