Larissa Cox

Hi, my name is Larissa Cox, and my horses are Crystalz Jubruq (Bruq; pronounced Brook a 15 year old Egyptian Arabian), Rotario (Rio who is a 7 year old Hanoverian), and Phantom (a 5 year old Oldenburg). 

I have been riding since I was 9, and over the years have participated in many equestrian sports.  On my late mare Jubilashon (Jubee), I was able to compete in gymkhana events such as barrel racing, as well as western pleasure and western equitation.   On Bruq, I competed successfully for several years in the Hunter/Jumper arena, as well as participating in competitive trail riding and eventing. I was also able to achieve many merit badges towards the  Recreational Riding Program through the International Arabian Horse Association, achieving badges for over 1000 hours on both Bruq and Jubee. 

I started Dressage with Bruq in 2001, when, after moving to a Dressage barn, took up the philosophy “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”  I became enchanted by the sport’s commitment to enhancing the communication and harmony between horse and rider, and have dedicated myself to that pursuit ever since.  I joined British Columbia Young Riders in 2001, and had the opportunity to partake in several clinics through the organization with such figures as Cara Whitham and Albrecht Heidemann.  In addition, I was involved in the BCYR demo at the PNE in 2001, as well as be a member of the BCYR volunteer team at the 2002 Blainville CDI.  This past year, I was thrilled to have won the BCYR Silver Sonata Award.

Though Dressage remains my primary passion, I remain open to learn and participate in other equestrian disciplines.  I have been fortunate to learn Natural Horsemanship from such clinicians as Clinton Anderson, Pat Parelli, John Lyons, Ken McNabb, Barb Apple, and Bo Bishop.  I have also been able to increase awareness in western disciplines through instruction from Cleeve Wells and Kim Gately.  For dressage I have had the chance to ride with notable figures as Hilda Gurney, Henrick Johannson, Gerd Reuter, Dr. Thomas Ritter, Roxanne Christianson, Frances Weeks and Christophe Theallet. In 2007, I was very fortunate to have been able to study under Susan Harris, Centered Riding to increase my body awareness.

Unfortunately, 2007 was a year in which two of my horses were in long term injury recovery.  Rio, sustained a major shoulder muscle injury in April, 2007 and was in recovery until February 2008.  Rio is currently being trained and we hope to show later in the 2008 season.  In December 2007, Phantom underwent stifle OCD surgery and is still in the recovery process.  I hope that Phantom will start being worked again in June 2008 and will return to his previous potential.   Bruq, however, has been in training and we are hoping to show at Fourth Level during the 2008 show season.

Larissa Cox with her horses
Bruq and Rio