Photo courtesy Horses’ Haven

Adoptable Horse: Kasuco, a 15-year-old, 16.0hh Andalusian gelding
Organization: Horses’ Haven, Howell, Mich.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Kasuco

KA Kasuco is a stunning double-registered Andalusian gelding with a handsome, dappled gray coat and a sweet, people-loving personality. At 15 years old, he is looking for a partner to continue his journey.

Kasuco was started under saddle as a 3-year-old but then spent many years out of work. Since being restarted, he has impressed Horses’ Haven with how quickly he is relearning his training. He is confidently working at the walk and trot, developing a balanced canter, and learning lateral work. His beautiful, floaty movement and willing attitude make him an exciting dressage prospect.

Kasuco is a sensitive horse who needs a confident and experienced rider who can be clear with what they are asking as he has the potential to become overwhelmed quickly when confused. As he continues his restart, he is developing a better understanding of the rider’s leg and is becoming more confident in carrying himself forward. He is intelligent, eager to learn, and has tremendous potential for someone who enjoys bringing along a talented horse.

He requires front shoes and light hock maintenance to stay comfortable in work and continues to build strength and fitness with regular riding.

Most of all, Kasuco is simply a lovely gelding to be around—kind, friendly, and always happy to spend time with his people. If you’re looking for a handsome Andalusian with expressive movement, a wonderful temperament, and lots of potential, Kasuco could be your perfect match.

Contact Horses’ Haven today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Kasuco!

Photo courtesy Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Kasuco appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

For the second year, limited-edition pink Grab & Go bales have been distributed to retailers across the country, helping spread awareness from barns and farms to communities nationwide. While the packaging may look different, customers can expect the same highquality forage they have come to trust from Standlee.

When customers choose a pink Grab & Go bale, they are not only fueling their animals but also helping Standlee support organizations working to make a meaningful difference for individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

“Supporting the fight against breast cancer has long been part of who we are at Standlee,” said Jessica Wright, VP of Marketing. “Each year, we are reminded that this fight affects people standing right beside us in our barns, homes and communities. Bringing the pink bales back gives us another opportunity to come together, show our support and help make a meaningful difference for those impacted by breast cancer.”

Over the past six years, Standlee’s breast cancer awareness efforts have shared stories of strength and resilience while encouraging the agriculture and equine communities to come together in support of the cause. In 2025 alone, Standlee donated a total of $65,000 to organizations supporting breast cancer research, education, resources and individuals and families impacted by the disease.

This year, Standlee’s support will benefit five organizations:

◆ Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) – Funding innovative research to prevent and cure breast cancer worldwide.
◆ Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) – Providing education, resources, and a supportive community for people affected by breast cancer.
◆ Rein In Cancer – Supporting individuals and families affected by cancer while bringing together the Western and equine communities around the cause.
◆ Rural Gone Urban Foundation – Providing judgment-free grants and financial support to women battling breast cancer, empowering them to make memories and invest in legacies for themselves and their families.
◆ Horses and Hope – Supporting medically underserved individuals, especially those in the Kentucky horse industry and beyond, through education, screening, and support to help with early detection and care.

New for 2026, supporters can take their support beyond the barn with a collection of limitededition Grab & Go to Give apparel and merchandise available on the Standlee website throughout October. Net proceeds from the collection will be donated in support of the campaign’s partner organizations.

From putting a pink bale in the barn to wearing their support, customers across the country can join Standlee in standing behind those affected by breast cancer and the organizations working every day to make an impact.

Together, we can fuel animals, fuel hope and stand stronger in the fight against breast cancer.

For more information about Standlee’s Grab & Go to Give campaign and ways to show your support, visit www.standleeforage.com/promotions/grab-go-give/ or contact marketing@standlee.com.

— Edited Press Release

The post Standlee’s Grab & Go® Bales Go Pink Again for Breast Cancer Awareness appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 48, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise chat with Amanda Anderson of Ssaddlefitting.us. Plus, tune in as they talk with sponsored guest Olissio Zoppe of Cirque Ma’Ceo.

To end the episode, Susan and Holly chat with Kaycie McCarthy of MSPCA at Nevins Farm about Pip, this month’s ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse.

Click here to listen on mobile.

Amanda Anderson of saddlefitting.us

Barn Banter episode 48 guest Amanda Anderson of Saddlefitting.us.

