Q & A with guest contributor Stephanie Dewes
Stephanie Dewes, of Miracle Mile Equine Center, is a certified equine therapist, trainer and coach. Specializing in peak equine performance, Stephanie seeks to provide a complete program for horse and rider. She works closely with the physical and mental ability of the horse, while coaching riders to find success in their riding journey. As a world level rider herself, Stephanie focuses on inspiring others of all levels to create higher goals, higher motivation and higher performance.
Thank you for having me!
Spirit Farm Gypsy Cobs (SFGC): Can you tell us how and when you first fell in love with horses?
Stephanie: My love for horses started early – I was born into a horse loving family! I attended my first National Horse Show at age three and I haven’t looked back since! I now run a business, (Miracle Mile Equine Center) around my love for horses, as an equine therapist and trainer/coach, helping both horse and human attain success!
SFGC: Do you have a favourite breed to work with? If yes, what makes this breed stand out to you?
Stephanie: I currently own and show Appaloosas but I strongly believe that regardless of the breed (or color!) a good horse is a good horse! With clients, I show Appaloosas, Paints and QH.
SFGC: Who is/was your heart horse?
Stephanie: My heart horse is a beautiful, bay, Appaloosa mare that is affectionately known as “Munchie”. She came into my life to teach me who I am, not only as an equestrian, but as a person. The opportunities this mare has given me are endless, I am forever grateful she came into my world! We have been through all of the tears, hard work, laughter, love, upset and achievement, in every way, TOGETHER. She was my partner while winning my first World Championship title, she is a Supreme Champion Horse through ApHC, multiple National and Regional Champion in the all-around events including showmanship, hunter in hand, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, western pleasure, western horsemanship and saddle seat. She is now 18 years old and retired with me, still being treated like the queen she is!
SFGC: What do you consider your greatest achievement in the horse world and what would be your legacy?
Stephanie: Although I have multiple World, National and Regional titles, I do not feel as if those are my greatest achievements, they are simply a product of dedication to the partnership between my horses and I. Very rarely do I consider this question, but I would say that my greatest achievement and what I believe my legacy to be is giving the horses a voice, allowing them to shine through their strengths, both mentally and physically. I take huge pride in catering to the individual needs of each horse that crosses my path – all client horses are treated like my own! As I continue through the journey of business expansion, I will always be committed to building a first-class equine program where the horse comes first!
SFGC: If your horses could talk, what would they say about you?
Stephanie: Other than, thanks for the cookies?… LOL. I like to think that my horses (personal and client) thank me for instilling self-confidence/trust in their training and their physical ability. Some of the best show horses I have worked with were not technically destined to be show horses, although that’s where they shine, so I pursue that path. The same is true with horses that “should” be show horses that would rather run barrels, do cowboy trail or simply pack around lesson kids, they are allowed and ENCOURAGED to follow their path. Horse and human alike should be encouraged to do the same!
SFGC: How have horses changed your life?
Stephanie: In more ways than I can count! As the saying goes, “When I count my blessings, I count my horses twice.” My personal growth, my career, my lifestyle are all designed around these amazing four legged creatures!
SFGC: What would be the horse’s message to mankind?
Stephanie: Take care of us and we will take care of you!
Thank you, Stephanie Dewes, for taking the time to share your experiences with Spirit Farm Gypsy Cobs and their followers.
