Alyce Bittar – Brand Ambassador

Alyce Bittar has been riding since she was a child, as her Dad, international rider and trainer Georges Bittar of Bittar Stables, first put her on a horse as a baby. Her Dad knows that champion athletes are not born- “they’re selected, trained, molded and tested”. Alyce exemplifies the training instilled in her by Team Bittar of teamwork, loyalty and camaraderie. Alyce showed off her skills at the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships last year at HITS Saugerties, and she is busy this show season competing in California.

1. At what age did you begin riding, and what riding style did you begin with?

I began riding since the day I came out of the hospital from being born. My father put me in front of him and we cantered around, and I have been in love with riding ever since.

2. What is the best training tip you received from a trainer?

“Don’t just do an exercise, do it in a way that will improve each individual horse” (Kent Farrington)

3. What is the worst training tip you received from a trainer?

I don’t have one because everything any trainer tells me is something I can learn from.

4. What training technique is your go to tool for preparing yourself and your horse(s) for a show?

We focus on the flat work and work over poles to help prepare for shows. We start jumping at least a week in advance of the horse show.

5. What do you consider your biggest riding strength?

I think my biggest strength is visualization. This is because I can “ride” any course before I go into the ring which allows me to be better prepared for the opportunity I have to win in each class.

6. What has been your biggest riding challenge?

My flat work. Although I have vastly improved my flat work I can still immensely improve because it is the most important part in developing and keeping a horse sound.

7. If you could ride anywhere in the world where would that be?

I would want to ride in Achen on the big Grand Prix field.

8. Do you cross train/trail ride with your horse(s)?

Yes, every morning (before I work my horse), I go on a 30 minute trail ride. I think that is very important in keeping a horse mentally happy since they are kept in a stall most of the time.

9. If you were to dress up your horse(s) for Halloween what would you both be?

I would dress my horse and me up like a racehorse.

10. What books on riding would you recommend?

Anne Kursinski’s Riding and Jumping Clinic