Life. Learning. Passion.
Who Am I?
My name is Bryanna Tanase and I am a 22 year old Grade 1 paradressage rider with goals of becoming a member of the U.S Para Dressage team and therapeutic riding instructor someday. My love of horses has been with me since early childhood and I proudly nurture it as often as I can to become a better horsewoman and partner to the horses I ride. I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 11 months old, and being with horses reminds me what I am capable of in spite of the challenges of my disability. Watch the video below to learn more about my story.
Here are some things I have accomplished since I began riding
Rode a horse with complete independence for the first time
Learned how to groom and lead horses properly
Learned how to tack up properly
Learned how to ride some basic dressage figures and tests including a 20 meter circle, and lateral work like the leg yield
Done liberty work
Ridden a cloverleaf barrel pattern
Ridden in both english and western tack
Gotten myself into a two point position with help
Cleaned tack on my own
Studied several aspects of horse behavior and care
Learned about medical conditions that affect horses
Gained knowledge of comparative anatomy
Met a USDF bronze and silver medalist-Lisa Hellmer- and paradressage rider Laurietta Oakleaf who I now consider my mentors
Shared my story with hundreds through oral presentation and writing
Became a USEF adult amateur
Received a feature in EQ-AM magazine
Received my national paradressage classification- Grade 1
Joined the United States Para-Equestrian Association
Learned and performed an FEI paradressage test
Was featured on the podcast Horsing Around with Alyssa hosted by Grade 3 paradressage rider and amputee Alyssa Cleland
Received a feature in US Equestrian's Equestrian Weekly
...and the list will continue to grow!
FAQ
What does Parapiaffe mean?
Parapiaffe is a combination of two words: Paraequestrian, a person with a disability that participates in equestrian sports and/or works with horses, and piaffe, an upper level dressage move that is essentially a trot in place.
What is the difference between hippotherapy and therapeutic riding?
Hippotherapy is physical, occupational, and/ or speech therapy on horseback facilitated by a licensed therapist who has one on one contact with the patient at all times and uses the horse's movement to help the patient reach therapy goals and improve function when not on horseback. Therapeutic riding is adaptive horseback riding lessons for individuals with disabilities taught in group format and facilitated by a certified riding instructor.
Where do you ride?
A comprehensive equine assisted therapy center called Quantum Leap Farm!
How long have you been riding for?
Four years!
If you're in a wheelchair, how can you get on and off a horse?
I use a special lift to help me get off and on!
What are your favorite color and breed of horse?
My favorite coat color is any shade of grey (white) or anything with dapples. I have many favorite horse breeds including Quarter Horses, Friesians, Lusitanos, Andalusians, and Lippizaners.
Who is your equestrian inspiration?
For non-para riders Charlotte Dujardin is my first. The connection she shares with her horses is incredible and she is an incredibly talented rider. I hope to be half as good as her one day. Laura Graves is a close second. The entire US Para Team is a massive inspiration to me on the daily, and I am aiming to join them!