SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Equestrian Gallery
      • Stallions
      • Horses & Ponies for Sale
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Wednesday, November 16 2022 / Published in General, Weekly Feature

Lauren Knopp: Hooked on Dressage 

By Cheyenne Lord

Portraits by Kristen Scott-Crocker

Even before Lauren Knopp started riding, it was clear she had inherited her mom’s horse-craziness. During her early childhood, she briefly tried gymnastics and was an ice skater for three years, collecting Breyer horse models all the while. Although her heart really wasn’t in either sport, her mother, Teresa, thought it was important for her to be involved in something. The family reached out to a neighbor who kept a horse trailer in their driveway, and their neighbor later connected them with Terry Mardell at Hollandale Farm in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. Then-8-year-old Lauren took her first dressage lesson and was immediately hooked. 

“Once I started riding, I knew it would be with me forever,” Lauren said. “I always found it incredibly amazing that the horses trust us to ride them, and the bond a horse and rider can share is something I can’t explain. My horses and I really have incredible relationships that are symbiotic, and we share mutual respect, trust and love. For me, that bond and my overall love for dressage are why I stuck with the sport. It’s still so amazing to me that an animal can do something so beautiful and harmonious.”

With an ambitious nature and perfectionist tendencies, Lauren finds every equestrian discipline, especially dressage, different than most sports because of that bond between horse and rider. She can always try to better herself with and for the horses, setting short- and long-term goals to keep herself motivated throughout her daily life. 

Heading to Wellington

Lauren continued riding at Hollandale Farm until she was 13 years old. That year, her parents decided to sell their Pennsylvania home and move to Wellington, Florida, to further Lauren’s dressage training, buying a 7-year-old Belgian Warmblood named Nagir de Taillevent along the way. This transition allowed her to train and clinic with many talented people including the late Patrick Le Rolland, Sasha Newman Dubois, Carole Grant, Oded Shimoni, Raul Corchuelo, Laura Graves, Debbie McDonald, Juan Matute Sr. and Ali Brock. She now works with Devin Kane.

“My parents really are amazing people,” Lauren said. “They’re my biggest fans, and I’ve made so many memories working so closely with them at our IDA Farm! They’ve literally only missed two shows in my career, so every time I go down centerline, they’re there watching me. Also, when my mom started back up riding, I really enjoyed being the one who taught her dressage.” 

Among Lauren’s accolades are her USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medals as well as team and individual silver medals from the 2009 North American Junior & Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) with Rho Dance. With her foundation in and passion for dressage, she prides herself on having correct basics instilled in her from the beginning. Her parents, Teresa and Harry Knopp, also taught her the importance of having a solid work ethic.

“I wasn’t handed any of this,” said the Grand Prix-level competitor. “They made me earn everything I have. I had to do well in school. They set goals for me and taught me how to set goals for myself. In addition to that, I envision myself completing those goals. When I need alone time to self-reflect, I carve time out at the end of the day to relax and recharge. It’s really nice having parents that are so involved in the industry because they understand the dedication it requires, and they have always supported my dreams and always tell me to go for it.”

From early on, Lauren knew she wanted to be an equestrian professional and train for a living. Now, she wears many hats around her family’s IDA Farm in Wellington: barn manager, trainer, coach, groom and whatever else is needed of her. Teresa and Harry help run the farm, and Harry owns an associated construction company, IDA Development, specializing in luxury homes, barns, arenas and equestrian estates. 

“My dad is always busy making sure the training facility is kept at its best,” Lauren said. “The footing is a prime factor, and he’s made sure that we have what I think is the best I have ever ridden on. My mom is a people person; she meets and greets and makes sure everyone has a smile on their face. She is right there for me if I need her. I am so lucky. Even my younger brother comes and helps out when he’s not in school.”

Great Support System 

With the ongoing encouragement of her parents, Lauren took a three-year hiatus from riding to become a full-time student at Stetson University. Keeping her goal of being a trainer in mind, she chose to study psychology with a minor in communication so she could effectively communicate with her clients and help them with their own goals.

Then in 2013, just three semesters shy of graduation, Lauren took a semester off to qualify one last time for the NAJYRC Region 3 dressage team before she aged out of the division. “It was my parents’ idea to take that break from school,” she said. “I wanted to graduate with my class and didn’t want to fall behind. But they said, ‘You only have this opportunity once. Don’t throw it away. Go have fun and see what happens.’”

Lauren’s return to the show ring brought her and her mount Rantaro to the 2012 Brentina Cup, where they placed third overall. That fall, she moved back home permanently and transferred to Palm Beach Atlantic University to finish her degree. She started Lauren Knopp Dressage, LLC, riding and teaching while commuting to school and back for her college courses. 

“That break for Young Riders was actually very helpful to me in a lot of ways,” Lauren said. “It taught me a lot about time management and setting more goals to accomplish. Also, since I was a bit older than the other people in my final classes and running a business at the same time, I was super focused on getting my degree finished. My college work actually improved drastically when I started commuting, rather than when I was away for school without the horses.” 

Hard Work and Dedication 

Surrounded by her family and a fantastic string of horses, Lauren’s biggest long-term goal is to represent Team USA internationally, competing in the FEI World Cup, World Equestrian Games and, of course, the Olympic Games. In the meantime, she continues to be the best rider she can be for her horses and focuses on bringing a fun environment full of passion and commitment to her clients at IDA Farm. 

“I am so blessed and fortunate to have the horses I have myself and those in training,” Lauren said. “Every horse has a tailored, individualized program at the farm. I’m a firm believer that no horse is created equal, so I take the time to really get to understand each horse and client to know them inside and out.” 

