In this blog series, riders share their stories about how they find their inspiration through the wisdoms, tribulations, and success stories from other riders. We asked riders who and what inspired them, and they answered! In the latest installment, learn how Kyle Carter inspires one of his students to never give up and always keep trying.
Kyle Carter and Madison Park – photo by Cindy Lawler
While most tend to decide between focusing on their education or riding, NAJYRC individual bronze medalist, Shelby Brost finds the time for both. While being an honour student with aspirations to attend university, she also a string of accolades in eventing to her name at the young age of 17. It is through sheer determination, grit, and the solid education from her coaches that she was able to finish on her dressage score at NAJYRC to earn the bronze medal and to be among the top 50 riders in the United States. Originally hailing from Alberta, Canada, Shelby presently resides in Ocala, Florida to train full time with her coach, Kyle Carter. It not only Kyle’s teaching that inspires Shelby to be the best that she can, but that Kyle leads by example as well.
Shelby Brost, individual bronze medallist at the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC)
by Shelby Brost
Kyle Carter was the first person that came to mind when thinking of a rider that truly inspires me. He does so on a daily basis, especially since he’s been my coach, in January of this year. I cannot think of anyone else that deserves this mention more than him, given that he is so dedicated, hard working, persistent, and knowledgeable (as well as having a sarcastic sense of humor) to name just a few of the qualities as to why Kyle is such an inspiration, not only to myself, but to many riders.
Earlier in the year, I was looking for someone to help my gelding and myself when we struggled at the preliminary level. It was then that Kyle’s name was mentioned by a trainer at my old barn in Red Deer, Alberta. She described him to be incredible with “problem” horses. Not only does he run 5 Ring Stables with his wife Jennifer, he also maintains a passion and gift for working with all horses and giving them a fair chance.
Kyle Carter and Madison Park – photo by Cheryl Denault
We sent Obie to Kyle in November, by the time I got there in January, he was a completely new horse for the better. He went from stopping at novice level fences to taking me around preliminary level and consistently placing top 3. From the first time I talked to Kyle about Obie on the phone, he was convinced he could fix him and he did that and more. I am currently preparing for my first intermediate with Obie. I never thought we would be here. It is safe to say, none of this would have ever been possible without Kyle’s immense knowledge and never-ending support, which I am eternally grateful for.
Kyle is more than a an expert in training horses. He is also highly successful with young riders. In general, taking four students to Rolex and bringing many teams and individuals to medal at NAJYRC. His devotion to promoting and furthering young talent to improve the sport for the future is something that he strongly believes in. He truly wants what’s good for the sport and what’s good for the horses. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve finishing on my dressage score and taking home a bronze medal from NAJYRC without Kyle and all he has done for my horses and I.
Shelby and Crimson after a clear jumping round at NAJYRC 2015
Medalling at NAJYRC has been a dream of mine, since the day I heard about the championships 6 years ago. There were many people that helped me along the way that I am grateful for, but Kyle prepared me more than anyone could have. Crimson and I took each day of the competition fully prepared. The entire weekend I would say to myself, “What would Kyle tell me to do?” and I always had an answer. My longterm goal is one day competing at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and finishing on my dressage score. Even bigger than that, I dream of going to the Olympics to bring home a medal for Canada. With Kyle, I know these goals are possible thanks to his experience have done so himself and his extraordinary coaching skills. It is through Kyle’s support of my goals to achieve my success at NAJYRC that I know he’ll continue to help me reach my loftier goals.
Shelby and Kyle
I truly do not believe there is anyone more dedicated, persistent, and knowledgeable than Kyle. He takes everyday as it comes and deals with it one day at a time. He never ever gives up, which to me is the most inspirational thing anyone can do. Hardship seems to only fuel his fire and when great success comes, he takes it humbly. At the end of the day, he’s in it for the success and happiness of the horses along with supporting and coaching his students to the best of their abilities which is why he is the rider that inspires me the most.
Shelby