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Hi and welcome to the October edition of our TEAM JOHNSON STUDENT RIDER PROFILES.
This month we catch up with Andrea Skinner, one of my pupils who spent some time with me talking about her riding pursuits, professional and personal interests.

Name: Andrea Skinner
Age: 23

CJ: What do you do?
AS: I study Law at the University of Sydney! And although I've cut down since buying my new horse, I love to go out and have a good night every once in a while! I also work with a lovely solicitor, and right now, we're dealing with a pretty nasty divorce case!

CJ: Tell me about your riding and your horses.
AS: I started riding when I was about 9 years old, then convinced my dad to buy me a horse when I turned 11! I fell off every second day learning how to jump... needless to say I really must have loved it and developed a strong passion for horses. Around 8 months ago, I came to Chrissie after my Aunty Rebecca Skinner (also one of Chrissie's students) bought Ted and began raving about how great the place was! After riding Ted for a while I once again became addicted to the sport and competing was what I wanted to do. So...Chrissie helped me trial horses for almost 6 months and we finally came across the fabulous Sherman! Sherman is a 13 year old 16.1h Warmblood directly descended from Sky High, a famous show-jumping stallion! Sherman has since taught me a lot in very little time! I look forward to our time together... he's great.

CJ: What are your goals -short and long term.
AS: In the short term, I want to work towards competing at D Grade level to earn some points for Sherman. As far as the other aspects of my life, I want to finish my degree and hopefully get a job that allows me to continue riding and competing. I am not sure where horse riding will take me in the far future, all I know is that it will always somehow be a part of my life and the skills I'm learning now with Chrissie will be the kind I can take through to when I grow up and beyond (no, I don't feel like a grown-up quite yet)!

CJ: Describe some of your successes in riding.
AS: I haven't competed much so I don't have a list of recognisable achievements, but I was so proud when I completed a clear round at Penrith Valley Oranges. THAT was challenging. I have also placed 2nd in a 1.05 and 4th in the .90m at a Kellyville Jumping Day!

CJ: What makes your life enjoyable and worthwhile?
AS: This might get a few laughs... RIDING! I love to ride, and I'm sure fellow horse enthusiasts would agree that when one gets on a horse, it is an opportunity to leave all other problems behind and ONLY think about what you are doing at that very moment. I love that feeling! Oh and I play the guitar in my 'spare' time (of which there is very little!)

CJ: What is your favourite movie?
AS: Garden State and Napoleon Dynamite

CJ: What is your favourite music?
AS: The Garden State soundtrack (yes just a little obsessed)
CJ: What is your favourite food?
AS: BACON!!!!!

CJ: What do you think you will be doing in 10 years time.
AS: Although I am violently avoiding this outcome, I bet I'll be a lawyer! Just my luck... but what I'd love to be is a consultant, preferably running my own business so I can get away to ride every day!

CJ: Your motto for life?
AS: If it's meant to happen, it will!

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