SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Friday, October 29 2021 / Published in Sidelines Feature

Jackson Graves: Exploring His Creative Side

By Shya Beth 

Jackson Graves’ story is full of self-discovery, a love of horses and never-ending creativity. Although Jackson has been riding since he was very young and has shown and trained his own horses up to the two-star level in show jumping, his art endeavors have only recently become a center focus of his life.

“I started painting about a year and a half ago,” Jackson, 21, said. “After the COVID-19 lockdown started in the United Kingdom, I had more time than ever, and I was finally out of the repressed state of mind that I had been in for a while. I say ‘repressed’ because up until my move to the UK from my home country of Canada, I was living a huge lie as a straight guy!”

Embracing his whole self after coming out, Jackson started to explore his creative side on his own terms. “Funny enough, before heteronormativity started to impact my choices and the way I behaved—I’m talking kindergarten to grade four—I was super artistic, always drawing and doodling, sculpting, making music and the like. My teachers would always say how they saw lots of creative potential, and that I should pursue the arts … I should have listened sooner.”

Jumping Into the Saddle

Before his art career started in 2020, Jackson’s future plans had always been to continue his show-jumping career. Growing up with parents who enjoy riding, Jackson learned to ride when he was 7 years old on his parents’ horses but didn’t start training seriously until he was 11 at Foxtrail Farms North in Okotoks, Alberta. From there, he continued to advance and learn the ins and outs of riding, training and running a professional stable.

A life-changing opportunity came in 2018 when Jackson was showing his own self-made 7-year-old at the Royal West Horse Show in Calgary. After watching Jackson compete with his horse in a night class at the show, Tani Zeidler reached out and asked if he would be willing to ride a few horses for her since her rider was away at the time.

“After I had finished riding three of her horses, she offered me a job. It felt unreal to be recognized, and I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity,” Jackson said. “I worked six days a week, riding four to eight horses per day from ages 3 to 8. They were all homebreds out of Tani’s championship mares, so you can say I was spoiled rotten with beautiful quality horses and an excellent facility.”

At the Crossroads of Life

Jackson had an incredible time working and learning along the way at Zeidler Farm, which made his decision to leave all the more difficult. “Deep down, I just knew that I needed a fresh start. I have to say, I feel like this last year I came to a crossroads in my life, and I really had two amazing options to choose from. If I hadn’t started painting, I would probably be riding full time for somebody. However, I’m happy that I decided to pursue the arts and architecture, because horses are not going anywhere for me. Some of the greatest riders are in their 60s!”

After spending 60 days in the UK as a test run, Jackson applied for and received his five-year visa in March 2020 and moved to the UK. “It’s a lot of fun,” Jackson said. “I really enjoy the humor, the quick British wit, and of course the architecture and history.”

The last six months have been a time of personal and artistic growth. “I feel I have really started to come into myself more as an artist. My personal work tends to be quite dark, which is completely unintentional. Painting allows me to let out some of my icky past in a way that isn’t attention-seeking or overwhelming for people. I feel grateful to have that outlet.”

Since Jackson began painting seriously, he started to think about post-secondary education. After taking some time to think long and hard about what he enjoys doing and analyzing his strengths, he ultimately came to the conclusion that studying architecture at the Arts University Bournemouth in Poole, England, was a perfect match. “I have an open mind going into architecture as a career, but I’m definitely drawn to a more entrepreneurial route in custom homes and large-scale residential projects.”

Besides his mixed media paintings, Jackson has another artistic style all of his own—using screws. Aptly called “screw art,” this unique medium involves thousands of screws screwed into a dark wood background at various lengths to give a sense of depth and shadow. “I really love the industrial look: screws, bolts and a bit of rust. The idea of turning something bulky, non-malleable and generally unattractive into something organic and beautiful really inspires me—hence my interest in pursuing architecture.”