Amanda Anderson of saddlefitting.us is a German-trained saddle fitter with three years of apprenticeship to a German Master Saddler, over 4,800 hours of instruction, and 25 years of saddle fitting experience. Since 2001, Amanda has attended over 20 U.S., German, and U.K. based independent and brand-sponsored saddle fitting courses/schools. Her business, Saddlefitting.us, provides saddle fitting services as well as education.

◆ Saddlefitting.us Website
◆ Follow saddlefitting.us on Instagram
◆ Follow saddlefitting.us on Facebook

Sponsored Guest: Olissio Zoppe of Cirque Ma’Ceo

Photo by Stunning Steeds Photography

Cirque Ma’Ceo’s Creator and Director, Olissio Zoppe, hails from a rich Italian line of eighth and ninth generation bareback riders and equestrian performers, the Zoppes and the Zamperlas. He has been performing since the age of four. Olissio is one of the most well-rounded equestrian performers to grace the stage today. Throughout his varied experiences, he has mastered the arts of liberty, dressage, cossack riding, Roman riding, and the rare and dangerous art of bareback riding.

Cirque Ma’Ceo is an emotionally charging, up-close and personal, luxurious experience. The custom-designed Italian Big Top theater features brand-new, state of the art seating. The world of Ma’Ceo is proud to showcase mesmerizing acrobatic feats, aerial dancing, and exotic horses.

The current special tour guest is legendary Grand Liberté performer Sylvia Zerbini. For the tour schedule and to purchase tickets, visit here.

◆ Cirque Ma’Ceo Website
◆ Follow Cirque Ma’Ceo on Instagram
◆ Follow Cirque Ma’Ceo on Facebook

Adoptable Horse of the Month, Pip

Photo courtesy MSPCA at Nevins Farm

Pip is an impressively handsome 21-year-old OTTB gelding looking for a new pasture. He currently shares a paddock with an older Irish Sport Horse gelding. They have lived together for some time and enjoy the company. MSPCA has not introduced Pip to other equines in their care but they don’t anticipate him having a hard time making new buddies in his new home!

Pip stands well for the farrier and vet. He was recently diagnosed with EOTRH and will require removal of the affected teeth. This is a procedure MSPCA has scheduled. His adopter should have a close relationship with their veterarian to continue his care. Though it sounds intense, horses tend to do very well with this procedure. The removal of the affected teeth will also remove his discomfort.

Pip came to MSPCA at Nevins Farm with a history of being ridden under saddle, though he has not done so in some time. They have not completed an under-saddle evaluation due to his body condition.

Learn more about Pip here.

In addition to Barn Banter episode 48, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts here.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 48 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Longmeadow Rescue Ranch

Adoptable Horse: Ophelia, a 10-year-old, 14.1hh American Quarter Horse mare
Organization: Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, Union, Mo.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Ophelia

Ophelia came to Longmeadow with another horse when her previous owners moved and could not take their horses with them. She arrived blind in both eyes, but that didn’t stop her from being the sweetheart she is. Ophelia surprised the Longmeadow crew and settled quickly into life at the Ranch. It wasn’t long before she was ready to be evaluated by their trainers.

The first thing the trainers noted, besides Ophelia’s obvious blindness, was that this mare clearly had owners and trainers who did right by her in her past. She passed her groundwork tests with flying colors and had excellent ground manners. She was proficient in standing tied, loading in the trailer, and being bathed. The moment her evaluation began under saddle, she was perfectly comfortable putting all of her trust into our trainers. Since she is completely blind, she relied on her handler for guidance both on the ground and under saddle (due to this, she will require a strong and advanced intermediate rider at a minimum). When ridden in the arena at the walk and trot, she was a very good girl, responding well to neck reining and leg aids.

However, it’s important to note that due to Ophelia’s lack of vision, she is not suitable for a beginner rider or handler. Her trust in people can quickly diminish if she is mishandled or steered into obstacles, like a tree or wall. With her specific needs, Ophelia deserves a home with experienced individuals who can provide the proper care she needs.

Ophelia is an angel and a staff favorite. Her calm, kind demeanor and willingness to trust has softens hearts at the Ranch. She stands wonderfully for the farrier and the vet. She gets along with other horses and settles into new routines nicely. She truly is such a great mare.

Contact Longmeadow Rescue Ranch today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Ophelia!

