By Britney Grover
Louise Serio has dedicated her life to the hunter-jumper world, and even helped create the World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) program in 1991. After so many years as a rider and trainer, Louise wanted to create a high-quality, low-cost hunter show that revolved around an exhibitor’s perspective—and that was close to her home in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. She and Jennifer Burger founded the Brandywine Horse Shows in 2011.
“It was a big learning curve—very difficult and complicated, with a lot of moving pieces all the time. I fortunately had wonderful managers that were a big help and showed us the way—I could never have done it otherwise,” Louise said. “There’s a big difference between being a horse show manager and influencing the horse show from my perspective as a rider and trainer.”
After 12 years, the Brandywine Horse Shows concluded this year due to financial reasons. “It was really sad—we worked really hard for all those years that it ran,” Louise shared. “We had great sponsors, such loyal and wonderful vendors and people that came and helped every year and really made the show what it was. There was a huge team of people that made it work, and it was really sad to make that decision. I felt like we did a good thing for the horse show world, and we learned a lot by doing it—there are so many things behind the scenes that you really don’t know about.”
Louise still has high hopes for the hunter world as a whole, especially with programs like the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships and Derby Championships. “I think that those programs are so important—they’re very inclusive, you don’t have to run to so many horse shows to get qualified and there are ways to get prize money,” she said. “I hope there are more programs like that, and I hope the governing body takes a deep dive into the hunter world and really looks at things that need adjusting, and get on that path.”
Any favorite horses over the years?
I’m fortunate to have a wonderful group of outstanding horses, but my favorite probably to ride was Castle Rock, who belonged to Bryan Baldwin. When I got on him, I would say to myself, “This should be my horse.” There was just something about his build and the way he went, and the bond the two of us had—he was awesome. I loved riding that horse.
What are your best early memories of riding or with horses?
I was so lucky to grow up on a farm where I currently live, and my mother taught riding. We had all these ponies, and my mom bred ponies. Many of my earliest memories are just riding with my sister. We spent all day long riding, going cross country, midnight rides—my sister and I would sneak out of the house and go for rides in the dark. We had so many places available we could ride at that time. I wouldn’t canter when I was little; I think I was 8 years old before I would canter. And finally, one day my sister said to me, “I’m not gonna play with you anymore unless you canter.” So I cantered. Just growing up around horses, ponies and kids was a great way to grow up.
What is your favorite thing about being part of the horse world?
The community. I think most of us are pretty wacky, but we all fit together so well.
If you could tell every rider one thing, what would it be?
Be patient with your horses.
Where would you like to go but haven’t?
I want to go to the Galapagos Islands; I want to see all the sea turtles and all that.
What talents do you feel you have?
I think I’m lucky. I think that’s my talent, I do: I’ve been fortunate to be in the right place in the right time. I just feel like I’ve always been a very lucky, fortunate person.
Do you have a funny horse moment that still makes you laugh?
I’ve had so many—I’m always laughing at silly horses, but I can’t identify one story!
What three things can always be found in your refrigerator?
Perrier—love my Perrier; Brandywine chicken salad; and broccoli salad from the Country Butcher in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
Something people don’t know about you?
I help with monarch butterflies. I bring the caterpillars in and ensure they have enough milkweed, make sure they are safe as a chrysalis and then I release them as butterflies. I just released seven in the last week. It’s the most fun thing—it’s so easy, it’s so fun and it is so cool to watch. Everybody should do a little of it, because it’s just amazing to see how a caterpillar becomes a fantastic butterfly.
What would be the best gift in the world?
Happiness for my children, granddaughter and friends
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
To print money!
What’s something everyone should try at least once?
An African safari on horseback
Photos courtesy of Brandywine Archives
