Jessica Jo—“JJ”—Tate’s love affair with horses started early.

“I think it’s in my blood,” she says. “As a kid, from the backseat of the car, I would see horses in the field, and I wanted to run to them. I had Horse Illustrated posters on my bedroom walls.”

JJ Tate and Romeo steal hearts and 2nd place as reserve champions at the Developing Prix St. Georges in Wellington, Fla. Photo by Richard Malmgren

Starting Out

At 9, Tate began taking dressage lessons and got her first horse, a Saddlebred named Solo.

“Solo instilled in me what it’s like to be best friends with your horse,” she recalls. “Even now, as a professional working on becoming a world-class rider—that connection and why we do it—I always bring it back to what a wonderful horse Solo was. Horses gave me my self-worth. And for that, I will thank horses every day of my life by educating their riders to give back to these amazing beings. For me, that’s what dressage is about.”

Tate made her FEI (international-level) debut at just 16 years old, competes regionally and nationally, and won the Dressage at Devon World Cup Grand Prix in 2018 and the Global Dressage Festival CD14* Grand Prix Freestyle in 2020.

She humbly attributes much of her success to her cherished mentor since age 11: Charles de Kunffy, U.S. Equestrian Federation “S” dressage judge (retired) and author.

“I still ride with him online,” says Tate. “He has been this voice of reason, helping me bring out more than I ever thought was in my horses. Whatever it was, I would go through a session with Charles and he would build the horse up from the inside out by the rider outside in.”

Connected to Dressage

She says horses help us develop character and the discipline to be a good leader.

“I think it’s important that people get connected to dressage—correct, beautiful, classical dressage—because it’s a study of oneself and how that affects the horse,” says Tate. “I want to create something more beautiful in the horse by my presence in his life.”

She also allows the horse to hold us accountable.

“Horses are the mirror—not only of your body, but also your willpower and self-worth,” says Tate. “When you can get a 1,200-pound horse to do something simply by your breath, it’s amazing. Truly being in harmony with something that doesn’t speak your language and is built differently than you, that’s incredible. Nurture the spirit of the horse, never dampen it.” 

Upbeat Teaching Style

Tate works with horses from green to Grand Prix. She provides short-term instruction in her hugely popular clinics (which fill up fast) and long-term training in person or via Team Tate Academy.

JJ Tate and Summersby savor a perfect fall day. Summersby, now a broodmare, is a Hanoverian Tate purchased as a 4-year-old and successfully competed all the way up to Grand Prix. Photo by Richard Malmgren

An exceptionally gifted trainer and clinician, Tate loves teaching. Puckerbrush Farm in Newburgh, Maine, was thrilled to host her again for a three-day clinic. Riders and auditors listened, watched, and laughed as Tate used every ounce of her being to teach, inspire, and commend the riders, artfully employing humor and personal experiences to introduce new concepts. She tailored her approach to each rider and horse. No one was made to feel inferior—or superior—to anyone else.

And when Tate smiles, you can’t help but smile back. Her upbeat approach to her personal and professional life, a rock-solid work ethic, and a history of making healthy lifestyle choices shine brightly.     

Shocking Diagnosis

But sometimes, life throws an unexpected curve ball. Sometimes, it feels more like a boulder.

In 2021, Tate was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.

“I won the Grand Prix on a Sunday afternoon, and by Tuesday morning, I got a call telling me I had cancer,” she recalls. “And I was like, What? This is in my body?! But I’m one of the lucky ones. It was slow-growing, not aggressive. As any near-death experience does, it really changed my perspective to being so grateful for what I get to do every day, the gifts I’ve been given, and my love for horses.”

Tate researched treatments, adopted a plant-based diet, and 10 days after her surgery, she tapped into the healing power of horses.

“I had to get back on a horse,” she says. “I just walked and was super careful because I still had one drain in. And I was totally scared. Will I ever ride as good as I did before? Is cancer going to come back and kill me? Do I need to do chemo and radiation?” (She was able to opt out of both.)

Two months later, she scored a 74.7 percent in the Grand Prix Freestyle at regional championships.

“[On a horse who was] tough to ride, a little strong, and I had no chest power left. It was the most incredible ride ever; a standing ovation. Everyone was crying at the end,” says Tate. 

She also acknowledges the reality of discouragement.

“I always thought I’d go to the Olympics,” Tate muses. “I was going in for an MRI on the day my friend Steffen Peters and others were riding down center line at the Olympics. They were sending me beautiful messages. Your life can look so different. You think it’s going to be one way and then you’re like, I’m not at the Olympics—not that I was short-listed or anything—but I just always felt like I was going to do that.”

Take the Risk

Shifting focus and recognizing the greater power horses can help us connect to, Tate packed up her horses and spent the next two summers in Europe training.

“Life is short,” she says. “I’m going to do the thing and take the risk. And I’m bringing everyone along to share in the process. I think we become who we are through our struggles, helping each other navigate through those tough times—whether that’s a canter depart or a cancer diagnosis. And I have reason to smile every day when I walk into my barn and my happy horses are waiting for me.”   

For more on Tate’s clinics and Team Tate Academy, visit www.teamtateacademy.com.

This article about JJ Tate appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post JJ Tate: Healing with Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo by Mary Cage

Riding horses is euphoric, energizing, and exhilarating—soaring over a jump, galloping across an open field, performing a dressage freestyle, or savoring the sweetness of a trail ride on a sunny afternoon. Riding horses is also a heart-stopping, hair-raising, risky endeavor.

The Inherent Dangers of Equestrian Sports

As much as we don’t like to think about the potential consequences of strapping ourselves onto the back of a 1,200-pound flight animal that spooks at things real (that menacing butterfly that appeared out of nowhere or the mud puddle that clearly contains a shark) or things imagined (literally nothing… but it sure was scary!), here’s the truth: If we ride a horse, we will at some point fall off a horse. Or be thrown into a wall. Tossed over a fence. Bucked so high we reach the sky only to come back down to earth in a painful thud. 

According to the article “Equestrian Related Injuries: A National Database Study” in Journal of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO), between 2018 and 2022 “there were 4,760 reported equestrian-related emergency room visits. These incidents predominantly involved females (73.11%) with a median age of 31.” Of note, equestrian-related injuries “are predominantly related to sports events (i.e., eventing, hunting, and jumping)… The most common mechanism of injury was a horse-level event, such as a buck, fall, or being thrown.”   

Of course, an injury can happen at any time when working with horses—whether in the saddle or from the ground. But having a deeper understanding of the inherent dangers and risks associated with active riding should influence a rider’s decision about wearing protective gear. Most barns and trainers will not even let a rider into the arena without a helmet. But what about safety vests?  

Safety vests are advanced protective gear that are designed to shield the torso and upper body (chest, neck, spine, ribcage, and vital organs) from injuries when a rider falls off their horse. A safety vest is made from dense foam, tactical materials, ballistic nylon, or some combination of these elements. Safety vests are serious business; they have very specific testing regulations and are governed by three international safety standards. Airbag vests (AV) are a subcategory of safety vests and differ in a few ways. An airbag vest is attached to the saddle by a lanyard (after mounting). It is used in conjunction with a removable CO2 air cartridge which allows the entire vest to inflate in 0.2 seconds after a fall (the lanyard connecting the horse and rider is forcefully separated).   

The choice to wear a safety vest may rest squarely on the rider, depending on where you live and which discipline you ride. If you currently wear a vest or are thinking of purchasing one, keep this in mind: A safety vest can’t do its job unless it fits you correctly.  

Meet the Safety Vest Fitter 

Kimberly Chick, a British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) certified helmet and professional safety vest fitter and owner of Fair Hill Saddlery, is passionate about the use and proper fit of safety vests. “Everyone can and should wear a safety vest,” says Chick.

Kimberly Chick, a BETA-certified helmet and professional safety vest fitter and owner of Fair Hill Saddlery, offers professional vest fittings at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. Photo by Julie Maddock

What should a first-time buyer consider when choosing a safety vest? 

“When a customer comes into our store for a safety vest, I ask a lot of questions,” says Chick. “There’s a big difference between a 65-year-old trail rider and a 30-year-old eventer. We take all of that into consideration. There are body protection products to match every rider. Tell me what type of riding you do, and I can help you find the right vest, at the right budget, in the right size.”  

As safety becomes more paramount in equestrian sport, more riders are considering safety vests.

