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Monday, August 03 2020 / Published in Weekly Feature

The Prodigy’s Protégé: Tori Colvin and Parker Peacock

By Britney Grover

Portraits by Shawna Simmons

To anyone who’s followed the national hunter-jumper world in the last decade, Victoria “Tori” Colvin is a household name. Her record-setting talent on horseback seems almost magical. From ponies and Best Child Rider awards to three consecutive wins in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships, Tori’s accomplishments remain unmatched.

2019 WHCR Palm Beach Spectacular | February 16, 2019 by Tricia Booker/USHJA

In May, she was honored as the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame Rider of the Year after compiling a long list of accomplishments in 2019, and she’s just 23 years old. After dominating as a child, Tori’s again becoming a familiar face at the pony rings — this time as a trainer.

Now, it’s 12-year-old Parker Peacock in the irons earning ribbons, while Tori coaches from the sidelines.

“When we go to the ring, I sometimes run into some of my old trainers or people I rode ponies for,” Tori said. “It’s an interesting dynamic to have grown up so much that I’m now one of their peers.”

Prodigy to Professional

As the daughter of a farrier and a dressage trainer, Tori was born into horses and never considered doing anything else. “Even from a young age, I always knew this was my life,” she said. “I enjoyed doing other things growing up too, and even got pretty good at playing tennis — but I think it was always clear that I would be a professional equestrian. Both of my parents are in the business, so it’s a way of life for us.”

Tori began showing short stirrup when she was 7 — and earned her first circuit championship. At 9, Tori rode Scott Stewart’s Cortina at the 2007 USEF Pony Finals: It was her second Pony Finals, and one of her most memorable (of many) moments in her pony career.

“We competed in the Medium Green Pony Hunters and got scores of 95, 95 and 96 for our over-fences round!” Tori said. They won the class, the division and the overall Grand Green Pony Championship. “Although winning was exciting in itself, I remember it was particularly memorable because of my mom: She was so happy for me, shaking and crying!”

Tori’s parents have remained supportive of her career as she advanced through her junior years as one of the most accomplished young riders in history. They’ve watched her become a top hunter and jumper rider, including winning three USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships on three different horses and earning the WEF Overall Hunter Rider Circuit Championship in both 2018 and 2019.

Now that Tori’s a professional, her parents work with her personal horses at their farm in Florida and are a vital part of the team that’s making her career possible — including helping her through the transition to professional, which wasn’t seamless despite Tori’s unprecedented talent.

“Actually, I think it was scarier than a lot of people let on,” Tori said. “Not only because of the responsibilities that you have — much more so than being a junior or an amateur — but also because everyone that was your friend is suddenly now your competition, not just in the ring but for your livelihood. It’s a different world, but I loved it and pushed through and am happy that I did.”

Though she still rides and competes for Tom Wright, Torrey Harrdison and the Ingrams, Tori is also back at the pony ring. Now, she’s the trainer.

“When I first started training, I was so shy because it was new to me to be the one giving the directions,” Tori said. “But now I really like it. It’s fun to see how things have come full circle from the time I was the one riding ponies.”

After so much success of her own on ponies, Tori’s knack for training young riders isn’t surprising. She enjoys making sure kids learn everything correctly from a young age.

“Plus, they’re still so excited to be with the ponies and to ride!” she added.

One such passionate pony rider is Parker Peacock.

Peacocks and Ponies

Like Tori, Parker comes from a supportive equestrian background. Her mother, Ashley, grew up riding and picked it up again after starting her career. She founded Peacock Acres near Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for her own horses and a group of friends’, but it expanded to much more.

Ashley considers herself lucky to recruit Kristi Watson as lead trainer, and the business took off. Peacock Acres has had a waitlist ever since — and has nourished Parker’s passion for ponies.

“Parker has always had a love for animals,” Ashley said. “She was riding ponies before she could even walk. I loved riding myself, but watching her ride and achieve her goals far surpasses my personal enjoyment in a horse.”

Though she was raised riding, Parker’s pony career didn’t always go perfectly. At her very first horse show, she walked into the ring, did one trot circle and the pony bucked straight up in the air and threw her off.

Liza Boyd leased the Peacocks a pony named Maryanne, who gave Parker the confidence not just to persevere but to progress quickly.

“My first time showing in the crossrails on my saint of a pony, Maryanne, all I had to do was sit there,” Parker remembered. “She would hear the judge say ‘trot’ and she would trot, and at the canter she would do automatic lead changes every single time.”

With her skill and confidence, Parker has been able to overcome other memorable “pony” moments, like during her first catch-ride derby. She was “nailing” the course until it came to the very last line, which required a halt at a gate. The pony spooked and threw her across the fence.

Now, Parker has earned impressive results all around the country, whether catch-riding or riding her own ponies for Peacock Acres.

