“Every rider will probably say sitting on a horse is their religion. You have something big in life that you’re working through—you get on a horse and go ride. They...
Valerie Pride owns and operates Blue Clover Eventing, born at least in part from the peculiar twist of fate that there is no option for professional women’s lacrosse as a...
In the world of Thoroughbred racing, famous jockeys are commonplace in every horsehousehold. In the U.S., there’s “Big Money” Mike Smith of Zenyatta and Arrogate fame. There’s three-time consecutive Eclipse...
The international equestrian scene flocks to Wellington, Florida every winter for the world class competition and warm weather. But it was Irish show jumper Darragh Kenny who brought some serious...
If equestrian style is classic, timeless and traditional, Dani Waldman is its resident wild child. Between her hair feathers, yoga pants, and lace show coat, the Israeli team member is...
When you interview a rider as iconic as Ludger Beerbaum the most difficult decision isn’t what questions to ask, it’s trying to narrow down which of his incredible accomplishments to...
It takes a certain type of person to truly understand, and appreciate, the role that “chance” plays in the story of life. This week's guest on The Jay Duke Show,...
“All sorrows can be borne if you put them into a story”—Isak Dinesen Steve Melen is a lucky man. He's a successful financial advisor and a likeable person. It’s difficult...
Simply clearly a 6'5" or higher obstacle aboard a horse is an astounding feat. Seven year ago, Ireland's Susan Oakes' did it riding side saddle. On two different horses. In...
Falling in love with Canada is easy. If the breathtaking views and Tim Hortons coffee doesn't sweep you off your feet, the world class equestrian sport certainly will. Falling in...
I’m a deputy probation officer for Riverside County, California, and work primarily in a city called Desert Hot Springs. I check in on gang members after they’re released from prison...
The American system for developing young jumper riders is based on intensive coaching and systemic development. Current wisdom dictates that riders start their career on hunters, learning accuracy and steering,...
Americans who have never traveled to Istanbul might not be able to readily imagine an entire island where horses are the means of transportation, but where they are rarely ridden...
The average age of retirement in Canada is 63.6. Employees in the public sector tend to retire a little sooner at 61.5—*no comment*—and those in the private sector, a little...
Ellie Wood Baxter says it’s her straight back that helped her achieve prolific success in the hunter ring through the 1930s to 1960s. The pioneering rider was the most famous...
path·find·er/ˈpaTHˌfīndər/ noun: a person who goes ahead and discovers or shows others a path or way. In racing, “finding a path” refers to jockeys’ ability to guide a headstrong animal...
A true “mid-life crisis” is typically reserved for those over 40, but a mid-career crisis can happen any time. For Californian rider Karl Cook, the years following his successful junior...
Kathy Kusner is celebrated in American history for her show jumping prowess. Born in 1940 to a family of modest means and zero horse connections, she was an unlikely candidate...
