By Jessica Grutkowski
Portraits by Kacy Brown
The Redden Family has always adopted a “go big or go home” attitude, so it wasn’t surprising when their daughter and two nieces began taking horseback riding lessons that they jumped in feet first. Less than one year after that first lesson, the Reddens had a barn full of horses and were the stars of their own real-world television series. Now in pre-production for season three, “Riding with the Reddens” focuses on navigating the intricacies of the equestrian world, as three young riders chase their five-star dreams.
Their love affair with horses began when the global COVID-19 pandemic shut down film studios on the West Coast. Summer Redden and her daughter Emma—a rising actor already working in television and theater—returned to their family compound in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to quarantine with their Aunt Autumn and cousins Abigail and Annie. “All three girls are home schooled and quickly found themselves with too much free time on their hands,” Summer said. “We’re not horse people, so when they begged for lessons, my husband, Jeremiah, and I were a bit apprehensive.”
Looking For a Leg Up
Emma began her riding journey at a hunter-jumper barn, whereas Abigail and Annie started off in the eventing world. “I was older than most kids starting out, and the barn staff assumed I knew more than I did,” Emma said. “Someone would ask me to grab a girth and I literally had no idea what they meant.”
In that moment, Summer saw an opportunity. “I asked if we could take a video of someone properly tacking up a horse. That way, we would have a great reference point—and who knows—maybe even help someone else!” she said. “That’s truly how the idea for our show came to fruition; I wanted to help other first-time horse families.”
It wasn’t long before Emma decided to try eventing. “It really freaked us out as parents, especially not knowing anything about horses,” Summer said. “Being in a ring seemed controlled, but now they were going to be in a cross-country field and jumping natural obstacles.”
To help ease their fears, Summer and Jeremiah insist the girls wear air vests, safety tech stirrups and properly fitted helmets. “As a teen, I had a bad experience trail riding in a National Park,” Summer said. “A branch fell, and my horse spooked and took off. I haven’t gotten back on since, but I have definitely become more comfortable around horses.”
After taking multiple lessons, Summer, Jeremiah and Autumn knew it was time to expand their family with the addition of some four-legged partners for the girls. “We knew they were in this for the long run, so it made sense to invest in their future,” Summer said.
The first two horses to join the herd were off-the-track Thoroughbreds named Tap For Ami and Stormin Hot Benne. Shortly after, they added an Appaloosa named Vegas. “Their grandparents were thrilled to share their passion with the girls and generously gifted each of them money to put toward their first horses—something they’ll always be proud to have had a hand in,” Summer said.
Horses have enriched the girls’ lives far beyond their parents’ wildest imaginations. “The life lessons and responsibility these girls learn in the barn are simply not something that can be taught in a classroom,” she said. “We’re more than happy to be the financial backers—if they do the work.”
Not surprisingly, the girls rose to the occasion. “I love the horsemanship aspect of it all. We muck all the stalls, feed and water, handle turnout, and, of course, ride our horses,” Annie said. “It’s a lot of work—but we do it together, and that makes it fun.”
“We love having spa days with the horses just as much as we love riding,” Abigail added.
Horse Capital of the World
As the girls became more competitive, their friends suggested that the Reddens consider spending the winter season in Ocala. “The eventing community in Chattanooga is limited,” Summer said. “In Ocala, the weather is mild and there are lots of opportunities to practice outside on varied terrain. The local professionals are truly committed to helping the next generation.”
The girls train with Carter Eventing, a husband-and-wife team based out of Five Ring Stables. Both Kyle and Jen Carter are five-star eventers with extensive experience at the highest levels of the sport. Kyle represented Canada at the 2008 Olympics, and helped secure a team silver at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. “Kyle, Jen and their team inspire me to work harder,” Abigail said. “They are always patient, and coach in a way that keeps it fun!”
The Reddens quickly realized why equestrians flock to Ocala for the winter. “Everything is catered toward horses,” Summer said. The Reddens live on site at Five Ring Stables, and purchased two RVs for flexible family housing. “We can manage our horses’ care, continue the girls’ education and easily make time to film our show,” she said.
The reality is there isn’t much of a script for their television show. The series highlights their day-to-day life at the barn and training sessions, as they work toward their goal of qualifying for the USEA American Eventing Championships. Many episodes feature special guests from the eventing world, including Boyd Martin and Doug Payne, and YouTube sensation Esme Higgs. “I was shocked at how receptive the professionals in the eventing world were to come on the show and offer words of wisdom,” Summer said.
When the show first began, Summer’s “crew” consisted of one camera and sound person. “We’ve expanded the team for season two, and carefully plan our off-site locations to secure proper approvals. The last thing we want is to spook any horses with our equipment!”
So far, production has gone off without a hitch, and the show has amassed a little fan club. “It’s so much fun when people come up to us at competitions and say hello,” Annie said. “Some of our early fans have actually become close friends.”
Episodes consist of footage at home, the barn and on location. All three girls want to ride well on the show. “I never feel pressure from my parents; they just want me to be safe and have fun,” Emma said. “Of course, when we’re filming, I want to ride my best. It’s upsetting to train so hard and then the entire world sees you make a mistake. But this is a reality show—you’re getting the real moments, not just the perfect ones.”
Abigail also feels self-conscious about making rider errors while filming, but she’s also grown to appreciate the show as a visual representation of her progress. “I enjoy being able to go back and watch my riding journey from the beginning, and progress with my horses,” she said. “We’ve grown so much from season to season thanks to Kyle and Jen’s coaching.”
Staying On Course
Since that first winter, the Reddens have enjoyed several seasons in Ocala. “We’ve shuffled horses a bit, acquiring new ones as the girls’ skills improved and goals stretched,” Summer said.
Emma has since graduated from high school and is taking a break from riding to pursue her first love, acting. “She just finished working on a short film out in Carlsbad, California, and will ride at the barn whenever she’s home on a break,” Summer said.
Abigail is now riding Emma’s horse, Oaks, and has dreams of becoming a five-star eventer. “She’s dedicated and passionate about the sport. I have no doubt she will achieve her goals,” Summer said. “Meanwhile, Annie continues to enjoy the horsemanship aspect of the equestrian world and plans to pursue equine photography.”
“Riding with the Reddens” is currently available on Horse & Country (H&C) Television, with select episodes on YouTube. For more information, visit ridingwiththereddens.com or follow @ridingwiththereddens on Instagram and Facebook
Photos by Kacy Brown, kacybrownphotography.com
