19/07/2026
🐴 A New Chapter…
Sometimes an idea sits quietly in your heart for a long time before the timing is right.
Raise the Bar has been one of those ideas that never really left me.
What began as a page following Rhodey’s journey has gradually become something bigger.
Rhodey will always be a huge part of this story. He has taught me more than I ever expected and continues to shape me as a rider and horsewoman. His journey isn’t ending; it is simply becoming part of a much bigger one.
Since then, Savrèlay has joined the team, bringing a whole new chapter of learning, challenges and excitement.
As I looked ahead, I realised this page was no longer really about one horse.
And, in many ways, it wasn’t really about me either.
It was about the journey.
The journey of developing horses.
Developing the rider.
Learning through every competition, every lesson, every success and every setback, while hopefully encouraging others in their own journeys too.
Some of you may be wondering where the name Raise the Bar came from.
It began as a play on words involving Rhodey (Cigar Bar NZ) and his younger sister, Savrèlay Bar.
Savrèlay came to me unnamed, so I created her name by combining parts of her parents’ names: Sav from Savabeel and Lay from Powerplay, with “Bar” connecting her to Rhodey.
Cigar Bar.
Savrèlay Bar.
Raise the Bar.
At first, Raise the Bar simply felt like a name that tied everything together - raising and developing my two “Bar” horses, Rhodey and Savrèlay, while also capturing the literal image of raising the jump rails a little higher each time.
But the more I thought about it, the more I realised it represented something much bigger.
It had become a philosophy for riding… and for life.
Raising jump rails.
Raising standards.
Developing horses.
Developing the rider.
Improving fitness, mindset, horsemanship and performance.
Not by comparing ourselves with anyone else.
Not by chasing perfection.
But by continuing to learn, grow and become a little better than yesterday.
Helping people grow.
One ride at a time.
That is the heart behind this page.
Raise the Bar is a purpose-driven journey that uses horses to help people grow.
I’ll be sharing training, competitions, rider fitness, lessons learned, the highs, the lows and everything in between.
I’m still learning every day myself, and that’s exactly what this page is about… not having all the answers, but honestly sharing the journey as it unfolds and hopefully encouraging others in theirs along the way.
If something I learn helps someone else enjoy their horse a little more, become a better rider, think differently, or simply keep showing up after a difficult day, then Raise the Bar has achieved exactly what I hope it will.
You’ll probably also notice another thread running quietly through this page…
My faith shapes who I am and the way I see horses, people, growth and hope. Rather than being something separate, it is simply the foundation beneath the journey I’m sharing.
So whether you are here because you love horses, enjoy following competitions, are interested in rider fitness, or simply appreciate seeing someone learn and grow along the way…
Welcome.
I’m genuinely glad you’re here.
Thanks for being here.
Here’s to the journey ahead.
One ride at a time.
— Alisa
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