4 SIDELINES JULY 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Speaking of skills, show jumper Todd Minikus is the man
with the skills! With over 100 Grand Prix titles to his name,
Todd remains as formidable as ever. I think you’ll enjoy the
story on Todd in this issue. Thanks to his lengthy career, Todd
understands the ups and downs of the show world and is quick
to point out that despite challenges, there’s “no crying in show
jumping.” He also believes anyone who gets to ride and take
care of horses every day should feel extremely fortunate — and I
definitely agree.
I’m also excited to welcome a new columnist to the
Sidelines
family this month. Amateur rider Kathy Serio is the “Lucille Ball”
of the equestrian world and she’s been making her friends laugh
for years — and now it’s time for her to make us all laugh as
well. Kathy’s column “Amateurisms” kicks off with a wacky show
experience that many of you will be able to relate to — and if you
can’t, then consider yourself fortunate. Kathy married her trainer,
Tommy Serio, two years ago and thanks to Tommy, a barn full
of horses and a house full of dogs, there’s never a dull moment
in the Serio family — which translates to some funny moments
we’re sure to read about.
The summer months are here and I hope you enjoy them —
whether you’re training, showing or just enjoying your horses.
Many of our readers are now enjoying reading
Sidelines
in
digital format, which is free if you have a print subscription. So
download the app on your tablet or phone and take
Sidelines
along on your summer vacation.
Catch the Sidelines Spirit — in print and digital!
E
venter Madeline Backus graces our cover this
month, and cantering across rolling hills with majestic
mountains as a backdrop sure looks like a fun ride!
Colorado photographer Kathleen Byran shot the cover
photo and I think you’ll love our story on how Kathleen turned
an unfortunate unemployment experience into a career she
loves. We also catch up with cover girl Madeline, who’s certainly
rocking the Rockies on her way to the top of the eventing world!
If our cover photo makes you long for a trip to the Rocky
Mountains, then you’re in luck. This issue of
Sidelines
features a
special section on the Rockies, so sit back in the comfort of your
home or barn and take a little Rocky Mountain journey.
This issue is also packed with stories on pony and junior
riders — the future of our equestrian sport. I have a tender
spot for ponies, so I’m always thrilled to read about ponies
who’ve lived long and wonderful lives. Our story on Lily Grace
McCormick and her 29-year-old pony who took her to Pony
Finals made me smile — what a priceless pony!
We also catch up with several junior riders who have bright
futures ahead of them. If you’re a junior interested in competing
in the equitation classes, then make sure you read the story on
Missy Clark — a real life equitation guru if there ever was one.
Missy shares her beliefs on the value of equitation in equestrian
education. We also have a story on the Vermont Summer
Festival, a show known for being an equitation “boot camp” and
a great place for riders to hone their equitation skills.
Letter
From The
Editor
Jan Westmark, Editor-In-Chief
Madeline Backus
—thismonth’s
cover girl from the
Rockies!
Photo by Kathleen
Bryan
Lily Grace
McCormick
and her pony
Rainbow’s
Northern Belle
Photo courtesy
of Michele
McCormick
Jan Westmark
Editor-In-Chief