“I think the old-school stigma of wearing a safety vest is changing,” says Chick. “You see more and more people wearing a vest or airbag vest, especially in certain disciplines. Just like we get in a car and put our seatbelt on, we should get on a horse with a helmet and vest on.”  

Because body shapes vary, “it’s not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to safety vests,” explains Chick. Therefore, a vest should be properly fitted by a professional to ensure the ultimate return on your investment—protecting your body. “It’s not one simple measurement; I look at the proportion of where the person’s ribs end and where their pelvis starts. I think about their motion in the saddle. I want the vest to be long enough to protect the ribcage but not impede the pelvis from moving. A vest fitter must understand anatomy.”  

And just like a helmet, if your safety vest is involved in a hard impact, it will need to be replaced. “Even if no fall is involved, a vest should be replaced every five years,” advises Chick. “Heat from our body, the sun, humidity, and the environment all contribute to the breakdown of the vest’s materials.”  

Like all personal protective equipment, safety vests need to be maintained to prevent damage or failure. “A vest should never be submerged in water. Some vests have removable parts that can be washed, but generally, a vest should be spot-cleaned. Store your vest in a climate-controlled environment year-round. Heat is the biggest enemy of our safety equipment,” says Chick.   

A safety vest is an investment, so you’ll want to spend your money wisely. “I will never recommend an uncertified vest. Check the label. You can find inexpensive equestrian vests online for $50, but they are not certified. There is no guarantee of what materials it contains or that it will protect you… Your body is worth the investment. And a good helmet and vest are still cheaper than a trip to the ER.”

Chick explains that the pricing for vests ranges from the least expensive certified vests in the $200 to $300 range up to over $1,000, depending on the brand and features, such as whether it is a back protector (offering spine protection only), body protector/safety vest, airbag vest, or combination vest.  

“I get asked, ‘Is a vest comfortable to wear?’ The biggest thing to remember is that yes, there is some bulk, but that bulk equals safety—the space between your body and the object you are impacting. The thickness grabs the energy and disperses it,” explains Chick. “Over time, your body heat and the sun’s heat will soften the foam, settling the vest, and it will shape to your body. They become like a second skin.” 

Chick recommends that you don’t share your vest or body protector with others because it will mold to your bustline, ribs, and body. Like slipping into a new pair of boots, wearing a vest takes a few rides before you become accustomed to the feeling of it.  

How a Professional Safety Vest Fitter Measures a Rider

Proper fit begins with wearing the undergarments you would normally wear while riding, and then have an experienced fitter obtain three measurements: bust, back length, and over the shoulder. In addition, the type of saddle you ride in will factor into a precise fitting. For example, a dressage rider will need the back length measurement to be a bit shorter to ensure the vest doesn’t hit the saddle.

The back length measurement will need to be adjusted up or down depending upon the type of saddle you ride in. For example, when fitting a vest to a Western or dressage rider, Chick will adjust the back length up a bit higher so that the vest back does not interfere with the saddle. “A rider needs to be able to sit in the saddle comfortably and have freedom of movement in the pelvis, so the vest must be high enough so as not to interfere,” Chick explains. “I want people to feel one hundred percent confident in their purchase, so I put them in a saddle or have them bring in their current saddle during a safety vest fitting.”

Chick ensures the vest falls about an inch past the lowest rib, measuring on either side of the belly button. “Generally, when we fall, we tend to raise our arms. If the safety vest isn’t properly fitted, it can rise too high and not be able to protect the ribs,” Chick explains. “We don’t want the vest to uncover our ribcage; the ribs are the protective armor of our lungs, diaphragm, and heart.”

At the end of a fitting, a rider may question if the body-hugging vest is too tight. “Try taking a deep breath. You want the vest as snug as you can tolerate, but not so tight that you can’t breathe deeply,” says Chick.  

Most vests are unisex; there is one brand designed specifically for a woman’s body with contoured lines that help accommodate a bust. And every vest feels a bit different. Rather than choosing a vest based on how it looks or the price, “the most important consideration should be if the vest fits you correctly and provides the highest level of safety,” explains Chick.  

 Is Wearing One Right for You?

“I wear a vest on every ride,” says Chick. “My horse is 17.1, and he loves to play… and that’s a long way to fall off.”

Chick wishes every rider would consider wearing a safety vest, have it professionally fitted, and ultimately enjoy a safer ride. In addition to in-person fittings at Fair Hill Saddlery in Elkton, Md., Chick also offers fitting consultations via Zoom or at major equestrian events throughout the year, including Equine Affaire, Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, Horse World Expo, and more. “It makes me happy to be a resource to help riders properly fit a vest and helmet.”   

This article about safety vest fitting is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post How a Professional Safety Vest Fitter Can Help You Find the Right Vest appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The Gaucho Derby—deemed the “greatest test of horsemanship on Earth”—challenges riders’ wilderness survival and navigational skills as they race through of a network of estancias in the wilds of Patagonia (not to mention the test of camping outside each night).   

And for those brave enough to attempt it, these races are life-changing.

How Jessie Dowling’s Derby Preparation Began

In 2022, 40-year-old Jessie Dowling, an industrious cheesemaker and dairy farmer in Whitefield, Maine, was listening to a podcast while milking sheep and goats—unaware that soon she would embark on her own life-changing adventure, competing in the 2023 Mongol Derby.  

As president of the Maine Cheese Guild and owner of Fuzzy Udder Creamery, Dowling’s schedule was grueling. The pandemic forced her to think about where her life was going as a farmer and her happiness. She began spending more time with her horses—riding, training, attending clinics—and listening to podcasts.  

“I had heard of the Mongol Derby but thought it was for professional riders—I’m a backyard rider” Dowling says. “But on Warwick Schiller’s podcast, Stevie Delahunt talked about signing up for her Mongol Derby boot camp in Oregon—and I decided to do it.”

Dowling applied for the Mongol Derby, trained with endurance riders in Maine, completed her first limited-distance ride in 2022, and interviewed for the Mongol Derby the following day. “I told them I completed my first distance ride, was signed up for the Mongol boot camp, and they said I was in.”  

“I had zero endurance riding experience,” Dowling says. “I arrive at boot camp in Oregon; Warwick Schiller is there training for the Gaucho Derby. I went from listening to his podcasts in my milking parlor to riding Arabians with him.”

Falling in love with Arabians in the process, Dowling immediately acquired an Arabian gelding, Jelly Bean, as her new Mongol Derby training partner. “He has taught me so much about staying present, reading a horse’s energy, and regulating my energy.” 

Jessie Dowling and Jelly Bean. Photo by Julie Maddock

Her year-long Derby preparation included running, yoga, completing farm chores wearing a hydration pack, using a balance board to strengthen muscles, and a three-day intensive riding clinic with Solange Ellis. “She totally changed how I ride with biomechanic adjustments—sitting a gallop and riding in stable positions for long periods.”

The Mongolian steppe is covered with little marmot holes. “I learned how to sit back as the horse falls into a marmot hole, picks themselves up, and keeps going,” Dowling says. She also learned to ride Western and fast over all terrain. “You’re galloping for miles at a time.”   

In addition to improving these various riding skills, Dowling took Mongolian language lessons and carefully planned her gear.

“You’re only allowed 11 pounds,” Dowling says. “I had a little saddle bag, a hydration pack, med kit, water purification tablets, snacks, two sets of clothes, rain gear, and comfortable hiking shoes.” She traveled to Mongolia and arrived at the starting line.  

The Adventure Begins

“On an average day, the topography changes a lot—mountains, lakes, rivers, rolling hills, grasslands,” Dowling says. “You pass freely roaming cows, sheep, goats, horses, a herd of camels.”  

Dowling gallops past a herd of sheep and goats. Photo courtesy The Equestrianists

Riding 12 hours a day works up an appetite. There’s no Panera along the route; Dowling quickly adapted to the local food provided by host families at the urtuu—the horse stations. “The diet is one of the hardest parts,” Dowling says. “They eat parts of the sheep that we don’t normally eat—intestines or sheep face.” She often snacked on traditional meat pies throughout the day.  

The race rules are strictly enforced, prioritizing the horses’ well-being and the riders’ safety. “Race hours start at 7 a.m. and end at 7 p.m. If you arrive at a horse station by 7 p.m., you give your horse back to the herder, enjoy some food, and sleep in a ger. But if it’s 5 p.m. and you realize you can’t make it to the next station by 7 p.m., you must find a random ger to stay in. But hospitality is huge in Mongolian culture—they usually invite you to stay and feed you if you show up at a ger.” 