Between school, art and riding and training in between, Jackson is hopeful for the future. “Within the next five years, I hope to be very close to being a licensed architect. I would love to have my artwork in a gallery in London and to be show jumping competitively again. One can dream!”

For more information, visit jacksongravesart.com.

Art Of The Horse is the world’s first equine art platform and is the premier source for all things equine art. artofthehorsegallery.net

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: Equine Artist

What you can read next

Moving Your Horse Up to the Next Level 
Andie Sue Roth: Enjoying Every Step of the Journey
Molly Ashe Cawley — Life, Love, Family & Horses

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
❗️George Williams column❗️ The FEI World ❗️George Williams column❗️
The FEI World Cup Final in Omaha is coming up quickly. That means that it’s starting to heat 
up as the end of the qualifying period for both the Western European League (WEL) and the 
North American League (NAL) nears. I started to write this column before the Amsterdam CDI- W, and I was using the FEI Ranking List from January 15 as a reference. As I sit down to finish 
my column, I’m now looking at the results from Amsterdam. While the list of the top contenders 
for the WEL hasn’t changed, they’re definitely moving around on the ranking list. The WEL has 
three more legs, as they’re referred to: Neumünster February 16–19, Goteborg February 23–26, 
and ’s-Hertogenbosch March 9–12, and they could change things dramatically.
Looking at the top 12 athletes from the WEL as they were ranked on January 15, there are five 
from Germany, three from the Netherlands and one each from Great Britain, Denmark

➡️Read Georges's full column by clicking the link in our bio, and never miss an article by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine 🦄 

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #love #cheval #showjumping #horselife #photography #nature #pferde #horseofinstagram #caballo #riding #horsebackriding #pferdeliebe #caballos #horsepower #horsephotography #instagram #Sidelinesmagazine
Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N strike gold in Gre Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N strike gold in Great American $300,000 Grand Prix at HITS Ocala!! 🏆🥇

Crowds filled the stands at the HITS Ocala Grand Prix Ring on Sunday afternoon to watch the world’s top athletes compete in the Great American $300,000 Grand Prix. The day concluded with a thrilling five-horse jump-off featuring athletes 
representing four countries. In the end, it was Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) and Ivaro N who produced the only double clear effort of the day, claiming one of the biggest wins of her career. Scott Keach (AUS) and Noble De La Chapelle earned the second-place prize with the fastest 4-fault jump-off, while Aaron Vale (USA) and Obi Wan placed third as the day’s pathfinders.

“I'm still on cloud nine, I still can't believe it – I’ve used up all my luck for the year,” smiled Goldman-Smolen after her win. “I've been knocking on the door a long time in these bigger classes. I am so proud of my horse – he gave every ounce of effort.”

Sunday’s Great American $300,000 Grand Prix marked the conclusion of the 2023 HITS Ocala circuit. HITS CCO Joe Norick concluded, “We are so excited about the new HITS, with 2023 as the launch. New footing, many new arenas here, and a lot of our facilities across America are getting a lot of love and new footing. Our partnerships with Worldly Martin and others across America including our footing leader Bart Poles overseeing our operations – it really makes a big difference for us. Today is about Ocala and these three riders sitting next to me who supported us this entire winter. We want to be a proud destination for our exhibitors and our friends. We know we have to provide them a beautiful showplace to work from that's horseman friendly, and that's our go goal. 

Congratulations to all of the riders, horses, owners, and groom who participated in this prestigious class!!! 🎉
📸 @esi_photography 
#horseshow #horses #horse #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #horselove #horsestagram #instagram #showjumping #equestrianlife #equine  #horsebackriding #dressage #horselife #pony #of #horserider #horseshoe #horsemanship #horseshowlife #riding #instahorse #horseaddict #horseofinstagram #sidelinesmagazine
It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is. It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is...

