Lisa Claridge interviewed by Sandie Keetch
(From Christian Herald – 14 June 2003)

Riding High

Top dressage competitor Lisa Claridge is riding high in the equestrian world. 

From the age of eight Lisa was happy to climb into the saddle.  In her native Switzerland she learnt to ride on powerful, challenging horses that demanded swift thinking and deftness of hand. She quickly cultivated grit, patience and style that have carried her through her children’s gymkhana days to the heady, disciplined lifestyle of a leading dressage competitor. 

…….. IT IS A TOUGH AND LONELY IN THESE THOROUGHBRED CIRCLES 

“Initially, I thought horses were for other people since I never planned to have them,” recalls Lisa from her East Anglian home. But today God has used horses to interlock the jigsaw pieces of her life and sow seeds of faith across the equestrian world. It is tough and lonely as the only Christian in these thoroughbred circles, but Lisa continues to ride. 

Over the years she has touched a wide cross-section of lives. One young woman rider stopped outside her home and watched the family prepare their mounts for a show. It was the beginning of an on-going six-year friendship that has helped lift her from the abyss of suffering and explore the Christian faith through a church alpha course with Lisa. “I try to witness gently and honestly with individuals,” explains the local Vineyard Church member. 

Lisa’s faith was spurred on when her family vicar refused to baptise their son unless one parent was a Christian. He lent her Michael Green’s book: ‘You must be Joking’ and she became a Christian within days. 

When her children were small, ponies became part of the family scene. “They brought a lot of joy and became a family bond as our children grew up, teaching us to be patient with one another,” she muses. With her husband, a doctor, pony club events were a regular weekend activity. New friendships were moulded and the Claridge paddocks often became the focus for pony fetes and church and charity funding. 

“The horses are a wonderful gift from God and I share a oneness with these animals. It’s a privilege to work with them and use what God has given to live life to the full. My faith has promoted an enthusiasm for riding that keeps bubbling,” explains Lisa.

By giving it away you are blessed 100 time over,” says Lisa. 

Dressage is a perfect balance between horse and rider, promoting harmony and technical know-how.

“I took up dressage because I never want to battle with horses. There is no resistance or rein pulling and you cannot force horses, only guide them,” says Lisa whose gentle touch underscores her faith in caring for them. 

Divine provision enabled her to buy two enviable mounts that she thought were beyond her reach. A top dressage sponsor pointed out her latest stable mate, Rotterdam, and helped her bid against the British dressage champion. “Before the auction I prayed alone, asking God to either shut or open the door to purchase him but to make it clear what he wanted,” says Lisa.       

The expected hefty price tag was never realised and despite not having the usual banker’s authority, Lisa’s last bid secured the deal. “Otti {Rotterdam’s shortened name}came like a thunderbolt out of heaven,” recalls Lisa. Today the glossy, black six-year old is stepping out in elite arenas across the eastern region. His gravity-defying, split-second movements keep audiences gasping as a worthy rosette winner.   

Her horses are ‘tools’ to share her faith. They cut ice with the self-absorbed riders and trainers. “It is a tough, busy atmosphere in the affiliated dressage league and even the warm-up time for each competitor is set to the precise minute.  I always pray for the Lord to keep me safe and on track to ride for his glory and not for myself. I get nervous but as a Christian I know that competition is not the main thing. There is no fear in failure because it is a privilege to ride for God. 

“Every horse is a different age, with different quirks – so how can you say one is better than another?  If I do not do well against another horse, I may still achieve the best test I have ever done on my horse which is satisfying,” says Lisa. 

Lisa knows when she loses her spiritual focus. “I am not relaxed and my stressed state means I do not have the balance, so a disciplined attitude is vital,” she explains. 

That discipline extends to her three-hour daily training sessions in the paddock. Her two horses are systematically put through their paces, ensuring they are attuned to the rigours of this exacting sport. Her affinity with horses also means she offers riding lessons and schooling for horses, bolstering confidence and competence for rider and horse alike. 

She scans the specialist press, earmarking events within a three-hour drive with good facilities, avoiding grass, which may be slippery and uneven, in favour of an all-weather surface. 

“Dressage is a full-time serious sport and many of the competitions are held during the week,” explains Lisa who has made it a full-time, serious ministry for God.