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Christie Saunders
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USEF R Judge
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Producer of Hunter/Derby Champions
Christie Saunders grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. Her passion for horses started at the age of 11. As a Junior rider she excelled in the Junior Hunter Divisions and the 15-17 Equitation Divisions on a local and USEF National level. Over the years in her professional career, she has competed in numerous National and International Hunter Derbies earning many top placings. Besides the Hunters, Christie is active in the Jumper ring as well, having competed up to the 1.35 jumpers.
Christie's specialty is training young hunters by giving them a foundation in dressage flat work before starting them over fences and taking them from 2’6 Baby Green Hunter to the 3’6 Green Hunter Division. She has started many 3 year old green broke under saddle Hunters and brought them to success in the show ring.
Christie has a passion for teaching as well and has coached riders from Short/Long Stirrup to Pony Finals and Harrisburg Finals. From 2009-2012 Christie was the coach for the Alabama IHSA Equestrian Team.
Christie is a USEF R Hunter/Hunt Seat Judge as well which brings an additional value to her expertise as a trainer.
Christie emphasizes on teaching good horsemanship skills and enjoys working with riders of all ages. She has a special focus on teaching riders to master basic riding skills on the flat, forward riding, and improving equitation in order to develop a good communication between rider and horse. Her priority is giving rider and horse a positive experience and built confidence in and out of the show ring.
Christie is currently accepting new students and horses in training at Oldenbroek Tabor Sporthorses LLC.
