Crysta Brown: A Passionate Advocate for Western Riding in Ireland
Earlier this year, we were delighted to learn that Ireland had a team competing at the Youth World Games at the APHA World Championships, and now, we’re so excited to introduce Crysta Brown, the driving force behind the team’s success and a dedicated advocate for Western riding in Ireland!
Crysta, a talented horse trainer originally from California, has brought her love for Western riding to new communities in Ireland and the UK.. Her passion for horses began early, working hard to earn her riding lessons by cleaning stalls and eventually taking on assistant training roles. Over the years, Crysta competed in some of the biggest APHA (American Paint Horse Association) shows in the U.S., earning impressive titles like National Honor Roll Champion in Barrel Racing.
In 2022, Crysta’s journey took her from California to Northern Ireland when she met her now-fiancé, Chris Thomas. While adjusting to life in a new country, she found her niche in the local equestrian scene, introducing Western riding to an area primarily known for Dressage, Showjumping and Eventing.
Her ability to blend Western riding expertise with traditional disciplines has opened exciting opportunities for riders across the UK and Ireland.
"The more I work with show jumpers in Ireland, the more I’ve been surprised at how well the Western style fits," she says (Equine Chronicle).
She has been able to help riders solve behavioural problems and improve their horses’ balance and strength through Western training techniques.
In 2023, Crysta took on one of her most rewarding challenges yet: coaching the Irish Paint Horse Association (IPHA) team for the APHA Youth World Games in Fort Worth, Texas. It was the first time Ireland had a team at the event, and under Crysta’s guidance, the group achieved incredible results, placing fifth overall and securing Reserve Champion titles in Horsemanship and Equitation. Her dedication to the team, and her ability to bring out the best in each rider, has helped elevate Ireland’s presence in the Western riding world.
Sarah recently chatted with Crysta during the Abi Lyle Dressage Evening, where they discussed Crysta’s journey and her future plans—you can watch the full interview below.
Sarah recently chatted with Crysta at the Abi Lyle Dressage Evening.
Looking ahead, Crysta is eager to continue growing the stock horse community in Ireland and the UK. As she begins writing for Equitas, she shares...
"I'm always looking for opportunities to make information about our sport more accessible, I'm so appreciative to Equitas for providing me space to share what I know with fellow equestrians!"
We’re thrilled to have Crysta on board, and her upcoming articles are sure to offer valuable insights. Stay tuned for her first piece, coming soon! To learn more about Crysta and her work, visit her website at www.cbhorsemanship.com.
