Robin Rost Fairclough — A Career Built On A Solid Foundation
Tuesday, January 03 2017
By Lauren R. Giannini Robin Rost Fairclough has made a name for herself in the horse world, especially when it comes to figuring out what equines and riders need in order to achieve success. Her clients, ages ranging from young juniors to golden years, compete in hunters, jumpers and equitation. She has coached several
- Published in Sidelines Spotlight
Chasing Dreams, Sportsmanship and Team Spirit: Ralph Caristo’s Influence on Generations of Riders
Tuesday, January 03 2017
By Lauren R. Giannini Ralph Caristo is the real deal: one of the nicest people on the planet and in the horse world. As a horseman, trainer and “R” judge, he’s earned a first-class reputation. He’s the longtime Chef d’Equipe of the Zone 2 show jumping teams for the North American Junior and Young
- Published in Sidelines Feature
Morningside: USEF Elite Training Center
Monday, November 14 2016
Story and photos by Lauren R. Giannini Morningside Training Farm has established itself as one of the most consistent programs in the country, with top placings for professionals, adult amateurs, young riders and horses on the leaderboard. The farm, located picturesquely in The Plains, Fauquier County, has history in the heart of Virginia’s horse country.
- Published in Sidelines Spotlight
Architect Bobby McAlpine: Drafting Dreams into Exquisite Designs
Thursday, November 03 2016
By Lauren R. Giannini Imagine this scenario: You and your spouse decide to build the house and barn of your dreams. You find a young architect, discuss what you want, visit the site, and wait for his design. It’s worth it, because his vision is even better than your dreams. That’s what happened, 25
- Published in General, Weekly Feature
Art and Horses – SCAD Shows Off Equestrian Excellence with Intercollegiate Championship Teams
Friday, October 07 2016
By Lauren R. Giannini Dedicated faculty, a state-of-the-art equestrian facility and team spirit are three of the factors making Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) the win-win choice for students in search of accredited university degrees and equestrian involvement. SCAD’s wildly successful intercollegiate team has flourished under the leadership of Ashley (Kelly) Henry, now
- Published in Sidelines Feature
Bringing Home Medals! – U.S. Equestrians Glitter at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games
Friday, September 30 2016
By Lauren R. Giannini All photos by Kim and Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography Rio is now history. For the equestrians, the 31st Olympiad Summer Games encompassed a heart-pounding mix of competition, drama and spirited celebration of the unique partnership of equine and human athletes. According to the Olympic creed, the most important thing is to
- Published in Sidelines Feature
It’s All Horses, Horses, Horses for Samantha Schaefer
Thursday, September 29 2016
By Lauren R. Giannini Portraits by Isabel J. Kurek “I love to show,” said Samantha Schaefer, who goes by Sam. “Horses have always been part of me, and I think that you learn a lot just by being around horses and riding from sunup to sundown. I always had great opportunities and lots of
- Published in Sidelines Spotlight
One in a Million: Show Jumper Rich Fellers Shares His London Experience and Dishes on Flexible’s Staying Power
Friday, August 12 2016
By Lauren R. Giannini When asked what advice he gives to young riders gung-ho to pursue equestrian glory, Olympic show jumper Rich Fellers said, “I focus on horsemanship and horse care. My biggest thing is kind of simple, but I think it really works — if you always always always do what’s best for
- Published in General, Sidelines Feature
Sissie Anderton: Building the Brownland Farm Legacy
Sunday, August 07 2016
By Lauren R. Giannini Brownland Farm owes its place in the horse world to “Sissie” — born Margaret Brown — Anderton. During her childhood in Franklin, Tennessee, she set her sights on an equestrian career although her family specialized in agricultural crops. In 1963, she founded Brownland Farm and began teaching lessons. Then, she
- Published in Sidelines Spotlight
Sharn Wordley: Talent, Determination & Dedication
Friday, July 29 2016
Pu By Lauren R. Giannini Sharn Wordley loves horses. He’s endowed with equestrian genes from his Australian mother, Della, and grandmother, Margaret Wordley — one of the first female jumper riders in Australia and trainer of the horses in the family’s circus. Sharn grew up in New Zealand, the homeland of his father Andrew,
- Published in Weekly Feature