Amateur Karin Reid Offield began her riding career as a child in equitation and jumpers, finishing in the top 10 in the AHSA Medal Finals in Harrisburg, Pa., as a junior. After transitioning to dressage and working and competing all over the country, she is now active in equestrian sports promotion, children’s involvement activities, and is the president of Offield Farms in Harbor Springs, Mich. She competes at the Grand Prix level with Lingh, the 14-year-old, Dutch Warmblood stallion who carried Dutch rider Edward Gal to victory in the Grand Prix and a second place overall finish at the 2005 FEI World Cup Final (Nev.). This year Offield received the Valerie Kahan Memorial Trophy at Dressage At Devon (Pa.) for the top-placing adult amateur Grand Prix rider for the second consecutive year. Bound for Europe to compete with Lingh in his home country this fall, Offield stopped to pontificate on her Grand Prix mounts, her GPS and the greatest year of her life.

Name: Karin Reid Offield   
Home Base: Harbor Springs, Michigan 

If you hadn’t become a rider, where would you be right now?
Living in the mountains.

Given the chance, what horse other than your own would you like to take a turn on?
[My own horse] Hexagon’s Louisville. He’s retired now. I would like him to come back to the Grand Prix arena. He was a joy to ride.

What word or phrase do you overuse?
“Holy mackerel.”

What is your drink of choice?
Water.

What is your biggest self-indulgence?
My horses.

What is the best feeling in the world?
Probably perfect practice in my riding day. Then my hobby of skiing… the feeling of freedom!

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?
I guess I have not met him yet.

What do the musical selections in your freestyle say about your horse?
He is light, yet powerful. I think our music [from the movie Hook] suits him. I hope the judges agree!

What one item from your wardrobe best personifies you?
My cowboy boots.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing the world today?
Starvation and communicable disease.

What was the last book you read?
I re-read s The Fine Madness Of Running The Iditarod by Gary Paulsen. It’s super fun reading.

What three things are most likely to be found in your refrigerator at all times?
Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, fruits and veggies.

What do you find to be the most ridiculous part of the horse world?
Being “on the road” and how difficult it is for me to get places. I think the GPS has made it harder for me!

What is your favorite competition venue?
I love Del Mar [Calif.] and Devon for their arenas and spectators and also The Cow Palace [home of the Grand National Rodeo in San Francisco, Calif.].

Jack Russells: yes or no?
Yes—two.

What equine fad do you perpetuate?
I don’t know, turning my horse out beautifully? It should be a fad!

What characteristic do you value most in a horse?
Common sense.

In a human?
Right now, attention to detail and joyfulness!

In retrospect, what has been the best decision you’ve made in life?
The night I decided to “get serious” and pursue dressage, then the decision to purchase Lingh. It’s really been the greatest year of my life. From the downs of being fearful of what “he might do,” to the knowledge that “he will do” most everything I ask, beautifully. Every day is a study in good mechanics and horsemanship.

Where will you be in 10 years?
In the mountains and near the lake.