The Ordinary Junior’s Road to Becoming An Amateur
BY IZZY FEINSTEIN
As I embark on my last show season as a junior, I feel as if I am merely an “ordinary” rider. I have not shown at a height greater than 2’6”, have...
How to Survive Your First Horse Show
BY CALLIE HILDENBRAND
Whether it was decades ago, last year, or coming up this season, any equestrian who shows has had to enter the ring for the first time. Some are overwhelmed with excitement to...
New Jersey Equestrian Gives Back to the Homeless
BY IZZY FEINSTEIN
When New Jersey equestrian Christina DeMattheis learned about the Covenant House, a charity dedicated to helping homeless and trafficked youth, she immediately wanted to find a way to get involved.
After hearing about...
Five Easy Ways to Be a Barn “Favorite”
BY BLOG EDITOR LAUREN MAULDIN
Barns. They’re a mash of ponies and personalities, and are best when they exist as a warm place of community where riders practice their equitation and listen to their horses...
Bridging the Gap: Emergence of the 3’3 Equitation
BY LAUREN AUBERT
In the midst of the medal finals madness, horse shows offer competition for graduates of the 3’ height but also those who are not quite ready to move up to 3’6. As...
Equitation Matters
BY ELIZABETH ONESS
“A bent spine is the enemy of self-realization.” –– Paramahansa Yogananda
Years ago, after a long break from riding, I was looking for a new trainer. I had a lesson with a hunter/jumper...
The World of Winter Circuits: A Beginner’s Guide to Braving the Journey
BY LAUREN AUBERT
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a circuit newbie, competing on a winter circuit can be a daunting task as the format is much different from the average horse show. Countless...
Exhibitor Friendly: Promoting the Child/Adult Championships
BY ALIX MORRISON
While just a C-rated division, the child and adult amateur hunters can be one of the most populated divisions at the horse show. Yet, with the lower height and smaller rating, they...
Eight Excellent Essentials for Excelling in the Equitation
Above: A rider searches for her next fence while in the air. Photo by Full Gallop Captures.
By TPH Intern Lauren Aubert
If you can believe it, I love equitation even more than alliteration. The equitation, or...
A Day in the Life
Read about a young working student during a typical horse show day.
By TPH Intern Tori Weed
It’s 5:00 a.m. and my alarm clock goes off one more time as I urge my sore and crackling...
Bike to Barn: Brooke Small’s Journey
By Brooke Small
It’s 4.7 miles and 45 minutes away from my home. All uphill and 4.7 miles, 45 minutes away. I biked this route nearly 20 times this summer, all so that I could...
Lauren Reischer Rides to Glory
Above photo: Lauren enjoying the sun with Ollie (aka Opportunity Knocks). Photo by Corinne McNeely Photography.
By TPH Intern Tess Gilmartin
Lauren Reischer started horseback riding at the age of 3 through a therapeutic riding program....
Ryleigh Ferrier Proves Success in Cutting Pen
Above photo: Ryleigh and Nick after competing Cross Country
By TPH Intern Emy Lucibello
Ryleigh Ferrier is already a success in the cutting world. Only having been in a western saddle for a little less than six...
The End of an Era: My Last Summer Riding as a Junior
By Chapel Puckett
A few nights ago I cleaned my boots and saddle and tightly packed my trunk, but this time instead of preparing it for a trailer ride to the next show, it will...
Kennedy Duke: On the Big Stage
By Grace Salmon
Kennedy Duke is a thirteen year old from Lake Oswego, Oregon. She competes up and down the West Coast, competing in the 3’3” Junior Hunters. Most recently Kennedy competed in her...
Lessons From Levi – When The Horse You Got Isn’t The One You Thought...
By Kristyna Lucakova
“He’ll keep you out of trouble my father mumbled”, as he signed the check. Little did we know, he would do so much more than keep me out of trouble. For a while,...
Holy Smokes: The Mighty Mustang That Could
By Lauren Aubert
To compete successfully in the jumper divisions, a horse should be quick on its feet to make the time allowed, scopey enough to leave the ground from any distance, and have enough...
The Best Boss You’ll Ever Have
Photo: Hunter Siebel takes a victory jump on Boss after winning the 3'6" Grand Championship at the 2017 USEF Junior Hunter Championships West Coast.
By Mackenzie Shuman
As soon as Hunter Siebel stepped into the large,...
How to Speak to Our Youth About Showing
Photo: Abi Kelley gives her horse, Ishana III an appreciative hug after a great round in the Low Junior Jumpers.
By Kirstie Dobbs and Hailey Johns
What’s the first question that you ask a young rider...
Managing Your Medals: Finals Edition
By Lauren Aubert
In any level of junior equitation, medal finals will often play a crucial part in one’s show career. Qualifying in the summer for the fall medal finals is sometimes the best option...
Caroline Bald at Brandywine: My First International Hunter Derby
By Caroline Bald
Riding in my first International Hunter Derby at the Brandywine Horse Show was equally nerve-wracking and exciting. Although there weren't that many entries, there were some big name professional riders and experienced...
How To: Qualifying For The Equitation Championships
Photo: Natalie Jayne competing in the equitation at WEF 2017
By Emy Lucibello
Equitation has become a huge part of the equestrian society, as riders compete for a place in the huge indoor championship medal finals in...
