The Real Magic of Superstitions
Monday, January 27 2025
By Margie Sugarman
It’s the morning of the big class. You’re feeling confident and are ready for the challenge. You’ve put on your breeches and socks and buttoned up your favorite shirt. Now all you need is your lucky belt—the … [Read more]
- Published in General, Sidelines Feature, Weekly Feature
Unbridled With Scott Fitton
Monday, January 27 2025
By Britney Grover
Scott Fitton grew up as one of six children in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where his equestrian career began thanks to a palomino pony called Trigger who lived at the end of the street. “We used to climb … [Read more]
- Published in General, Sidelines Feature, Weekly Feature
Jumpstart 2025 With a Plan
Monday, January 27 2025
By Valerie Pride
And just like that—2025 is upon us! Thinking about the year ahead can be exciting and a little overwhelming. You are not alone! Let’s talk through a few strategies I use this time of year to mentally … [Read more]
- Published in General, Sidelines Feature, Weekly Feature
The Eventing Year in Review
Wednesday, December 18 2024
By Valerie Pride
How can it be that I’m writing a year-in-review article? Feels like just yesterday I started these columns—and what a year it has been!
First and foremost, I am sending out so much love and … [Read more]
- Published in General, Weekly Feature
Using Schooling Shows to Get to Big Wins
Wednesday, August 28 2024
By Valerie Pride
Hopefully, wherever you are, you have access to some summertime opportunities at low-key, grassroots showing excursions that provide us with real experience and expertise! Daytime or nighttime, it’s real time spent with your horse to gain … [Read more]
- Published in Sidelines Feature, Sidelines Spotlight, The Classic Insider
Moving From a Pony to a Horse
Saturday, July 27 2024
By Rob Van Jacobs
It’s common for kids to become exposed to the equestrian sport by starting on a pony. Ponies add joy, excitement and funny experiences to the lives of children. Ponies have a reputation of being silly and … [Read more]
- Published in Sidelines Feature, Sidelines Spotlight, Weekly Feature
A Traditionalist’s View on the FEI Helmet Rule
Saturday, December 19 2020
By George Williams
Rules in general tend to be boring, even to dressage people. However, they’re important because they affect how we play the game. Rules help to establish a level playing field, they help protect the safety of our … [Read more]
- Published in Sidelines Spotlight
The Impact of Parents’ Emotions on Kids
Wednesday, September 30 2020
I had a really bad emotional experience when riding as a kid. My daughter has now expressed interest in horseback riding. I’m worried that she will have the same bad experience as I did, so I’m hesitant to let her … [Read more]
- Published in General
The Critical Role of Coaches
Saturday, July 25 2020
By George Williams
One third of youth drop out of sports between the ages of 6 and 12. Of those, 25 percent drop out due to poor coaching. I heard this surprising and depressing statistic while attending a U.S. Olympic … [Read more]
- Published in General
Preventing Buyer’s Remorse
Monday, July 20 2020
Guidelines to ensure a smooth process and help avoid disappointment, and even litigation, after purchasing your new horse.
By Armand Leone and Jessica Choper
Purchasing a new horse can be an exciting time. However, there are scenarios when buyer’s remorse … [Read more]
- Published in General