Part of Lauren’s dedication to herself and her clients includes an emphasis on organization and a ritualistic pre-show routine. Everything is set out with enough time before a competition to go over the day’s test in her head, and she reflects on how lucky she is to do something she loves every time she gets on a horse. Lauren and one of her current FEI partners, Amadeus De Massa, had this same routine and many supporters at their back during the 2022 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, where they set a new personal best in the arena. Lauren was also voted the Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Barn Manager of the Season by her peers, and placed 10th at the Festival of Champions at Lamplight in the Intermediare division with Amadeus De Massa in August.

“My family and other supporters are with me at every stride,” Lauren said. “Working with horses means you should show up every day ready to learn and to better yourself. Never give up, and always have the hunger to learn more. Go sit in on lessons; go watch the horse show; go look up endless videos of top professionals. Taking time to reset when you need it is still important, but this sport will reward you greatly for that hard work, determination and dedication.” 

For more information, visit idafarm.com

Photos by Kristen Scott, www.sunsoarphotography.com

Share this page:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

What you can read next

Colleen Acosta: Hard Work Pays Off
Syona Shah Claims Adirondack-Green Mountain Challenge at Vermont Summer Festival

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
Happy December 1st! Now the fun begins! 13 days of Happy December 1st! Now the fun begins! 13 days of Hot Horseman Christmas! To start us off is our featured hot horseman Woods Baughman! 

Growing up in Lexington, Kentucky, Woods Baughman was surrounded daily by all things horse. Driving through Lexington, he couldn’t help but see horses, whether they were in a field along the road, on billboards advertising upcoming equestrian events or on street signs—as even the roads are named after horses.
As a child, Woods and his non-horsey family attended a rodeo that came to the area. Immediately, Woods knew what he wanted to be when he grew up: a rodeo rider. “That’s when the nagging to my parents about wanting to ride began. Eventually, they caved in and signed me up for English riding lessons, with the agreement that if I stuck with it, I could switch to Western and go down the rodeo path,” Woods said.

Woods never made it to the rodeo circuit, as another equestrian event in Lexington captured his heart. When Woods was 6 years old, his grandfather heard about “some horse thing” that was taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park. That “horse thing” just happened to be the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. While bull riding initially won Woods over, watching the horses gallop the cross-country course left Woods awestruck.

Get to know Woods in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine! Click the link in our bio for more!  And keep your eyes 👀 out for the 1️⃣2️⃣ other men featured this month! 🎄

📸Portraits by Melissa Fuller

#sidelinesmagazine #sidelines2023 #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople #dressage #hunterjumper #eventing #magazine #horses #hothorseman2023 #hot
It’s hard to get Tony Sgarlata to talk about him It’s hard to get Tony Sgarlata to talk about himself—much easier, in fact, to get him talking about horses, his dogs or the people in his life. That doesn’t mean he and his career aren’t worth celebrating. Tony is an accomplished rider, and in the course of 20 years of running his own business has trained horses and ponies to all levels and coached multiple zone and national champions. He is a strong proponent for the sport, giving back as a clinician and USEF “R” judge. Last year, Tony partnered with the USHJA to help riders understand changes to equitation tests for 2023. He has judged throughout North America, including at WEF, Tryon, Lake Placid, Old Salem and more. When he’s not traveling to judge, Tony can be found at home in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his partner, Brian, and their three dogs, or traveling the world, sans dogs.

Get to know Tony in last month's edition of Sidelines Magazine! Link in bio!
Unwrap joy and spread the holiday cheer with our c Unwrap joy and spread the holiday cheer with our curated gift guide! From tasty horse treats to tech wonders, find the perfect presents for everyone on your list. 'Tis the season for giving, and we've got you covered! 🎁🎄
✨Link in bio!✨
Give your brand a leg up! With Grace Creative (wi Give your brand a leg up! With Grace Creative (with.grace.creative) is an equestrian-focused marketing agency serving riders and brands. From standout branding to sleek web design, top-tier press placements, and savvy sponsorship management, they’re all about making equestrian brands a force to be reckoned with.

Curious about what they can do for your brand or riding career? Shoot them a message and dive into the possibilities. ✨

Featured Riders: corneliadorrfletcher, leahtenney_dressage, driverdressage
Featured Brands: lemieuxproductsofficial, veltrisport, naturalequineessentialss

with.grace.creative

#WithGraceCreative #EquestrianMarketing #RideWithUs
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Stallion Gallery

.

Visit Stallion Gallery

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • Redfield Training
    Hunter/Jumper barn in Lebanon, NJ Lessons, Training, Boarding, Sales, and Showing at an affordable price Contact Ashley DiBongrazio 732.354.6194 - redfieldlessons@gmail.com

    [Read more]

  • Horizon Structures, LLC ~ PENNSYLVANIA ~
    Delivered Fully Assembled and Ready for Immediate Use 888-447-4337 info@horizonstructures.com www.horizonstructures.com

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • “Jump for the Children” Benefit Horse Show Celebrates 40 Years & Over $3 Million to Duke Children’s
  • Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West
  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Conor Swail Was the Best Bet in $15,000 CSI2* Markel Insurance Welcome at San Juan Capistrano International
  • Lillie Keenan Leads in CHF68,000 South Coast Plaza Welcome Speed at San Juan Capistrano International CSIO5*
  • McLain Ward Wins CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix at San Juan Capistrano International

Category

Recent Posts

  • December 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Unbridled With Tony Sgarlata

    By Britney Grover  It’s hard to get Tony Sgarla...
  • The Secrets of Whorls in Horses

    By Margie Sugarman What do Marie Claire, Anne H...
  • An International Dressage Discussion

    By George Williams Recently, I attended the IDT...
  • Managing the Journey That Is the Equestrian Industry

    By Rob Jacobs As competitive equestrians, we ma...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!