A Lil Grace Goes a Long Way

At the 2023 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, Region 2 rider Grace Christianson was the youngest competitor on the grounds, at just 11 years old! We sat down with this ambitious youth equestrian to learn about her amazing story.

By Grace Christianson and Elizabeth Christianson
Photos courtesy of the Christianson family and Jennifer Kaiser

How do you define one’s purpose in life? Is it based on the fulfillment of goals? Is it based on completing your bucket list? Or is it simply finding LOVE for something that transcends oneself? As parents, we all hope that our children find love, but little did we know Grace’s first undeniable love would be with such massively beautiful creatures – horses. 

This is the story of our daughter Grace Christianson and the remarkable journey that has interwoven her passion for riding with her love of horses. Grace’s godmother, Danisa, first exposed her to some gentle riding as early as three years old. Grace would hop on “Checkers,” and you could see her grin ear to ear. Little did we know those first encounters with Checkers would be the fuel to jumpstart a passion that would soon very clearly become the purpose of her life.

Grace first took riding lessons at five years old. She slowly and methodically continued to go to the barn, while Grace’s mother looked for places where she could continue to ride and learn. Time and time again, Grace would say, “Can I go to the barn?” as it was clear her heart had changed and molded to love each and every horse that she came in touch with. At a small stable near our house, Grace started to learn the basics of riding and created some wonderful habits, as every young rider does. 

After several years of learning the “basics of riding,” Grace wanted to take her riding more seriously. She changed trainers, and this is where her heart would forever be touched by a beautiful spotted draft mare named Daisy! As we watched each and every step of the way, we saw Grace fall deeper in love with these creatures. Daisy was the first time we looked and saw her love something so deeply. 

Daisy was the beginning of Grace’s competitive career. She showed Daisy for a couple of years, and people would comment so often that “they make a beautiful pair” – a subtle, yet round, black-and-white spotted draft with a white mane and black tail, and a small little “peanut” riding her. As you will later learn in this story, her nickname “Lil Grace” would hold true. 

After riding Daisy for two years and getting acclimated to showing, Grace’s story took a funny twist of fate when she accidentally interacted with her future trainer. “That’s delightful, Grace,” said Jennifer Kaiser with Forrest Hill Farms & Kaiser Dressage. Funnily enough, this comment was intended for another one of Jennifer’s students, “Big Grace.” This mishap broke the ice for what would be the beginning of a new journey for Grace. 

Shortly after this show, Grace changed trainers and shifted her training to Jennifer Kaiser. This “home” was a fit from the very beginning. So many wonderful people welcomed Grace at her new barn home and, despite being competitors, would offer guidance and mentoring. Jennifer’s high expectations and faith in Grace’s ability created a perfect environment to help Grace reach her dreams.

It was through this connection and change that Grace connected with Roulee. While Grace intimately loves Daisy, she knew she could only take her so far. “As the work got harder, I knew Daisy was done with showing,” Grace said.  You could tell this was a hard decision for Grace because of her love for Daisy; however, like every other horse, Grace quickly fell in love with a black mare named Roulee. Roulee is an 8-year-old Forrest Hill Farms American Warmblood. Prior to investing in Roulee, I asked Grace, “What’s your goal?” With no hesitation, Grace quickly responded, “To win a gold medal in the Olympics.” 

This year was Grace’s first year showing Roulee, and through the first year, Grace was exposed to both triumph and disappointment. But through it all, the one constant is her love for each and every horse she interacts with. 

This past year, Grace’s highlights with Roulee included earning qualifying scores for the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® at Training and First Levels, as well as winning the USDF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Finals 13 and Under. After a disappointing First Level championship ride at Finals, Grace earned a fifth-place finish in the Training Level Junior/Young Rider Championship. 

While Grace’s first year competing with Roulee – and Roulee’s first show season overall – was remarkable, her humility and ultimate disappointment result from the feeling of “letting her horse down,” something she feels each time she doesn’t earn a score she had hoped for. Her love and selflessness for these creatures drive her. 

Roulee continues to learn and grow alongside Grace with coaching from Jennifer and training from trainer/rider Andrea Balas. Andrea has been a great mentor to Grace and brings a spirited passion for competing, yet a calmness that helps Grace learn how to keep her emotions in check through the ups and downs of a show season.

Grace’s life revolves around her beloved horses. When Grace is not riding and training with Roulee at Forrest Hill Farms, she most likely can be found at Swinging M Stables caring for Daisy, Luna, Charlie, and a multitude of other horses. The trust placed in this 12-year-old by the many horse owners at Swinging M Stables is a testament to her small but mighty nature with a tender heart. They know that if Grace is with their horse, it is being shown love.

This love and dedication led Grace to Luna. Luna’s owner, Sally, had had a stroke and could not go out to the barn to work with and love on Luna like she always was able to previously. But when Sally witnessed Grace’s love firsthand, she told Grace that she could take Luna out and love on her as if she were her own. This beautiful horse has shown Grace a softer side of these creatures. With her gentle demeanor, Luna found a new friend in Grace. Luna and Grace, like Daisy and Grace or Roulee and Grace, show a connection that transcends species. 

Grace has many goals with Roulee for this upcoming show season, which include the following:

1. Return to Finals and improve on her first-year finish
2. Qualify for the US Dressage Festival of Champions in the FEI Children’s division
3. Improve test scores overall
4. Try to acquire a sponsor
5. Have fun and enjoy the season; it goes way too fast!

Grace hopes that people who meet her know she may be “Lil Grace,” but she has a heart that melts for these creatures. Her life’s purpose lies in the eyes of the four-legged creatures that we call horses, but Grace calls family.

Want to learn more about Grace’s story? Stay tuned for a great article about her and the senior-most rider at the 2023 US Dressage Finals, coming soon to YourDressage!