Chris Mills and Silke
by Suzin Daly, 2002

   Chris Mills has been involved with horses most of her life. As a young rider her family livedin Germany. From 1963-68 Chris as a junior rider was a student at Tattersall Weiss Riding School, under Herr Weiss, and later Bierstadt Stables, under Herr Elke in Wiesbaden, Germany. Chris achieved her young rider's Bronze Medal for performance tests in jumping, dressage and equine knowledge. She also successfully competed as a junior rider at local, national and international shows held in Wiesbaden, many on the grounds of Schlosspark Biebrich.

   In the United States Chris lived first in Baltimore, MD continued her education participating in clinics conducted by the late Captain Andrew de Sziney. Later lived in Virginia taking lessons with Barbara Wiefelstede. She continued participating in clinics with Capt. Andy when offered.
   Chris located to Raleigh, North Carolina where she took courses at Wake Technical Institute evening programs in horse husbandry studies. She completed two certifications. Chris also studied TT.E.A.M and TTOUCH under the guidance of Linda Tellington Jones completing one short clinic and three long training sessions. One of the long trainings was dedicated to gentling unbroken horses using the TT.E.A.M. Methodology. Chris was a student of Jan Leitschuh, 1986-1990. It was at this time that Chris acquired a young Thoroughbred cross mare, Silke.
   Since 1990, Chris Mills began studying dressage with Suzin Daly. In 1997 Chris moved her mare Silke to Halifax Farm, home base for Suzin Daly. Chris participated in clinics held at Halifax Farm with Tom Poulin, Tad Coffin, Nico van Stigt and Raul de Leon. Chris has earned her USDF Qualified Riders Award and NCDCTA Horse of the Year Award Senior First Level, 5th place with Silke. Silke is now 20 years old.

   In 2000 Chris Mills acquired a Black Swedish weaning filly by L.A. Baltic Sundance out of a French Thoroughbred Mare. Chris named the filly, keeping with the sire's family traditional name, Baltic Shadow Dance. Shadow is a coming two year old and received 8 on type at the Swedish Inspection. Chris looks forward to starting Shadow, with the plans of Shadow being her future F.E.I. horse. Chris continues her riding education riding Silke and working with Suzin Daly. Chris has recently learned that Silke, at 20, can still develop higher level movements, including Piaffe, which was a fun and exciting moment.
   Chris also enjoys obedience and agility training with her English Setter, Mickey.