“As a little girl, I just wanted to ride a horse. I had no idea what I was getting into,” rider Amanda Purdin Standish tells us. Now, 20 years later, Amanda has closed out another show season at US Nationals, ending her year on a high after great wins: a National Championship in Half-Arabian Country Maturity, a Reserve National Championship in PB English 18-39, and Top Tens in both Half-Arabian English 18-39 and Half-Arabian Country 18-39.
Aside from being a top rider, Amanda also has top show ring fashion…
Show Season: Describe your riding fashion style.
Amanda Purdin Standish: Sparkly but classic…I have simple styles and colors with hints of sparkle!
SS: What is your favorite head-to-toe riding outfit?
APS: A new burgundy that Melissa designed for me this year. I love that the color is a little different and the vest that goes with it is very fun!
SS: Do you wear anything for good luck in the show ring?
APS: I lose most of the things that I think are lucky throughout the year! I have a tie tack right now that I think is lucky. I’m very superstitious about who does my hair. Believe it or not there is definitely a lucky bun!
SS: What is one thing you never go in the ring without?
APS: I prefer to never go in the ring without my husband, Rhein on one side of the arena and my trainer Joel on the other.
SS: How would you describe your non-horse show style?
APS: My non horse show style is normally very simple.
SS: What has been your biggest accomplishment as a rider?
APS: I’m not sure I have a biggest accomplishment as a rider. I would say one of the moments I am most proud of was being National Champion Half Arabian country 18-35 in 2012 on a 4 year old since he was not allowed to compete in the Maturity. This year, I showed the same horse and was able to win the maturity. To be able to win two years in row on such a special horse meant a lot to me!
SS: What are your riding goals for the future?
APS: I would like to continue to be successful on the horses I have bred and raised.
SS: Who has been the most influential in your riding career?
APS: My parents have supported me so much in my riding career. They are always on the rail and at the shows to help me with anything I need. Without them, I would never have been able to accomplish what I have.