 ✨PF'S DIAMO BLUE✨
Diarado-Diamant de Semilly- Chacco Blue
17.0hh, Oldenburg International Hunter Derby/ Jumper Stallion
An outstanding Pedigree- Chacco Blue and Diamant de Semilly
WBFSH/ Rolex top ranking Jumping Sires 2017 thru 2022
Standing at Ryan Pedigo Sport Horses, in California

For more information, you can contact 
🖥Ryanpedigosporthorses.com
🖥Ryan.p.f@hotmail.com
☎️(714) 357-2714

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

@ryanpedigosporthorsespf_

#stallion #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #equine #dressage #pferd #equestrianlife #mare #hengst #horseriding #instahorse #cheval #pferde #equinephotography #horselove #dressagehorse #pony #horselover #caballo #foal #quarterhorse #aqha #arabianhorse #sidelinesmagazine
Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses—in a way, she was born into her career. She grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where her parents ran a farm. Her mother taught, and her father had a jump business and then created one of the first horse show software programs: Ryegate Show Services, Inc.

Riding all her life, Annette spent many years as a groom and loved it, but knew it wasn’t what she wanted to do as a career. After she finished college, Annette’s father recruited her to help process entries at Ryegate. Since her father, Lloyd Longenecker, founded it in 1981, Ryegate has provided show management and office staff for some of the largest shows in the country. Now, Annette has taken over from her father and directed the company as it focuses on managing memberships and rankings for organizations such as the North American League, WIHS Championships and Equitation, Rolex/USEF Computer Ranking and National Medal Series (THIS NCM and Ariat NAM). Ryegate also provides scoring software for use with video walls, and production teams for hunter and jumper shows.

“Besides running Ryegate Show Services and its various organizations, I can be found in the show office, running a scoreboard or judging jumpers at most shows,” Annette said. “I love getting to wear a few different hats at the show.”

When she’s not busy at a show, Annette lives in Annville, Pennsylvania, with her “fur-baby,” Maggie Mae, and enjoys spending time with her many godchildren. Though she doesn’t currently own any horses, Annette rides when she can at Rolling Acres Farm with Patty Foster, Ashley Foster-Worthington and Mary Lisa Leffler.

Read this month unbridled with Annette Longenecker by clicking the link in our bio. Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine! 🦄
📸Photo by Sheryl Sutherby

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #love #cheval #showjumping #horselife #photography #nature #pferde #horseofinstagram #caballo #riding #horsebackriding #pferdeliebe #caballos #horsepower #horsephotography #instagram #Sidelinesmagazine
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • Blades International Sporthorses
    Hunters-Jumpers-Equitation-Sales Melissa Blades 7346498069 Pittsboro NC melissa.blades@aol.com www.bladesinternationalsporthorses.com

    [Read more]

  • BLUE RIBBON SCHOLARS ONLINE
    BEAT THE BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES WITH BLUE RIBBON SCHOLARS Academic enrichment (K-12) at your personalized pace in Ocala and online Help with college essays, NCEA recruiting videos, and personal websites Get homework help, supplemental learning, and customized study plans • Test preparation (PSAT/SAT/SAT II/ACT) Presented by Blue Ribbon Scholars info@blueribbonscholars.com | www.blueribbonscholars.com 443-257-9549
    Follow us @blueribbonscholars Academic subject and test-prep tutoring also available!

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island
  • A Paris Horse Adventure: Saut Hermes 2022

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • 2023 Upperville Colt & Horse Show Presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Returns for 170th Year on June 5-11
  • Will Coleman Retains Yanmar America CCI4*-S Lead in Dramatic Show Jumping at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International
  • First edition of the World Sport Horse Sales was a hit with $410.000 for the most expensive horse

Category

Recent Posts

  • April 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Building a Bond With a New Horse

    By Margie Sugarman I just bought a new horse. I...
  • Developing Healthy Relationships With Your Barnmates

    By Rob Jacobs The purpose of this month’s colum...
  • The Value of Self-Coaching

    By Liz Halliday-Sharp The sport of eventing is ...
  • Unbridled With Annette Longenecker

    By Britney Grover  Annette Longenecker wasn’t j...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!