We place impressive demands on our farm and towing vehicles, and we expect them to work as hard as we do. We fill up the truck bed with bags of feed, move hay, drive out to the pasture with a load of fence posts, and—probably dearest to the equestrian’s heart—we haul horse trailers.

For many decades, the only option for this type of work were the traditional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles that we all grew up with. And these trucks are still in high demand today for towing horse trailers and performing general farm work.

But there’s a new option available as well: fully electric, battery-powered trucks, which are rapidly gaining popularity. Can they perform the same tasks? And can they haul our horse trailers with the same ability as a traditional truck?

The Ford F-150 Lightning (Platinum edition shown) is the EV sibling to America’s bestselling vehicle.

Important Differences Between Electric Trucks and Traditional Trucks

At first glance, an electric truck looks pretty similar to a traditional truck; you’d be hard pressed to identify one on sight. (Except perhaps the Tesla Cybertruck, which was intentionally designed with a unique appearance.)

There’s no mistaking a Tesla Cybertruck on the road, but these trucks are also powerful towing vehicles.

Standard options you’d find in a modern gasoline or diesel vehicle will still be present in the electric version, though the interiors and dashboard look undoubtedly modern. The major difference is that electric trucks are powered by battery-driven electric motors, rather than fuel-powered internal combustion engines. There are some definite advantages to this design, as well as some negative trade-offs. 

Provided it’s equipped with the right towing package, your EV truck shouldn’t have any trouble pulling a loaded horse trailer. But as with any towing situation, there are some caveats to watch out for.

You’ll need to estimate your trailer’s loaded weight: the gross trailer weight (GTW), and make sure that your electric truck has the towing package required for that load. Also, gooseneck hitches aren’t typically installed at the factory, so if you pull a gooseneck horse trailer, you’ll need to install one of these after purchase—and not every model will be capable of gooseneck pulling.

Quiet and Clean(ish)

Electric motors work by combining electrical current with magnets to produce movement. As a result, electric trucks are silent when idling.

They also produce no exhaust; you’ll often see this advertised as “no tailpipe emissions.” While it’s nice to not have the smell of exhaust as you work around your truck, the electricity used to recharge your truck’s battery likely came entirely or in part from fossils fuels, so these vehicles may not be as environmentally clean as you first imagine.

Wind and solar options are gaining ground in the U.S., but currently the majority of our electricity—including what’s powering your EV—comes from coal, natural gas, or nuclear sources. There are emissions somewhere, just not coming out of your truck. However, with an increase in home solar panels, you may be able to charge up cleaner if you have these on your rooftop.

The Rivian R1T is from a new automaker but has quickly gained popularity across the U.S.

Instant Torque

Have you ever noticed how your traditional truck has to rev up some RPMs before it begins to actually move a heavy trailer? Electric trucks have very strong and almost instant torque—so they instantly transfer power from the motor to the wheels.

This can be especially handy in heavy traffic, or when accelerating up an on-ramp. Electric trucks are quite effective at quickly getting your heavy rig up to highway speed.

And if you’ve ever tried to delicately back a heavy trailer into a precise location with a traditional vehicle, you know that feeling of having to press the accelerator quite hard to achieve the necessary RPMs to move—and then the truck and trailer move too quickly! Electric trucks with strong, fast torque can make this task a bit easier, too.

The 2025 Ram 1500 REV is the electric successor to the popular pickup brand.

Towing Range of Electric Trucks

Now for range. This is an aspect of electric vehicles that often worries potential buyers. It’s a rather inconvenient aspect of physics that towing a trailer significantly reduces the range of a vehicle; this is true for traditional trucks as well.

In general—and there are a huge number of variables that can change this number—you can expect your EV truck’s range-per-charge to be cut roughly in half when towing, and possibly more, to maybe 30 or 40 percent of normal range. The weight of the trailer obviously affects this number greatly, but so does the height of the trailer (which creates wind resistance), along with the air temperature (batteries don’t last as long in the cold).

The Chevy Silverado EV means Chevy fans can go electric, too.

Also, if you’re heavily running the heat or A/C, you can expect to take a small hit on range because the batteries are pulling double duty by driving the truck and keeping the passengers comfy.