“I love all the fun things to do at Devon,” she said when asked about her favorite horse shows. “WEF is so much fun! You can do so many classes and I love how beautiful it is there. And I really love getting to do the indoors, especially showing at Harrisburg, because it’s so different.”

Trainers such as Kristi Watson, Lynn Forgione and Robin Greenwood have all played important roles in Parker’s riding. But Parker’s relationship with Ashley remains part mother-daughter, part best friends and part student-teacher as they spend all day every day together.

“I would never call myself a trainer,” Ashley said, “but I’ve been an eye on the ground for her for a long time. To this day, Parker wants me at the ring even if she’s just hacking a pony or taking a lesson.”

A Perfect Pairing

Ashley’s involvement in Parker’s career was the catalyst for their relationship with Tori. “I’ve watched Tori ride for several years, and I feel like to be the best, you have to learn from the best,” she said.

In 2016, Tori taught her first clinic at Peacock Acres. “I was pretty nervous the first time I met her, because I felt like I had to impress her,” Parker said. “I’d grown up watching videos of Tori ride, so I was pretty excited, too.”

Parker wasn’t the only one anxious about the clinic.

“I was actually really nervous,” Tori admitted, “but the Peacocks were amazing and forthcoming, and our relationship developed from there.”

Ashley says Parker “just clicked” with Tori. “I knew at some point Parker would want to go on and do more in her riding, and working with Tori has been the perfect fit for her.”

“It’s really fun training with Tori,” Parker said. “Sometimes it’s hard because I want to be perfect for her because she’s perfect, but she’s a really good trainer and teaches me so many different things. I like that Tori is confident in my abilities, and makes me feel confident.”

As “perfect” as Tori may be, her level isn’t out of reach — Tori sees some of her own qualities in Parker.

“Parker is a super hard worker who wants to learn. She reminds me a lot of myself at that age!” Tori said. “She’s been doing a great job working on her riding and has improved tremendously. Parker’s a natural horsewoman, and it shows both outside and inside the show ring.”

Tori has helped Parker work on learning to catch-ride and quickly be comfortable on horses and ponies she doesn’t know, and has given her opportunities to do so. At WEF this year, Tori put Parker on a horse she had never ridden, when Parker had never consistently shown a horse. By the end of WEF, they were circuit champions.

“Tori has brought out the best in Parker,” Ashley said. “She challenges Parker in a way that makes her better, and believes in her enough to put her on all different types of horses and have her show them — that gives Parker the confidence to get on, go right in the show ring and be successful. We’re so grateful for the many ways Tori has helped Parker progress!”

A Bright Future

Parker enjoys swimming, being with friends or playing with the menagerie of Peacock pets: Peacock Acres is also home to three miniatures (Banks, Pickles and Hashbrown) and two pigs (Barbie and Popsicle).

“We have three dogs: Booger, Happy, and Broby; a bird named Flower; and a barn cat that has a lot of different names but her current name is Layla,” Parker shared. “We also have 10 chickens and a lot of snakes around our house.”

But most of her time is spent riding. When she can’t train with Tori in person at WEF or other shows, Parker gets help and advice on the horses she has at home in North Carolina on a daily basis by sending Tori videos. 

Tori’s goals for Parker include continuing to catch-ride, eventually transitioning to horses and perhaps campaigning a large pony if they find “an amazing” one. Parker has already been thriving in the children’s hunters as well as the ponies. She hopes to move up to 3’3”-3’6” by the end of the year and has her sights set on Devon 2021.

“I’d love to be as good and consistent as Tori one day,” Parker summarized.

“Parker and Ashley have been great to work with, and I hope we can continue to train together for a long time,” Tori said.

Tori’s own goals might surprise some. “Although I’ve become known for the hunters since I ride so many hunter and derby horses, I’d love to have a string of jumpers,” she said. “I have young ones I’m producing and that I’m very impressed with right now, but it takes patience while they grow up.”

In the meantime, Tori’s happy with coming full circle. She hopes to eventually have more clients, concluding, “There’s nothing more rewarding than taking a student, no matter what age, to the ring.”

Photos by Shawna Simmons, www.sasequinephotography.com, @sasequinephotography, unless noted otherwise

Styled by Shawna Simmons. Thank you to Fab Finds by Sarah, @fabfindsbysarah for outfits for Tori and Parker, including tan and green sweaters, sweater with stars, the denim jacket with lips and star necklace. Belts by Ruespari, www.ruespari.com, @ruespari

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Tagged under: hunter derby, Parker Peacock, pony finals, pony rider, tori colvin

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It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is. It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is...

 ✨PF'S DIAMO BLUE✨
Diarado-Diamant de Semilly- Chacco Blue
17.0hh, Oldenburg International Hunter Derby/ Jumper Stallion
An outstanding Pedigree- Chacco Blue and Diamant de Semilly
WBFSH/ Rolex top ranking Jumping Sires 2017 thru 2022
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You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

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Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses—in a way, she was born into her career. She grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where her parents ran a farm. Her mother taught, and her father had a jump business and then created one of the first horse show software programs: Ryegate Show Services, Inc.

