Love of the Horse Story - Return of a Grand Passion

Equestrian sport is unquestionably ‘for the love of the horse’. Through this new series, we want to share the stories that have a special place in your heart.

"There is a very special little riding school in Bywong, NSW called Karelia Riding Instruction.

Karelia is owned and operated by Angela Miettinen, an EA Level 1 Dressage coach, who has taught all levels of riding in the region for many years before starting her own school.

Angela's students range from the very young to the young at heart. This article is about a group of students some of us can identify with...

Older women who have raised their families, finished careers, and now have found the time and the freedom to return to their love of horses!

Perhaps we can no longer ground mount and we think twice before jumping that trot pole but we are back.

So with the help of Applejack, Dash, The Raj, Miss Georgia, Clancy and the lovable Clydesdale Gus amongst others our coach Angela has us saddled up and ready to ride. 

At first, there were misgivings, thinking "what am I thinking at my age?" but with each lesson, Angela and her wonderful ponies have slowly but surely increased our confidence. All of us are now able to ride in the school dressage competitions, jump in the arena and are getting ready to ride the Karelia cross-country course.  Who would have thought we would ever come this far?

Angela and her children are successful in the local show and Dressage circuit with their team of Champion Show Horses: S.L.M Signature, Goldfield Guess Who and Beckworth Good Brandy.

Angela has given many of us more than just the skills on how to ride well.

She has freely given the gift of confidence, enthusiasm and that wonderful feeling of ‘esprit de corps’. To those who ride at Karelia, it is more than just a grassroots school. This is a place for those who want to learn to ride with empathy and grace.

Angela also has the world's roundest sheep who refuses to stick to her diet and Milo the cat who will lay down in the arena daring you to trot over him. Hasn't happened yet.  Always a fun place.

Finally, it is so much fun, whatever the age, to be in the company of horses and their people. 

To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire. It is a grand passion”. Carrots anyone?"

Karen and other students from Karelia Riding Instruction, NSW

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Gus the Clydesdale waiting for his carrot