Why the Hampton Classic Horse Show is Unlike Anywhere Else
Photo: The Hampton Classic @hamptonclassic on Instagram
By Annie Birmingham
The end of August marks a staple in an east coast equestrian’s show calendar, the Hampton Classic. Every year, hundreds of horses, competitors, and spectators alike flock...
#RealityCheck: “FOMO” and the Social Consequences of an Online ‘Horsey’ Network
By Kirstie Dobbs and Hailey Johns
With the indoor show season on the horizon, the influence of social media on the mentality of young riders intensifies. While social media has some undeniably positive aspects, it is easy...
Piper Klemm Ph.D. Publisher’s Note- August 2017 – The Pony of a Lifetime
See this article and more in the 2017 Pony Issue HERE
As we prepare my fourth Annual Pony Issue and read all the stories of ponies who made their people, I have to share my...
Jersey Boy Retires From Competition
By Irene Elise Powlick
SBS Farms Inc.and Susie Schoellkopf announced the retirement of famed International Hunter Derby horse, Jersey Boy. The 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding will be retired to Stacy Sandbothe’s Tennessee farm, where he...
The Ramp of Tears
By Jordan Cobb
One thought ran through my mind again and again earlier this week when I was competing at Junior Hunter Finals East: I am so glad this isn’t Pony Finals. However, I wasn’t...
The Pros of Ponies
Photo: Jaden Porter and Farmore State of the Art competing at Pony Finals. Photo courtesy of Shawn McMillen.
By Ashley Shaw
The words “the pony ring” can stimulate a variety of thoughts and emotions for pony rider...
Past Winners Return to Pony Finals
By Izzy Feinstein
With USEF Pony Finals quickly approaching, young riders and their ponies have begun preparing to travel to The Kentucky Horse Park to show in one of the most most prestigious competitions in...
Quality Wins the Game: Breaking Down the Pony Model
By Lauren Aubert
At many horse shows, a class where the ring is filled with ponies shown in-hand by their riders is often seen before the first jumping class of each division. This is known...
Life is Not Over When You Become an Amateur
By Ashley Shaw
Many riders seem to count down the days of their last junior year and dread becoming an amateur. We juniors associate the switch to amateur rider with being old, going off to...
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,...
Beyond the Break
By Ashley Owen
I’ll never forget the first time I saw Seattle, that big, beautiful mare floating across a grass field. She was jaw dropping, embodying grace and athleticism. I was 18 years old and...
Virginians ❤ Virginia
By Sissy Wickes, Photos by Teresa Ramsey
The horse show industry watches as the behemoth box show rolls like a steam belching machine over the local show circuit. Stand-alone horse shows, as the smaller, more...
Keep Your Horse Cool This Summer
Photo: Sarah Rieber and Metropolis try to stay cool during their lesson in the summer heat
By TPH Intern Izzy Feinstein
Although summer is the ideal time for riding with its long days and warm weather, it...
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...
The Balancing Between Universes
Photo: Kaley Cuoco rides Bionetty in a Low Amateur Owner Jumper Class.
By Mackenzie Shuman
“Our whole universe was in a hot, dense state
Then nearly fourteen billion years ago expansion started, wait…”
We can all sing the...
I Didn’t Even Own A Saddle
By Kama Godek
Katie Prudent recently had a podcast interview with WiSP Sport’s Chris Stafford about how the sport of horseback riding has seemingly taken a turn for the worse. Kama Godek, an international Grand...
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...
A Word from a Fearful, Talentless Amateur Rider.
By Nilani Trent
Recently, Katie Prudent gave a podcast interview to WiSP Sport’s Chris Stafford about the bleak future of the United States in international competition. In the midst of the interview she stated, “the sport...
The Best of Wild Willys and Gitsies Coffee & Pastries
By Tori Weed
If you’ve been to the Colorado Horse Park during their horse show season, there’s a good chance that you’ve stopped at the food vendor Wild Willys or the coffee/pastry shop Gitsies. And...
Notes to my daughter – Life lessons at the horse show
Pictured: Grace McReynolds leading Lorelei Cudney's Bits N' Pieces at Colorado Spring Preview 2017 | PC: TPH Intern Mackenzie Shuman
By Averill Pessin
As parents, we hope our children get two main things from their sport: Short-term...
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...
The Horses That Led Us to Independence
By Sammie Duray
With the Fourth of July upon us, we’re all stocking up on fireworks and getting ready to fire up the grills. However, when it comes to our horses, we seem to...
