Michèle PFENDER : Reining
 Michèle PFENDER
Discipline manager - Reining
4 questions for Michèle PFENDER
What is your most memorable moment involving horses?
When, for the first time, I discovered that a slight change in movement or attitude was sufficient to encourage a horse to go from one manoeuvre to another and also when I realised how receptive a top-level reining horse could be.
What do the World Equestrian Games represent to you?
The WEG represent the opportunity to showcase reining through combining high-level equestrian performance and respect for the physical and mental integrity of the horse.
What particular challenge will you be up against in your discipline?
To show everyone that reining is a fully-fledged style of riding, that its practice requires just as many qualities as all the other official disciplines, while respecting the same sporting and equestrian values.
And during the WEG, to turn France into « the other reining country » !
How will we able to see that you have succeeded in your goals for the World Equestrian Games?
An important criterion of success will be the presence of the best « reiners » and many spectators from all over the world.
If the competition conditions allow the competitors to express themselves and to grip the public’s imagination, then our goals will be achieved.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
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Occupational therapist
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1994-2011 : Sessad APAJH (Home care, education and social services for the disabled)
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1992-1994 : Care service for the hearing impaired
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1984-1994 : Institute for behavioural disorders
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Instructor for the use of ponies and horses in equine-assisted healthcare
EDUCATION/TRAINING
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1989 : Sports instructor state licence - 1 (BEES) - Equestrian activities
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1984 : D.E. State diploma in occupational therapy
EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE
FEI Reining judge
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Since 2006 : President of the French Quarter Horse Association
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Since 2006 : Trainer of FFE western judges
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Since 2005 : Organisation of the International Reining Competition
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Since 2004 : Multiple disciplines western judge
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Since 2002 : NRHA (National Reining Horse Association) reining judge
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Since 2001 : Organisation of AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) competitions, such as the AQHA European Championships
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Since 1990 : Western horse riding
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Until 1979 : Horse training at the family rearing stables and jumping
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