A note from Roxie Elliott-Crandall
NARHA Certified Instructor

I have been Gloria’s instructor for 5 years now and her progress, determination and positive attitude are truly an inspiration to all of us here at Main Stay. Thank you for giving us a chance to spotlight such a courageous, wonderful horsewoman.

What horse related clubs/organizations do you belong to?

I presently belong to Main Stay Therapeutic Riding Center and Spring Grove Horse Show.

What is your favorite horse activity?

I haven’t found a horse activity that I didn’t like or appreciate, so this is tough. I guess the best part of being with any horse is getting to know him or her. I find each horse has a different personality and it’s fascinating to see what makes that horse happy, sad, worried and so on.

Tell us about the horse(s) in your life?

I have two very special groups of horses in my life right now. The first three horses, Bailey, Buck and Classy, are therapeutic riding horses at Main Stay Therapeutic Riding Program. Through their incredible patience and sensitivity and an awesome human team, I have been able to ride again after a riding injury put me in a wheelchair ten years ago. These very special horses allow me to strengthen key muscles groups, thereby opening the door for me to take part in other types of therapy.

The second group, a couple of saddlebreds, are my own horses that we’ve owned since the mid 90’s. Under the direction of a trainer, I learned how to line-drive the youngest and began him under saddle. Between these two and a now-deceased Quarter Horse mare, I’ve had the opportunity to ride, learn and undergo incredible experiences.

How long have you been involved with horses and how did your involvement start?

Horses have been a part of my life as long as I can remember. It began with drawing horses when I was really young and collecting Breyer horse models as time went on. In high school, I began riding with friends at Little Acres stable on Chicago’s northwest side and at Northwestern Stables in Morton Grove. My goal of finishing school was all about getting and supporting that important first horse, a lifelong dream I finally realized in 1993 (the horse, I mean). I guess horses are in my blood.

What is the best thing about having a horse?

Horses seem to fulfill my need to connect to a creature that is clearly more sensitive than most people are. There’s nothing better than being next to a horse – grooming, helping and watching them.

What is your most memorable horsey moment?

My most memorable horsey moment occurred when I was 9 or 10 years old. My family had to travel to Windsor, Canada for a relative’s wedding. We spent the first night at a home in Flint, Michigan and arrived there late at night. The next morning I woke early, looked out the window, and found we were on a horse farm! Imagine that, a horse-loving city kid on a horse farm! I don’t remember much about the wedding, but being lunged on a beautiful bay Arab will stay in my mind forever.

Who is your biggest influence?

I would say I have two groups of influences–past and present. I spent some time with saddlebred trainer Dawn Atlas. She taught me the finer points of horse care and showing all the way to how to train my saddlebred to drive. Dawn was a wealth of horse knowledge and an asset to our local horse community who is greatly missed. My present group of influences is my team at Main Stay Therapeutic Riding Program. Since I started riding there, the therapists and volunteers have used a variety of techniques to strengthen my body and mind. They have kept me on a constant path upward with new goals for each year. I can say that I am stronger today due to a very talented and dedicated therapy team.

What have horses taught you?

orses have taught me how to be still and observe. These two acts, being still and observing, enable us to learn how and why horses do what they do. Then you add a few more horses and you learn even more about the horse on a level that shows the herd dynamic. It’s absolutely fascinating.

How do you help others enjoy horses?

I try to help the folks at Main Stay Therapeutic Riding when they need my help. Sometimes this involves compiling information or helping out at a day camp-any little bit helps. With Main Stay, my goal is about helping other riders who are less fortunate than I am.

I also help Spring Grove Horse Show during the group’s open show series, which runs from April through October. I do the show high point and update their website. Once again, my goal is to help riders who need our schooling shows to further their riding education.