Elyse Hart: A Story of Sobriety, Grit & Gratitude 

By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Lori Ovanessian Elyse Hart’s life has been a rollercoaster for the entirety of her 33 years. Adoption, discovering the magic of horses, addiction, overdoses, multiple trips to rehab, finding love, open heart surgeries, becoming a wife and mother, rediscovering her horse passion—and nearly losing it all. Through the ups and

Alex Matz: Winning His Own Race

By Britney Grover Portraits by Adrienne Morella They say the most effective way to learn a language is by total immersion. That’s how Alex Matz has learned horses. Horses are a heritage in the family of Alex’s mother, DD, whose mother was an avid horsewoman from a family tree going directly back to King Ranch
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Unbridled With Mary Knowlton

By Britney Grover To say Mary Knowlton’s life has revolved around horses is an understatement. She’s worked her way through the horse industry, including over 40 years running her Knightsbridge Farm, earning her “R” hunter and equitation judge’s card and “r” jumper judge’s card, and serving on governing boards. She’s been the USHJA President since

Positive Stress-Busting Habits to Help Conquer Anxiety

By Margie Sugarman I haven’t been to Indoors since I was a Junior. I worked hard this year, have the right horse and proper training, and qualified for two finals. My horse is amazing, and I know she will be great, but I’m nervous. I feel such pressure to succeed against my peers who have

Rachel Lindsey: The Perfect Dog and Pony Show

By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Kristie Scholten Rachel Lindsey has always known her purpose on Earth involved working with horses. “I believe with all my heart that my passion for horses is God-given,” Rachel said. “I didn’t come from a horsey family. I didn’t inherit a love for horses. I just loved them.” When Rachel

Renay Shaffer: Using Art for Good

By Shya Beth Renay Shaffer’s sharpened skills and even sharper pencils delicately bring equine and animal forms to life, and she uses these works of art to help save the very same subjects she features in her work. Horrified and inspired to help the animal victims of the massive bushfires raging in Australia in 2020,

Lauren Knopp: Hooked on Dressage 

By Cheyenne Lord Portraits by Kristen Scott-Crocker Even before Lauren Knopp started riding, it was clear she had inherited her mom’s horse-craziness. During her early childhood, she briefly tried gymnastics and was an ice skater for three years, collecting Breyer horse models all the while. Although her heart really wasn’t in either sport, her mother,

Kobi and Lielle Rhodes: Father & Daughter Bond Over Horses 

By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Melissa Fuller With a passion for horses that started in his homeland of Israel, Kobi Rhodes has always known horses would be his life’s work. “From the time I was a young kid, it’s always and only been about horses for me,” Kobi said. Those beloved horses have taken Kobi

Katie Freeman: Building a Business She Loves

By Ruby Tevis Portraits by Kristen Scott-Crocker Katie Freeman has come a long way since she first opened the gates to her business, Summer Wind Farm in Apopka, Florida. Katie was just 24 years old then, but she knew what she wanted from life and she was determined to chase her dressage dreams. Now, she’s

Foxhunting With the Moore County Hounds

Isabella Tanner Southern Pines, North Carolina 7th grade Pony Club member, foxhunter and eventer How did you get started riding? Four years ago, my grandma put me and my cousin, Grace, into summer horse camp in Maryland. Shortly after camp, I started taking lessons at a hunter barn in Orlando, Florida. My mom and dad weren’t into