Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 43, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise chat with Amber Marshall, the star of the Canadian TV sensation, Heartland.

Then, Susan and Holly chat with Cailin Caldwell, Director of ASPCA Right Horse Program, about Adopt a Horse Month.

Click here to listen on mobile.

Amber Marshall, Star of Heartland

Amber Marshall. Photo by Sarah Mavro

Amber Marshall grew up in London, Ontario, Canada, with a huge love for animals and theater as a child. She started taking English riding lessons at age 10, and by age 12, owned her first horse. When she was 18, she sent in a last-minute audition tape that her agent requested for pilot (first episode) of Heartland. The rest, as they say, is history. Nearly two decades later, the show is still running, and Amber’s portrayal of ranching horse trainer Amy Fleming is one of the most beloved TV characters among equestrians of all ages.

◆ Follow Amber on Instagram

Cailin Caldwell, Director of ASPCA Right Horse Program

Cailin Caldwell.

Cailin joins us to discuss the tremendous success of the ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Barn at Equine Affaire Ohio last month, as well as how you can help out during May’s Adopt a Horse Month—even if you’re not ready to adopt just yet!

◆ ASPCA Right Horse Website
◆ Follow ASPCA Right Horse on Instagram
◆ Follow ASPCA Right Horse on Facebook

In addition to Barn Banter episode 43, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts here.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 43 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Mountain Shadows Equine Revival

Adoptable Horse: Stella, a 4-year-old, 13.1hh grade mare
Organization: Mountain Shadows Equine Revival, Laramie, Wyo.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Stella

Stella is a young, sweet-natured mare with a kind disposition and a bright future ahead of her. Though smaller in size, she has an excellent work ethic, an extremely solid mental foundation and a willing attitude. She has a solid foundation in groundwork, stands politely for the mounting block, and has recently begun her under-saddle education and has taken her first few rides wonderfully—remaining calm, willing, and showing no bucking or resistance while remaining soft, forward, and attentive to her rider. She has just ridden at a walk and trot, and recently completed her first ride outside the round pen.

She is very solid when it comes to desensitization and takes new experiences in stride, making her a pleasure to work with on the ground and under saddle. Stella is eager to learn and shows a genuine desire to please, responding well to guidance and consistent handling.

Her sweet personality has quickly made her a favorite among the rescue’s volunteers, and she enjoys human interaction and attention. With continued training, Stella has the potential to develop into a reliable and enjoyable partner for a variety of disciplines.

Stella would do best in a home that is ready to continue her education at a steady, positive pace. She is an excellent candidate for someone looking for a young horse to grow with and build a strong, trusting partnership.

Contact Mountain Shadows Equine Revival today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Stella!

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: Stella appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The lobby features a wall with paddock fencing from Claiborne Farm as well the “Heritage of Champions” wall. Researched by Margaret Lyton of Loch Lea Antiques, this wall honors the 25 Kentucky Derby winners with Bourbon County roots.  The owners worked with local artisans throughout the hotel, from restoration work starting with the custom doors by David Puryear of Bourbon Millwork with bronze bit handles by artist Stephen Johnson. As you open your room with the custom key chains from Quillin Leather, you are welcomed by the beautiful large-scale photography by Bobby Shiflet of Frames on Main and custom vases by local potter Dennis Varney and wake up to Caffe Marco coffee.

There is a Keeneland Collection along the historic grand staircase as the “walking gallery” curated from the Keeneland Library, featuring historic photos of Bourbon Countians and legendary Black jockeys Isaac Burns Murphy and Isaac Lewis, also Paris natives.

Horse fans will be delighted by equine theme around every corner – Penny Chenery’s Victory Julep Cups are on loan from Anne and Mike Gresham. Pat McDonogh’s “While You Were Sleeping” exhibit features stunning photography from the backside of Churchill Downs. Also not to be missed is the life-size bronze of Secretariat in the park as well as two more equine murals of Secretariat and Curlin.

Hotel Thoroughbred is now open for booking at hotelthoroughbred.com.

— Edited Press Release

The post Hotel Thoroughbred: A Hotel That Celebrates the Kentucky Derby Every Day appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Remi, a 16-year-old, 15.2hh American Quarter Horse/Thoroughbred- cross mare
Organization: Wild at Heart Horse Rescue, Lancaster, Calif.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Remi

Meet Remi – your next project with a heart of gold.