Riding all her life, Annette spent many years as a groom and loved it, but knew it wasn’t what she wanted to do as a career. After she finished college, Annette’s father recruited her to help process entries at Ryegate. Since her father, Lloyd Longenecker, founded it in 1981, Ryegate has provided show management and office staff for some of the largest shows in the country. Now, Annette has taken over from her father and directed the company as it focuses on managing memberships and rankings for organizations such as the North American League, WIHS Championships and Equitation, Rolex/USEF Computer Ranking and National Medal Series (THIS NCM and Ariat NAM). Ryegate also provides scoring software for use with video walls, and production teams for hunter and jumper shows.

“Besides running Ryegate Show Services and its various organizations, I can be found in the show office, running a scoreboard or judging jumpers at most shows,” Annette said. “I love getting to wear a few different hats at the show.”

When she’s not busy at a show, Annette lives in Annville, Pennsylvania, with her “fur-baby,” Maggie Mae, and enjoys spending time with her many godchildren. Though she doesn’t currently own any horses, Annette rides when she can at Rolling Acres Farm with Patty Foster, Ashley Foster-Worthington and Mary Lisa Leffler.

Read this month unbridled with Annette Longenecker by clicking the link in our bio. Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine! 🦄
📸Photo by Sheryl Sutherby

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A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself The spor A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself 
The sport of eventing is a demanding and mentally challenging discipline that requires a combination of physical and mental fortitude from both the rider and horse. While having a coach can be incredibly beneficial, self-coaching can also play a crucial role in a rider’s success.

I think that given the opportunity, most riders would like to be coached every day. The reality of life in the horse world, however, is that the majority of us need to absorb as much from the lessons we have on a limited basis and then practice those skills at home to improve.

When I am riding, I try to have a plan for the horses each day and focus on what I’m looking to achieve. It’s important to be aware of the steady improvements rather than trying to solve everything all at once. This is especially important when teaching horses new movements or exercises that they might struggle with, and we need to give them time to learn and understand what we are asking for.

I have a couple of quotes that I use regularly when I’m teaching, and these are mottos that I hold myself to in my daily work as well.

The first is, “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.” This is a quote that was said to me many years ago when I was still motor racing and I keep it in the back of my mind each day. It’s easy to get stuck doing the same thing every day with your horse and bad habits are hard to break, from both riders and horses!

This leads me to my next quote, which is, “If what you are doing isn’t working, try something else.” It really is as simple as that! Many riders I see keep asking a horse to do something the same way over and over with an ongoing negative response and they wonder why things don’t get better. In these circumstances, I recommend that the rider change something, even if it’s wrong.

Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio! Don’t forget to keep your eye out for our April subscription!
📸Photo by Alex Banks Photography
The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here and we are so excited to feature three-day eventer Liz Halliday on the cover! Big thanks to photographer Melissa Fuller for the beautiful photo of Liz and Cooley Nutcracker- Liz Halliday-Sharp - HS Eventing. Liz and her horses have taken the eventing world by storm - and find out how Liz is at the top of the sport as a female eventer! As the horse world gears up for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event 2023, it's the perfect time to enjoy our eventing issue!! We also feature eventer and woman entrepreneur Frankie Thieriot Stutes, who is not only an eventer, but also runs Athletux and FRANKIE CAMERON handbags and accessories. And don't miss our eventing story on Robert "Bobby" Costello, who will be leading the US Eventing team to the 2024 Paris Olympics- and US Equestrian has named Bobby the eventing technical advisor/chef d'equipe!! Liz, Frankie and Bobby all have GREAT stories - don't miss any of them and don't forget to get your tickets for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day event! We are also excited to introduce you to hunter-jumper rider Casey Lorusso Smith, who is not only a talented rider but also a psychotherapist and incorporates horses into her career. If you are up for adventure, then read the story on dressage rider Priscilla Baldwin who certainly doesn't let any grass grow under her feet! We also head to the west coast to catch up with hunter-jumper trainer Jim Hagman of Elvenstar Farm, we feature beautiful art by equestrian artist Tammy Tappan, and we get to know Miranda Jones and her family. Miranda is not only an attorney who spends a lot of time in the courthouse, but she's a rider and spends lots of time riding, and is joined by her daughters also! We are excited to feature Stephanie Lightner in our Unbridled column, and don't miss our columnists George Williams, Robert R.L. Jacobs and Margie Sugarman! It's a great issue - and you can read it online, but don't forget to go to the website and order a subscription and get every issue delivered to your mailbox!! Enjoy this issue and enjoy the ride: Link in bio!!
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