By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Lori Ovanessian From pony rides in the park to piaffing on Andalusians, Nick Alexander Phillips has spent his life loving all creatures great and small. Today, along with his partner, Brian, Nick lives his best equestrian life at home on his ranch in Los Angeles County, California. “We have a

By Lyssette Williams Portraits by Lori Ovanessian Ever since he was a small child, Nick Haness dreamed of a life filled with animals. “I wanted every animal growing up,” Nick said. “We owned a few dogs — but having five boys in the house was probably enough for my parents.”  After years of leasing and

By Britney Grover Portraits by D. Harrison For 28-year-old Jessica Thoma, pursuing her riding passion has always been about working hard to overcome limitations. When she first discovered jumping on YouTube, Jessica couldn’t afford tack or a trailer for lessons — so she started teaching herself, bareback. When she finally started taking lessons as an

By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Kristie Nichols Meredith Houx Remiger is proof teamwork makes the dream work. In a sport that’s often thought of as an individual pursuit, this New Mexico hunter-jumper professional has been fortunate to always have a great team behind her. From parents who went all-in when she expressed an interest in

By Britney Grover Portraits by Shawna Simmons If his family financial circumstances had been different, Robert “Rob” Lawrence Jacobs might be jumping Grand Prix every weekend. Admittedly, there are some moments he wishes that would have happened. But when it comes down to it, Rob is actually happy that it didn’t. “Personally, I do believe

By Britney Grover Portraits by Lori Ovanessian Julia Stone has always loved learning and horses. While attending a college preparatory high school, she commuted each week to horse shows — including flying from her home in California to Florida every Thursday and back each Sunday during the Winter Equestrian Festival. While juggling AP and honors

By Ruby Tevis Portraits by Kristin Lee For British transplant Carly Taylor-Smith, dressage is more than a sport — it’s a way of life. Born into a horse family in Kent, England, Carly was riding before she could speak a complete sentence. Carly’s passion for dressage led her to compete internationally as a young rider,

By Lyssette Williams Portraits by Tracy Kujawa Jay Moore is not the stereotypical hunter-jumper trainer. He didn’t grow up with horse training parents, or riding ponies on the show circuit or working his way to a big win in the equitation or junior-jumper finals.  “I don’t look like the other hunter-jumper professionals either,” Jay laughed.