Christian Simonson: Riding High and Flying the Skies

By Ruby Tevis Portraits by Melissa Fuller When Christian Simonson puts his mind to something, he’s sure to achieve it. An exceptional student, avid mountain biker and young pilot, Christian succeeds in many areas, but his biggest passion is the sport of dressage. As the son of his Dutch equestrian mother, the multitalented 18-year-old and
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Opportunities for Young Riders in the Hunter-Jumper World 

By Andrew Welles  From your experience as a trainer, what are ways young riders can grow in their training if they don’t have the means to have a string of horses of their own?  Take advantage of every opportunity the sport offers you. If that’s a riding opportunity, make sure it’s with good horses that
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Student Finds Love and Happiness Training and Re-Homing Thoroughbreds 

Layne Brogden Lexington, Kentucky; Ocala, Florida; and Warrenton, Virginia 13-Year-Old Rider, Trainer and Teacher How long have you been part of the horse world? I’ve been around horses my whole life, and I was riding before I was walking. The first pony I had was an Appaloosa named Dottie. My family and I lived on a
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Callie Jones: Working Hard and Winning Big 

By Ruby Tevis Portraits by Melissa Fuller Callie Jones is a first-generation rider who has charmed the dressage community with her humble attitude and hardworking spirit. Even with her collection of North American Youth Championship medals, her national titles and her name gracing top FEI rankings, Callie will never forget her small-town roots. The 22-year-old
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Amelia Fucito: The Healing Power of Horses

By Ruby Tevis Portraits by Melissa Fuller To a spectator on the sidelines, Amelia Fucito is just another horse-loving kid taking her trip around the ring, but to her parents and her trainer, every jump she clears is symbolic of the challenges she’s overcome in life. At 15 years old, Amelia has gone from a
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Natalie Pai: Climbing to the Top

By Ruby Tevis Portraits by Melissa Fuller At 22 years old, Natalie Pai is a rising star in the sport of dressage. With Nations Cup and NAYC medals, titles at the Brentina Cup and experience competing in Europe, Natalie has a bright future and the passion to pursue it. Though horses have always been part
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Ingate

Ella Kunitzer and Sunni The Dressage Foundation is pleased to announce that the Carolyn Van Cise Memorial Sportsmanship Fund Grant has been awarded to Young Rider Ella Kunitzer of East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ella is a high school sophomore, member of All Dressage Association and Grand River Pony Club. She is working on achieving her
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Ingate

Devon Kane does D4K Devon Kane did some kidding around this summer as the speaker and clinician at the Dressage 4 Kids clinic held at Hampton Green Farm in Michigan. A mother and a former Young Rider, Devon said, “I love giving back to kids who want to ride dressage!” For all the gossip and photos
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Living a Legacy: Spencer Smith

By Lindsay Brock Ask the average teenager what they want to do with the rest of their life and the answer doesn’t usually include following in the footsteps of their parents. But, for 18-year-old Spencer Smith, horse sport is exactly what he has in mind for his future. The son of Ken and Emily Smith
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The Charleston Summer Classic Closes to Rave Reviews and Crowns the Champions

Beach riding is one of the many percs to showing at the Charleston Summer Classic   The  Classic Company sm   just wrapped up its biggest Charleston Summer Classic since returning to Charleston eight years ago. Record entries and stalls, perfect weather and non-stop party action is how the show will go down in the record books. The overall sentiment was, ‘I’m having so much fun, I don’t want to leave.’ The Unbridled Affair sponsored by the Seabrook Island Beach Club included an open bar, live band and delectable local favorite food.
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