Dowling and fellow riders enjoy dinner with a Mongolian family in a traditional ger. Photo courtesy The Equestrianists

On day five, Dowling came off her horse while attempting to put on a rain jacket. She was unable to get back on her flighty mount. “We were walking and walking; I couldn’t find a ger,” Dowling says. “I had to stop at 7 p.m. or else get penalized. So I watched the sunset with my horse; it was beautiful.” She messaged the vet who came to complete the required check on her horse, who she helped Dowling get water and find a ger to stay in that night. Per race rules, Dowling incurred a 2-hour penalty for receiving assistance.  

You Get the Derby You Need

A network of Mongolian herders provide hundreds of horses for the race. 

“You ride 29 different horses during the race,” Dowling says. “It’s a lottery which horse you get. Each horse goes 40 km (25 miles). At each horse station, a vet checks the horse’s heart rate. It must come down to 56 bpm within a half hour. They have the highest standards of ethical welfare for a horse. The vet checks the horse’s gut sounds and gait. A rider gets penalized if there’s any problem with the horse. You can’t override your horse. The race taught me how to rate a horse—a horse will help you know its fitness if you really listen to it.”  

At horse station 2, Dowling kisses her horse goodbye, returning him to his proud owner. Photo courtesy The Equestrianists

Horse’s temperaments are another challenge many riders face during the journey, but this was an area in which Dowling shined.

“Some had trouble with their horse being spicy, but my superpower is that I love every horse I come across” Dowling says. “So, I would just take a deep breath, tell them that I loved them, find the spot they liked to be scratched, and connect with them.”

Dowling lets her horse stop for a drink on day three. Photo courtesy The Equestrianists

As for expectations, be prepared to be humbled. 

“People say you don’t get the Derby you want—you get the Derby you need,” Dowling says. Although she never reached her breaking point, day eight came close. “It’s mostly geldings—just a handful of stallions. On day eight, I pulled a stallion. Never riding a stallion before, I was a bit nervous. I headed out with other riders, tried to keep up, but he kept going slower. It was like he had never cantered before. Then we were down to a slow trot. Then a walk. I’m now the last rider. And if you get too far behind, you’ll get kicked out of the race.

“So I arrive at the only town on the race, and after eating boiled mutton face for a week, I had hopes of joining other riders at a café for chips and a beer… no other riders were there. Then my stallion would not walk over the bridge leaving town. An interpreter nearby helped by leading me across the bridge like I was on a pony ride. And he takes a picture. It was so embarrassing.

“At the next station, my horse checks out fine. I check the hospitality ger—all the food is gone. I just burst into tears. I took a deep breath, headed out to the horse line, and I picked number five. The herder had been waiting for someone to pick his prized horse all day. And I end up getting on the fastest horse! And that boy and I went straight out, galloping across the desert steppe, passed other riders, arrived at the next station less than two hours later, and I was back in the race.”

 Talk about getting the Derby you need.

“That day was the worst and best part of the race,” Dowling says. “I was hungry, demoralized, tired—but never gave up.” 

Leaving station 28, Jessie gallops across the Mongolian steppe towards the finish line. Photo courtesy The Equestrianists

Forty-three riders started the race, only 25 finished, and Dowling placed 13th. She says the experience was life-changing. “I went from an intermediate rider to an advanced rider. Spending 12 hours a day in the saddle on difficult horses, I feel light years ahead in my riding,” Dowling says. “So I got home. The next week, our farm’s cheese wins Best in Show at the Maine Cheese Festival, but I felt hollow inside. I realized this wasn’t what I wanted to do anymore.” 

She promptly sold her business to pursue an equestrian career full-time—with zero regrets.

Dowling accepts ceremonial milk at the finish line. Photo courtesy The Equestrianists

Dowling celebrated by riding the Tevis Cup—a 100-mile, one-day race in California. She opened Iron Ledge Farm, offering lessons and endurance training. Dowling visited Argentina to start training for her next adventure—the Gaucho Derby, which runs from February 18 to 28, 2026. Because the Gaucho Derby involves camping along the route, Dowling is figuring out how to pack a tent, stove, camping gear, and riding essentials in a saddle bag weighing no more than 22 pounds. “The Mongol Derby is the longest race in the world, but the Gaucho Derby has been called the toughest.”  

 And if anyone is up for the challenge, it’s Jessie Dowling.

Learn more about Jessie Dowling and her equine adventures by visiting ironledgefarm.com and following her on Facebook.   

This article about Jessie Dowling’s Mongol Derby is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post How Jessie Dowling’s Mongol Derby Adventure Paved the Way to More appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

When she was 12, Lawson’s family moved into a renovated farmhouse. And horses were soon a significant part of her life. “I was lucky enough to be included in activities with friends who were active in the equine show community. I started taking lessons and trail riding as well as competing in local shows, and I was hooked,” Lawson says.  

Kara Lawson, a licensed veterinary technician and owner of Infinite Equine Laser Therapy, LLC, performs therapeutic laser therapy on Tigo, a 7-year-old German Riding Pony. Photo by Julie Maddock

Recognizing a Need

Lawson’s love and respect for animals led her to pursue a career as a licensed veterinary technician, and she graduated in 2019. And it was while working at a veterinary clinic that Lawson was first introduced to photobiomodulation—commonly known as therapeutic laser therapy—and was impressed by the results and success stories she observed in the small-animal setting.  

As she continued working at clinics, Lawson began to see the real need for laser therapy for horses.

“I took certification classes through the American Institute of Medical Laser Applications, which included medical laser safety, principles in the companion animal practice, and in the equine athlete,” Lawson says. She keeps current with all rehabilitation continuing education (CE) offered through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards as well as other Board-approved platforms. These CE credits cover rehabilitation, lameness, nutrition, and the management of arthritis and metabolic diseases. 

Along the way, Lawson identified a problem.

“I did my research and realized that in Maine, there wasn’t really anyone who traveled to offer laser therapy services,” Lawson explains. “Most people have these services at an equine clinic when working up orthopedic or other issues, but can’t follow up with additional treatments necessary to make a difference.” And although she observed successful rehabilitation services, none included laser therapy with a veterinary-grade Class IV laser.  

So Lawson began mapping out a course to open her own business focusing on laser therapy. Equipped with a business course and good relationships with medical laser device companies, Lawson transitioned to the role of business owner and officially opened Infinite Equine Laser Therapy, LLC in early 2022.   

The Benefits of Therapeutic Laser Therapy

According to The American Animal Hospital Association, “therapeutic laser therapy is becoming an increasingly available option that veterinary practices can offer their patients.” Properly trained veterinary technicians can handle laser therapy appointments (if state regulations permit). Both quite easy and noninvasive, laser therapy can be a helpful addition to many treatment protocols.

“[Photobiomodulation therapy] uses wavelengths of light to promote cell regeneration, pain relief, circulation, inflammatory responses, and release acupuncture points for body harmonization,” Lawson explains. She uses laser therapy to accelerate the healing process on wounds, arthritis, pinched nerves, muscle strains, orthopedics, postoperative incisions, dermatitis, and more. “In other words, nose-to-hooves, ears-to-tail. It complements other rehabilitation and bodywork services, and can be used prior, during, or after exercising.”

The key benefits observed quickly include pain relief (release of endogenous endorphins), decreased inflammation, better blood flow, faster wound healing, and nerve regeneration. For orthopedic and other chronic conditions, expedited healing time is often achieved with multiple laser therapy sessions.   

As a testament to laser therapy’s ability to speed up the healing process, Lawson saw incredible results after performing maintenance laser therapy sessions on a 5-year-old mare diagnosed with multiple suspensory tears. “A recheck ultrasound performed three months later showed very minimal tears, and in some areas, no tears at all,” Lawson says. “Most multiple suspensory injuries can take up to six months to fully heal on their own. Laser therapy cut this time in half, and my client is thrilled to be able to put her mare back to work.”  

Since starting Infinite Equine Laser Therapy, Lawson has helped a number of horses.

“Henry, a 7-year-old Thoroughbred with kissing spine, is one of my long-term patients, and he has had a great experience with laser therapy,” Lawson says. She was able to help Henry with pain and discomfort before and after surgery (interspinous ligament desmotomy and wedge ostectomy) and now provides treatment as a bimonthly maintenance.

