Horse trainer and riding instructor, Alexis Scott, discovered her love for the Arabian breed early on.
“I have been riding and showing since the age of four,” tells Alexis. “My parents took me to our state fair and we were watching the horse show. We picked out the one Arabian in a class full of Quarter Horses. After the class we went up to the rider and she let me sit on her horse. I haven’t looked back since…”
“I think at that first moment it was that there was just something different about the Arabian. A kindness in his eye and a gentleness around people and children, different from any other horse at the fair,” she says.
Which is why, when Alexis’ parents approached Lyric Phillips for the first time about buying a horse and getting into showing, they were adamant about wanting an Arabian.
“That’s the approach I take with my clients today. For me, there’s just no other option as far as breeds are concerned,” Alexis explains.
Having won many titles on a regional, national, and even international level, Alexis has now dedicated herself to training others. In fact each one of her ‘kiddos’ came home with Top Ten honors from Youth Nationals last year.
“In my opinion it’s just as rewarding, if not more, for them to do well, as it is for me personally,” says Alexis.
Learn more about this talented equestrian in our Show Season exclusive –
Show Season: Describe your riding fashion style.
Alexis Scott: I like simplicity with a pop of color. Something that I know will look good no matter what I throw together. When you’re changing outfits on the fly it’s not practical to stand around and think about what’s going to go with what, so everything has to be interchangeable for me.
SS: What is your favorite head-to-toe riding outfit?
AS: I do love a good formal. There’s a feeling that goes with wearing one that you can’t really replicate. It’s probably a residual Equitation rider thing, but formals will always be my favorite.
SS: What is the one thing you never go in the ring without?
AS: Good undergarments!!!! They say that on the Red Carpet the most important thing is the undergarments under the dress, and I think that’s true for riders too. You don’t want anything bouncing around or riding up the wrong way when you’re in the middle of a class. It’s distracting and uncomfortable, and it reads on the rider when something is bothering somewhere that it shouldn’t be. I mean, it’s really hard to focus when you have a major wedgie. Seriously.
SS: How would you describe your non-horse show style?
AS: Pretty much the same as my horse show style. I like really easy stuff that I can just throw on and go. I don’t like having to browse around in my closet and think about what to wear. Everything goes with everything so I can just get dressed and get on with life.
SS: What has been your biggest accomplishment as a rider?
AS: The easy answer is defending the Gold Medal at the 2006 Saddle Seat World Cup, and it was definitely a tremendous honor to make that team and represent the US. However, I think even more satisfying than that is seeing my riders succeed in the show ring under my instruction. It’s always rewarding to accomplish something yourself, but when someone else is able to accomplish their goals because of my guidance, it takes the reward to a whole other level.
SS: What are your riding goals for the future?
AS: Well, I just found out last month that I’m expecting a little one, so for the immediate time being it’s getting through the show season without morning sickness and stretching my show clothes as far as I can. Long term, though, it’s getting all of my riders to the top. They all have a fire in their belly and a hunger for that rose blanket, so I’m looking forward to helping them facilitate their goals as riders. They all want it bad!
SS: Who has been the most influential in your riding career?
AS: Without question the person who has influenced me most, and still continues to do so, is Lyric Phillips. Her ability to tune in to a horse and rider is un-matched. She inspires me every day to be a better trainer, instructor, and mentor to my riders.