Real Rider Spotlight: Sam Montgomery

From Winnipeg, Manitoba, Sam Montgomery has been in the saddle since age 5. As a para equestrian who works with nine horses daily, she embodies dedication, feel, and loyalty—to her horses and the craft.

Riding Since Childhood

Sam has been riding since the age of five and owned her first horse by 13. Today, she balances trail riding with bits of dressage and jumping for fun. As a para equestrian (blind), she rides for the joy of it and still finds time to train—including two miniatures with outsized personalities.

Meet Duke

Of all her horses, one stands above the rest: Duke, a paint × thoroughbred cross who’s been her partner for 15 years. “He is my world,” she says. As Duke settles into his seasoned years, the small things matter more—patient warmups, long cooldowns, and simple routines that add up. If you’re navigating that chapter too, our Senior Horse Care Guide is a good companion read.

Her Go-To: Draw It Out® Gel Liniment

Introduced by a friend, Sam now keeps Draw It Out® Gel Liniment in the barn at all times.

“I use it on every horse! I’m down to my last bottle right now and I’ve been working nine horses—it works so lovely.”

Weather, Fields & Favorite Spots

Winnipeg’s extremes test any horsewoman. Sam jokes she wants to “cry, lol!”—then adapts. For seasonal swings, she leans on Draw It Out® Gel Liniment and keeps routines steady. We break down seasonal prep in our Spring Horse Care Guide.

Her sanctuary is a field that used to be an old cow pasture. She knows it so well she can ride there safely, even without sight—proof that familiarity, not flash, builds confidence for horse and rider.

Sam’s Best Tip

“Take your time in warm up and cool down—lots of low and low stretches.” Nothing fancy. Just the quiet, compounding habits that keep horses right.