Sarah LesslerBalancing career, family, and barn time, adult amateur Kristina Christiansen proves that with grit, planning, and passion, even everyday riders can reach one of show jumping’s most prestigious stages.
PHOTOS BY Shawn McMillen
For adult amateur Kristina Christiansen, stepping into the National Horse Show ring wasn’t just a dream fulfilled but the culmination of more than 30 years of dedication.
Since its founding in 1883, the National Horse Show has stood as one of show jumping’s most prestigious stages. Once held at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and for more than a decade at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, it heads to Tryon International this fall. It remains more than a competition.
Christiansen’s passion began at Lion Hill Farm in Easton, Connecticut, where she accompanied her mother, who had returned to riding. By age 7, she was taking weekly lessons and was hooked. “I took it very seriously from the beginning,” she said.
She started showing at local schooling shows and dreamed of Madison Square Garden. At 14, with help from her parents and earnings from TV commercials, she bought her first horse and began competing at rated shows across the Northeast. “That horse taught me how to ride and to be tough,” she said.
Later, she found Willa, a reserved mare on the ground but electric in the ring. Though not suited for equitation, Willa revealed Christiansen’s spark in the jumper ring. “We shared a soul,” she said. Willa even accompanied her to the University of Delaware, where Christiansen competed on the equestrian team and became captain.
After college, she moved to New York City but kept riding through half leases in Connecticut and New York. Balancing work, marriage, and a young son, she pursued her competitive goals within her means. Qualifying for the National Horse Show was never the hardest part; timing, resources, and horse partnerships often held her back.
Finding Dora
This year felt different thanks to Cordoba 73, “Dora,” an 11-year-old Holsteiner mare she leased. After a strong showing at Marshall & Sterling, Christiansen decided to take the leap. “I realized we were competitive against top riders and that the National Horse Show was within reach,” she said.
Arriving at the Kentucky Horse Park, she was struck by the atmosphere. “I walked into the Alltech Arena and thought, ‘Wow, I’m here, I did it,’” she said. What impressed her most was the camaraderie. “Everyone is so kind, so supportive. People juggle careers, families, and horses, yet they’re all there cheering each other on.”
Dora rose to the occasion. After strategizing with trainer Heather Gnewuch of West Lane Riding, Christiansen executed her adult equitation championship rounds almost flawlessly. They earned scores in the 80s and finished sixth in a competitive field. “Everything came together at the right moment with this amazing horse,” she said. With her mother cheering in the stands, Christiansen added, “At 39, it brought me back to my junior days and put everything into perspective.”
The Adult Amateur Playbook
She is candid about what it takes to succeed as an adult amateur. Her advice begins at home: honest communication and flexibility. Each week, she and her husband map out schedules before she slots in barn time. Some weekends lean toward riding; others toward family.
Financial planning is another pillar. She keeps a separate “horse fund” and chooses shows strategically. Cutting back to two days a week was necessary. “Would I love to ride three or four days? Of course,” she said. “But I think I’m proof you don’t need to be in the saddle every day to achieve something like competing at the National Horse Show.”
After achieving her childhood dream, Christiansen isn’t slowing down. “Now I have the bug—I want to go back,” she said. While her ultimate fantasy involves winter circuits in Wellington or Ocala, her next goal is to invest in owning and developing a horse with a trainer.
For now, Kristina remains grateful and motivated, with the dream of the National Horse Show fulfilled.
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