User:Carlos35Plaza/sandbox

Alison Plaza was born on September, 11th, 1958 in Caracas, Venezuela. Alison has been in love with horses all her life and began riding formally at the age of 8 in Argentina under the expert instruction of Stephanie Mills, an instructor at the British Horse Society. Alison continued her riding instruction in Caracas as a teenager and then went on to complete her British Horse Society Instructor certification at Talland School of Equitation in England under Molly Sivewright, Fellow of the B.H.S. and author of “Thinking Riding.” Having completed her BHS certification, Alison traveled to France where she trained with Mr Hugh Percyn, at the time, one of the 10 best show jumping riders in France and under the tutelage of his father Colonel Retired Percyn of The Cadre Noir in Saumur. Alison returned to Venezuela where she competed up to the FEI levels earning the National Champion ribbon at the FEI Prix St. George level. Alison moved to Ottawa with her husband and children and was fortunate to train under Bronze medalist Gina Smith during the many years she lived in Ottawa. Alison opened a new chapter in her career when she moved to Florida and began volunteering at a local Therapeutic Riding Center. Alison is a PATH Master Instructor, IV Instructor, ESMHL, PATH Intl Evaluator & Vaulting Committee member. Alison has been Involved in “Equine Assisted Therapies and Activities” for 11 years. Alison is an international level consultant & clinician assisting centers in all areas of program development offering continuing education for staff members in equine management, volunteer recruiting, training & retention and many other areas including mentoring to the next level of certification.