Lindsay Parker Woude Helps Pursue Dreams
By KELSY LORIN TAYLOR
Web Editor and Feature Writer
LEAPS AND BOUNDS: Lindsay Woude competed in a variety of competitions throughout the nation under the guidance of a fellow trainer and the Oklahoma State Equestrian Team for more than 16 years. She continues to be involved in equestrian activities by teaching riding lessons at Sonrise Stables in Broken Arrow.
Lindsay Parker Woude has become one of the most talented equestrians from the state and throughout the nation. Her career took her to competitions, college and now to teaching others how to ride horses in Broken Arrow.
When only 11 years old, Woude began to ride horses with one of her close friends. “I was always in the stable and loved to be around horses. I took a few western lessons and then decided to try English. I fell in love with the discipline.”
Woude began to take lessons under Carol Fulton, an acclaimed trainer in the Tulsa area. In the following years, she showed competitively in children’s and junior hunters as well numerous equitation and medal championships. In 1999 she won the Greater Oklahoma Equitation Medal. She also was recognized as Best Child Rider both at the Zone 7 Finals as well as at the Estes Park Hunter Jumper Festival. In 2000 she was named as the Oklahoma Hunter Jumper Association Equitation Champion.
Woude received a varsity athletic scholarship to become a part of the Oklahoma State Equestrian Team. For four years, she represented the school as a top competitor and again traveled throughout the nation for horse shows. Within the team, she was awarded many titles including High Point Rider. She also was on the Commissioner’s Honor Roll for Big Athletics.
In addition, Woude continually qualified for regional and zone championships where she ranked third in flat and over fences divisions. In 2005, she was voted by her team for her hard work and dedication.
Once she graduated from Oklahoma State University, Woude decorated homes throughout the Tulsa area as an interior designer. One day, her childhood trainer Fulton asked her to become a beginning riding instructor for Sonrise Stables. “I immediately said yes! It is a great opportunity to continue to be involved with horses and I have loved the experience.”
After many years in the field, Fulton is slowly beginning to retire and has decided that the best fit to take over her role at the stables is Woude.
Learning from what Fulton has taught her, Woude focuses on teaching the importance of horse care, health and interaction. While in the arena, Woude emphasizes the walk, trot and canter in order to prepare students for competition or simply for enjoying a ride in an open pasture.
Just as she began early, Woude encourages children to become involved with horses in any way that they can. “I think that horseback riding teaches a lot of lessons such as responsibility and perseverance. If something is hard, you just need to stick with it. If you fall, you get right back up and try again. These lessons will stay with them for the rest of their lives just as they have for me.”
Recently, she took her first group of students to a horse show where many won best in their class. “This was so rewarding. I have taught them what I know and to see them be so successful is amazing. I hope that they will continue to compete and maybe one day, they will be top in the nation.”
Her students have the experience of working side by side with the successful equestrian and learning everything that she shares with them. “I will continue to be there for them through competitions and lessons and hope that they will always keep in touch with me to let me k now how they are doing in life.”
One of Woude’s favorite memories was receiving her first horse. “He has been with me from the beginning of my career and is now 24 years old. He lives at the stable and lights up every time that he helps a beginning student learn how to ride.”
For additional information, visit www.mysonrisestables.com or call 918-978-7433. Lessons are available for children to adults.
Updated 07-06-2011
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