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Thursday, February 14 2013 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

Remarkable Reed!

Reed, in Wellington, adopted her new puppy Carly from Danny & Ron’s Rescue.
Photo by Mancini Photos

By Dani Mortiz, Sidelines Staff Writer

Reed Kessler was sitting in a golf cart watching fellow competitors when she got the phone call that would change her life. The caller? George Morris. Right then she knew she had made the team. She would represent her country in the London Olympics. Tears streamed from Reed’s eyes as the shock settled in and she called her parents and trainer, international show jumper Katie Monahan-Prudent, to share the news.

 

That series of events would set off headlines everywhere as Reed became the (unofficial) youngest show jumper to ever ride in Olympic history.

 

But Reed’s story starts much earlier than that. In fact, Reed was born with a passion for horses and even as a little girl in leadline her dedication was evident. Her parents, Teri and Murray Reed, are equestrians themselves. They have both been riding for more than 30 years – Teri as a hunter-turned-jumper and Murray as a lifelong jumper.

 

Reed followed her parents’ footsteps. At six months old, Reed’s riding career began and her parents bought Reed her very first pony – Shasha. “She was a sweetheart,” Reed said. “She didn’t really have any teeth left she was so old. She was very kind and gentle – the perfect first pony.”

 

Reed shows off her Olympic smile during the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Reed was named one of the “Twelve Top Teens Of 2012″ by Team USA.
Photo by Kim MacMillan

For Reed, riding came naturally. “Reed was always a natural,” Murray said. “She was competitive from the very beginning. Her mother used to tie stuffed animals in trees when she was little and tell her to steer and kick to get to Winnie The Pooh. As Reed started riding ponies, it was obvious she was special.”

 

Murray adds that Reed had completely dedicated herself to the sport early on. When most girls her age were worried about sleepovers with friends and getting a hold of their mothers’ makeup, Reed concerned herself with practicing riding until she reached perfection. “Reed was always dedicated to the sport,” Murray said. “From when she was very young, she said she wanted to be a professional rider.”

 

Murray realized just how possible that was when Reed was 11. “The year she won her first national championship on Cardiff Mardi Gras, I knew she was immensely talented. She was 11 years old; but when she switched to jumpers and training with Katie Prudent then I could see her talent was special. She went on to win four national junior jumper championships (three team, one individual) and win all over the world. It was remarkable and only grew from there.”

 

In her parents eyes, the young girl Murray describes as having been “a great kid and never a trouble maker” as well as “independent and opinioned from an early age” was well on her way to a very successful professional career. They were right.

 

Reed with her parents, Teri and Murray.
Photo courtesy of Reed Kessler

Because of the amount of time Reed spent riding and showing, she went to Professional Children’s School in New York City. The school provides an education to students already working in or studying for careers in performing and visual arts, athletics and other careers requiring extensive time outside of school.

 

That made balancing school and equestrian commitments much easier. “It was challenging; but luckily I went to a school for kids with jobs,” Reed said. “They let you build your schedule around your work commitments whether it was singing, dancing, athletics, etc.”

 

Going to a school with peers in a similar situation to hers also made the social scene smoother. “Everyone understood each other and their commitments. It was normal not to be able to go to prom, etc. So…I didn’t get to do a lot of normal kid things; but I have never regretted it.”

 

Reed’s typical schedule includes waking up at 7 a.m., starting to ride an hour later, riding between seven and 10 horses, hitting the gym and heading to bed by 9 p.m. Reed jokes that she’s like a grandma.

 

Reed shows off her style and speed.
Photo by Anne Hoover Photography

But even with a busy schedule, she does manage to spend some time doing more normal teenage activities. She loves to shop, enjoys “chocolaty” desserts, watch comedies and talk with friends. She also enjoys spending time with her three dogs, Mouse, Rudy and, the newest addition to the family, Carly – a puppy she rescued who was scheduled to be put down the morning after she adopted it.

 

Murray adds, “Believe it or not, our favorite thing to do as a family is ride together. At our farm in Kentucky we gallop in the fields together. It’s a blast. On quiet nights, the family does puzzles. Reed and her mom go crazy for complicated puzzles. We go out to eat a lot, as everyone is exhausted after riding (and me at work). We also like to root for the University of Kentucky Wildcat Basketball team.”

