by Kathryn McMackin Portraits by Kristie Nichols When you ask a professional in the horse business — especially eventing — what it takes to succeed in the industry, you’ll often hear these distinct characteristics in response: willingness to learn, a strong work ethic and perseverance. Those same traits perfectly describe Colorado eventer Rochelle Costanza. “Eventing

By Doris Degner-Foster The horses in Julie Ferris’ work look as though they could step off the canvas, especially in her life-sized paintings. Her trademark style of using a white painted background highlights her subject, showing the character of each individual horse through their facial expression and unique physical components. As much as Julie enjoys

By Britney Grover StableStrides has been an active force for good in Colorado Springs since 1981. Though it’s had several different names and has developed and expanded its programs over the years, the mission has remained the same: using horses to help people. Now, StableStrides has multiple locations fueled by more than 20 horses and

By Britney Grover Portraits by Isabel J. Kurek As a mother and ICU nurse, Lisa Lourie’s journey with horses began when her daughter started riding at 8 years old and Lisa decided to take up riding alongside her. Soon they purchased their first horse and pony, and began looking for a horse property. In 2003,

By Jan Westmark Eventer Boyd Martin is a fan favorite who draws a crowd wherever he goes thanks to his great riding, quick wit, easygoing personality and charming accent. Boyd grew up in Australia as the son of winter Olympians Toy and Ross Martin and believes it was an ideal environment for him as the

By Doris Degner-Foster Portraits by Shawna Simmons Allen Nabors has worked for years in movies and television, the most memorable for many fans being his role in “The Big Bang Theory” as Penny’s brief love interest, Doug. But if you meet Allen at a horse show, it’s not likely that he’ll bring up the subject. “It’s something

By Britney Grover Portraits by Isabel J. Kurek Allison “Ali” Brock doesn’t let limitations stop her. She was attracted to horses from the beginning, despite no family connection to horses; she worked to pay for her own riding from 12 years old, and left home at 17 to pursue equestrian excellence after going as far