12/16/2025
Instructor Spotlight!--Monique van de Stolpe
This time of year, we acknowledge the incredible people and horses who make the important work of Thorncroft possible.
As part of our instructor team, Monique brings to Thorncroft a wealth of knowledge and passion for teaching. We are honored to have her experience and dedication on our team.
From the Netherlands to Thorncroft
"'Do you have a work permit?' I was riding in the main arena. Sallie Dixon was watching.' Yes!' I kept trotting around. The next time I came by she yelled: 'You’re hired!'
Eleven years ago I started teaching at Thorncroft, just about a year after we moved to the US. I started riding in the Netherlands as a kid. I learned how to stay on when we, for a while, rode in a circus tent, especially when it was windy, and the horses regularly bolted from the flapping roof. That made galloping on the beach feel like a walk in the park!
I quit riding when I started my own business and had our three sons. In 2003, we moved to China. I returned to riding at the Shanghai Equestrian Center, where I leased an, off the (Hong Kong) track, Thoroughbred.
A year before the Olympics in Beijing, the Special Olympics took place in Shanghai. They built a massive roof over the outdoor arena, set up temporary stalls, and brought in all kinds of ponies and horses to train for the Special Olympics riders. They asked me to be the ring master for the three arenas.
We had a great time assisting riders from all over the world. After that, my friends and I set up a little program in a local riding school for children with cerebral palsy.
When we moved to the US in 2013, I found Thorncroft and started volunteering. Every Wednesday afternoon, cleaning stalls. After Sallie hired me to teach, I quickly signed up to learn and received my PATH International and CHA diplomas.
At the same time, I bought a horse and a few years ago, I got my bronze medal in dressage. I am very lucky to be able to ride my amazing horse, Heron. We just did some canter pirouettes!
I am happy to bring in all experiences to my teaching at Thorncroft. It was so fun to do some ‘Dressage Specials’ a few years ago, ending in a small judged show. My students love to work with music and their ‘Kür’ or ‘Pas de Deux’."
Every week, (riders) Sean, Bob, and Michael pick their ‘Song of the Week’ which I post on “Horsy Stuff” on Facebook, my group with pictures and all things horses for our Thorncroft family.
I love teaching at Thorncroft and am thrilled that we have two indoors with sturdy roofs!"-Monique
