54 SIDELINES JULY 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Missy’s student Michael Hughes on Zagreb was
the winner of the 2013 Platinum Performance/
USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East.
Photo by The Book LLC 2014
Sophie Simpson and North Run’s
Eclipse, amazing at only 6, had
a very successful indoor circuit
finishing eighth in the ASPCA
Maclay finals.
Photo by The Book LLC 2014
This up-and-coming jumper
rider on the international Grand
Prix circuit trains with Missy:
Catherine Tyree, 19, won her
first Grand Prix in only the
second Grand Prix of her career
with Sandor de la Pomme in
August 2013 at the Vermont
Summer Festival.
Photo by The Book LLC 2014
added to the success of their farm, North Run, as they continue
to coach and produce champions and successful riders from
equitation to grand prix jumpers. Through the years, a number
of North Run riders have continued on to ride on the U.S. show
jumping team and for their own country’s equestrian team in
international competition.
“Darragh Kenny from Ireland began working for North Run in
2009 and won his first Grand Prix on one of our jumpers, Gael
Force,” Missy said. “Another North Run rider, Hillary Dobbs,
became the youngest jumper rider to win a million dollars
in prize money. Sheila Burke, one of my first students back
when I was in my 20s, rode with me for years and years. She
ended up winning the Dublin Grand Prix and rode in Europe on
numerous occasions for the U.S. show jumping team.”
Currently, Missy is working with a group of great students,
including Tori Colvin, Michael Hughes and Sophie Simpson, to
name a few of the North Run young riders. “I feel I am really
lucky to have such a talented group of kids this year – I’ve got
a lot of great ones,” she said. “I see any of these kids doing
whatever they want to do in the sport. I’m very proud of my
riders.”
When asked what her favorite show is today, Missy said,
“Washington International Horse Show – I love that show.
Of all the shows, it’s the one that is most reminiscent of the
Garden. It’s right in the heart of the city. I love it. It has great
atmosphere. My favorite outdoor shows in the USA are Devon
and the Hampton Classic. I also love going to Spruce Meadows
In Canada.”
Being a professional means training and showing with
integrity, being straightforward and honest, and doing the best
job she can. “One of the things that makes me most proud is
how so many of my riders, after their junior years are over,
go on to long and successful amateur, professional and grand
prix careers,” Missy said. “I really enjoy seeing so many of my
North Run students continue on in the sport.”
About the writer: Lauren R. Giannini is an award-winning journalist,
specializing in stories about the equestrian world. Crazy about horses all her
life, she craves more stable time, especially in the saddle. Right now, she rides
her beloved MacBook, a genuine work-pony, and reads voraciously to escape
the everyday world.
“I teach equitation because it’s the proper stepping stone to
whatever you want to do, whether you want to be the best
jumper rider or the best hunter rider.” – Missy Clark
