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Friday, March 12 2021 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

Unbridled With Harold Chopping

By Jan Westmark

Harold Chopping grew up in Canada, where he had a successful career in both the hunter and jumper ring. He represented the Canadian Equestrian Team on multiple Nations Cup teams, competed at three World Cup Finals, and was the alternate for the Barcelona Olympic Games. 

Harold moved to the United States and in 1987 started Solo Show Stables while continuing to find success in the saddle. “My first World Cup Finals was in Dortmund, Germany, in 1990 and that will always be a favorite memory,” Harold said. “The jumps were so big and the ring was impressive to a young professional. I was lucky to have my horse Notable IV at the finals. He was a very scopey horse and never gave up.” Notable IV, along with Aerobic and Brandy, hold a special place in Harold’s heart. “They were all extremely competitive and the right horses for me at the time. Each of them allowed me to complete at the highest level.” 

While Harold has competed around the world, shows in North America still rank as his favorite. “Spruce Meadows will always be one of my favorite venues and I’ve always loved the 

Upperville Colt and Horse Show. It’s a lot of fun to compete in front of spectators who are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the sport.” 

How did your horse career start? 

I grew up in Newmarket, Ontario. My parents had a family farm and always had a number of inexpensive horses at home that my sister and I had fun with. As Juniors, we each had show horses at Jokers Hill Stables with John Weir. I enjoyed it very much and wanted to make a career of horses.

Why did you end up leaving Canada and moving to the U.S.?

I left Canada for a riding job in Upperville, Virginia. I eventually moved to Southern Pines, North Carolina, in 2005. 

What’s it like being married to a fellow equestrian and dog rescuer?

My wife, Jennifer, helped me with my business for several years. She doesn’t ride anymore as a result of a car accident. She now runs the very active dog rescue Caring Hearts for Canines.

Are your children involved with horses?

I have three kids. My daughter, Sydney, rode when she was young but isn’t involved with horses now. My two boys have not been interested in horses. My older son, William, loves baseball and soccer. My younger son, Charles, loves golf and wants to play as a professional one day.

What do you like best and why — training students, competing or selling horses? 

I love competing but it’s always fulfilling to see a young horse advance or a student improve. Sales are a big part of our industry, so that’s always a focus of my business. 

What’s your favorite thing about being part of the horse world?

My favorite part of the horse world will always be the horses. The fact that I get to work with horses every day and do what I love is amazing. 

If you weren’t involved with the horse world, what career do you think you would have picked?

I’ve never thought of doing anything else. I can’t imagine not being involved with horses. 

If you had a week off, what would you do?

When I get a break, I love to do something with my family: either go to the beach or caddy for my son Charles in a golf tournament.

Who inspires you?

My father was always my greatest inspiration. He loved sports and was very supportive of everything I did.

What talents do you feel you have?

I’ve always been able to get along with a variety of horses. Being able to communicate with them effectively is key. 

Do you have a personal motto or catch phrase?

“Try to learn something new every day.” 

What’s your favorite item of clothing to wear?

I wear riding clothes almost every day and am most comfortable that way. Riding attire is like most other sportswear now, so it’s really quite comfortable. 

What three items can usually be found in your refrigerator?

Usually some Adequan, Legend and occasionally frozen lasagna 

What’s your favorite meal?

I love grilling steaks at home with my family. 

What would be the best gift in the world?

A week off 

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Never getting hurt would be nice.

What’s something everyone should try at least once?

Adopting a dog from a rescue

How would you like people to remember you?

As someone who worked hard, was goal oriented and put the horses first

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Tagged under: canadian equestrian team, equestrian, hunter-jumper

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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

#dressage #equestrian #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #dressagehorse #equestrianlife #showjumping #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #instahorse #dressur #horselove #eventing #equestrianstyle #cheval #dressagerider #horselife #horselover #pferde #love #riding #jumping #pferdeliebe #horseofinstagram #horsebackriding #paard #dressurpferd
We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on o We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on our socials where we share some of the lovely stallions, and their breeders featured in each month's magazine. Our first feature on this #STUDSunday is...

 ✨ALVESTA OWAIN✨
Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Fairy Lustre
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Contact Cheryl Maye at (703) 431-9096 for more information
https://www.mayeshowponies.com/more-info/stallions

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 🦄

📸  SAS Equestrian
‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️ The purpose of this ‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️

The purpose of this month’s column is to help the young equestrians of our sport develop and maintain healthy friendships within the industry. Cultivating healthy relationships with other members within the industry is not as easy as one may think. As a young equestrian, it may be difficult navigating friendships at the barn and at horse shows. Typically, kids have friendships within the barn they ride at but also friendships with others from different barns in their area. 

Initially, it may seem as though making other friends in the sport would be easy and ideal; after all, there is the common interest of horses. However, because of the natural therapeutic benefits of horses, the sport has a history of attracting all types of people, with a wide range of personalities. This can be both an advantage and a drawback. We are now in an era that acknowledges the growing need to discuss and manage one’s mental health. 

One thing I have learned is that we are likely to notice mental health challenges at an age younger than most people may think. Some of the friendship dynamics I have observed over the years have caused me to pause and really think about the future of our sport. Without looking for a source to blame for the cause of this, i.e. social media, parents, school, teachers, etc., I think if all adults involved worked to encourage, affirm, love, and respect our youth, the likelihood of them developing authentic friendships with their peers may increase.

Both humans and horses were designed to have connected relationships. These relationships allow a greater sense of security when one experiences challenges in life. Cultivating the quality and authenticity of these relationships requires intentional work. 

Thank you Rob for providing your helpful insight on developing healthy relationships. Check out his tips in his column you can find in the link in our bio.
Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine🦄 

Photo by Blenheim Equisports

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #hunterjumper #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #sidelinesmagzine
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