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
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The Year Ahead: A Look at Dressage in 2021

By George Williams With 2020 officially behind us, we can hopefully focus on the new year and all that it promises. After living through last year, many of us are full of hope going into 2021. Since this is a dressage column, I’ll focus on the international dressage competition world and what to look for
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Eventing with Boyd Martin

Given the ups and downs of 2020, how are you planning your 2021 competition season? I’ve been lucky enough to be a professional event rider for the past 25 years of my life. At the beginning of each season, I have a wonderful game plan for each horse: which events I’m going to run and
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A Traditionalist’s View on the FEI Helmet Rule

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 riders as well as the welfare of our horses, and they frequently determine how our
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Julia Stone: Exceptional Horsewoman, Exceptional Young Woman

By Britney Grover Portraits by Lori Ovanessian Julia Stone has always loved learning and horses. While attending a college preparatory high school, she commuted each week to horse shows — including flying from her home in California to Florida every Thursday and back each Sunday during the Winter Equestrian Festival. While juggling AP and honors
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Halie Robinson: Turning Tenacity Into Opportunities

By Britney Grover Portraits by Lori Ovanessian  Halie Robinson can be summed up in two words: tenacious equestrian. She knows what she wants, and she goes for it. She’s not afraid to fail. She dreams big, she wins big and she’s on a course for huge success. Just 24 years old, Halie not only owns
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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
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The Impact of Parents’ Emotions on Kids

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 take lessons. I know as a parent I shouldn’t project my fears onto my daughter.
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Deborah Ettenger: A Special Horse Changes Lives

By Doris Degner-Foster Deborah Ettenger knows firsthand how the power of horses can help people, as she dealt with both physical and mental challenges. When her late husband was battling cancer and subsequently passed away, Deborah credits horses and riding with helping her persevere. “Going to the barn and focusing on me and the horse
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Ponies, Pencils and Preservation

Name: Caroline “Mosie” Pennington City/State: Washington, D.C. Grade: 6th How long have you been part of the horse world? I’ve been around horses my whole life. Our family has a racehorse farm in Virginia with breeding, training and re-training operations. My mom also rides and was responsible for putting me on my first pony at
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