Community Voices
Three MD Members Share Their Stories
MD <3 Community. In this article, we meet Sukriti, Beata and Katie – three MD Members from different parts of the world who all share a passion for horses.
Ellinor
Mon 29 Jul - 24
Community Voices
Three MD Members Share Their Stories
MD <3 Community. In this article, we meet Sukriti, Beata and Katie – three MD Members from different parts of the world who all share a passion for horses.
Ellinor
Mon 29 Jul - 24
There is power in community – and our community is, to quote our very own CRM Specialist Saga Sjöberg at the MD head office, “the best equestrian community ever”. We think it’s time to turn the spotlight on those who are the very heart of MD – you all! 🫶
At the time of writing, our MD VIP Community consists of over 20,000 (!) smart, cool people who happen to like horses. Actually, “like” is a massive understatement – which is clear to anyone who learns the stories of Sukriti, Beata and Katie. These are some resourceful and passionate equestrians, who won’t let hardships prevent them from doing what they love. Let’s get to know them, shall we?
🇮🇳 Sukriti Drabu, 37, India
Dr. Sukriti Drabu, a 37-year-old Psychologist and Mental Health Counselor, is living in Gurgaon, Haryana – just a short drive away from the capital of India, New Delhi. She began riding a year ago, at the age of 36.
– I wanted to support my 5-year-old daughter, who wanted to learn. We are both still getting the hang of things, learning and working through our challenges.
She never expected to be as into riding as she eventually became.
– It was very scary, and I never thought I would go beyond a few classes. I definitely thought my first fall would be the end of it for sure. But from the first ride itself, I experienced such a strong sense of calm and peace every time I was on the horse that no matter how hard it was (especially the first few times I cantered and did not know how to stay balanced in my seat), I kept coming back to it every single day. I would have never gotten into it if it wasn’t for my daughter insisting that she wanted to go ride horses. So I guess I learned how to grow my courage from her. And to this day, after having fallen numerous times (one of which resulted in a broken arm and surgery) the energy of the horses keeps pulling me back. I hope to be able to continue my journey into showjumping next year with my own horse.
What’s your best memory from your time as a rider?
– That’s every time I get to hug my horse at the end of the ride and give them a whole load of carrots!
Do you have any tips for the MD Community?
– Always be your horse’s emotional support animal! Give them a snug hug, keep your cool and breathe deeply.
Six months into her riding journey, Sukriti had her eyes opened to Maya Delorez. Her favorite products are various shoulder striped base layer tops, and the Compression Breeches.
If you could choose only one pair of the Compression Breeches, which ones would you choose?
– Oh, this is too hard. I would have to go with Admira, with Izabella being a close second! 😜
🇸🇪 Beata Rosberg, 13, Sweden
13-year-old Beata Rosberg from Sweden had her interest in horses begin when she was literally in a stroller.
– If we happened to walk by any pastures during the walks my parents took me on as a baby, they always had to make stops since I wanted to look at the horses, I was so fascinated with them! Beata explains.
She was barely a year old when she first sat on a pony, and she started taking lessons at three years old.
– When I was eight, I saw a white pony. She was the most beautiful horse I’d ever seen. Back then, I had no idea that four years later, she was the pony I would get to call my own. I will never forget the moment when my parents told me Foxy was mine.
Foxy, short for Sliabh Foxy, is a 12-year-old Connemara mare. Together with Foxy, Beata now competes in showjumping. They have also tried eventing, and are soon to debut in their first eventing competition.
– I’m so excited! It’s going to be fun, but also a challenge since eventing consists of three disciplines (Editor’s note, dressage, showjumping and cross country), and I have only competed in showjumping before. But Foxy has done all three, so I’m glad I have her, Beata says.
Foxy is Beata’s soulmate, and choosing one specific favorite memory together is tricky, Beata says.
– My best memory with Foxy is when we won a tournament in Torsås (Sweden). Or maybe when I first took her for a test ride; she took my glove and played with it, she really didn’t want to let go of it. 😅 We’ve shared so many special moments together, like the first time we swam together during the summer. It’s never me, it’s us. Foxy and I.
Beata was introduced to the riding wear of Maya Delorez at her local riding school.
– I noticed that some of my peers wore MD. I have tried many different brands when it comes to riding wear, but according to me, Maya Delorez’ clothing is the only one that fits and is comfortable.
Do you have any fav product?
– Lexi Function Breeches in half seat, they fit so well. I also like the hoodies, they are nice to wear whenever!
🇮🇪 Katie McParland, 26, Ireland
Katie McParland is a 26-year-old Marketing Coordinator, living in County Kildare in Ireland. Her horse journey started when her mom took her to the stables at age five, and she got her first pony when she turned ten. Her second horse was a four-year-old TB x Welsh Cob named Troy.
– Troy and I did everything together, but after a bad fall I decided leaving the ground wasn’t for me. It was then that I decided to focus on dressage, Katie explains.
– With Troy, I competed in novice dressage in Ireland. Unfortunately, his hot, fizzy attitude was always a struggle, and we didn’t get much further despite his beautiful movement.
A few years later, Katie’s mother bought Indie, a gray 15-year-old Connemara x Irish Draught. After Katie’s mother had an accident, she decided she wasn’t prepared to ride and asked Katie to take over Indie.
– With Troy limited at his level, I thought why not. And it was one of the best decisions I ever made, Katie says.
Indie never did dressage until Katie took her on, but according to Katie, “she just took to it like a fish to water”. Indie is now 18, and together she and Katie are competing in novice and elementary.
– I have no words to express my love and appreciation for this mare. She has made every goal and aspiration come true. She never lets me down and does everything she can for me. She is the most honest, trying and kindest mare I’ve ever met. She is so talented, and I don’t think I’ve ever competed with her where she hasn’t brought a ribbon home. She consistently places and wins many dressage competitions – a huge achievement for us since she isn’t a typical “dressage style” horse. The odds are against her, but she always performs and shines. She is a one in a million, and I owe it all to her for making my dreams come true.
What would you say is your biggest achievement?
– One of our biggest achievements was being nominated for the Association of Irish Riding Clubs’ (AIRC) Dressage Horse of the Year 2023 and Dressage Rider of the Year 2023. We won the later award, and I couldn’t have done it without Indie. We have some big goals this year, so fingers crossed we’ll make it!
Do you have any fool-proof tips for your fellow horsey community?
– Riding in figures of eight and doing serpentines! They work wonders for suppleness of the whole body and when I started focusing on this, my horse turned a corner. She was softer in the contact. More forward to the leg and more consistent in the rhythm and frame. They are wonderful!
Katie first discovered Maya Delorez as a brand on Instagram, not too long ago.
– I loved the look of the equipment and gear and decided to try it. I adore the saddle pads and the socks!
Do you have any fav product?
– The Sandie Dressage Saddle Pad is my go-to, I adore it!
A huge thank you to everyone who sent us their stories and (incredible 🤌 ) horsey pics in your MD outfits! We read each and every one of them, they made our day, month, maybe even year? As a matter of fact, the interest in sharing your stories was so high that we have decided to make this a regular thing. More Community Stories are coming!
Pls continue to share your content with us on our social media, tag @mayadelorez or #mayadelorez.