Small But Mighty: FEI Dressage Ponies

By George Williams They may be small, but they are mighty in Europe. In many ways, their mightiness shines through in terms of the education they can provide to young dressage athletes. They, of course, are the FEI Ponies. I don’t know if I’ve ever watched a class where rider after rider nailed the walk
Tagged under: , ,

Jimmy & Danielle Torano: Family Finishes First

By Britney Grover Portraits by Melissa Fuller Last summer, Jimmy and Danielle Torano embarked on their first “traveling circus.” Normally, the family travels from horse show to horse show during the summer circuit while living in a motor home. Last summer, however, they were caught between selling one motor home and receiving a new one.
Tagged under: , ,

A Love for Ponies and Horses Brings Great Opportunities 

Emi Richard 11 years old Middlefield, Connecticut What school do you go to? I just finished school at Frank Ward middle school and hoping to do online school next year. When did you start riding? I’ve been riding since I was a baby. Who is your trainer?  I ride with all the trainers at Heritage Farm
Tagged under: , ,

Kaitlyn “KK” Linck: Success With a Special Team

By Haylie Kerstetter Photos by Melissa Fuller Although 11-year-old Kaitlyn Linck may not have hired grooms or own a string of expensive ponies, her excellent work ethic and her strong partnership with her mother allow her to conquer anything she tries. Known as KK in the horse show world and currently training at her mother’s
Tagged under:

Kat Fuqua: Following ALL Her Horse Dreams 

By Britney Grover Portraits by Shawna Simmons Some people took up new hobbies like gardening or knitting during the global pandemic in 2020. Kat Fuqua took up dressage shows. Even knowing how Kat excels in the hunter ring from ponies to USHJA International Derbies, breaking records and earning hundreds of division championships, her dressage debut
Tagged under: , , , ,

A Family Business Raising Welsh Ponies

Cheryl Maye Fairfield, Virginia Owner/Trainer, Maye Show Ponies How long have you been part of the horse world?   I’ve been part of the horse world for 30-plus years. What part do you play in the horse world? I specialize in breeding quality Welsh and Welsh-cross ponies and I stand several top pony stallions. I also produce,
Tagged under: , ,

Big Dreams and Lots of Fun With Ponies

Hailey Guidry 10 years old, 5th grade Metairie, Louisiana  How long have you been part of the horse world? Not long at all; I started riding when I was around 7. I had a crazy pony named Frozen. A year later, my father started Honor Hill Farm, and that’s when I started putting in serious
Tagged under: , ,

Sofia Roberts: Old Soul and Big Heart for All Living Creatures

By Britney Grover Portraits by Meagan Gumpert When Sofia Roberts first saw a horse and rider jump, she knew that was what she wanted to do with her life. Now 16 with a collection of ribbons from top shows around the country, that hasn’t changed. Talking to Sofia and those who know her, it’s clear
Tagged under: , , , ,

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
Tagged under: , , , ,

Brooks Hull: From Pony Finals to Grand Prix

By Summer Grace On the opening day of the FEI Children’s Nations Cup at the Palm Beach Masters, 12-year-old Brooks Hull mounted a borrowed horse he had only ridden three times. Despite an obvious shiner on his left eye along with the challenge of competing on an unfamiliar horse, the young rider and his new
Tagged under: , , , ,