Range can be further affected by variables like the age and health of the battery, and especially by how fast you are traveling: interstate speeds of 75 mph drain the battery far faster than highway speeds of 55 mph.

One nice feature is that some electric trucks remember detailed data about your last trip with the trailer, and over time can create a custom profile for your rig, providing a better estimate of range each time you get behind the wheel. Some trucks constantly update their estimated range on the dashboard as they tow, compensating for the weight of the vehicle. These numbers can help give you confidence during your next trip, and aid in planning charging stops.

By the way, payloads in the bed of your electric truck don’t affect range much at all. So you can load up your feed bags, bedding, fence posts, tack, and put your electric truck to use as a farm vehicle without the range anxiety.

Is It Right for You?

Can an electric truck tow your horse trailer? Absolutely. If you don’t exceed their maximum towing capacity or recommended tongue weight, each of the trucks on our list (below) has the strength and horsepower to pull a horse trailer at full highway speed.

And with the excellent torque abilities of electric motors, some aspects of towing may be even easier. However, range remains a major issue, especially when towing through rural areas where fast-charging stations are further apart.

Electric trucks have a shorter range-per-charge than an equivalent gasoline or diesel truck does on a full tank of gas. And when they’re pulling a heavy load like your horse trailer, this range drops significantly, placing towing ranges typically down under 200 miles and even far less.

Furthermore, charging a battery to maximum—which you will need to do more often on a long trip—takes significantly longer than filling up a gas tank. Not all charging stations offer pull-through parking, so this can mean finding a place to unhook your horse trailer safely and then backing the vehicle into a fast-charging station—sometimes for as long as an hour.

When you’re not on a long trip, you can do slower charging at home. (Shown: The GMC Sierra EV)

This can present a real challenge for horse owners, especially during hot summer months when many events take place. Indeed, it may be impractical to use an electric truck for horse transport on a long trip.

But for short trips, say of 50 miles one way, electric trucks can do the job with less inconvenience, making the round trip with range to spare in the tank (er, battery). If you’re traveling to a local barn or show, a nearby trailhead for a ride, or perhaps to a local equine veterinarian, you won’t need to stop to charge.

In these examples, an electric truck could provide an experience equal to or better than a traditional gas-powered truck. Think of electric trucks and traditional trucks as two different tools with different strengths and weaknesses, and then decide on the right tool for the task.

This article about hauling with electric trucks appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Can Electric Trucks Haul Horse Trailers? appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo by Jamie Isaacs Photography

Why Prioritize Sleep?

Sleep is essential for peak athletic performance, especially for equestrians. It’s not just about feeling rested—it’s about riding effectively, minimizing injury risk, and supporting your body’s recovery and adaptation after long days at the barn.

Studies show that athletes across various sports who prioritize sleep experience improved reaction times, decision-making, and adaptability. These factors are specifically critical for riders. Whether it’s calculating the proper distance to a jump, responding to your horse’s random spook, or staying balanced during a reining spin, both mental sharpness and physical stamina rely on more rest.

Did you know that sleep inconsistency, irregular bedtimes, or insufficient sleep disrupts your body’s hormonal balance? The consequences include reduced muscle recovery, weakened bones, and elevated stress levels, which is a recipe for burnout and injury.

Sleep & Hormones

Without adequate sleep, cortisol levels—the body’s primary stress hormone—increase, while testosterone and HGH levels decrease. This imbalance has been shown to slow recovery, reduce the ability to focus, and increase the susceptibility to injury.

Elevated cortisol levels are associated with unexplainable weight gain, muscular weakness, and higher blood pressure. These will of course have an effect on your riding performance.

One major aspect of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep contributes to testosterone levels. REM sleep is the phase where vivid dreams can occur and the timeframe where the body produces most of its testosterone.

Although you may think it’s only for men, this hormone plays a vital role in both men and women, enhancing strength and stamina for those long days and rigorous rides. It also supports bone density and regeneration, particularly important for middle-aged riders before and especially after falls or accidents.

Growth hormone production happens during non-REM sleep. In the early stages of deep sleep, the body releases human growth hormone (HGH), essential for tissue repair and muscle recovery.