Remi is a 2010 Quarter Horse/Thoroughbred cross mare who’s ready for her next big adventure! She’s completed Wild at Heart’s groundwork training and has just been started under saddle, showing a smart, willing attitude every step of the way.

Currently being introduced to a rider, Remi is progressing beautifully and proving that she’s eager to learn and ready for guidance. If you’re looking for a horse to finish off and make your own, Remi is your girl — full of potential and ready to shine in the right hands.

Clever, willing, and full of heart, Remi is waiting for someone ready to invest in a partnership that will pay off in confidence, trust, and fun. Could you be the one to help Remi reach her full potential?

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

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: Remi appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

CareCredit

Horse Illustrated is grateful for the support of CareCredit, and we especially enjoyed celebrating with them at this event, as CareCredit was the sponsor of our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The CareCredit credit card is a friendly, flexible way to pay over time for veterinary care for your horse, dog, cat and other animals in your family. It’s your card for a Lifetime of Care. Subject to credit approval.

Learn more at carecredit.com/3day.

Fairfax & Favor

Fairfax & Favor is a partner we are excited to see each year at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. We had a wonderful time toasting to Horse Illustrated‘s 50th anniversary with their team!

Fairfax & Favor is Rural Vogue, a modern British luxury brand born in the Norfolk countryside. Since 2013, they’ve created timeless, stylish, and versatile pieces that blend elegance with everyday practicality. Founded by childhood friends Marcus Fairfax Fountaine and Felix Favor Parker, Fairfax & Favor embodies refined rural living through exceptional craftsmanship and enduring design.

Learn more at fairfaxandfavor.com/en-us.

Mare Modern Goods

You can’t miss Mare Modern Goods’ booth at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Trade Fair — or any trade fair for that matter — with its colorful designs. Mare Modern Goods is a brand that both Horse Illustrated and Young Rider magazines are grateful to partner with, and owner Mary Campbell is always a welcome, smiling face.

Mare Modern Goods is a destination for modern equestrian design and gifts for horse lovers. Their products feature original artwork and patterns with bold, bright colors and are inspired by horses and riders in the equestrian community.

Learn more at maregoods.com.

Sentinel Horse Feed

A partnership between Sentinel Horse Feed and Horse Illustrated just makes sense. At the magazine for horse lovers who are involved in the hands-on care for their horses, partnering with Sentinel is the perfect alignment.

A KENT Nutrition product, Sentinel Horse Feed is purposefully formulated nutrition that addresses your horse’s specific needs. Feeding your horse Sentinel supports his digestive health, immune system, and whole body wellness.

Learn more at kentfeeds.com.

Straight Arrow

Straight Arrow is a cherished, long-time partner of Horse Illustrated. With products made for caring for our beloved equines, they are the perfect fit for our audience and we are grateful for our partnership with them.

For more than four decades, Straight Arrow has been providing exclusive hair and skin care products renowned for their quality and performance in both the equestrian and personal care markets. Their family of brands include Mane ‘n Tail, Cowboy Magic, and Exhibitor’s.

Learn more at straightarrowinc.com.

United States Eventing Association

The Horse Illustrated family of brands is thrilled to be a USEA media partner. We’re excited to help contribute to youth development in the horse industry, which is something the USEA has prioritized. And toasting to our partnership at the biggest eventing weekend in the United States was the perfect time to celebrate.

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization committed to providing eventing enthusiasts with a competitive level suited to their individual skills. By assisting and educating competitors, event organizers, and officials; maintaining responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics, the USEA offers strong and continuous training opportunities for an ever-expanding field of world-class competitors. Just as importantly, the USEA provides a means for all riders, regardless of age or ability, to experience the thrill of eventing.

Learn more at useventing.com.

The post Cheers to 50 Years of Horse Illustrated and Its Partners appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Lexington, Ky. — The first horse inspection was blessedly drama free as all 29 horses presented to the ground jury at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE) will be moving on to the first phase of competition, the dressage. Under blue skies and the occasional gust of wind, the competitors in the CCI5*-L competition put their best and most fashionable foot forward as they demonstrated their horses’ fitness to begin the competition.