Henry, a 7-year-old Thoroughbred with kissing spine has greatly benefitted from laser therapy treatments. Photo by Allyssia Timberlake Photography

“We saw incredibly fast results, including pain relief, incision healing, immediate hair regrowth, and scar reduction,” Lawson says. “Now muscle maintenance is performed as Henry makes his way schooling First and Second Level movements.”

How Therapeutic Laser Therapy Is Performed

Therapeutic laser therapy is considered safe in all equine disciplines, and specific treatment protocols are applied depending on the patient.

“A wand connected to the device is used with either contact or non-contact to apply the treatment,” Lawson explains. “Treatments range from one to five minutes. The Class IV laser applies the highest power at a shorter amount of time, making it ideal for all animal patients and for working around movement, discomfort, or temperament.” 

Lawson performs laser therapy using a wand with direct contact and hand-held device Class IV laser. Photo by Julie Maddock

According to the AAHA, “the FDA divides lasers into four classes based on their power. Class III and IV are the most common lasers used in veterinary practice.”  

When a laser beam is directed to the patient’s tissue, the laser light is absorbed by the skin, muscle and bone. Penetrating at the cellular level, the light photons target water, hemoglobin, and cytochrome C oxidase within the bloodstream and mitrochondria. This stimulates cellular respiration, which plays a crucial role in wound healing, reducing inflammation, and managing pain. 

Veterinary-grade Class IV lasers are specifically designed with a myriad of fine-tuned options, protocols, and even acupuncture settings (using a targeted laser beam versus needles). Treatment duration and laser power are recommended based on factors such as whether the injury is acute or chronic, the type and size of wounds, and even coat color (light penetrates light and dark coats differently).   

Lawson uses a Class IV laser (veterinary-grade) with built-in anatomical protocols designed to deliver accurate therapeutics to specific indications or injuries. Photo by Julie Maddock

And how do the horses react to laser therapy treatments? “In most cases, equines with orthopedic injuries, muscle maintenance, acupuncture points, and generalized pain areas show a great deal of relaxation and releases when working on the area,” Lawson says. “Deep breathing, yawning, closed eyes, stretching, and sleeping can be observed. Some with severe injury or discomfort tend to shy away at first, show signs of annoyance, and then releases usually follow it. If the horse has not experienced bodywork before, they may take a few sessions to express any outward feelings about it.“ 

Even without seeing the signs of relaxation and enjoyment, the laser is still doing its job in treating the area of concern.  

Katie Goodspeed, one of Lawson’s clients and owner of a 7-year-old German Riding Pony named Tigo, can attest to the advantages of laser therapy.

“Tigo has benefitted from laser therapy with everything from basic muscle work to reducing inflammation,” Goodspeed says. “Because it’s so noninvasive, Tigo finds it quite relaxing. We’re so grateful to have found Lawson and been able to incorporate this service into our monthly bodywork routine.”   

Tigo relishes the release of tension during a laser therapy session with Lawson. Photo by Julie Maddock

Although Class IV lasers are very safe to use—even on sensitive areas like a swollen sheath due to an insect bite—they are contraindicated for pregnant mares and for treating cancer.

Lawson also provides kinesiology taping, which “provides immediate circulation to an area of interest, releases muscle spasms and strains. It is also used as a lightweight stabilization tool and joint support. It is inexpensive and easy to apply.”  

Lawson balances a busy work/life schedule as her business grows. “I am very blessed to have an understanding family who knows my love and motivation for my business,” Lawson says.

And she makes sure to carve out time for her two horses—Wallace and Whiskey. Lawson and Wallace, a 13-year-old OTTB, enjoy showing at Second Level dressage. “Wallace came to me with a severe suspensory tear that took him out of eventing,” Lawson says. “I have used laser therapy on him in multiple areas, and he continues to move up the levels with no orthopedic limitations. I use laser to maintain muscle activity, hind end engagement, and relaxation through his poll.” 

Kara and her horse, Wallace, at a 2022 USDF show in Maine. Photo courtesy Kara Lawson

Seeing the success of laser therapy in helping horses heal and experience noticeable improvement drives Lawson to keep pace with her active schedule. Lawson says, “I’m the ‘feel-good lady’… the horses are excited to see me because they know it’s time to relax on the crossties, relieve some pain, fix an issue, or simply enjoy themselves with no expectations.”  

You can learn more about Kara Lawson and the benefits of therapeutic laser therapy for horses by following her adventures on Facebook or visiting her website. 

This article is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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And they came because they love horses.

Equine Affaire November 2025 in West Springfield, Mass. Photo by Julie Maddock

Horses—and Donkeys—of All Kinds

Equine Affaire draws attendees and event participants from all over the United States, Canada, and beyond. And over 50 breeds of horses have participated in the various events at Equine Affaire, proudly represented by their national breed associations. The Breed Pavilion was buzzing as horse lovers got to meet and greet enchanting breeds, including the Arabian, Dales Pony, Icelandic, Gypsy Vanner, and many more.  

Misha Duvernoy and Finan—a Gypsy Vanner yearling she bred and owns—share a laugh in The Breed Pavilion. Photo by Julie Maddock

And this year introduced something special at Equine Affaire—the Donkey Extravaganza. You read that right: donkeys of exceptional cuteness were on hand for educational presentations. With those long ears and expressive eyes, they captivated young and old alike. Donkey lovers were delighted to shop from vendors catering to donkey-related products and services.  

Margaret Coulter, Director of Road To Independence, with miniature donkeys. Photo by Julie Maddock

Clinics, Seminars and Demonstrations

The educational opportunities are almost unlimited at Equine Affaire. With clinics, seminars and demonstrations running simultaneously all day in multiple arenas and stages, attendees strategically planned their schedule of events to attend. Clinics included show jumping foundations with Gaby Reutter, ranch riding with Cole Cameron, galloping techniques for eventing cross-county with Phyllis Dawson, classical dressage principles, trailer loading techniques, the basics of saddle fitting, caring for feathers, and even the chance to drive a Whispery Pines Percheron. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

On Thursday afternoon, Kimberly Chick—British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)-certified helmet and safety vest fitter and owner of Fair Hill Saddlery—presented a clinic on selecting and fitting a safety vest. Safety vests and airbag vests are advanced gear designed to add an extra layer of protection.

“Every rider and handler of a horse is subject to injury—from the ground, mounted, loading, literally anything. And a safety vest protects our vital organs and bones,” Chick explained.

But choosing the right vest and having it professionally fitted is critical.

“There’s a big difference between a 65-year-old trail rider and a 30-year-old eventer,” Chick explains. The discipline and rider’s goals help Chick choose the right vest for a rider, ensuring it isn’t too high above the rib cage or sitting too low on the back.

Chick’s expert tips to selecting a vest: “Buy the highest level of BETA certification that fits you the best and that your budget allows. Your body is worth the investment.”

Kimberly Chick, a BETA-certified helmet and safety vest fitter, helps a rider properly fit a safety vest. Photo by Julie Maddock  

On Friday, Lori Tankel, author of Common Sense Horse Keeping, presented the clinic “Disaster Planning for Horse Owners: How to Be Prepared for the Unexpected.” Tankel stressed how crucial it is for horse owners and barn managers to take seriously disaster preparedness.

“It’s just as important to have a disaster plan as it is to have a fire plan… It will help you deal with disaster challenges in a calm and organized manner,” Tankel said. “Take ownership of your disaster plan—identify potential disasters, put it in writing, post it in the barn, provide a copy to boarders and staff, and then drill it often. Your goal is to ID your horse, load him, and evacuate as quickly as possible. Can you board your horse in any condition, at any time? His life may depend on it.” 

Lori Tankel, author and presenter, shared expert tips on how horse owners and barn managers can implement a disaster preparedness plan. Photo by Julie Maddock

On Saturday morning, Ken McNabb presented the clinic “Overcoming Trail Obstacles: Teaching Your Horse to Have Confidence on the Trail Course.” McNabb explained that “once your horse’s confidence is in you, he will do anything… the more difficult a situation, the quicker you build the relationship with your horse, teaching him to trust you in all situations. You can’t stop your horse from spooking, but you can shape how you will handle it.”