For riders, HGH helps with repairing micro-damage from physical activities. This hormone is responsible for building and maintaining strength, critical for hoisting hay bales and maintaining good posture in the saddle. It’s easy to forget that riding requires a lot of muscular activation for extended periods of time. These muscles need to have a chance to rest, recover and rebuild nightly.

Fatigue & Reaction Time

Equestrians are no strangers to physical risks, from falls to overuse injuries. Sleep plays an important role in maintaining bone health by preventing unnecessary fatigue-related accidents. Sleep-deprived riders are at greater risk of falls due to slower reaction times and decreased coordination.

Precise concentration is essential across all disciplines and can make or break your performance. Lack of sleep hampers memory, reaction time, and decision-making, leaving you less prepared for the inevitable unexpected scenario. Increased fatigue and reduced coordination lead to more miscommunications with your horse and higher injury risks.

Immune System

A strong immune system is vital for keeping your body healthy through long seasons of conditioning and training. Quality sleep also strengthens your body’s immune response, helping you recover faster when you do get sick.

Practical Tips for Good Sleep

◆ Consistency: Aim to go to sleep or wake up at the same time every day. Consistency helps regulate your body’s internal clock.

◆ Screen Time: Avoid screens at least a half hour before bed to allow your mind and body to wind down and prepare for sleep.

◆ A Sleep-Friendly Environment: Keep your sleeping area dark, cool, and quiet if you can. Consider blackout curtains and white, pink, or brown noise machines to minimize disturbances.

◆ Power Naps: If a full night’s sleep isn’t possible, short naps during the day can provide a much-needed boost. All you need is 10-20 minutes.

◆ Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or restorative yoga can help reduce stress, preparing your mind and body for rest after another busy day.

◆ Hydration and Eating: Proper hydration and avoiding heavy meals later in the evening can improve sleep quality because your body isn’t trying to process food while you’re sleeping. Pay attention to caffeine intake and its effects on your body, especially later in the day.

Sleep isn’t just a luxury for equestrians; it’s a necessity. From maintaining physical and cognitive performance to safeguarding bone health, recognizing the importance of sleep and prioritizing your rest is one of the most impactful ways to enhance your riding journey. Quality sleep will enhance your safety and help you perform at your best, in and out of the saddle.

Find more equestrian health tips from Ifa Simmonds at ifafit.com.

This article about the importance of sleep appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Fit Rider: The Importance of Sleep appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

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

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

Click here to listen on mobile.

David Silver, Founder & Executive Director of Detroit Horse Power

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

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

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

Adoptable Horse of the Month, Natsu

Photo courtesy Lucky 7 Horse Rescue

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

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

Learn more about Natsu here.

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

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

Paniolo carry a rich tradition of horsemanship, equipment, and culture that few on the mainland are familiar with. Photo courtesy of Nancy Erger, Waimea, Hawai`i Island

Paniolo History

Cattle first arrived on the islands in 1793, when British Navy Officer Captain George Vancouver gifted Hawaii’s King Kamehameha with six cows and a bull. The king prohibited their slaughter, and their numbers soared.

These wild cattle became a nuisance, destroying crops and charging residents. With the cattle presenting a growing problem, Kamehameha permitted their capture, beginning around 1812. Horses had arrived on the islands about a decade earlier, also as gifts.

Although down from its heyday, nearly 150,000 head of cattle still live on the Hawaiian Islands. Photo courtesy of Nancy Erger, Waimea, Hawai`i Island

In the 1830s, Hawaiians hired vaqueros to teach them how to work with the cattle on horseback. The history of vaqueros dates back to the 1500s, when the Spaniards arrived in Mexico and began to train Indigenous Mesoamerican men in cattle and horsemanship.

Derived from the word vaca (Spanish for cow), the vaqueros became legendary horseman. The vaqueros spread into what is now the Western United States, bringing with them their unique horsemanship, equipment and culture, which they eventually shared with the Hawaiian people.

“Our people are gifted with great hand-eye coordination; they took very quickly to horses, cattle and equipment,” explains Billy Bergin, DVM, a retired veterinarian, founder of the Paniolo Preservation Society and co-author of the book The Hawaiian Horse, as well as a series of books on Parker Ranch. “It was quick learning for the native Hawaiian people to learn to work cattle and use a lariat.”

