Support, Support, Support: How to Build a Positive Community

It’s back!! All through the month of July, we are running our annual Dressage For Every Body campaign on #YourDressage, and we’re teaming up with our friends at SmartPak again to offer some incredible prizes for our readers and writers!

Each year that we’ve run this campaign, we’ve used it to highlight size inclusivity in dressage, and to give a voice to those who have felt like they don’t fit the stereotypical image of a rider. We’ve featured stories of resilience, courage, kindness, and confidence, and we want to continue to encourage and inspire riders of all sizes, because #EveryBodyIsADressageBody

We recently asked to hear from riders who consider themselves plus-size or were plus-size at one time for a chance to be featured in our Dressage For Every Body galleries or to share their story, and win some awesome prizes! 

Here, a rider and trainer shares how the community she’s fostered – of both horses and humans – has contributed to the success of her and her students!

By Cristin Kyle

Hello, I’m Cristin Kyle of Stable Relationships, dedicated to fostering trust, respect, and confidence in horses and riders. My Western Dressage and horsemanship journey has been shaped by my incredible equine partners: Mr. Darcy (Lopin’ on Principal), Hope (Color Me Heart), Micah, and my client’s horse Swagger (Moves Like Swagger). My herd also includes Bailey, Finnegan, (Young) Finn, and Scout—each a vital part of my equestrian family. 

As a plus-sized rider, trainer, and coach, I’m passionate about inclusivity in equestrian sports. Regardless of body size, shape, horse breed, or event type, everyone deserves a place in this community. To ensure the safety and comfort of myself and my horses, I consult with veterinarians, trainers, saddle fitters, and chiropractors to confirm proper equipment fit and horse suitability. These steps are critical for all riders, and they give me confidence to move forward.

I’ve faced negative comments from fellow competitors and professionals alike, but I choose to focus on how that reflects on them rather than myself, and keep enjoying the journey. I choose to focus on the joy of Western Dressage, emphasizing harmony with my equine partners. My outfit and show pad choices are intentional, designed to highlight our partnership and add a spark of confidence in the arena. With well-fitted tack and a sound horse, we should all strive to support and uplift one another. The Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) community exemplifies this inclusive spirit, and I’m proud to be part of it. 

My Western Dressage journey began in 2017, inspired by a friend’s experiences and a trainer’s encouragement to enhance my horsemanship. I was hooked after my first show and clinic! Since then, I’ve competed at the Western Dressage World Show in 2019 and 2023, finding each experience transformative, with plans to return again. In 2019, I had the privilege of coaching two youth students who exceeded all my expectations, earning Multi-World Champion and Reserve Champion titles with grace. The same magic happened again in 2023, with students who soared beyond their goals, leaving me in awe.

My approach as a coach is simple: our equine partners come first, and we prioritize safety and fun. My rules are also pretty simple (with safety always implied): “1. Have Fun, 2. Look Up, 3. Breathe, 4. Support, 5. Support, 6. Support!”

At the 2019 WDAA World Show and other competitions, we met incredible people, many of whom we still connect with today. One special moment stood out: a group we bonded with in 2019, stabled next to us, was unexpectedly assigned the same stables in 2023—purely by chance! These familiar faces bring comfort and joy, transforming competitions into warm, stress-free experiences filled with camaraderie. The WDAA’s online and in-person shows allow me to compete with multiple horses, and I also share my equines with my students.

Hope (Color Me Heart) has been a cornerstone of my journey. In 2023–2025, she played a vital role in rehabilitating other horses with grace. Now, we’re returning to basics, focusing on fitness and preparing for future shows. In 2019, Hope and I achieved Top 10 Open Introductory, North Carolina Adult High Point Rider, and multiple rail class placings at the World Championships, far exceeding my goal of gaining positive exposure. 

Although we’ve schooled through Level 1, we’ve only shown Hope at Introductory due to her past training challenges. Her lope can be graceful or explosive, reflecting her unique history. Bred for reining but deemed unsuitable, Hope came to me through a consignment sale and, later, returned as her “forever home” after a brief mismatch with another owner. Her journey demands a high level of horsemanship, but our successes—and occasional strategic scratches—reflect my commitment to putting her first. 

Mr. Darcy, now 23 and nearing retirement; Swagger, still shining with my friends; and Micah, my rescue star, have also shaped my journey. Micah has done many local shows and taken a youth rider to compete as far as Kentucky. Each horse has taught me resilience and adaptability, making every ride a testament to partnership. 

For those considering Western Dressage, my advice is simple: dive in! Join the WDAA for access to valuable learning modules, find a supportive trainer and community (online or in-person), and set achievable goals. Break big dreams into smaller steps, whether it’s competing or rebuilding confidence through horse care lessons. Just take the leap! I never thought my own journey would lead me to teaching a clinic in Sweden or considering going for my ‘r’ judge designation after auditing the Western Dressage Judge’s Seminar. 

I’m grateful for these accomplishments and excited to continue this journey with my equine partners and students, building on our successes with harmony and heart.

---

Western Dressage Achievements (Including Horses I’ve Coached or Trained):