Photo courtesy Longmeadow Rescue Ranch

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Ophelia appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Ocean, a 27-year-old, 14.2hh American Quarter Horse mare
Organization: Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine, Md.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Ocean

Meet Ocean! At 27 years old, this beautiful buckskin mare is ready to spend her golden years as the perfect companion horse. Ocean is a large pony with a sweet presence and funny personality, making her a wonderful addition to any farm.

While she may be retired from riding, Ocean still enjoys staying active. A few days each week, she participates in basic groundwork with a volunteer trainer to keep her body moving and her mind engaged. She enjoys having a little job and spending extra time with people.

Ocean would make a wonderful companion for someone looking for a kind, easy horse to love, groom, and enjoy. Could Ocean be the perfect addition to your herd?

Contact Days End Farm Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Ocean!

Photo courtesy Days End Farm Horse Rescue

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Ocean appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Pearl, a 13-year-old, 14.0hh pinto mare
Organization: Wild at Heart Horse Rescue, Lancaster, Calif.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Pearl

Say hello to Pearl, a stunning 2013 pinto mare with those unforgettable blue eyes that are sure to turn heads wherever she goes! She’s completed Wild at Heart’s groundwork training and is now stepping into her under-saddle journey.

Pearl has the brains, attitude, and willingness to make her next chapter exactly what you dream of. If you’re looking for a beautiful, smart, and eager mare to finish into your favorite discipline—whether that’s out on the trail or in the arena—Pearl is ready to shine.

Contact Wild at Heart Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Pearl!

Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse Rescue

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Pearl appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 47, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise chat with David Silver, founder and Executive Director of Detroit Horse Power.

To end the episode, Holly chats with Michelle Fedewa of Lucky 7 Horse Rescue about Natsu, this month’s ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse.

Click here to listen on mobile.

David Silver, Founder & Executive Director of Detroit Horse Power

David Silver of Detroit Horse Power, Barn Banter episode 47 guest.

David Silver grew up as a competitive horseback rider in Westchester, N.Y. and graduated from Dartmouth College in 2012. He moved to Detroit through Teach For America and taught 4th and 5th grade from 2012-14. David then stepped outside the classroom and start Detroit Horse Power, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that teaches Detroit’s youth valuable skills through riding and caring for horses. Since 2025, programs have brought youth from the city to partnering horse barns outside Detroit for free summer camps and after-school program. Construction is now underway to repurpose vacant land in Detroit into a transformational 14-acre urban equestrian center. The center is scheduled to open in December 2026.

◆ Detroit Horse Power Website
◆ Follow Detroit Horse Power on Instagram
◆ Follow Detroit Horse Power on Facebook

Adoptable Horse of the Month, Natsu

Photo courtesy Lucky 7 Horse Rescue

Natsu is a talented young horse that is looking for his new person to take him on all kinds of adventures! He has been on many, many miles of trails and he has a very smooth and easy gait, as well as a smooth trot and canter. Natsu has energy to go, and the buttons of a well-trained horse. He is not for a beginner rider, and will require an intermediate to advanced rider because he is a forward and sensitive guy, but also extremely well-behaved.

He is a pro at trailering and camping, and knows when he’s working and when it’s rest time. He isn’t spooky, but he needs guidance from his rider the first time he’s at a new place until he falls into the groove of things.

Learn more about Natsu here.

In addition to Barn Banter episode 47, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts here.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 47 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy US Equestrian

— Edited Press Release | Source: US Equestrian

The post Kate Shoemaker Breaks World Record at 2026 FEI World Championships Aachen appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Second Stride

Adoptable Horse: SS Nice Nicole AKA Athena, a 13-year-old, 15.0hh Thoroughbred mare
Organization: Second Stride, Prospect, Ky.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse SS Nice Nicole AKA Athena

SS Nicole Nicole, AKA Athena, never worked or raced.

She was originally in Second Stride’s program in 2016 when she arrived from an abandonment situation. She was sound at then and still appears to be now; Second Stride does not know her past injury history if any. Athena was adopted in 2016 sound and well-mannered under saddle. They are not sure if she has any breeding history. In her last home, she was being used as a reliable trail horse and was being ridden bareback.

Athena is a very sweet, kind mare that enjoys people. She is well-mannered for her grooming and bathing sessions and stands politely for the vet and farrier. She walks politely on a lead rope and gets along well with her friends in the field. She remains quiet in her stall and settles down quickly to graze.