Working cattle on the islands came with unusual challenges, including dense terrain. Before refrigeration was available, the cattle had to be shipped live. This required the paniolo to swim their horses and cattle out to longboats. The cattle were then tied to the sides of boats before being hoisted up to the awaiting steamers.

Few visitors realize that the Big Island of Hawaii is home to the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States and one of the oldest, Parker Ranch. Photo courtesy of Nancy Erger, Waimea, Hawai`i Island

Paniolo Equipment

Paniolo retained the vaqueros’ wide-brimmed hats and leather boots but used lighter fabrics for clothing and more colorful prints. The ladies would wear large, colorful skirts to protect their clothing. This skirt is known as pa`u, and in modern-day parades, the pa`u is still worn with different colors representing different islands.

Hawaii’s rich canoe-building tradition helped them quickly adapt to creating lariats, bridles and saddles.

“In the Pacific, canoes were launched with different knots, braids and cords, so we already had those skills in our makeup,” Bergin says. “Hawaiians quickly learned how to build their own lariats and bridles, whips, and whatever else they needed.”

A paniolo holds the state flag of Hawaii at a rodeo. Photo courtesy of Nancy Erger, Waimea, Hawai`i Island

A native tree called the neneleau made the perfect material for saddle trees with its light weight and tight grain.

“It takes the hand of a good woodworker to build a saddle tree,” Bergin says. “Those same woodworkers’ grandfathers probably built sea vessels.”

Paniolo saddles feature more rawhide than traditional western saddles because rawhide is less expensive and stands up to the wet climate more effectively. Cured rawhide also allows some movement, making it more comfortable for horses. Another unique aspect of Hawaiian saddles is the aweawe, which refers to the braided rawhide strapping and rigging.

“Aweawe is very distinct piece in the identity of the Hawaiian tree saddle, which also differs from island to island and sometimes even within the islands between ranches,” says DeeDee Bertelmann, a multi-generational employee of Parker Ranch who serves as the livestock administrator.

Hawaiian saddle makers use personal leaf brand stamps to decorate the leather. The stamps were traditionally made from horse molars.

There’s nothing more picturesque than seeing a paniolo herding cattle in the lush hills, the Pacific Ocean shining in the distance. Photo courtesy of Nancy Erger, Waimea, Hawai`i Island

Paniolo Culture

“The most important culture around our paniolo lifestyle is family—ohana—and our values,” Bertelmann says. “First and foremost is respect and responsibility to our `aina (land) and to each other. Then the kuleana to care for the animals we raise.”

As Bertelmann demonstrates, the language itself is another key aspect of the culture.

“The Hawaiian language is still used today on working ranches,” Bergin explains. “They have young men and women who grew up in that culture, and a lot of their communication in the field is in the Hawaiian language.”

Hawaii’s rich canoe-building tradition helped them quickly adapt to creating lariats, bridles and saddles. Photo courtesy of Nancy Erger, Waimea, Hawai`i Island

Music is another pillar of paniolo culture, just as country music is associated with mainland cowboys. One aspect of paniolo music is the use of classic Hawaiian slack-key guitar, ukuleles and vocals.

“The famous guitar artists of Hawaii trace back to paniolo,” Bergin shares.

Bertelmann agrees.

“Mo`olelo, or storytelling, is also a tradition not only in our Hawaiian way of life but in our paniolo way of life,” she says. “Knowledge is transferred from one generation to another by way of our storytelling as well as a vessel to hold close our ancestors’ teachings and knowledge.”

Bergin shares that cooking is another important aspect of paniolo culture. Men are often the chefs, and meat is made jerk-style or smoked.

Paniolo spending long days working cattle in the hills and fields would often stop for a late lunch, he says. A few men would break off to gather herbs and other edibles in the forest and return with sticks to use as chopsticks, a true blending of cultures.

Paniolo Horsemanship

Rodeo has long played a role in paniolo culture. In fact, in 1908, three Hawaiians traveled to Wyoming’s Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. To everyone’s surprise, Ikua Purdy won the steer-roping contest in 56 seconds, his cousin Archie Ka`au`a came in second, and another cousin, Jack Low, placed sixth despite having an asthma attack.

