A Love for Ponies and Horses Brings Great Opportunities 

Emi Richard 11 years old Middlefield, Connecticut What school do you go to? I just finished school at Frank Ward middle school and hoping to do online school next year. When did you start riding? I’ve been riding since I was a baby. Who is your trainer?  I ride with all the trainers at Heritage Farm
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Unbridled With Michel Vaillancourt

By Jan Westmark Show jumper Michel Vaillancourt has worn many hats in the equestrian world. While currently a sought-after course designer, his talent in the saddle took him to Olympic and Pan Am Games as a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team and also as the team coach. Michel won an individual silver medal at

Ruth Green: Equestrian Adventures in Art

By Shya Beth Ruth Green’s journey into the horse world is filled with vibrant locations and enriched by her career as a sculptor. Crossing continents and working in diverse equestrian disciplines while pursuing her love of sculpture, Ruth has become an established animal sculptor. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Ruth’s story takes a

Rob Gray: Success Without the Saddle

By Britney Grover Portraits by Melissa Fuller Rob Gray has been deeply entrenched in the equestrian world his entire life. He started attending horse shows soon after he was born, got his first pony at 4 and went to Wellington for the first time at 6. Now, Rob’s life and career revolve around horses. But
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Julie Lawther: Sharing the Love of Horses in Art

By Shya Beth  Using oils, acrylics and color pencils, Julie Lawther lends her one-of-a-kind style to each of her paintings. While pursuing a realistic approach to each subject, she demonstrates the uncanny ability to forge a connection with each viewer in a way that is familiar and enchanting. That ability is key to her success
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Ian Gaudio: Helping Others and Creating Community 

By Britney Grover Ian Gaudio may only be 15 years old, but he has a strong sense of community that belies his youth. In junior high, Ian participated with Dylan’s Wings of Change as a Wingman to lend emotional and social support to children. Dylan’s Wings of Change is a foundation created to honor Dylan

Unbridled With Jessica Newman

By Jan Westmark As the founder of JustWorld International, Jessica Newman is changing the world. She started the non-profit in 2003, naming it JustWorld because her inspiration was to create a more just world. Since its inception, JustWorld has helped break the cycle of poverty for children around the world.  Jessica continues to grow the
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Maddy Keck: At Home at Savannah College of Art and Design

After a successful Junior career in the show ring, Maddy Keck had a dilemma: she wasn’t ready to give up on riding, but she also wanted to pursue her other passions. “I realized that I had never quite grown out of my ‘crazy horse girl’ phase,” Maddy confessed. “I wanted to find a way to
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Unbridled With Emil Spadone

By Jan Westmark Emil Spadone’s equestrian career started when he was 12 years old and his family moved within walking distance of Coppergate Farm, owned and operated by Tom and Lyla Florio, in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Emil’s mom loved horses and riding quickly became a family affair. Emil worked in the barn after school
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Unbridled With Aaron Vale

Show jumper Aaron Vale entered his first Grand Prix when he was only 14 years old, setting the stage for his life in the Grand Prix ring where he has amassed over 250 wins to date. Aaron, who owns the farm Thinkslikeahorse in Williston, Florida, holds the record for the most Grand Prix wins in
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