For example, overreacting to a horse that is spooking at a tarp by yelling, kicking, or otherwise trying to force him to go over it will only reinforce the “danger” of the tarp. “Take the fear out, relax, look at the tarp, release, look at it again, release; take the time needed to build the horse’s confidence,” McNabb shared. “My goal is not to desensitize my horse. I want my horse sensitive, but I want to build his emotional control, allowing him to discover he has more courage than fear.” 

Ken McNabb demonstrates how to build courage and confidence when confronting spooky obstacles. Photo by Barry Maddock

Equine Affaire’s Ride With a Pro program is a unique experience that allows riders and horses to take a lesson directly from nationally recognized professionals in various disciplines. Riders pushed down any lingering nerves and quickly realized this was their chance to soak up expert advice.  

Jane Karol’s clinic “Classical Dressage: Developing the Horse & Rider at Training and First Level” focused on building a language of trust with your horse, how tiny adjustments can make a big impact, and why going back to the basics of Training and First Level exercises shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Softer hands [are] fundamental in a smooth walk to canter transition,” Karol said. She stressed “teaching the horse that the leg doesn’t mean go faster, but to go in a more balanced way” and that the “seemingly simple exercise—trot, canter, trot, canter—is a fantastic exercise for riders at every level.”   

Classical Dressage, Ride With a Pro, presented by Jane Karol. Photo by Barry Maddock

Versatile Horse & Rider Competition   

One of the most popular events took place on Friday afternoon in the Coliseum—Equine Affaire’s Versatile Horse & Rider Competition—with Equine Affaire’s favorite emcee, Noah Rattner, and this year’s judge, Jason Irwin. Horse and rider teams were judged on how well they raced through an obstacle course which included pulling a sled, balancing on bridges, bubble wands, a bear, working a gate, a teeter-totter, jumps, and much more. The challenging course tested communication and horsemanship skills. With $5,500 in cash and other prizes on the line, the competition really heated up. 

Bubbles and a bear make for an interesting combination at an obstacle station during the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition. Photo by Julie Maddock

Adoption at Equine Affaire

 The ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Affaire, along with other equine adoption organizations, spent the event introducing people to healthy, desirable, and deserving horses and donkeys in hopes of finding new loving homes. At Equine Affaire in Ohio in April 2025, 30 horses were adopted. Unable to adopt in person at Equine Affaire? Visit myrighthorse.org to meet adoptable equines across the United States.  

A 16-year-old Arabian named Cinder (pictured with his handler from Susquehanna SPCA, Samantha Ceresna) was adopted during Equine Affaire Massachusetts 2025. Photo by Julie Maddock

Fantasia 

This unforgettable “musical celebration of the horse” combines inspiring music, outstanding choreography, talented equestrians, and exceptional horses that come together in an uplifting and memorable performance. Fantasia is the perfect way to end a day at Equine Affaire!    

The Vital Role of Equine Affaire Volunteers

Equine Affaire is a complicated affair with moving parts and people working tirelessly behind the scenes to make it a success—including the many volunteers who return year after year. Equine Affaire HR & Business Manager, Lori Helsel, is the guiding force behind engaging and managing the 75 volunteers needed throughout the four-day event, with each volunteer working multiple shifts a day. Volunteers with big smiles greet and hand out event programs at the entrance gates, assist clinic prop crews with setup during educational programs, help customers drop off items to be sold at the Marketplace Consignment, assist youth in the Equine Fundamentals Forum and popular “Stick Horse Rodeo,” coordinate crowd control during horse rotations in the Breed Pavilion, and work as ushers at Fantasia. 

“The assistance of volunteers in fulfilling these duties is invaluable,” Helsel explained. “One of the things I appreciate most is the passion and enthusiasm our volunteers display. It’s infectious and elevates the energy and enjoyment for attendees, exhibitors, and everyone they meet.”  

Some Equine Affaire volunteers have made it a family affair. Pam Heffernan and her daughter Tracy Bowman have been volunteering together for seventeen years. “I think my favorite thing is just being able to spend four days with my mom,” Bowman said. “I’m obsessed with horses so any reason to be around horses and horse people I’ll jump at. But more than anything, it’s the people. We work with them only for four days out of the year, but we’ve known them for so long that they become like family.”  

“It gives us something to look forward to every year,” Heffernan added. “I really enjoy working with kids in the youth pavilion, making the stick horses, and keeping the area organized.”   

Lori Helsel, Equine Affaire HR & Business Manager, and longtime volunteers Pam Heffernan and Tracy Bowman. Photo by Julie Maddock

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the horses we all love. Start planning now for the next Equine Affaire, happening in Columbus, Ohio April 9-12, 2026. Learn more here.

This article about Equine Affaire Massachusetts 2025 is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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But I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge. In fact, I find it weirdly empowering to not only step out of my comfort zone, but to jump right off the cliff.

So, as I neared the tender age of 50 (how did that happen?), I realized just how much I missed horses and riding. I missed hanging out in the barn, breathing in the intoxicating scent of leather and hay, and staring into a horse’s dark, intelligent eyes. And I asked myself, “What are you waiting for?”

Photo by Hillary Turner

Getting Back in the Saddle Later in Life

I grew up with horses and ponies. Took lessons as a teenager. Spent all my school vacations and summer days galloping through fields with my friends. I was obsessed with two things: horses and Bon Jovi.

And then my 20s led me to new trails: marriage, building a business, and a busy lifestyle that eventually crowded out any horse opportunities other than an occasional trail ride.    

And then, one day last year, it hit me: I love riding! I love horses! I had the circumstances to start seriously riding again. And I knew it would be amazing.

Positive thinking is essential, but reality can’t be ignored. I’m 20 years older, my knees are shot from my lifelong addiction to stilettos, and my right shoulder partially dislocates regularly just for the sheer fun of it.

So, as an adult (AKA “older”) rider returning to the sport, I had a few lessons to learn and concessions to make. And if you’re new to riding or considering returning, perhaps these tips will make the transition smoother.

Do Your Research

When owner Amy Miller gave me a tour of SeaHorse Stables in Belfast, Maine—a 30-acre hunter/jumper equestrian facility—I was impressed by the family-friendly atmosphere, the huge indoor arena so I could ride year-round safely, the luxury of heated bathrooms and tack rooms (yes, that matters), and the fact that riders of all ages and abilities are welcome.

I wanted a place where I could get the full experience: grooming, tacking up, taking a lesson, and then enjoying time with the horse after. When you feel at home with your barn family and friends, you are in a much better position to relax and focus on enjoying your lessons.   

Julie found the perfect barn family fit at SeaHorse Stables. Photo courtesy Julie Maddock

Work with a Trainer

A certified riding instructor has the expertise and experience to teach you how to ride correctly, replace bad habits with good ones, rebuild your confidence, match a horse’s personality to your own, and ensure every lesson is not only fun but also challenging.

Up Your Fitness Level

“It is of the utmost importance that adult amateur riders work on their fitness and symmetry out of the saddle,” says Stephanie Seheult, DPT, who specializes in equestrian fitness at Advanced Physio.

“When a weakness is identified, do targeted exercises and stretches, which will help you improve your position and strength in the saddle,” she continues. “Knee-to-shoulder stretches will help relieve tightness in your posterior hip, and side-lying leg lifts with your heels down will work on the gluteus medius muscle.”

To up my endurance and leg strength, I not only increased my cardio workouts, but added game-changing equestrian-based exercises and stretches to my daily routine.

Embrace Imperfection

Riding will quickly teach you the value of humility. I laugh at my mistakes (my two-point looks more like a six-point!) and refuse to take myself too seriously.

When we ditch striving for perfection, the journey to becoming a better rider is so much more rewarding—and a whole lot more fun.   

So I Said Yes

It’s never too late to do something you love. Eighty-year-old Betty Oare finished 8th in the Adult Hunting Championship at the Washington International Horse Show in 2021. Now that’s impressive!

But when my trainer invited me to enter the spring schooling show after just two months of lessons, my first response was, “No. Thanks, but no.”

I mean really … competing in a horse show for the first time ever at my age and less-than-stellar ability? What was she thinking? Wasn’t it too late for me to even consider entering?

Apparently not.

That annoying, competitive, never-say-no-to-a-challenge voice inside my head grew louder: Face down the fear. If you can zipline through the jungles of Costa Rica hanging upside down by your ankles, you can certainly walk and trot on command.