 

Reed makes sure to spend plenty of time with her family – who have been huge supporters of her throughout her career. Her mom has always traveled to shows with Reed and she actually switched from hunters to jumpers so she could compete at the same shows Reed went to. “My parents are everything to me,” Reed said. “We are incredibly close.”

 

And her parents couldn’t be prouder. “She has a strong character,” Murray said. “She’s so forthright. Reed tells you exactly how she feels. She is a very loyal person and she expects those around her to be loyal. It comes from her confidence. I think this confidence is a big factor in her riding.”

 

Reed did a photo shoot with Wellington photographer Jack Mancini and she and Cylana appear on the cover of the March issue of Sidelines.

So you can imagine what it felt like for her parents to learn she made the Olympic team. Reed says that when she called her parents they both started crying. “She really earned it against all odds,” Murray said. “Teri and I were so proud.”

 

But learning that their daughter earned a place among the world’s top riders and watching her actually compete in the Olympics were two different things.

 

Watching Reed make history in London took their excitement to a whole new level. “It was so exciting and nerve wracking at the same time,” Murray said. “I remember before getting there watching a parent of a gymnast on TV that the commentator was making fun of for being so excited. I thought that looks normal… Everyone teases me that when I watch Reed it looks like I am jumping the jump myself from the stands. I can’t help it. It’s so exciting.”

 

Reed doesn’t plan on this past Olympics being her last. She has her sights set for future championships and Olympic teams. And being so young, she has her whole life ahead of her to make every one of her equestrian dreams happen.

 

Reed, an 18 year old Olympian, has gotten where she is today through extreme dedication. She has sacrificed a lot of things that normal kids get to do in exchange for living her dreams – a trade off Reed knows is well worth it.

 

Reed leaves us with this bit of advice for other young riders with big dreams like herself: “Push yourself to move up. Don’t stay in the same division just to ride. Equitation is a foundation, not the end all. Push up and challenge yourself to struggle and become the best rider you can be.”

Reed walks the course with her trainer Katie Monahan-Prudent.
Photo by Allen MacMillan

 

 

Rocking It – Reed Style!

 

By Dani Moritz

 

Reed Kessler quickly became one of the equestrian world’s biggest superstars after making the Olympic team at only 18 years old. In the past year, she’s become every little girl’s role model – not only for her riding achievements but also for her style. Here’s what Reed had to say about the Reed Kessler look.

 

Reed’s style – sunglasses and her Alessandro coat.
Photo by Anne Hoover Photography

What kind of sunglasses do you wear?

Ralph Lauren – they have a great vintage feel I love.

 

You ride with a GPA helmet. What do you like about it?

I love the GPA First Lady. It fits perfectly, never moves and is comfy. GPA sponsors me.

 

What do you like about your hair long? Do you plan on cutting it?

I change it once in a while; but I always prefer it long. I’m pretending to be Naomi Campbell!

 

Reed’s style – her First Lady GPA helmet and long hair.
Photo by Mancini Photos

You have a very distinct expression on your face over almost every jump. How would you describe it?

I’ve always had it! I don’t think about it very much; but I guess I’m just concentrating.

 

What’s your fashion style when you’re not in riding clothes?

I guess my style is very New York when I went to school on the upper West side. Ray Bans, a band shirt, jeans and boots! When I dress up I try to channel Kate Middleton!

 

What’s your fashion style inside the ring?

I’m sponsored by Alessandro Albanese. The clothes are beautiful and classic.

 

Any tips for achieving the “Reed” look?

I guess the First Lady GPA and an Alessandro coat is the way to do it!

 

Reed’s style – a United States Olympian!
Photo by Kim MacMillan

Reed’s style – her signature look over the jump is one of concentration!
Photo by Sophie Durieux

 

“Alessandro Albanese is a proud sponsor of Reed and wishes her continued success this season.”

 

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: 2012 olympic games, Alessandro Albanese, Along for The Ride, Anne Hoover Photography, cylana, dani mortiz, Danny & Ron's Rescue, First Lady GPA, george morris, Jack Mancini, Katie Monahan-Prudent, Kim and Allen MacMillan Photography, london, reed kessler, sidelines-magazine, Teri and Murray Kessler, university of kentucky, wef, wellington, youngest show jumping Olympian

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A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself The spor A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself 
The sport of eventing is a demanding and mentally challenging discipline that requires a combination of physical and mental fortitude from both the rider and horse. While having a coach can be incredibly beneficial, self-coaching can also play a crucial role in a rider’s success.