Photo courtesy of Nancy Erger, Waimea, Hawai`i Island

Many years later, rodeo is helping to reinvigorate Hawaii’s paniolo culture.

“When Hawaii joined the National High School Rodeo Association in 1988, that helped preserve the tradition,” Bergin says, adding that it also helped motivate youth to keep their grades up and go on to college.

The islands also host their own rodeos and parades to keep traditions alive. However, the culture is under threat.

“Today we are fighting for way of life in many different aspects, and one of the hardest is living on an island that is being bought out by foreigners and development,” Bertelmann shares.

This is one reason Bergin helped launch the Paniolo Preservation Society in 1998.

He says the paniolo’s gentle style of horsemanship is a thing of beauty, built on working in harmony with the animals.

“The mishandling of animals is looked upon very, very harshly by the population,” he says. “The more humane you handle animals and each other, the better.”

“The mishandling of animals is looked upon very, very harshly by the population,” says Billy Bergin. Photo courtesy of Nancy Erger, Waimea, Hawai`i Island

For example, during herding, paniolo keep their lariats low, spinning slowly beside the horse rather than high overhead, causing as little disruption as possible.

“It’s very smooth and melodic,” Bergin explains.

Visitors to the islands can find their own horseback riding adventures at a number of stables. They can also learn more about paniolo by visiting Parker Ranch and the Paniolo Preservation Society, both located on the Big Island of Hawaii.

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

The post The Paniolo of Hawaii: Cowboy Tradition appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Here, we chat with amateur riders and a professional to discuss how they experience and cope with guilt. You may not realize how common guilt is, and perhaps knowing how normal it is can help you release and reframe it.

Photo by Shelley Paulson

Riding is something you do for yourself and your love of horses, and you might feel guilty about spending time away from other responsibilities. You might feel guilty for taking care of yourself even though it gives you hope, exercise, and connection with horses while you’re not focusing on work or others.

Whether or not that guilt is perceived or expressed by others is not what matters; what matters is that riders feel this heavy emotion, and we need to acknowledge the feeling before releasing it. 

Barn vs. Office

Working amateurs feel guilty for leaving work early to get to their horse before sunset or for watching a child’s game rather than being present for veterinary appointments.

“You feel like you should always be somewhere else,” says Jackie Montero-Sharpe, an amateur rider from Virginia. “I feel like I’m not at the barn enough and not getting enough saddle time or time with my horse. There’s also guilt at work. I have a pile of things to do and feel guilty leaving early.”

Her mind is with her horse when she is at work. Knowing he is cared for by a great team at her barn is comforting, but she feels guilty not being there with him, while also knowing that her work colleagues require her attention.

Jackie Montero-Sharpe finds herself thinking of her horse while she’s at work, feeling guilty that she can’t be at the barn with him. Photo by Yeager S. Photography

Barn vs. Kids

Amateur rider, realtor, and mom of three Kendall Thomas keeps her show horse an hour and a half away from her home in Montana. She, her husband, and her children live on 40 acres where she has some horses, but harsh winters require her to board at a barn with an indoor arena.

“The barn is actually the one place in my life where I feel fully present,” she says. For Thomas, her guilt goes into overdrive the moment she leaves her barn’s property. On the drive home, her guilt rises as she thinks about how much horse time she enjoyed.

“I am rushing to get home before the [school] bus so I don’t catch any grief from my family for not being home,” says Thomas. She is not alone in worrying about taking time for herself. She misses her sweet gelding when she is away but then feels guilty spending hours with him. The barn is therapeutic, but the ride home is filled with panic and guilt for those hours of happiness.

Kendall Thomas boards her horse an hour and a half from her home in order to have an indoor arena for the harsh Montana winters, putting her in a rush to be home before her children’s school bus. Photo by Emma Lynne

Training vs. Family

Mom and trainer Elizabeth Cella felt torn between family and the barn as she ran her first business. Some of her guilt remained and some shifted with her new stable in North Carolina.

Cella returned to her home state in 2018 after living, training, and managing out of a 30-acre farm in Virginia with her husband and sons. A life on the road for horse shows led to her wanting to hang up her trainer helmet.

