By Britney Grover
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.
What are your early memories of riding?
Not sure it is a true memory or just the story from the pictures, but showing—and falling off—at Middleburg National in the late 1970s when it was held at Foxcroft School.
Any favorite horses over the years?
My favorite would have been my medium pony, Grandpas Gift. She was found by the late Dori Osbourne at a Western barn. My grandfather purchased her for me. She was the best teacher and a great jumper. She not only taught me but went on locally to teach quite a few kids the ropes in the pony ring.
What is your favorite thing about being part of the horse world?
The family. I am lucky to have friends that are family all over the country. We may all be competitors or co-workers, but when needed, we are family!
If you weren’t involved with the horse world, what career do you think you would have picked?
While I have a degree in elementary education and minor in earth science, if I wasn’t involved with horse shows, I would probably be an attorney. I loved teaching, but it wasn’t the “thing” for me.
If you could tell every rider one thing, what would it be?
Take time to enjoy your horse.
If you had a week off, what would you do?
Travel
Where is your favorite place you have been? Where would you like to go but haven’t?
I loved Paris and London. I would love to visit Italy.
Have you had a funny horse moment that still makes you laugh?
There are a few, but when I was showing in walk-trot at the old Quentin Riding Club, we were lined up and the center of the ring used to be grass. My pony, Tiny Tot, put down his head to grab some grass and I tumbled down his neck.
Who inspires you?
There are a few, but really all my close friends and family.
What talents do you feel you have?
I am very organized.
What’s your favorite item of clothing to wear?
Leggings and sweatshirt
What’s your favorite meal?
Short ribs
Favorite type of pizza?
Pepperoni and onions
What three things can always be found in your refrigerator?
Orange juice, eggs and cheese
Something people don’t know about you?
I am legally deaf in one ear. I wear a hearing aid in my left ear—I’m missing a bone in the middle ear.
What would be the best gift in the world?
A cure for cancer
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
To read minds
What’s something everyone should try at least once?
As a rider, a different discipline—we can learn so much from the other equine sports.
As a person, anything outside their comfort zone.
Photo by Sheryl Sutherby
