Photos by Sabrina Brashares, Melissa Fuller, Sophia Donohue, Andrew Ryback, Adrienne Morella, Amanda Jordan, Lindsay McCall, Susan McClafferty, Kind Media
Michel Feitosa
From his first (unsupervised) ride in a pasture in Brazil to competing in stadiums around the world, Michel Feitosa does not see his riding journey as belonging only to him. In his meteoric rise as a show jumper, he blazes a trail for others, too.
Growing up with non-horsey parents in São Paulo, Michel had to be resourceful for his first ride while visiting family in the rural north of Brazil. “There was a mango tree by the pasture, so I picked a mango, and I came close to the fence to give it to the horse. When the horse came over, I climbed on the fence and jumped on his back,” he said. “My mom came running and asked me, ‘Who put you on the horse?’ because I was only 5.”
Michel’s mother worked hard to afford riding lessons, but the sport was too expensive to maintain. Michel worked at the farm in exchange for lessons, and at 18 he was offered a riding position with one of the premier show-jumping barns in Brazil, Hípica Terras de São José, which led to riding for Brazilian Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa based in the United States. Michel currently lives in Litchfield, Connecticut, with his wife, Amanda, and cat, Blackberry, and is the principal rider at Halcyon Show Stables, along with operating his own Black Gem Inc.
Michel remains grateful for his roots. “My mom has nine siblings, and they all live within a walk of each other, so when I left home to pursue my riding career, it was a very big drama,” Michel said. “But it feels like my dream is coming true. I want to show people it’s possible for them, too.”
Photo by Sabrina Brashares
Roger Sorhagen
Roger Sorhagen is more than just an eventer. The self-proclaimed “Jersey boy” turned Florida resident believes in setting an example for the people who look up to him. From the time he first rode a horse at the age of 8, he was in awe of their capacity for connection and giving spirit, and believed in honoring that. “Be empathetic, train your horses with compassion and love, never take advantage of their good nature,” Roger advised. “I believe in always leaving your ego on the ground when you put your foot in the stirrup. The history of man was recorded on the backs of horses; never has one animal done so much for mankind. We have a responsibility to give back to them.”
Roger has an affinity for the time-honored ways of doing things. After attending university, Roger attended three British Horse Society-sanctioned equestrian schools: Potomac Horse Center, the American Dressage Institute, and Moat House. “I was classically trained by some of the masters that are no longer with us,” he commented. “So my methods aren’t new or trendy, but they’re classic.”
He approaches everything in life with the same intentionality he learned in his riding career. “I have just the right number of clients and horses to train and bring forward. I can’t wait to teach my grandchildren how to ride when the time comes!” In Roger’s free time, he enjoys boating, golfing and spending time with his family. Most remarkably, he always makes time to help others. “I bring my horse to visit seniors at assisted living facilities and to children in hospitals. I try my best to bring kindness into all I do.”
Photo by Melissa Fuller
Shane Powell
Shane Powell’s business, Connelly Brook, is not just about riding, but also about reconnecting with joy. Named after the river that ran through his childhood home in Sterling, Massachusetts, Shane wants his boutique training program to reflect the values he holds dearest. “I got into this business because it was my passion,” Shane said. “In the past few years, I kind of forgot that feeling. Now, starting new, I’m finding that drive again. I know that what I’m doing now is what I want to do: I want to promote good horsemanship, proper riding and real respect for the sport. This is what it’s supposed to be about.”
Shane is dyslexic and had a difficult time in school when he was growing up. He knew what he really wanted was to be in the saddle, not the classroom. “My family was not in the financial situation for that to work, so my parents bartered with me, saying, ’If you try hard in school, we’ll buy you a pony.’ I was not going to pass up that opportunity.”
Shane carries intentionality into every decision he makes, both as a rider and a businessman. “I want to work with people who are here for the same reasons: the love of the horse and the sport, with a little competitive drive, yes, but competition comes secondary to horsemanship, care, and animal welfare.”
Photo by Sophia Donohue
Spencer O’Donnell
Spencer O’Donnell has always known where he wanted to be. “I wasn’t a fan of school. When I found horses, it was the place where I was like, Oh, yeah, that’s where I belong,” he said. “These are my people; this is my thing.” He began cleaning stalls after school in exchange for lessons. “Even then, I knew I wanted to be around horses for the rest of my life. I tried to take some time away from riding to go to college—I dropped out promptly. When I realized I wasn’t going to be a top trainer, I thought I would become a farrier.”
Spencer now bases in Florida and follows his clients during the summer months. “Everything is so busy in this profession that I’m really working on trying to take some time for myself, to slow down where I can,” he said. “I think it’s important to seek out balance.”
For Spencer, working with horses is a calling as much as it is a career. “It’s funny explaining my job at dinner parties. Sometimes I think, Oh man, it might be easier to tell these people I was a roofer or something. People wouldn’t be asking me all the time if I’d ever been kicked!” he laughed.
