Virginia Bonnie ’22 Succeeds in the Show Ring and Beyond
This month, The Plaid Horse introduces readers to a standout school and one of its standout students: Foxcroft School’s Exceptional Proficiency program, and student-equestrian Virginia Bonnie.
For over 30 years, Foxcroft School’s Exceptional Proficiency (EP)...
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...
Who Jumped It Best? Devon Small Junior Hunter Stake
PHOTOS BY IRENE ELISE POWLICK
The Devon Horse Show is known for many things, but above all else is the elite level of competition. These junior riders worked hard to qualify for the prestigious show,...
Horses Taught Me How Hard Work and Passion Can Overcome Obstacles
BY EMILY SHEVELAND
Receiving the Hamel Family Foundation Scholarship is just one more example of how the hard work and dedication I’ve acquired through riding has been a true blessing. A sincere thank you goes...
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...
The St. Louis National Charity: A Horse Show with Heart
BY ASHLEY SHAW
The St. Louis National Charity Horse Show will always have a special place in my heart. I have competed at this show ever since I was nine, bopping around short stirrup wearing...
The Working Student: Two Junior Riders Share their Experiences and Offer Advice
BY Emma Marlowe & Gabriela Pattinson
Emma Marlowe & Gabriela Pattinson are both working students for trainers in Southern California. Here they share their experiences and offer some advice to other young riders interested in following...
What I Learned Horse Showing, Without My Horses
BY ASHLEY SHAW
Packed clothes, filled trunks, my bike secured to the back of the car – I was ready for a great three weeks of showing at the Colorado Horse Park. Except for one...
How They Win at the Adequan®/FEI North American Youth Championships
The dressage and show jumping Adequan®/FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC), presented by Gotham North, give young riders a unique opportunity to experience team competition in a championship format. Teams and individual riders from...
Reading Course Diagrams Part I: Hunters
BY TPH Staff
When you head down to the ring on show day at 7am to check in with your ring’s starter, you naturally (and sometimes nervously) drift over to the course board to see...
Taking the Leap: Leaving Home at 15 to Chase My Dressage Dream
BY SKYE SIMPSON
Right now, there are many young riders scattered across the country dreaming of victory gallops or training horses full time. I was just like them, and have worked from a working student...
What Do These Equitation Finals Stars Have in Common? MDC Stirrups On Their Saddles
By Piper Klemm, Ph.D.
As a group of the best junior riders in the country battled it out in the Big Equitation finals this fall, there was a common piece of equipment on many of...
10 Questions with Working Student Joe Carruthers
By Irene Elise Powlick
During the off week during the Desert International Horse Park winter circuit, TPH had the opportunity to catch up with working student Joseph “Joe” Carruthers, 15, from Alberta, Canada. Joe is...
“The Judge Didn’t Like Me”
BY CARLY PHOON
Competing in equitation can be humbling. For me, a little moment of learning came from my last equitation flat class.
First, a flashback to the beginning of the show season: Eq flat classes...
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...
Accountability at All Ages
How Quinn Haven Stables in Maryland is starting their young riders right
From the magazine
At Quinn Haven Stables in Friendship, MD, if you’re going to ride, you’re going to do it thoughtfully and with accountability....
Updates from The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair
BY April Bilodeau
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair began on Thursday, May 25, 2023.
The horse show kicked off with the junior equitation. Winners of some of the medals include:
ASPCA MACLAY HORSEMANSHIP CLASS...
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...
Fairfield County Hunt Club: Entering a New Era
BY Summer Grace
From the magazine
On a balmy, breezy morning in June, banners swayed and plants rustled amid the impeccably-manicured grass field as the scene was set for the 99th annual Fairfield County Hunt Club...
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...
Get to Know the Equine Mastery Education System
‘‘With the Right Horsemanship Tools, Our Industry Could Be Revolutionized’’
By Annie Birmingham
Raegan Comeaux has trained riders from their first lessons all the way to the Indoor finals, but began to notice a growing trend...
Ask Andre: What Does it Mean to Have an Advocate as a Junior Rider?
By Andre Dignelli
I watched the movie King Richard recently, and the film really resonated with me. For those unfamiliar with it, it tells the story of the meteoric rise of tennis playing sisters Venus...
