What, Why, and How Do We Teach?
An inside look at how equestrian professionals can guide their students toward success
By Mary Pardee, Director of Riding at Lake Erie College & Assistant Professor of Equine Studies
I spend a lot of time developing...
10 Phrases You Should Never Say at the Barn
BY PIPER KLEMM
“It’s Not My Fault”
It doesn’t matter whose fault it is. It’s probably just how the day is going. So many issues happen every single day with all the moving parts at the...
It Happens! Sarah Duhon, Margie Engle, Vanessa Brown and Jen Ritucci
BY Rennie Dyball
We all make mistakes. But horse people, as a group, aren’t always the best at handling them. So TPH reached out to some top riders to share their own show ring bloopers...
Being There for My Horse of a Lifetime
BY NC MATHENY
Horses have a way of wrapping their way around your heart. This was what happened when I found a wee Tennessee Walking Horse orphan. Knowing the foal faced extraordinary odds, I felt...
Helping Horses Carry Larger Riders
By Karen Hopper Usher
Not every horse is suitable for larger riders, but those that are still need careful consideration. A proper warmup can go a long way.
I’ve been overweight for most of my adult...
Mark Leone: The Luckiest Leone
BY ANN JAMIESON
The Luckiest Leone
"I was the luckiest Leone," says Mark. "I was the youngest of three. I learned from my brothers. I learned what they did well, what they didn't do well, and...
London International Horse Show (LIHS): a Volunteer’s View
BY KRISTY WARD
You might be thinking “London International Horse Show? I’ve never heard of that before,” but my guess is that you probably have. It used to be called Olympia, and it’s been running...
It’s Never “Just a Horse”
BY LAUREN MAULDIN
“She talks about these horses like they’re people. All of their different personalities and stuff. I don’t get it. I mean, it’s just a horse!”
I’ve heard different versions of this conversation my...
The Plaid Horse Questionnaire With: Tonya Johnston
Hometown: San Rafael, CA Trainer: Leylan Gleeson, Small Stone
As a horsewoman, I am most proud of: staying grateful for my horse and every opportunity we get to experience together.
As a horsewoman, I would most...
Mares Ruled Indoors!
At Harrisburg this fall, Elina won gold with Ansgar Holtgers Jr. in the $15,000 Neue Schule/USEF Prix Des States Team Champion-ships, while Ever So Often was champion in the 3'3" Junior Hunters with Avery...
How Self-Conscious Riders Can Feel More Confident Riding in a Crowded Ring
BY DIANA BEZDEDEANU
I don’t like to ride in the arena with others (hence why I could never sign up for group lessons). I am self-conscious of my own abilities, constantly comparing my riding to...
The Equestrians of Color Photography Project: Bay Collyns, Christopher Cervantes & Tahira Carrol
The Plaid Horse is proud to introduce some of the photo project’s featured equestrians to our readers in each issue.
In 2020, a group of photographers came together to create the Equestrians of Color Photography...
Reality TV Star or Pony Champion? How I Became Both
BY ELLIENA APOLLO
Lights, Camera, action? Well, not quite. In my case, my mom’s idea of a simple video project somehow turned into the concept for a new reality TV Show.
It all started in Tryon...
New Year’s Horse Resolution: I Resolve to Resolve
BY LI ROBBINS
It’s been ages since I made New Year’s resolutions. I fell out of the habit for the obvious reason—I probably won’t keep them. Still, I always like to feel I’m making progress...
How an Ordinary Day Saved My Life from Depression
BY BELLA NYE
The harsh alarm on my phone lights up the room and reminds me that it’s 4:30am. Time to get out of bed. But it's pitch black and dead silent outside, and I...
“He Just Takes Your Breath Away”: American Bred Mr. Manhattan
BY TORI SHEEHAN
Ask what makes Mr. Manhattan spectacular, and the first answer is unanimous.
“Oh, his jumping. I mean, there’s no question about it,” says John Barker, Manhattan’s trainer. “Just a perfect hunter style.”
The German...
Equestrian Tradition and the Ultimate Athlete
BY ALEX O'SULLIVAN
The founder of the modern pentathlon, Baron Pierre de Courbetin, chose the five disciplines - fencing, freestyle swimming, show jumping, pistol shooting and cross country running -because he wanted the competition to...
All About Tummy Gummies
Equine Elixirs created the first equine antacid gummies—how can they help your horse?
Curious about Tummy Gummies, the first equine antacid created by Equine Elixirs? We’ve got the answers to your questions here.
The Gastric...
Getting in the Holiday Spirit with the Great Southwest Equestrian Center
All photos by Jerry Mohme Photography
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear wearing it for all to see!” – Elf (revised)
Riders at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center...
All About the Pre-Purchase Exam
Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care’s Dr. Tim Lynch demystifies the process.
By Catie Staszak
To buy or not to buy? When it comes to horse sales, the pre-purchase exam (PPE) is often the determining...
Braiders Shine with Holiday Cheer
Braids are such a classic tradition for the hunters. There's not much more beautiful than a stunning set of braids! But sometimes it's great to buck tradition and get a little more creative—especially during...
Always a Team: The Leone Brothers – The Beginning
BY ANN JAMIESON
Starting Out
Horses were in their blood. One of their grandfathers was in the cavalry. Their mother, Rita, loved horses and exploring the trails winding through Central Park. It all began long before...