So I said yes.

And was surprised by the level of excitement that began to build in anticipation of the big day. I tackled each lesson with renewed zeal. I rewarded myself with a new show shirt and tan breeches. Most importantly, I smashed down any disquieting thoughts that arose, telling me to leave the show ring to the flawless 14-year-olds with perfect two-point position and ankles that flex like rubber.         

Show day finally arrived. I was riding Jimmy (the most forgiving lesson horse you’ll ever meet) in the first two classes: Adult Equitation Walk/Trot and Adult Pleasure Walk/Trot.

And … we won, both classes! Two blue ribbons! (Full disclosure: only two people competed in my class; my win may not be quite as impressive as you were envisioning.)

I like to think Betty Oare would be proud of me for not galloping away from a challenge just because some people might think you’re too old or it’s too late to try.

I got my first taste of competition. And I liked the flavor. It was a chance to put to the test everything my trainer had been sounding down into my brain, hands, seat, and legs. Will I enter another show? I hope so. Will I keep riding into my 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond? Most definitely!

Because it’s never too late.

This article about riding later in life appeared in the October 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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“My love of horses started when I was a little kid,” says Rose. “I was obsessed with horses. At 12, my parents signed me up for riding lessons, and I was hooked. Shortly after that, we bought a horse. And I loved cowboy movies! I’ve worked with some fantastic cowboys and am deeply impressed with their grittiness and commitment to the animals in their care. When it comes to the animal, cowboys don’t quit until the job is done . . . I admire their courage.”  

And although he’s the first to admit he’s not a true cowboy, Rose still “loves the idea of being a cowboy.” His deep understanding of horses and their behavior allows him to help horses and their owners to truly connect, demonstrate mutual respect, and build strong partnerships. Rose’s skills in colt starting, problem-solving difficult behaviors, and training horses in ranch versatility have bolstered his resumé.   

Ryan Rose with Circle Bar Pistol and Jasper. Photo by Shea Ackman

Becoming a Horseman

Rose began working as a professional horse trainer in 2005. He quickly recognized the connection between having a successful horse trainer/clinician career and understanding what it takes to be a true horseman. He studied with world-class instructors, including Pat Parelli and Doug Jordan. Whether presenting at a small clinic or entertaining huge audiences at Equine Affaire or Road to the Horse, his engaging personality and passion for teaching shines through. Rose has a comprehensive training program based from his home in Wisconsin and an impressive following on his YouTube channel @ryanrosehorsemanship.  

Rose finds immense satisfaction in teaching the fundamentals of horsemanship. “I started as a horse trainer, but I soon realized that I needed to educate the owners as well so they could reproduce the results I was achieving.”   

Explaining the nuances between being a horseman and a horse trainer, Rose says, “I think they are separate skills—but there is value in both. A horseman focuses on giving the horse a really good deal—it’s more about the horse, helping him feel more comfortable. When I think of a horse trainer, they may feel pressure to provide a result for the owner. Trainers are very disciplined—in a good way—regularly working the horse, getting them conditioned and prepared for a show, but sometimes the horse can get sacrificed a little bit in that process.” 

Rose believes that being able to intertwine these skillsets can make a difference.

“I think there is value in being a good trainer, in being a good horseman, and in being a good cowboy,” Rose says. “You need to add each of those skills at different times.” 

Ryan Rose teaching groundwork at a clinic. Photo by Shea Ackman

Determining where to apply these skills requires a process of observation.

“One of the first principles of horsemanship that I follow is that I work with a horse at where they are,” says Rose. “Is the horse scared of people? Learned to dominate people? Is he spoiled? Or highly trained but done in a way that the horse felt forced through it?” Rose takes time to observe the horse and owner to see the level of connection, trust, and confidence the horse has for the person.   

To understand the horse fully, Rose stresses this process might take hours, days, or weeks. He watches for any signs that the horse is uncomfortable. “They give subtle tells—with their head, neck, ears, eyes, mouth, muscle tension, what direction they are facing . . . It’s all signals as to where the horse is at. There’s also an intuitive feel to it. It’s like if I’m having a bad day, I could probably fool you and hide it, but I couldn’t fool my wife. She would know. You can develop that with a horse and just feel something is bothering them.”    

Rose’s approach to working with a reactive or spooky horse plays out in his YouTube videos. “Both humans and horses must have levels of exposure to a challenging situation in order to overcome it,” says Rose. “So it starts with the person deciding they want to make a change. When someone shows up at my clinic, I try to figure out if they are ready to face their fear or simply want an enjoyable weekend with their horse. If they are open to change, my job is to find out where they’re at—and then challenge them out of their comfort zone safely. Horses are dangerous, so I carefully read the horse and person. I try to understand why the person is afraid. Is their fear valid? Is their horse dangerous? Is the person on the verge of getting hurt? Or, did they have a bad experience in the past and are bringing that into the present?

“If that’s the case, I’m going to coach them, challenging them through exposure to whatever is causing the fear—riding down a steep hill, cantering, riding bareback, or just being on a loose rein. I’ve seen unbelievable changes in people when you put them in a difficult situation and help them work through it—they become empowered. Their confidence level on the other side is just through the roof. I think it’s a more meaningful approach versus just visualizing it . . . A level of toughness and confidence comes through having to actually do it.”  

Teaming Up As Husband and Wife

In addition to focusing on the mental aspects, Rose helps riders grasp how vital correct body position is to progress and the well-being of your horse. “You could ride lameness into a horse with incorrect body position,” says Rose. Although not an expert in the field of rider biomechanics, he is married to one—his wife, Emily Rose, is a Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner at Reaching Strides Equine Rehabilitation and an integral part of the Rose Horsemanship Center team.

“I make sure the horse is safe, but if the rider is struggling to sit the canter or feeling pain while trotting, Emily and I work together to get that sorted out for the rider and horse’s sake,” says Rose.  

Photo courtesy of Ryan and Emily Rose

Emily actively competes in dressage and is Rose’s business partner. “One of the things I enjoy most about working with my wife is our ability to help people—whether horse health issues or rider biomechanics. I can troubleshoot issues with Emily. It’s all in-house; I don’t have to outsource for that expertise. Emily is such a high-level professional, I have one hundred percent trust in what she recommends. And if Emily sees a horse for a physical issue and it turns out to be a behavioral issue, she can refer to me, and I can quickly step in to help. The response time is so much quicker because we are working together.”  

For Ryan and Emily Rose, it’s all about creating lasting connections between horses and the people who love them.  

Learn more about Ryan and Emily Rose and view upcoming clinics and events at  rosehorsemanship.com.  

This article about Ryan Rose is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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But in 2024, Maynard was in for a surprise.

“It was the most stressful thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Maynard says.

As a first-time competitor, he competed in—and won—2024 Road to the Horse, the World Championship of Colt Starting. His partner was an American Quarter Horse gelding named TomCatt.

“There were moments when I didn’t know if I would get through it. I learned a lot about myself and what I can handle,” Maynard says.

Tik Maynard at the 2024 Road to the Horse with his equine partner, TomCatt. Photo by Haley Boothe, Impulsion Media

Although feeling the crushing weight of stress, Maynard realized it would be detrimental to pass it on to TomCatt.

“I had things I wanted to accomplish and goals, but I didn’t let my horse feel that. I had to be very present in the moment and process-oriented so that I could always go at the speed he needed to go,” Maynard says. “It made me think about the importance of the process and not getting caught up in the goals. You can have goals, but you have to leave them behind once you are working with the horse.”

And Maynard is ready to do it all over again—with a new colt and up against new competitors at the 2025 Road to the Horse, which will take place March 27-30, 2025 in Lexington, Ky.

Growing Up With Horses

Maynard’s love of horses started early and was nurtured by his father, Rick, a Grand Prix show jumper, and his mother, Jennifer, a Grand Prix dressage rider and judge.

“My parents both rode,” Maynard says. “It was instilled in us at a young age what a privilege it was to have horses in our lives. When I was young, what I loved most was the sport—mounted games, show jumping, and eventing. But I never thought I would do it as a career. The turning point was in my mid-twenties. I discovered the world of horsemanship and horse psychology. That was when I started to think of it as a mental thing and not just physical.”

Maynard still enjoyed the excitement of jumping, but realized that delving into the psychology of horses could “become something I could do for the rest of my life. It’s like a puzzle you’re trying to work on and get better.”

