An Olds equine science grad is living her dream – riding horses in performances all over the world.
Currently Stephanie Evans, 24, is a rider/artist with Cavila, a company that holds shows throughout the world demonstrating the skills and bonds between people and horses. Currently, she's in Spain.
I am currently living in Cordoba, Andalucia, Spain, an amazing historical city,” Evans tells the Albertan.
She graduated from Olds College in spring 2010, where she studied equine science, majoring in English horsemanship
“I am living literally next door to the Caballerizas Reales (Royal Stables) built in the 1560s specifically for the breeding of the pure Spanish horse. I am continuing my ‘dream', from Olds equine program, to Cavalia and Odysseo performances around the world, to now centre my objective on alta escuela dressage,” she says.
“This discipline has always had a very high standard in Spain. Just last week I was lucky enough to successfully pass a written theory exam, an interview, and a dressage riding test (all in Spanish) to become one of two riders accepted for their equitation course under the Real Federación Hípica Española (Spanish Equine Federation).”
Evans says Cavila is exciting.
“It was created by Normand Latourelle, a co-founder of Cirque du Soliel,” she says. “Cavalia stays in a city for about two months, where shows are held 6 days of the week. Between the horses, riders, acrobats, lights, and music, the dream-like atmosphere is quite captivating and entertaining.”
Evans was born and raised in Orangeville, Ont. where her family has a small horse farm.
She has always loved horses.
“My brother, sister and I all started riding at a very young age on our Arabian horses. Once I turned four, I started taking weekly riding lessons at Caledon Equestrian School,” Evans says. “I started as a kid in riding camp and eventually worked my way up to become the head coach. I progressed, year after year, learning basic dressage and competing in hunter/jumper shows.”
“I was lucky to grow up in a family who always loved horses,” Evans adds. “Anywhere we went, my family would always have to visit a stud farm, a horse show or some sort of ‘horsey' event. The love I have for horses is hard to explain. A horse can become a friend or even a member of the family. Each and every horse is different; they have their own personality, their own character. We, as humans, have to take the time to understand them.
“Patience is a huge attribute when it comes to working with a horse. Just like any person or pet, it takes time to gain their trust and build a relationship. It can never happen overnight. Once I connect with a horse, the feeling is indescribable. They remember so much and are so willing to please. A horse can never lie; they live in the moment.”
Evans says her studies at Olds College helped her gain the confidence and knowledge to pursue her current career. She has fond memories of the college.
“At the end of high school, I only applied to one school: Olds College. Being accepted was an extreme accomplishment to me, as I would be able to study and work with horses every day,” she says.
She's thrilled to be working for Cavilia.
“I had seen Cavalia in Toronto in 2003 when I was 13 years old,” she says. “Like any young girl, dressing up like a princess and riding white horses would be a dream come true.”
The job involves a lot of travelling. Evans says that has its good parts and its tougher aspects.
“The world is full of beautiful countries with so many cultures to explore. It's a great way to see places and meet new people, but living out of a suitcase, moving from airport to airport, can get pretty tiring,” Evans says.
“With Cavalia I was lucky enough to travel to all the major cities in Canada, the United States, Mexico and Australia. I have also been to a few other countries including Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to attend Arabian horse shows, The National Stud in Babolna, Hungary.
She has also been in Paris, France, and in Austria to visit The Spanish Riding School in Vienna, as well as Slovenia to visit the Lipica Stud farm (the original home of the Lippizan horse), and the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre in Jerez, Spain.
Travelling so much and being in different time zones has made it tough to keep up with family and friends, Evans says.
“I am consistently calculating the different time zones so I'm able to Skype or message with Facebook,” she says. “I miss being with family, with friends, with all the pets, and even having a real home to go to every night.
“Of course, I am always provided with furnished apartments, but sometimes we take for granted what a home really is. I have enjoyed every second of my journey so far, but I will never forget where I came from,” she says.
Evans encourages Olds College students and Olds residents in general to keep pursuing their dreams. It worked for her.
“When people ask me for advice, I always say to never give up. It might sound cliché -- even hard for me to follow sometimes -- but it works. If you're willing to work hard and achieve your dreams, anything is possible,” Evans says. “Like my mom always says ‘Courage, Espoir, Perseverance'.”