No horses were held for re-inspection, all passed at first presentation.

Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Mary Cage

The Event is produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level. EEI is dedicated to creating opportunities for riders, horses, and equine organizations while advancing the United States’ strength and competitiveness on the international stage.

K3DE features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. K3DE is the largest and longest-running Five Star event in the Americas, and as the United States’ premier event, it also serves as the Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian for the U.S. athletes. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts over 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of entertainment activities. Additionally, K3DE features the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S, a U.S. Equestrian Open of Eventing Series qualifying event, and the Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

Dressage kicks off Thursday morning with the CCI4*-S in the morning, followed by the CCI5*-L in the afternoon. Four of the top six riders in the world are competing for the top prize this weekend, including World #1 Harry Meade of Great Britain, who will be competing on Superstition and Grafennacht, World #2 Boyd Martin from the USA who also brings forward two mounts, Cooley Nutcracker and Commando 3, World #4 Tim Price from New Zealand, also with two horses, Global Quest and Vitali, and World #6, Tom McEwen of Great Britain with Brookfield Quality.

— Edited Press Release | Source: Kentucky Three-Day Event

Find all of our coverage on our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: All Horses Pass First Horse Inspection appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Stay up to date on the action from the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Find information about the event, including a recap from each day of the competition below, and follow links to the full stories.

2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Results and Recap: Will Coleman & Diabolo Win for USA

Photo by Mary Cage

Another day of brilliant sun made for a lovely picture as the 23 riders remaining in the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5* division attempted to keep the poles up. The time was very doable, with eight pairs jumping double clear.

It came down to a nail-biter indeed, with 2024’s CCI4*-winning pair, Will Coleman (USA) and 14-year-old Hosteiner gelding Diabolo adding just 0.8 time faults during their show jumping round to guarantee no worse than second on a 28.1.

Coleman became just the second rider to have won both the Cosequin Lexington CCI4* and Defender Kentucky CCI5* — the first having been Tamie Smith earlier in the day when she won the CCI4*. But having won the CCI4* with Diabolo previously, he became the first rider to win both divisions on the same horse.

Read more >>

2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Cross-Country Day

Photo by Mary Cage

Under idyllic sunny skies with firm ground after a cloudy morning, the 11:05 optimum time turned out to be a challenge to make over Derek di Grazia’s CCI5*-L cross-country course. On the best day of “The Best Weekend All Year,” four horses out of 29 starters made the time with double-clear rounds.

One of those was Monica Spencer (NZL) aboard the 15-year-old New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred, Artist (aka “Max”). This horse pulls off a rare feat indeed for a Thoroughbred, combining spectacular movement and suspension that put him on top after the dressage phase with an enormous, ground-gobbling racehorse stride on the cross-country course.

Read more >>

2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day Two

Photo by Mary Cage

The warm temperatures and mostly sunny skies continued on day two of dressage at the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Though the weather remained largely the same, the tests in the ring caused some big shake-ups on the leaderboard. Most notably, Monica Spencer (NZL) aboard the New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred Artist marked a 22.3, breaking into the top ten dressage scores ever posted at the Kentucky Three-Day Event — just one year after Michael Jung set a new record of 18.6.

Read more >>

2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day One

Photo by Mary Cage

With half of the CCI5*-L dressage tests in the books Thursday, the current leader is William Coleman (USA) with Diabolo, a 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding. The pair presented a smooth and lovely test that stuck on top of today’s leaderboard with a penalty score of 27.3 (72.69%). In second for the day is Phillip Dutton (USA) on Possante, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding, with a 28.1. Third overall today on a 29.8 is Tim Price of New Zealand on Global Quest, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse. Price is the World #4 ranked eventing rider and finished in second at this event in 2021 and third in 2019.

Read more >>

2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: All Horses Pass First Horse Inspection

Photo by Mary Cage

The first horse inspection was blessedly drama free as all 29 horses presented to the ground jury at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE) will be moving on to the first phase of competition, the dressage. Under blue skies and the occasional gust of wind, the competitors in the CCI5*-L competition put their best and most fashionable foot forward as they demonstrated their horses’ fitness to begin the competition. No horses were held for re-inspection, all passed at first presentation.