Athena should be suitable for any age discipline. She is available to an adopter who agrees to keep her for life or return her to Second Stride if no longer able to care for her.

Contact Second Stride today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, SS Nice Nicole AKA Athena!

Photo courtesy Second Stride

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: SS Nice Nicole AKA Athena appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The Eventing Team podium at the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Ensuring the team’s second-consecutive FEI Eventing World Championships podium finish, Will Coleman (Free Union, Va.) and Diabolo (Diarado x Aljano 2), owned by the Diabolo Group and cared for by Erin Jarboe, also finished the championships as the highest-placed U.S. combination. The impressive pair locked up fourth place overall in the final individual standings and added nothing to their original dressage score of 30.0.

Under the leadership of Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law, the team stayed composed and focused on the technical show jumping course designed by Frank Rothenberger (GER), which would prove to be an influential conclusion to the competition. The winding track had a time allowed of 91 seconds and utilized much of the large grass arena of the main stadium, ultimately shaking up both the team and individual standings.

“We were quietly confident we could pull it off today,” Law commented, regarding the team’s bronze medal performance on the final day of competition. “All three guys rode to the standard we know they can ride to. They are all phenomenal riders in the show jumping phase.”

Coleman commented on the consistent performances of Diabolo, “Dabs”, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding, across all three days of competition, saying, “He was just himself all week—he is such a star. He is incredible. He knows the job and I knew he was going to do everything in his power to leave the rails up.”

Will Coleman and Diabolo on their way to a fourth-place finish, the highest placing of a U.S. horse-and-rider combination. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Coleman went on to express gratitude for his teammates after they moved up from sixth-place after dressage to land on the podium at the end of three intense phases.

“I think it’s a testament to the team. All four of us didn’t get off to the greatest start, but everybody kept a really cool head,” he said. “We kept chipping away throughout the course of the weekend. Our management, Leslie and Karyn [Schuter], exuded a certain amount of confidence and we fed off that. We made each day count as best we could.”

Coleman and Diabolo weren’t the only combination to secure a double-clear round for the Defender U.S. Eventing Team. Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Liz’s Nutcrackers’ Cooley Nutcracker, a 2014 Irish Sport Horse gelding (BMC Tolan R. x Cobra), cared for by Stephanie Simpson, also posted a double clear round in the main stadium to keep the team well in the hunt for a podium finish. Martin and Cooley Nutcracker produced a dressage test which placed them in the middle of the standings at the start of the week, but their clear cross-country performance,  and double clear show jumping round proved to be influential in the rankings. The pair ultimately finished in 13th place, with only added time from their cross-country trip influencing the pair’s original dressage score.

“It was an emotional week to win a medal here in Aachen,” reflected Martin, who has a special connection to Aachen through his wife, Silva, a fellow equestrian athlete hailing from Germany, as well as a nod to Cooley Nutcracker’s former rider, Liz Halliday, who was his teammate in Paris.

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) made his return to Aachen for a World Championship 20 years after he competed at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, where he represented Australia at the time. Aboard the 2015 Holsteiner gelding Denim (Dinken x Ibisco) owned by Ann Jones, Ann Lapides, Caroline Moran, and Neill Sites and cared for by Emma Yanek; Dutton showcased his experience and consistency. As the first combination in the order for the team, the pair played a critical role as they entered the electric stadium for their show jumping round, where all three scores produced by the team would count towards the final team score.

“It was a tough track, and the hardest thing is you want to be precise, but then you also have to think about the time allowed,” Dutton explained. “My mindset is obviously I want to be clear for the team, but then at the end of the day try not to overanalyze my round and then hopefully celebrate afterwards.”

Team member Caroline Pamukcu (Springfield, Pa.) and HSH Blake, the 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding (BMC Tolan R x Kannan) owned by Mollie Hoff, Sherrie Martin, Caroline Pamukcu, and Deniz Pamukcu and cared for by Chloe Teahan, did not compete following their unfortunate elimination on cross-country. She praised her teammates, “they carried the team. They’re unbelievable horsemen and it’s great to watch them and everything they did this week.”

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 withdrew ahead of the second horse inspection following an impressive trip across the country yesterday. Lillet 3 finished with a badly placed overreach, with Smith and team making the decision to save her for another day.

— Edited Press Release | Source: US Equestrian

The post Defender U.S. Eventing Team Captures Bronze Medal at 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships; Will Coleman and Diabolo Finish Fourth Overall appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.