Photo by Melissa Fuller
Tom Urban
Tom Urban is something of a Renaissance Man. Born into a family that loved horses, his earliest memories are riding his pony in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where he still lives today. Tom’s equestrian background is extensive and varies from foxhunting to eventing to hunter-jumpers. Now, Tom manages HITS Chicago at Lamplight Equestrian Center, USEF Dressage Festival of Champions and a long list of other dressage and hunter-jumper competitions in the Midwest and Florida. He is also a course designer pursuing his jumper judging license and recently purchased Flying Change Farm in Kennard, Nebraska. “While I don’t ride much anymore, I never pass up a moment at the show to interact with the horses that we all love and enjoy. I, as most in this industry, find that horses are a lifestyle as opposed to a job.”
When it comes to the demands of his career, Tom isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. “I find myself able and willing to learn to do almost anything I can: building, woodworking, mechanics, plumbing, electrical and metal work. I find that with some YouTube research, I’m comfortable taking on almost any task,” he said.
In his limited free time, Tom enjoys watching sports, spending time with his family and cooking.
Tom’s priority is making sure that everything he does is done with the utmost care. “I enjoy the challenges of running exhibitor-focused horse shows at a top-notch, beautiful facility. I take great pride in the product I put forth, whether it’s my courses, the facility or the overall horse-show experience.”
Photo by Andrew Ryback
Erik Gudmundson
From being a radio DJ to a foxhunter to a dedicated philanthropist, Erik Gudmundson is truly a one-of-a-kind horseman and asset to his community. He got his start in riding through his hobby of off-roading. “But I knew exploring this breathtaking land up close required a horse,” he said. “I quickly learned horsemanship was not as simple as climbing onto a chair. Soon after that, I saw a local foxhunt in action and fell in love with the sport, acquired a few horses of my own and bought a farm in old Pickering Hunt country.”
Erik loves the team aspect of his sport. “Foxhunting welcomes new members. Everyone brings different skills to the hunt, and they’re all needed to have a successful day. While many of the members have been riding their entire lives, I didn’t start until I was 33, so it proves it’s never too late to start.”
Through his side job as an FM radio DJ, Erik was connected to community steeplechase races that benefitted local nonprofits. “Chester County is one of the wealthiest counties in the country, so it often surprises people to learn we still have food insecurity and unhoused people here. I serve on the board of the Chester County Community Foundation, where we connect people who care with causes that matter. I also serve as a co-host on the Start Local Podcast, where we interview local business owners and nonprofit leaders,” Erik explained. “I’m incredibly grateful for where I live and the lifestyle I enjoy. When I’m riding, sometimes I just smile in disbelief that I’m living real life.”
Photo by Adrienne Morella
Jay Sims
As a show manager and course designer, Jay Sims is passionate about the path he’s charting, not just in the equestrian world but also in his community. Jay currently lives with his wife, Asia, in the house across the street from his parents in Alpharetta, Georgia. Growing up, Jay was a self-described “classic barn brother,” who came to the shows when his sister rode. When he was old enough, Jay began running in-gates at his local shows. It was the beginning of something great. “I am fortunate enough to have been able to watch an entire generation of Georgia riders have so much success,” he said. “I also really enjoy the creativity of course design. Every course is a new puzzle, and achieving true perfection is unattainable. I really like that challenge.”
From 2020 to 2023, Jay served as president of the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association. “We have an amazing state organization, and getting to work with many of the people I grew up looking up to was a special experience,” he explained. “Last year it was my honor to be elected to the USHJA Board of Directors. I’ve been blown away by the time and effort that is volunteered by my fellow board members. I’m very excited for the future of our organization.”
Above all, Jay wants to be known as a person who puts in the time and effort to better the sport he loves. “There are so many ideas out there as to what is best for our sport,” Jay said. “The real magic comes when you take those ideas and put in the necessary work to make them a reality.”
Photo by Amanda Jordan
Colton Campbell
Colton Campbell is the owner of the premier equestrian insurance company Pony Policy, but above all, Colton is a family man. His journey to horses began through his wife, Jordan Ayres Campbell, a hunter-jumper trainer of 15 years. The couple lives in Lenoir City, Tennessee, with their daughter, Charli, and a son due in January. “So I guess this is our official gender reveal!” Colton beamed.
“Owning a business like Pony Policy has been a dream of mine forever. It gives me the flexibility and opportunity to travel, spend more time with my family and work with people who truly appreciate what we do—even with something as mundane as insurance,” he jested. “Pony Policy is really growing right now, so most of my time is spent helping our agents learn and develop relationships with other equestrians. We have a broad scope of carriers and options for farms and equine mortality policies, so it’s a lot to learn!”