Read more >>

2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: World #1 Harry Meade and #2 Boyd Martin Head Impressive List of 5* Entries

Photo by Mary Cage

World #1 Harry Meade (GBR) and #2 Boyd Martin (USA) head an impressive list of entries for the CCI5*-L division at the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN (K3DE). Meade, who finished third last year aboard Et Hop Du Matz and fourth aboard Grafennacht, and Martin, who placed second with Commando 3, sixth with Fedarman B, and seventh with Luke 140, will head the field that features 37 total athletes from five nations vying for top honors at the Kentucky Horse Park, April 23-26.

Read more >>

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds

Adoptable Horse: Lil Bit Sideways, a 5-year-old, 16.0hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds, Cocoa, Fla.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Lil Bit Sideways

Lil Bit Sideways is a 5-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred who raced nine times. “Sideways” is the best cuddle bug you will ever meet and has the smoothest gaits you will ever feel. He stands on crossties, stands for the farrier, grooming, tacking, etc. He also loads great on the trailer and loves to work and make you happy.

Contact Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Lil Bit Sideways!

Photo courtesy Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds

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: Lil Bit Sideways appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 42, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise chat with sidesaddle enthusiast and clinician Nicolle Glenn. Then, they talk with our sponsored guest Cassy Streeter, NIR Services manager for Dairy One/Equi-Analytical.

To end the episode, Susan and Holly chat with Jenna Sprague from Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, about Spinner, this month’s ASPCA Right Horse adoptable equine.

Click here to listen on mobile.

Nicolle Glenn, Sidesaddle Enthusiast and Clinician

Barn Banter episode 42 guest Nicolle Glenn.

Nicolle Glenn is a passionate horsewoman who has become a sidesaddle aficionado. She foxhunts with a drag hunting pack in Illinois, riding in a sidesaddle, and she gives clinics to showcase the history, art, and athleticism of riding astride.

Follow Nicolle on Instagram here.

Sponsored Guest: Cassy Streeter, NIR Services manager for Dairy One/Equi-Analytical

Equi-Analytical Laboratory Services specialize in the most modern techniques for determining the nutrient content of forage and feed for horse owners. Because forage makes up at least 50% of a horse’s diet, knowing its nutritional make-up is essential for creating an optimum total feeding program. Thorough analysis is the only way to accurately evaluate your horse’s ration, allowing you to adjust both feed and forage for a healthy, balanced diet. This is vital to your horse’s well-being, because better nutrition means better health, stronger performance, and longer life.

Their facility, located in upstate New York, maintains an outstanding track record for accurate testing and responsive service. Their qualified staff are dedicated to meeting your analytical needs. Equi-Analytical offers a variety of analytical packages that are an indispensable part of the feeding program for all types of horses, from 4-H projects to championship-caliber performers.

Adoptable Equine of the Month, Spinner

Photo courtesy Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary

That’s right — this month’s featured equine is a Miniature Mule! Meet Spinner, who is ready to win you over.

Though that face is so innocent, Spinner is incredibly smart, and he knows it. Spinner is not for a beginner. He is quick, he can pull, he can bolt, he can spin… all of those funny silly quirks that these cute little fellas like to have.

If you are experienced and ready to take on quite a decent project, Spinner is for you. Happy Trails would love to find a confident home that will continue to explain to Spinner that humans are friends and that life can be fun.

Learn more about Spinner here.

In addition to Barn Banter episode 42, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts here.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 42 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Humane Colorado’s Harmony Equine Center

Adoptable Horse: Peach, a 4-year-old, 14.2hh grade mare
Organization: Humane Colorado’s Harmony Equine Center, Franktown, Colo.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Peach

Peach is a sweet and shy mare that loves a treat. She has been saddled and has begun to learn a few tricks. Peach is four years old and already showing great potential. Because of her age and training level, Peach would do best with someone who can continue to teach her so that she can continue to grow. Don’t miss out on Peach!

Contact Humane Colorado’s Harmony Equine Center today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Peach!

Photo courtesy Humane Colorado’s Harmony Equine Center

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: Peach appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.