I think that given the opportunity, most riders would like to be coached every day. The reality of life in the horse world, however, is that the majority of us need to absorb as much from the lessons we have on a limited basis and then practice those skills at home to improve.

When I am riding, I try to have a plan for the horses each day and focus on what I’m looking to achieve. It’s important to be aware of the steady improvements rather than trying to solve everything all at once. This is especially important when teaching horses new movements or exercises that they might struggle with, and we need to give them time to learn and understand what we are asking for.

I have a couple of quotes that I use regularly when I’m teaching, and these are mottos that I hold myself to in my daily work as well.

The first is, “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.” This is a quote that was said to me many years ago when I was still motor racing and I keep it in the back of my mind each day. It’s easy to get stuck doing the same thing every day with your horse and bad habits are hard to break, from both riders and horses!

This leads me to my next quote, which is, “If what you are doing isn’t working, try something else.” It really is as simple as that! Many riders I see keep asking a horse to do something the same way over and over with an ongoing negative response and they wonder why things don’t get better. In these circumstances, I recommend that the rider change something, even if it’s wrong.

Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio! Don’t forget to keep your eye out for our April subscription!
📸Photo by Alex Banks Photography
The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here and we are so excited to feature three-day eventer Liz Halliday on the cover! Big thanks to photographer Melissa Fuller for the beautiful photo of Liz and Cooley Nutcracker- Liz Halliday-Sharp - HS Eventing. Liz and her horses have taken the eventing world by storm - and find out how Liz is at the top of the sport as a female eventer! As the horse world gears up for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event 2023, it's the perfect time to enjoy our eventing issue!! We also feature eventer and woman entrepreneur Frankie Thieriot Stutes, who is not only an eventer, but also runs Athletux and FRANKIE CAMERON handbags and accessories. And don't miss our eventing story on Robert "Bobby" Costello, who will be leading the US Eventing team to the 2024 Paris Olympics- and US Equestrian has named Bobby the eventing technical advisor/chef d'equipe!! Liz, Frankie and Bobby all have GREAT stories - don't miss any of them and don't forget to get your tickets for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day event! We are also excited to introduce you to hunter-jumper rider Casey Lorusso Smith, who is not only a talented rider but also a psychotherapist and incorporates horses into her career. If you are up for adventure, then read the story on dressage rider Priscilla Baldwin who certainly doesn't let any grass grow under her feet! We also head to the west coast to catch up with hunter-jumper trainer Jim Hagman of Elvenstar Farm, we feature beautiful art by equestrian artist Tammy Tappan, and we get to know Miranda Jones and her family. Miranda is not only an attorney who spends a lot of time in the courthouse, but she's a rider and spends lots of time riding, and is joined by her daughters also! We are excited to feature Stephanie Lightner in our Unbridled column, and don't miss our columnists George Williams, Robert R.L. Jacobs and Margie Sugarman! It's a great issue - and you can read it online, but don't forget to go to the website and order a subscription and get every issue delivered to your mailbox!! Enjoy this issue and enjoy the ride: Link in bio!!
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Marie Meyers has been around the world because of Marie Meyers has been around the world because of dressage, but it’s her farm in Moorpark, California, that has captured her heart. The farm and the business that thrives there represent Marie’s lifelong journey—a journey made up of good friends, spectacular horses and relationships made to last.

Marie was raised in Southern California, and spent her childhood playing just about every sport under the sun, but she didn’t discover riding until she was 14 years old. “I loved animals so much, so I started taking lessons. I did jumping at first, but I was very bad at that, for sure!” Marie laughed.

After some time, Marie moved on to take lessons at Foxfield Riding Academy and began riding dressage. “I fell into dressage by accident,” Marie said, “At the beginning, I thought it was extremely boring, but then I got hooked. By the time I graduated from high school, I had plans to travel to England to work for Franz Rochowansky, a former head of the Spanish Riding School.”

In 1988, Marie’s hard work paid off, and the pair was selected as alternates for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games. “They didn’t take the alternates that year, so we didn’t go to Seoul, but the experience, the training and the European Tour afterwards set me up for the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, Sweden,” Marie said.

In addition to having success representing her country, Marie was busy with her life—marriage, a business, teaching lessons and clinics. 

Learn more about Marie in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more 🦄

📸Photos by Lindsey Long Equine Photography, www.lindseylong.com

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