Kim Burnette: Sharing the Joy of Horses

By Ruby Tevis Portraits by Melissa Fuller Kim Burnette has always loved horses, and throughout her lifelong career as an equestrian, her mission has remained the same—to share the joy of horses with others. From collegiate equestrian coach to professional Grand Prix rider, carriage tour owner and boutique owner, Kim wears many hats and her
Tagged under: , , , ,

Lehua Custer: From Pineapple Fields to a Stallion Called Tuna

By Ruby Tevis Portraits by Melissa Fuller In this day of technology, social media can be the gateway to dreams coming true. For dressage rider Lehua Custer, a regular evening of Facebook scrolling turned into the start of a new adventure—and love at first sight with a little chestnut colt on her screen. She didn’t
Tagged under: , , ,

Derek Braun: If You Build It, They Will Come

By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Ruby Tevis When Derek Braun sets his sights on his equestrian goals, he’s unstoppable. From his first lessons at age 7 to founding and managing the Split Rock Jumping Tour today, Derek has exhibited a tremendous amount of grit. A constant companion at his sister’s riding lessons and shows on
Tagged under: ,

Harper Henry: Bringing Abstract and Realism Together

By Shya Beth If you were to ask how Harper Henry would describe her artistic style, she would say something along the lines of how each painting is an exploration—a way to push artistic boundaries and discover new depths within the world of oil painting. Mainly featuring horses as well as western themes, Harper’s work

Maeve & Moose: Beating Cancer With the Help of the Cornell University Equestrian Team

By Britney Grover Portraits by Gilbert B. Hammer Bedecked in a blue dress polka-dotted with rainbow unicorns, Maeve Rae-Bognar sat beside her mother in their Candor, New York, home with her usual bright grin and her arms wrapped around a rotund stuffed horse. Maeve bounced and giggled through the interview, just like any healthy, happy,
Tagged under: , , ,

Lee Cesery: A Legacy of Love

By Victoria Sheehan Portraits by Melissa Fuller Lee Cesery considers her story a typical one. Yet for many who know her, she’s anything but. The prominent amateur is a staple across hunter-jumper A-circuits, primarily in the hunter ring where her horses have continued to be a treat for those who get the chance to watch. 
Tagged under: , ,

Loving Life and Working Hard, From Softball to Horses

Sydney Wilson Alpharetta, Georgia Hunter rider and Dover Saddlery employee How long have you been part of the horse world?  I’ve been riding for fun for about eight years and competitively for about two years. I had a babysitter who had a horse and would take me to her barn when I was 6 years

Glenn & Joan Petty: Horses and Community Create a Horse Show Family

By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Pam Jensen Glenn and Joan Petty have never met a stranger. For the past 30-plus years, they have welcomed everyone who attends their horse shows with open arms and their signature Southern hospitality. Whether you enter their show grounds as an exhibitor, vendor, spectator or facility worker, you leave as

Tracy Fenney: Leading by Example

By Kimberly Gatto Portraits by Kristie Nichols Scholten Baseball legend Joe DiMaggio once noted, “A person always doing his or her best becomes a natural leader, just by example.” Tracy Fenney embodies the essence of the “Yankee Slugger’s” quote, setting an example for all equestrians through her quiet and humble leadership. In 2020, the US

Melanie Doughty: Studying at Home and Riding Abroad

By Ruby Tevis Portraits by Melissa Fuller  For Melanie Doughty, balance is more than a principle of dressage; it’s a way of life. As a top FEI Young Rider, owner of two horses, sorority sister and international business student at Rollins College, Melanie juggles everything with grace. This summer, Melanie built upon her resume of
Tagged under: , ,