Colton is proud of his business accomplishments, but he said, “I could never be prouder than I am of my wife, Jordan. She is an amazing wife, mother, daughter and barn owner. She works harder than anyone I know and holds herself to the highest standards.”
Colton emphasized that his life’s cornerstone is his faith. “My Christianity is a huge part of my life, and something that my family and I share together. I do my best to live out those Gospel values to the best of my ability and lead by example in all I do.”
Photo by Lindsay McCall
Justin Haefner
Justin Haefner believes that being a trainer also means being a lifelong student. Growing up around horses in his childhood Northern Virginia home, Justin developed a strong ethos around education and horsemanship. He studied equine osteopathy, Vaquero-style horsemanship, the principles of French dressage and even gathered from the expertise of his father’s background in psychology.
“My career is focused on building Riding Far, LLC with my dad, Paul Haefner. We put our efforts into integrating our varying expertise to benefit the well-being of horses and riders. The focus of my barn is on young and developing dressage and working equitation horses, with a competitive focus in working equitation. I love developing horses to their full potential in ways that best suit them as individuals. I have always been most excited about seeing positive change happen for both horses and riders.”
The implications of Justin’s mindful training methods go far beyond his business, but ultimately toward creating a better world of equestrian sport for everyone. “My main goal is to elevate horsemanship and training methods used in the equestrian industry,” Justin said. “I believe that in order to create real change, our main focus must be on developing community and relationships across disciplines.”
Justin currently resides in Charles Town, West Virginia. In his free time, he enjoys playing the guitar and spending quality time with his wife and family.
Photo by Susan McClafferty
Bruce Griffin III
Bruce Griffin III advocates that a horse’s development is a lifelong project of collaboration and care that begins when the horse is a foal. The horse, particularly the young horse, is always gathering information about the world and people. “Handling happens as soon as the horse is born,” Bruce said. “This is where the connection between horse and rider is first introduced.”
Bruce grew up in Sacramento, California, where his father taught him to train young horses for riding and driving. “But I wasn’t much of a rider or a driver. I liked the groundwork side of things,” Bruce said. He now lives in Lynchburg, Virginia. “It’s so rewarding to see these horses competing at Grand Prix, even in the Paralympics, and knowing I’ve handled them in their younger ages. You see them years later, you’re like, I remember that horse was scared of the flowers.”
Bruce believes working with horses is a give-and-take. “I learn from the horses as much as they learn from me. You absolutely need to have a relaxed temperament, especially when the horse is high-strung,” he said. “It takes a while to develop that kind of feel and trust, but once you do, there’s almost a spiritual connection between horse and rider.”
When it comes to his training ethos, Bruce keeps it simple. “Have brakes and right turns. Always brakes and right turns,” he said. “Beyond that, it takes a team.”
Photo by Adrienne Morella
Charles Hairfield
Charles Hairfield is a writer, trainer and horseman dedicated to making a difference. He was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, where he still lives today. Horses are part of his most treasured childhood memories. “My Aunt Jane was an Arabian horse trainer. My mother is the oldest of 10, and Jane was the youngest,” Charles said. “When I was a young child, my aunts would sit in a circle and ask me who my favorite aunt was. Jane always told me she would give me ice cream if I said she was my favorite! Whether it was the ice cream or the love of horses, I always picked Jane. I think it was both.”
Charles has worked at the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center since he was 15. He works with advanced and beginner riders alike. “It’s really incredible to watch the magic of the horse and human connection exist when someone who doesn’t have much experience is given the opportunity,” Charles said.
Charles believes deeply in the connection between horse and rider, and the capacity of the horse to teach, heal and provide joy. He is currently writing his debut book about his experience with horses throughout his lifetime. “I’m on a journey of self-discovery and I want to share it with the world,” he said. “Everything is temporary: The good, the bad, nothing lasts forever. Love and kindness are the answers within everything we do.”
Photo by Kind Media
Will Simons
Will Simons describes his start in the equestrian world as “being the guinea pig.” Born in the UK, Will began riding as a child at his local stable in England. He got on any horse he was asked to ride. After finishing school at just 16 years old, he left his home in England to ride at a larger barn in Belgium, where he then became a groom and was able to travel to the most elite competitions around the world.
Five years ago, Will resumed his professional riding career. “What I love most about my job is spending time with horses, whether they’re Grand Prix horses or young horses,” Will said. “They are all different, and it’s a pleasure to be able to learn something new every day.” As a “freelance” rider, he is still, in some ways, the “guinea pig,” working with a variety of riders and horses of all ages and experience levels.
Will’s dynamic career has taught him patience and flexibility. “I think the most important thing is trusting the process: Don’t worry about what everyone thinks,” he said. “The sport is very demanding, so you need to stay cool and calm throughout it all.”
Photo by Sophia Donohue
