Stoneleigh-Burnham School Offers Equestrian Education with an International Focus
By Randi C. Heathman
Though many schools of thought exist regarding the way to approach equestrian education, nearly all agree that hands-on training is the best. Whether it’s riding or horse and stable management, immersion...
Heritage Farm: Beyond the Ingate with Grace Sappington
By Catie Staszak for Heritage Farm
In this behind-the-scenes series from Heritage Farm, we’re introducing you to the program’s horses and riders in a whole new way. Get to know our group beyond what you’ve...
IEA Financial Aid: What is it? Who Gets it? How Can You Support it?
Edited Press Release
Riding horses is a dream come true. For some of us, a little help may be needed in making that dream a reality.
The IEA Benevolent Fund was established to provide a Financial Assistance Program for...
Ask Andre: How Important is the Horse to Championship Success?
By Andre Dignelli
As the last equitation championship of the year was pinned at the National Horse Show, the first thought that came to my mind was this: None of this is possible without the...
“She Didn’t Resemble the Rest”
How Maclay Champion Augusta Iwasaki prevailed over criticism about her looks to blaze the trail for riders in the Big Eq—and beyond
By Piper Klemm and Rennie Dyball
Augusta Iwasaki won the ASPCA Maclay National Championship...
The Plaid Horse Questionnaire With: Augusta Iwasaki
Status: Junior Hometown: Calabasas, CA Trainers: Elizabeth Reilly, Ken Smith, Emily Smith, and Erica Quinn
As a horsewoman, I am most proud of the development and success of all my young horses.
As a horsewoman, I would...
“I Do Lessons, Not Lunch” — How Karen Healey’s Passion for Teaching Launched Her To...
BY NANCY JAFFER
She’s a firecracker; always has been. Nothing can slow down the perennially energetic Karen Healey, who attacks her mission to teach, judge, or give a clinic with the same enthusiasm that began...
Big Moments on the Biggest Stage: Heritage Farm at USEF Medal Finals
By Andre Dignelli as told to Catie Staszak Media
"I think that when every young rider is at home, and they're practicing the test, they're practicing for these big moments. And this was a very...
It Happens! 2022 Indoors Edition
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 to prove,...
Dual Enrolled Selected to Second Film Festival
By Catie Staszak/Catie Staszak Media, Inc.
Dual Enrolled, the short documentary on the demands and commitment required of equestrian student-athletes, has been officially selected to its second film festival. The 22nd Annual 15-Minutes of Fame Film...
MZ Farms, LLC Sponsors Additional $2,500 Andrew Ryback Photography Scholarship
The Andrew Ryback Photography and The Plaid Horse Higher Learning Scholarship has awarded more than $15,000 to equestrians pursuing higher education.
To provide more education opportunities for young riders, MZ Farms, LLC has generously donated...
Big Eq = Big Pressure?
By PonyMomAmmy
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve had some thoughts to share. The truth of the matter is that this past year has been a year of transitions—and transitions are hard for me....
THIS National Children’s Medal Final Past Winners
Keep reading for more information on the young riders who claimed victory in the THIS National Children’s Medal Final, from 1994 to 2022.
2022 Lily Epstein
View this...
Ask Andre: Is Success in the Sport Bound by the Equitation Division?
By Andre Dignelli
My answer to this question might surprise you. In short, my answer is “No, it is not.” But here’s why everyone is trying to follow this formula:
It’s been ingrained in every child’s...
Aiva Gamelin Connects with Quirky Horses to Shine in the Show Ring
By Ann Jamieson
Six-year-old Aiva Gamelin had a choice—to get a fancy show pony with a great record or… Cosmo, a tiny (at 11.1 hands) grey chunk of a cranky pony known for lying down...
Riding from the Ground Up: Respecting Our Sport
BY PEARL RUNNING DEER
Don’t worry—I won’t start off this article with, When I was a kid, we did... Don’t expect this generation to have the same love like we did.
I refuse to believe statements...
Ask Andre: What Do Your Most Successful Students Have in Common?
It’s been a rewarding summer when it comes to Heritage Farm alumni. Former Heritage riders made up 50% of the U.S. Jumping Team for the FEI World Championships. Jacob Pope won his first Grand...
Airlie Corder is a Junior Rider on the Rise—and Caring for Her Animals Comes...
By Tyler Bui
Airlie Corder is leading by example. The 12-year-old rider has dedicated herself to every aspect of the sport, in and out of the saddle. Airlie took her first lesson at age six...
Grier School: A True Equestrian Dynasty
By Piper Klemm and Tyler Bui
When we think about dynastic teams dominating sport for extended periods of time, we almost never think about equestrians. There are a couple—four-time US Olympian McLain Ward in the...
Staying in the Saddle Against All Odds
BY ASTRID JAMES
Staying in the saddle is not always about gluing one's seat to a finely crafted CWD or Voltaire—it's often about what it takes to keep one in it.
As an honored mother of...
Ask Andre: Are We Showing Too Much and Practicing Too Little?
By Andre Dignelli
When I was younger, my mentor Judy Richter used to say to me: We mistake quantity for quality. At the time, I didn’t understand what she meant by that. I heard it,...
The Plaid Horse Questionnaire with: Skylar Wireman
Status: Junior Hometown: Bonsall, CA Trainers: Shayne Wireman, Andre Dignelli, & Lisa Halterman
As a horsewoman, I am most proud of the mare we bred. I recently won a Grand Prix on her.
As a horsewoman,...
