Karl Cook: His Passion and Love for Animals
Wednesday, February 12 2020
By Tafra Donberger. Portraits by Lori Ovanessian - Show jumper Karl Cook isn’t one to expound on his talents as an equestrian. To discover who the introspective and thoughtful horseman is as an equestrian, Instagram would be a good place to start.
- Published in Sidelines Feature
Endel Ots: Heart of a Champion
Tuesday, February 04 2020
By Ruby Tevis. Portraits by Melissa Fuller - When dressage rider Endel Ots reflects on his achievements and challenges he’s encountered, there’s one thing he wishes he could tell his younger self. “If I could give younger Endel advice, I would tell him, ‘You’re going to be OK,’” Endel said. “We often label things as bad or good. However, it’s not until later on in your journey when you realize that what you thought was bad at the time was actually the best thing that could have happened to you.”
- Published in Sidelines Feature
Falling in Love With Carson Kressley
Wednesday, January 22 2020
by Britney Grover. Portraits by Adrienne Morella - From his laughing smile to his live-out-loud wit, it’s hard not to love Carson Kressley. The fashion expert has become a beloved TV personality whether it’s delivering genuinely constructive criticism as a judge or on a talk show relating the time he wore Gucci leather loafers to the barn. He balances couture with compassion, at once resplendent and relatable.
- Published in Sidelines Feature
Ryan Pedigo: Part of the Family
Monday, January 06 2020
By Lyssette Williams, Portraits by Krisin Lee - Putting in a beautiful jumping round at a horse show and winning a ribbon is the sweet reward for countless hours of training at home. For Southern California trainer and horse breeder Ryan Pedigo, that win is the culmination of not only countless hours of hands-on care and training, but also many days and sleepless nights on foal watch.
- Published in Sidelines Feature
The Impact of Coaching Techniques
Tuesday, December 31 2019
By Margie Sugarman
My trainer, although great, can be quite harsh. Recently we were at a horse show where she loudly and publicly scolded another rider for something she did while showing. What my friend did was in no way dangerous; it was just a minor bad habit that she’s been having a hard time breaking. Now I’m consumed with concern that my trainer will publicly humiliate me over something minor as well. I’m concerned about her attitude toward correcting her riders — can this type of coaching be beneficial?
- Published in Sidelines Feature
Grant Seger: Family Horseman on the Adventure of a Lifetime
Tuesday, December 17 2019
By Britney Grover. Portraits by Shawna Simmons - Grant and Rebekah Seger are in the middle of an adventure, complete with unlikely romance, courageous risks and unexpected twists, all while championing values in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Their tale revolves around horses — and each other. Though Rebekah is more warrior princess than damsel in distress as she helps run Grant Seger Sporthorses in Corpus Christi, Texas, and raises their young family, Grant is the underdog hero: competitive yet honest, working hard with what he’s given and defending family values as he strives to make it in the show jumping world.
- Published in Sidelines Feature
Lexi Wedemeyer: Jumping at Every Opportunity
Thursday, December 12 2019
Story and photos by Lori Ovanessian - Some life stories are generations in the making. This is true for 27-year-old Alexandra “Lexi” Wedemeyer. She was destined to ride: Her grandfather had a ranch in Montana where her mother, Connie, grew up and horses were part of their everyday life. Her grandfather was tough and her mom recalls a time between 4-H and rodeo days where her father traded farm supplies for another farmer’s horse, handed it to her and said, “Here … make this your next barrel racer.”
- Published in Sidelines Feature
Natascha Gates: Her Fortune Foretold – From Germany to Colorado This Show Jumper Is Living Her Best Life
Monday, November 11 2019
By Doris Degner-Foster. Portraits by Kristie Nichols - When 16-year-old Natascha Gates and a friend went to visit a fortune teller in her home country of Germany, she was told that she would go far away to find happiness and her life’s love, but she didn’t actually believe it and promptly forgot about the experience. Natascha had other things on her mind. She was about to leave school and begin training for a career in the horse industry. Natascha with grand prix prospect China Blue, a 6-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Christian, owned by Nancy Gooding of Plum Creek Hollow Farm.
- Published in Sidelines Feature
Bethany Lee: All Roads Lead to My Equestrian Style
Tuesday, November 05 2019
By Britney Grover Photos by Shelby Phillips There are two things Bethany Lee has always been passionate about: horses and style. “When I was 5 years old, my mom would find me sitting in the middle of my closet, with five or six layers of outfits on my body at any given time,” she said.
- Published in Sidelines Feature
Wendy Sasser: “This Horse Gave Me My Dreams Back”
Friday, November 01 2019
By Lyssette Williams Portraits by Kristin Lee Late night 1984, 12-year-old Wendy Sasser sat with eyes glued to the television watching as equestrians competed at the Los Angeles Summer Olympics. Wendy had always loved horses, but that summer moment further fueled her passion. “Watching the Olympic equestrian events inspired me,” Wendy said. “Abdullah and Touch
- Published in Sidelines Feature