Photo by Kya Photography for NOËLLE FLOYD

Maynard spent years as a working student, learning from Olympians, prominent equestrians, and trainers. He observed what is needed to transform a good trainer into a great trainer, particularly the ability to be an effective, compassionate communicator.

“I think you have to be a good person to be a good trainer,” Maynard says. “Some people are good with horses, but you see them with people, and they are rude. It matters how you interact with people. If a person lacks emotional balance and maturity, I don’t think they have that inner thing that will eventually make them a great horse person or trainer.”

Understanding Horses

Everyone has a different take on what natural horsemanship is.

“Depending on who I’m talking to, I might say natural horsemanship, or horse psychology, or groundwork. It’s how you interact with the horse. For me, that involves trying to work with the horse in a way that is natural for the horse, how they learn and play… Trying to bring out behaviors that a horse does naturally in the wild,” Maynard says.

When it comes to groundwork, Maynard explains, “I do groundwork with every horse I work with, and most of what I do with horses is working on myself. But everyone has a different relationship with their horse. Some want to be a mentor and teacher, a passive leader or a dominant leader; others look for a codependent relationship with their horse. While I think a few of those ways might be unhealthy, I think a lot of those could be good. Depending on which of those things you are looking for, groundwork may not be essential in every situation, but it can help you learn more about yourself and your goals. We all need a little less guilt, a little less judgment, and a little more gratitude.”

Maynard on set with NOËLLE FLOYD Masterclass: Introducing Spooky Fences. Photo by Caleb Hansen for NOËLLE FLOYD

Maynard is often asked to help a “spooky” horse.

“Spooky and anxious are quite different things when you think about the horse,” Maynard says. “Spooky can be sharp, in the moment, and then it ends. Rather than acute, an anxious horse is more of a chronic thing. A chronically anxious horse can turn into a physical thing. Horses have evolved to deal quite well with a spook or mild spurt of adversity but do not do well with chronic stress, so I look at the whole horse.

“I think the number one thing that causes a horse stress is confusion. In training, when you have a flag or a stick, it’s not usually one of those items in isolation that causes the horse stress; it’s the not understanding what those things mean. Communicate with your horse. When your horse does something, like get on a trailer or do liberty, see that the horse has the look of understanding in their eye and not that they are just moving around out of stress. There are various ways to get there. Encourage curiosity—curiosity is a great bridge to confidence. Every horse is curious about things. Allow, encourage, and direct that curiosity, and the horse will get less and less spooky. If your horse is scared of the dark corner of the indoor arena, put some cookies on a barrel over there, and every once in a while, give your horse a break and go over and give him a cookie off the barrel. Over time, he will be more curious, relaxed, and associate good things with what he previously spooked at.”

How Tik and Sinead Maynard Work as a Team

Since 2008, Maynard has focused on training horses full-time. In 2016, he and his wife, Sinead—a highly respected eventing rider—merged their equine businesses into Copperline Equestrian in Citra, Fla., and together they are raising their two young children.

Maynard explains what he appreciates most about working with his wife as a partner in a multi-faceted horse business.

“When it comes to the emotional, financial, and time output, if you don’t have a spouse that gets it, that can be stressful to a marriage,” Maynard says. “You need someone who understands that you might have to call off a vacation because you have to go to a horse show. We are both really supportive of each other’s careers. At the end of the day, you can talk about the stuff you’re going through with a horse, bounce ideas off of each other. Sometimes we ride or do demos with each other’s horses; my weaknesses might be my wife’s strengths or vice versa, so it works well for us.

And when I’m at home with my wife and 2-year-old and 6-year-old, I see the need to be fully immersed in the present. If I’m distracted by my phone, then I’m not paying attention to them; I need to be present.”

Tik Maynard and his son, Brooks, share a love of books. Photo by Hannah C. Kinlaw for NOËLLE FLOYD

Learn from Tik Maynard

A gifted communicator, Maynard loves sharing his deep understanding of horses. He is an online instructor for The Horseman’s University and a NOËLLE FLOYD Equestrian Masterclass Instructor. He is the author of the bestselling memoir In the Middle Are the Horseman (published by Trafalgar Square Books) and the highly-anticipated follow-up Starting in the Middle (coming March 2025).

This article about Tik Maynard is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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The Whispery Pines Percherons at Equine Affaire. Photo by Winslow Photography

Sam and Kellie have a singular purpose: to introduce and promote the Percheron, demonstrating up close the versatility, grace, and beauty of the gentle giants. Their six-horse hitch and wagon performances have made them fan favorites at Equine Affaire and Road to the Horse. Of course, it’s a monumental task to bring the Whispery Pines Percherons to a four-day event like Equine Affaire, but Sam and Kellie live for these moments.

“We want to share our horses with the world and show people how amazing they are,” Kellie says.

Growing Up With Percherons

Percherons have always been a part of Sam’s family. “My grandfather grew up on a dairy farm with draft horses,” Sam says. “And in 1976, my grandparents, Dick and Dottie Stasiak, established Whispery Pines Percherons. My grandmother came up with the name.”

Sam loved being with his grandfather—plowing and logging with the Percherons. “Grandpa made me his little sidekick,” Sam says. “And my grandmother always knew this would be my life; [she] told me I’ve got something special with these horses.”

Photo by Lori Spellman

At age nine, Sam wanted to play with the Percherons but couldn’t harness them without his grandfather’s help. Undeterred, Sam installed a pulley in the barn rafters, hoisted the harness up and tied it off, walked the horse underneath, and gently lowered it down onto the horse. Sam’s fascination with Percherons has never wavered.

At Whispery Pines, It’s a Family Affair

Kellie grew up riding Quarter Horses, watched Sam and his grandfather show the Percherons at local fairs, and attended the same high school as Sam.

“I’ve always loved draft horses. I was drawn to them, and loved Sam and his grandfather since I was little,” Kellie says.

When Sam was about 16, he was with his grandfather at a show when he realized a Percheron was missing. “I asked Grandpa where Rex was,” Sam recalls. “And he said some young blonde took him. I found Kellie running barrels on my horse, and realized this might just work out.”

Sam and Kellie Rettinger. Photo by Xenophon Photography

Twenty years later, Sam and Kellie are going strong—happily married and running a multifaceted business. “My biggest passion is Kellie and the horses,” Sam says.

Kellie adds, “I get to be with Sam, doing what we love every single day. The biggest challenge is the huge workload. There’s a lot of moving pieces.”

Whispery Pines Percherons offers carriage rides throughout the year for special occasions, including weddings and funerals. “A horse-drawn hearse—it’s an honor to be able to do that,” Kellie says.

In the winter, Whispery Pines also hosts sleigh rides through the woods to a little log cabin. Kellie also does photoshoots with the Percherons—complete with unique costumes she creates. “This business has taken me in all different directions—ways I never would have imagined—but all to involve the horse,” Kellie says.

Logging With Percherons

For over 22 years, Whispery Pines Percherons has specialized in horse logging and harvesting hardwood timber for private landowners in an eco-friendly manner. Sam explains, “Logging with horses is the lowest impact you can do to remove timber. It’s more of a selective process to regenerate the forest… We lay the tree down in the forest, with as minimal damage as possible, and then cut it into 10- or 12-foot pieces. We remove those logs using a two-horse team and only need a 6-foot-wide 4-wheeler trail.”

Although it’s possible to pull a log with a single horse, draft horses work best as a team. “They have a partner,” Sam says. “And they can handle their body weight times two. A pair of horses is about 2 tons—or 4,000 pounds—so they can handle about 8,000 pounds.”

Harnessing a draft horse requires strength. The collar alone weighs 30 to 40 pounds; the bigger the horse, the bigger the collar. Sam and Kellie can get a pair of horses tacked up and ready to go in about fifteen minutes if the harnessing tack is already fitted to the horse.

Gentle Giants

Percherons are undeniably impressive due to their massive size. Flash, one of the Whispery Pines Percherons, towers at 19.2 hands. Despite their size, Percherons are agile, have high energy, and possess great endurance. Their personality is steady, calm, and easygoing. And their charm is matched by their stunning beauty.

“We call them the classiest of the draft horses,” Sam says. “When we bring them to an event and shine them up, they are the coolest looking horse.”

Photo by Winslow Photography

But Percherons are more than just eye candy to horse lovers. “The love they have for us and what we do is just outstanding. They have the biggest hearts,” Kellie says.

