Tracey Noonan: One Wicked Good Woman
Wednesday, March 27 2019
By Kathryn McMackin Portraits by Shawna Simmons There’s something about a horse — and a barn, for that matter — that teaches lessons and builds character. From focus and drive to empathy, the traits honed from a partnership with a horse can translate across a variety of scenarios and spaces. These skills nurture relationships and
- Published in Sidelines Spotlight
Marissa Degner: One Good Round
Tuesday, February 05 2019
By Kathryn McMackin Portraits by Ann Blaine Davidson Many young riders are dreamers. In the mind of an imaginative little rider, a gallop across a field on a pony can become a victory lap at Spruce Meadows. But 22-year-old Marissa Degner describes herself as more of a realist, even as a young girl. “My mother
- Published in Sidelines Spotlight
Elizabeth Ehrlich: From Ulcers to Entrepreneur
Monday, January 07 2019
By Kathryn McMackin Every so often, a horse person stumbles across an animal that changes his or her life. For Elizabeth Ehrlich, it was Bella, a 7-year-old warmblood who walked off a horse trailer and turned Elizabeth’s life on its head. After developing ulcers, the mare inspired Elizabeth to create her own formula to promote
- Published in General, Weekly Feature
Kimberly Gatto: Born to Write, Born to Ride
Monday, December 03 2018
By Kathryn McMackin It’s unusual for Kimberly Gatto to be on the receiving end of questions. An accomplished author and lifelong horsewoman, Kimberly is more likely to be found in the interviewer’s chair, researching for one of her many non-fiction tales. She’s written about the world’s most famous racecourse in “Churchill Downs: America’s Most Historic
- Published in Sidelines Spotlight
Great Strides Long Island: Therapeutic Riding Program Is Changing Lives
Tuesday, October 23 2018
by Kathryn McMackin Julie Dell’Aira’s life changed one afternoon while teaching a riding lesson to a young special needs boy. A marketing professional by day and a riding instructor by moonlight, Julie had turned down multiple offers to teach the therapeutic riding sessions at Saddle Rock Ranch in Middle Island, New York. Julie was already
- Published in General
Daniel Bluman: The Olympic Rider Jumps From Colombia to Israel
Thursday, September 06 2018
By Kathryn McMackin Portraits by Shawna Simmons When Daniel Bluman talks horses and show jumping, he speaks with intent. “Every horse, every day, you learn something new — the horse will teach you,” Daniel said. “Horses will teach you everything. And then, when you think you know everything, you know nothing.” Daniel has taken these
- Published in Weekly Feature