Hope Cooper: Dressage and Education Run in the Family
Sunday, August 07 2022
By Ruby Tevis Portraits by Melissa Fuller Hope Cooper has a passion for learning—in the dressage arena, in academics—it’s in her DNA. Her father is a lawyer and her mother, Dr. Jane Karol, is both a Grand Prix dressage trainer and psychotherapist. Growing up at her family’s Bear Spot Farm in Concord, Massachusetts, proved to
- Published in Weekly Feature
Bailey Robinson: Ponies on Her Mind
Sunday, August 07 2022
By Britney Grover Portraits by Kristie Scholten In some ways, Bailey Robinson owes her riding to her parents. Her mother, Wendy Hartman Robinson, grew up showing ponies and hunters on the East Coast. Bailey’s father, Mikal Robinson, also came from a horsey family and has trained horses all over North America. In other ways, however,
- Published in Weekly Feature
The Impact of Thoughts
Sunday, August 07 2022
By Margie Sugarman I fell off at a big show I qualified for last year. I thankfully qualified again this year, but I’m so nervous to attend. I’m afraid I’m going to remember the fall when I’m there. I’m afraid I’m going to fall off again and show people I don’t deserve to compete there.
- Published in Weekly Feature
Believing in the Horse Nobody Believed In: Cooley Quicksilver
Sunday, August 07 2022
By Liz Halliday-Sharp I have had many young horses in my time, and one thing I’ve learned is that it’s rarely the perfect, easy baby that becomes the next superstar. In fact, I’ve always considered it a positive to have the well-behaved youngster throw a little bit of attitude my way, as I believe that
- Published in Weekly Feature
Unbridled With Steve Stephens
Sunday, August 07 2022
By Britney Grover Steve Stephens knows a good jump course—he competed over hundreds, winning events like the American Gold Cup and Nations Cups around the world. Since the ’80s, Steve has been putting his interest in jumps and courses to use as a course designer and with his business, Stephens Equestrian Designs. It’s easy to
- Published in Weekly Feature
Ava Barnes: A Heart for Horses and Horses for the Heart
Sunday, August 07 2022
By Ruby Tevis Portraits by Melissa Fuller Anyone who’s had the privilege of loving a horse knows the magic of their presence. Twelve-year-old pony rider Ava Barnes was drawn to horses from the very beginning. She couldn’t predict the success she’d find in the show ring, or that horses would become the glue holding her
- Published in Weekly Feature
Luca & Ella Endzweig: Twin Sisters Enjoying the Pure Joy of Ponies
Sunday, August 07 2022
By Britney Grover Portraits by Melissa Fuller At first meeting, twin sisters Luca and Ella Endzweig might appear quiet and reserved. Get to know them, and their personalities are as different as any two 10-year-old girls. “They’re super different—Luca is a little more reserved and composed, and Ella’s a bit more free-spirited,” said the twins’
- Published in Weekly Feature
Kesia Finley: Overcoming Obstacles to Pursue Her Passion
Sunday, August 07 2022
By Shya Beth Even though Kesia Finley’s path to the world of horses and art was paved with obstacles and heartache, you could say she was destined to bring her artistic talents to the world. In March of 2020, right after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when Kesia was furloughed from her job, her
- Published in Weekly Feature
Small But Mighty: FEI Dressage Ponies
Saturday, August 06 2022
By George Williams They may be small, but they are mighty in Europe. In many ways, their mightiness shines through in terms of the education they can provide to young dressage athletes. They, of course, are the FEI Ponies. I don’t know if I’ve ever watched a class where rider after rider nailed the walk
- Published in Weekly Feature