“I love their passion back to us,” Sam says. “The respect you put into them you get back from them… They are ready for the job before we even ask, whether to plow, spread manure, or travel off-site. They are stepping on our toes saying, ‘Let’s go.'”

The gentle personality of these horses attracts attention wherever they go. “They just love people so much,” Kellie says.

Percherons excel at learning. “Usually, if you teach the horse one time, let them think it through, you don’t ever have to go back to it,” Sam says.

Kellie adds, “They are so smart. Sometimes, I swear they know what we’re going to do before we even ask.”

Carrying On the Whispery Pines Legacy

Sam and Kellie’s love of horses and respect for one another is the glue to their relationship, as they joyfully carry on the legacy of Sam’s grandparents.

“It’s really hard work. There’s not a lot of us around that still do this type of family business,” Kellie says.

“These horses are our kids,” Sam says.

The rewards of bringing the Percherons to the public make all the sacrifices worthwhile. “People are just drawn to these horses,” Kellie says. “When we’re performing, I look at the crowd and see that one little girl or boy and watch their face light up.”

Sam adds, “When I was a kid, draft horses were a lot more common. They were in every farm or neighborhood, but not anymore. So the fairs and shows we go to allow kids to meet the breed.”

Whatever your age, it’s hard not to fall head over heels in love with a Percheron!

To learn more about Whispery Pines Percherons, visit whisperypines.com and follow them on Facebook. Then, discover how the Percheron Horse Association of America Education and Charitable Fund supports Percheron clinics and education.

This article about Whispery Pines Percherons is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Whispery Pines Percherons: A Family Affair appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Working in-hand with Bailey, a Dutch Warmblood from the Netherlands, Chris Irwin demonstrates how to help a nervous horse relax with well-balanced movement. Photo courtesy Chris Irwin

Chris Irwin really gets horses.

Watch him at work—communicating with a horse—and you can see why Ireland’s Equestrian magazine boldly stated, “Chris Irwin is more horse than human.” As a world-renowned horseman, professional trainer, riding coach, and author of the international best-selling books Horses Don’t Lie and Dancing With Your Dark Horse, Chris Irwin artfully unravels the complex relationship between horses and humans. And attendees at his U.S. or European clinics leave with a renewed desire to build a more meaningful connection with their own horses.

Finding a Real Home Through Horses

Irwin didn’t grow up enveloped by the love of family and horses.

“I dropped out of school and left home at 16,” says Irwin. “It was an extremely violent, dysfunctional family and I ran away to survive.”

He played guitar and hitchhiked from Canada to North America, eventually landing in Seattle, Wash. Around the age of 20, he was homeless and living off tips tossed in his guitar case. He heard the racetrack was hiring and decided to check it out.

“As soon as I walked around to the barns, smelled the horses, heard the horses, I literally froze and every cell in my body was tingling,” Irwin recalls. “I knew for the first time in my life that I was home.”

At the end of his first day, the trainer told him he was a natural, gave him a full-time job and a place to stay—a cot in a stall—and Irwin worked his way up from mucking stalls to grooming horses.

Later, he worked at dude ranches and enjoyed success in training wild Mustangs. After ten years, Irwin needed a change.

“I was struggling to earn a living, so I took a six-month break and went back to Canada to ski and do some soul-searching,” says Irwin. “And at the end of winter, I so missed being with the horses. The horses were my medicine, and I needed to get back to work with them.”

He took his passion for horses to the next level, transitioning to trainer-for-hire. After moving to Nevada, he had a long waiting list within six months—”starting young horses, problem-solving with difficult horses.” Veterinarians and farriers were amazed at how much gentler the horses were that Irwin worked with.

At 37, Irwin moved back to Canada—now as a family with his wife and child—and got right to work, reinventing himself as an author, becoming an in-demand clinician, and making videos.

“I wrote Horses Don’t Lie with a good friend,” says Irwin. “By 2000, Horses Don’t Lie was being published in multiple languages and I was getting called to Europe and North America. I was very surprised with how well the book resonated with people because nobody really said anything like that at the time. I wrote a book talking about how I’m finding my psycho-spiritual healing through working with horses. It didn’t have any practical training tips. It was one of the first books that started leading North American horse culture in the direction of working with horses for personal development. I thought there was a good chance I would become a laughingstock.”

He was wrong; people appreciated his authentic voice deciphering natural horsemanship and our connection to horses.

Helping Horses to Rebuild Confidence

Irwin travels to clinics worldwide, helping horses regain courage and confidence, profoundly impacting their overall well-being—and each horse has a story.

Chris Irwin demonstrates groundwork skills at Equine Affaire Massachusetts 2024. Photo by Xenophon Photography

“There’s a horse I work with now in the Netherlands who was rescued as a bull-fighting horse from Spain,” says Irwin. “He had brutal training, had been gored by a bull in a fight, and was full of PTSD. I’d been looking at him, knew trauma was in him, and I knew how to help him get it out, how to release it. I started working with him last year. And what a breakthrough! He is very near and dear to my heart—he shows a depth of appreciation for the healing that he has gone through.

Horses often bring me to tears… I’ve wept in public because of what’s coming out of the horse… There’s much more depth in learning what it takes to help horses who have already decided that human beings are evil and don’t want anything to do with us. That’s where my focus is.”

Chris Irwin as the Empathetic Shepherd

Irwin wants horses to see us as empathetic shepherds and thus want to be in our presence.

Chris demonstrates how to redefine contact when driving to help a gelding relax at an expo in Brussels, Belgium. Photo courtesy Chris Irwin

“The premise of everything in my work with horses is that the frame of their body affects the frame of mind. It’s physiology,” says Irwin. “Their body goes into different shapes, different frames… A hollow-backed horse with his back collapsed and his neck up high is producing adrenaline. And enough adrenaline on a consistent basis leaves the body full of cortisol.”

Irwin explains, “The goal is to use groundwork and riding where you use your body to shape a horse’s body so that its internal chemistry produces oxytocin and endorphins, not adrenaline. That’s why it’s feasible for a horse to walk away from the feed and other horses and meet you at the gate, because he knows this is going to feel good. When I ride a horse, it’s like giving them a day at the spa. My seat is a chiropractor. My legs are massage therapists. My contact is like osteopathy. Horses love it when they feel better with you than without you. That’s how they know you’re the shepherd.”

Horses Test Your Awareness Through Body Language

Purposeful groundwork with a physical connection can be complex; some riders mistakenly underestimate its value.

“Groundwork is competing in body language with the horse—to earn respect, trust, and acceptance of your leadership,” says Irwin. “When you walk in to meet a horse you’ve never met before, it doesn’t automatically respect you. Even the nicest horses in the world— if you are a stranger—will test you very subtly with body language.”

At a horse expo in the Netherlands, Chris rides a mare he had never met before, helping her transform from high-stress into beautifully relaxed and soft. Photo courtesy Chris Irwin

Your body language can cause a horse to feel safe with you, allowing them to relax and view you as the shepherd.

“The horse knows if you have profound situational awareness,” Irwin explains. “He’s tested you. And your response when challenged makes them feel good.”

Tapping Into Chris Irwin’s Insights

Irwin explains his riding approach as “physio from the saddle—helping the horse to relax in his body. The softer and more supple we can get the horse in their bodies, the more relaxed they will become in their minds.”

Eager to share his experience, Irwin created the series of hugely popular online courses, Mind Your Horse and the Irwin Insights: Horse Sense Redefined Skills Certificates and Masters Certification courses.

“The courses are a combination of evolved equestrian insights, cutting-edge production quality, and use of graphics and illustrations as learning aids,” says Irwin. “And I have a completely different approach—due to the depth of minutia of awareness.”

Citing an example, Irwin says, “The single greatest, unspoken dysfunction in the horse world is defining inside and outside as direction instead of flexion. And when you ride a horse according to flexion instead of direction, it melts. It gets so soft. And whether it’s five or fifteen minutes later, now you are riding straight down the long side and you are getting true bends in the corners because you warmed up working with the horse and not against it.”

Spoken like a true shepherd.

To learn more about Chris Irwin, horsemanship, and clinics visit chrisirwin.com and Ray of Light Farm, a nonprofit animal rescue center and riding school in East Haddam, Conn., where he serves as a clinic director.

This article about Chris Irwin is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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