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Thursday, October 01 2020 / Published in Sidelines Feature

Upcycling Reins and Giving Back

Kathryn McMahon

Rutherfordton, North Carolina

Owner, Stitching Fox needlepoint shop, and executive director, Green River Foundation

How long have you been part of the horse world?  

My love of horses has been lifelong. I was raised in Augusta, Georgia, graduated from Sweet Briar College in Virginia and then spent the better part of my 12-year career in New York City working for Hèrmes. I was fortunate to have wonderful riding instructors in all three of these life stages. A riding accident in Central Park ended my riding days, but my fondness for horse sport continues.

What part do you play in the horse world? 

I am the executive director of the Green River Foundation (GRF), a 501(c)(3) in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Working side by side with equestrians and like-minded individuals, GRF works to address the pressing challenges faced in the rural communities of North and South Carolina. Also, I just opened a new small business at Tryon International Equestrian Center, Stitching Fox, a needlepoint shop. We carry a large selection of equestrian and fox-themed needlepoint. Stitching Fox is proud to support Green River Foundation through the creation of Green River Bags, whereby upcycled leather and vintage or heirloom reins are transformed into chic, functional leather bags and accessories.

Tell us more about the Green River Bags.

Green River Bags are handmade by Jessie Fletcher at Down South Leather in Campobello, South Carolina, a woman-owned business. Jessie and I have partnered to design high-quality, upcycled tote bags that use equestrian leather tack as straps and details. Green River Bags are sold at Tryon International Equestrian Center through Stitching Fox and available in-store and online at www.stitchingfox.com. Customizations available include custom lining, hardware and straps. Ten percent of all sales are donated directly to Green River Foundation.

How are Green River Bags made?

Old or broken reins that aren’t being used anymore are donated to GRF for a tax deduction and crafted into gorgeous bags. The reins are upcycled into bag straps and the bags are constructed with upcycled top grain leather. They’re created with a custom lining and are available in three sizes.

What’s the best thing about your life?

The best thing about my life is where I live and who surrounds me. I love living in rural North Carolina. It’s where I met my husband and where I feel most at home. I’m grateful for our community and that I’m able to give back. I’m especially passionate about empowering young women to set and achieve goals, and I serve on the Girl Scouts “Peaks to Piedmont” Board. I find my career and volunteer work very fulfilling.  

Best kept secret about what you do? 

Some afternoons at Stitching Fox, when the light is right and I can watch the horses in Ring 2 schooling through my shop window, I sit at the table in the back, put my feet up and stitch. I smile and think to myself, this is my life!

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Tagged under: equestrian, fashion, handbag, reins, style, upcycling

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“There is no quick fix when it comes to horses,” said Samantha Wolfram, a 22-year-old equestrian professional. “You can’t flip a switch and the horse comes out broke and is easy to ride.” For most equestrians, this statement is a testament to the grit and reality of the horse business—there are no easy roads to establishing your career. But for Samantha, using her risk-taking, talent and ambition while riding and living abroad is helping set her up for success. 

Growing up an only child in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Samantha received her first pony at the age of 2 thanks to her mother, who was a horse trainer. “My mom got me a pony like what you see at the fair. However, he was a bad pony—or what I like to call ‘character building,’” she said. Her early start riding was a gift unto itself and by 5, Samantha was jumping crossrails. She was committed to riding until the age of 8, when another sport became her focus. “I was at an age where I wanted to fit in, and being a crazy horse girl did not help with being popular,” Samantha shared.

Get to know Samantha in her recent feature "Finding Success in America and Overseas." And never miss an article by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine. Link below!👇
https://sidelinesmagazine.com

Follow Samantha on Instagram samanthawolfram

📸Photos by Kirsten Hannah, kirstenhannahphotography.com

#sidelinesmagazine #sidelines2023 #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople #dressage #hunterjumper #eventing #magazine #horses
At 78 years young, Barry Olliff doesn’t intend t At 78 years young, Barry Olliff doesn’t intend to take it easy during his golden years. Inspired by his horse-loving wife, Cyndy, Barry is devoting his retirement to create “A Gathering Place” for anyone who needs one at their Stable View Equestrian facility in Aiken, South Carolina.

Barry and Cyndy have transformed their parcel of land, originally a quail-hunting lodge, into a facility that welcomes equestrians, corporate retreats, weddings, ecotourists and local community members. “This all came about through a fortuitous set of circumstances, with good partnerships, an open and welcoming community and, most of all, our willingness to go where the land led us,” Barry said.

Barry believes fate and good luck have played a big factor in Cyndy’s and his life. “We’ve been in the right place at the right time and fortunate enough to take the right fork in the road when there were choices,” he said. “As we’ve gotten older, we’ve felt it’s up to us to give back. We need to provide opportunities for people to use Stable View however they see fit.”

Keep reading at the link in our bio!!

📸Photo courtesy of Stable View

#sidelinesmagazine #sidelines2023 #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople #dressage #hunterjumper #eventing #magazine #horses
There’s no denying the intrinsic value of the Ke There’s no denying the intrinsic value of the Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington, Kentucky, in the 
world of equestrian sports. For so many event riders, this venue is an iconic destination that they 
dream about competing at, and I strongly believe it’s the perfect venue to host the American 
Eventing Championships (AECs). While I’m slightly biased because it’s my home event, I really 
believe that this is the best location for the AECs to be held each year.
Read Liz’s full column in this months edition of Sidelines Magazine! And never miss an article by subscribing to Sidelines  for just $14.95 A YEAR. That’s less then $2.00 a month! What a deal!  Link in bio to read her full article right now!

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