Street to Stable has been carefully curated to connect a community of individuals that share the equestrian way of life that share a mutual respect and compassion for the horse. We have a very limited and select advisory committee with each member delivering a specialty that enhances the quality of content provided to our readership. The search for a junior advisor has been one of careful consideration and we are honored to welcome McKenna Maree Norris to our respected group of professional adults.
While McKenna's enthusiasm and commitment to the sport first intrigued me, it was upon learning of her resilience during a sudden and rather recent critical health crisis and her desire to challenge herself to return to the saddle as quickly as possible and with a positive perspective that garnered an added respect. Additionally, McKenna resides in Sun Valley, Idaho, a region that is isolated from AA shows, yet with the assistance of a strong support team and hard work, she has earned invitations to many prestigious Big Eq and Junior Hunter Finals on both coasts of the U.S.
Recently, McKenna not only was champion in the National Hunter Derby at our first ever USHJA rated show in Idaho, but the derby judges also recognized her for having the "Best Turnout"; an award that was presented by Street to Stable. This connection initiated continued conversations, thus affirming my intuition that we share similar values as related to the hunter/jumper industry and the level of sportsmanship and commitment required.
I personally have enjoyed mentoring many colleagues in developing fundamental business practices throughout my career. It is with great enthusiasm that I look forward to not only sharing my skills with McKenna, but also absorbing her feedback regarding both contemporary issues and observations as an active competitor on the hunter/jumper circuit as well as trends in social media and new media marketing tactics.
The sustainability and growth of our industry is dependent on many factors, one of which is both helping and learning from the feedback of our future leaders.
Salut!
ABOUT
About Riding....
I have ridden most of my lift starting with our first quarter horse and then Arabians, and now the hunter/jumpers. I have gained experience in the show ring riding many different breeds in many different disciplines, both English and Western. My competition history includes National and Canadian National titles.
Favorite time to ride: Early Morning! 8 AM rides are the best!
Life Changing Experience...
When my family made the decision to move Sun Valley, Idaho. The mountains were beautiful, the snow was great, but there was no Arabian trainers in the valley. For a while, I tried to ride and show from Seattle but that just wasn’t enough. I wanted to be with horses daily. This is when I made the decision to try something new, the “hunter/jumpers”.
December of 2014 I experienced a Pulmonary Embolism (a blood
clot) in my right lung. I was hospitalized for a few days, then carried around an oxygen tank for a
week following hospitalization, and prescribed blood thinners. I was on blood thinners for 3 ½
months not being able to participate in any physical activity, most importantly not being able to
ride.
What Makes me Different...
I love being different and surprising and not fitting stereotypes. I'm rather pleased to be me. I seek out and accept challenges, which I may not appear to be able to deliver on initially. I'm not afraid of failure. In fact I think it is essential, it’s part of the process if you want to succeed.
I love that this sport requires an intense amount of dedication and efforts, as well a fierce determination to meet your goals.