Glenda McElroy: a Pillar of the LAEC Community

An interview with Glenda McElroy: The Heart Behind Glenroy's Equestrian Gifts and Cornerstone Dressage Events, a Pillar of the LAEC Community, by Erica Greenberg - Marketing Manager at Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

Glenroy’s storefront at Los Angeles Equestrian Center

The Los Angeles Equestrian Center (LAEC) is home to many fascinating individuals who contribute to our vibrant equestrian community. One such individual is Glenda McElroy, the heart behind Glenroy's Equestrian Gifts Store and Cornerstone Dressage Events Management. With a rich history at the LAEC and a passion for equestrian sports, Glenda has significantly impacted the dressage community both locally and nationally. Our Marketing Manager, Erica Greenberg had the pleasure of sitting down with Glenda to learn more about her journey, her businesses, and her insights into the world of dressage. 

Erica Greenberg: Glenda, can you tell us about your journey into the equestrian world and how you came to be at the LAEC? 

Glenda McElroy: I was originally hired to develop the LAEC Riding School and was asked to stay on as the facility/barn manager. During that time, Larry Langer, the event coordinator, asked me to develop a dressage program. Although I was a Hunter/Jumper person and knew nothing about dressage, I took on the challenge and began developing a horse show program for dressage at LAEC. 

 

EG: How did you develop the program with no background? 

GM:  I consulted with the best local people I could find and developed local dressage shows and numerous national and international clinics. Through a clinic connection with Patricia Doning, we had the opportunity to produce the first "World Cup" ever staged outside of Europe, held at the LAEC in 1995. 
 

EG:  When did Glenroy's Equestrian Gifts Store come into the picture? 

GM: Glenroy's was opened for that 1995 World Cup as part of selling the World Cup merchandise. I knew I didn't want to be a tack shop, but I liked the idea of an equestrian gift store, so that is what we became. 

EG: For those who may not be familiar, can you explain what dressage is and why it is such a significant discipline in the equestrian world? 

GM: Dressage is one of the three Olympic equestrian sports, along with eventing and show jumping. The word "dressage" comes from the French word "dresseur," which means training. In competition, dressage involves showing off a horse's training by performing a set of prescribed movements in front of a panel of judges. 

EG: What are some of the challenges and rewards of managing dressage events, and how has the dressage community evolved over the years? 

GM: Even though I have never ridden dressage, I have come to love the sport. I built a large equestrian business, "Cornerstone Event Management," and put on shows all over the United States, with our home base always at LAEC. California-based dressage has had the privilege of having many successful riders and owners, including Debbie McDonald, Steffen Peters, and Gunter Seidel. My company produced 34 CDI competitions, 6 World Cup events, 2 Olympic Final Qualifying events, and numerous other Year-End Championships, playing a small part in the success of California Dressage. 

EG: Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from one of the dressage events you've had at LAEC? 

GM:  We have had many wonderful and exciting dressage shows here at LAEC. If I had to pick one, it would be the 1995 World Cup. It was one of the first big international dressage events in the United States and a special event. 

EG: How has being located on the LAEC property influenced your businesses, and what role does the LAEC community play in your success? 

GM: At the time, there were not many other venues in California that could put on big equestrian shows, perhaps only Del Mar. LAEC was the newest and best venue at the time. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to be in the right place at the right time to take advantage of a growing sport in this wonderful venue. 

Glenda McElroy

EG: What advice would you give to someone looking to get into equestrian sports? 

GM: Take advantage of any opportunity you get, even if it means volunteering in the beginning. Be helpful, listen, don't talk too much, and always do your best, even if it may seem like an unimportant job or assignment. 

EG: What are your future plans for Cornerstone? Are there any exciting projects or events coming up that you can share with us? 

GM: While my business is smaller than it was a few years ago, Cornerstone still produces the USDF Region 7/CDS State Championships show. This year’s championship will be at LAEC from September 26-29, where the best dressage riders from all over California will compete for Regional and State awards. 

In addition, Cornerstone Dressage will hold an event on July 6th and 7th at Los Angeles Equestrian Center. CLICK HERE to visit the events page! 
 

Glenda McElroy's journey from developing the LAEC Riding School to becoming a cornerstone of the dressage community is truly inspiring. Her dedication to the sport, her businesses, and the LAEC community highlights the passion and commitment that drive success in the equestrian world. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of Glenroy's Equestrian Gifts Store and Cornerstone Dressage Events Management in the years to come here at Los Angeles Equestrian Center.