“I had a hard time saying ‘no’ and putting my family first,” says Cella. “I put the barn first and the people first.” Her husband’s retirement from the Coast Guard gave her the opportunity to make changes.

Her new barn began with a couple of horses, and it grew gradually. She is busy with clients, kids, and young investment horses, and Cella’s two boys play travel soccer. Her guilt resurfaces when she misses soccer games and has to put her own horse on the backburner. Like many children of horse trainers, this is the only life her kids know.

“I aim to be as present as I can when I’m home,” she says. “I often feel like I’m failing as both a mom and a wife.”

That is a hard sentence to utter, and it can be incredibly defeating to feel as though we are failing. 

Elizabeth Cella has two sons in travel soccer and her own training business, which keeps her on the road a lot. Photo by Andrew Ryback

Guilt Over an Untimely Passing

Zara Morgan, an amateur rider in Ohio, feels heavy guilt from grief and replaying the last time she spent with her heart horse.

When an animal or person we love dies, we often wonder if we did all we could for them or gave them all the love they gave us.

“I will forever feel guilty regardless if I spend time at the barn or away from the barn,” says Morgan. “I always used to feel guilty leaving my horses, and it’s something I hate myself for every day. Because the last time I saw him I could’ve spent a bit more time with him.”

She turned him out and gave him a kiss, and promised they’d go on his favorite ride again the next day. She received a call later that he died from an aneurysm. That guilt will sit with her for a while, and it is a familiar grief-related guilt many know. 

Zara Morgan’s heart horse unexpectedly passed while she wasn’t there, leaving her with lingering feelings of guilt. Photo courtesy Zara Morgan

Guilt from Others 

Riders experience guilt if others point out our barn time or expenses. Sometimes guilt is a perceived fear that people may be irritated with our hobby.

To find peace, it’s helpful to reflect on whether the guilt from others is perceived or direct. If it’s the former, then releasing the guilt will come easier. If it’s direct, then honest conversations are necessary. 

Supportive family and colleagues who encourage us in our special hobby helps release guilt. Whether we put the guilt on ourselves, feel it from others, or begin to wonder if we are failing because we cannot be everything to everyone, we may need to remind ourselves that we are better partners, parents, and employees when we ride.

Release & Reframe 

Reflecting on the root cause of guilt is part of healing. We can then process it, work through it, and reframe the guilt to release it. 

Amateurs and professionals alike have found ways to reframe and release their guilt. Living an hour away from the barn rather than on the property has allowed Cella to create boundaries. She is able to take non-horse show weekends off, and having a local barn owner and onsite help gives her more time with family.

Montero-Sharpe’s husband actively supports her riding, and she finds comfort knowing he has his own time-consuming hobby, golf, to do while she rides.

Thomas releases guilt knowing that poor cell service at the barn creates a distinct boundary. Morgan will take time to find hope in the barn with a heavy loss. We can all find a way to release the guilt.

Many people work through guilt using techniques such as journaling, reflection, and therapy. We can learn to say “yes” to things that fill us and to say “no” to things that add guilt.

This article about the guilt that equestrians face appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Battling Barn-Time Guilt appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“She’s just beautiful, so sweet,” Sweeney continues. “I love how much she loves her job. She’s so happy to go, and so excited for the jumps. She’s really been a joy to ride. We’ve had some amazing horses in our lives, which I am so grateful for.”

Photo by Julie Ahn

But while listening to her voice as she describes Rosie’s positive frame of mind and their natural fit together as a team, it’s abundantly clear: this horse is something special.

But then again, so is Sweeney.

All in the Family

Chances are you’ve seen Alison Sweeney on your television screen. She portrayed Sami Brady on Days of Our Lives from 1993 to 2015, hosted NBC’s The Biggest Loser for 13 seasons, and she’s starred in over 30 Hallmark movies, including popular franchises such as the Hannah Swensen mysteries, the Chronicle Mysteries, and the Wedding Veil series.

Sweeney is also an author of both novels and nonfiction; an ambassador for Stand Up 2 Cancer, among others; a wife (she and her husband Dave have been married for 26 years); and a mom of two. And, of course, she loves horses.

You could say an affinity for horses runs in Sweeney’s family. Her mother, Polly, is a well-known California equestrian who competed for decades.

“She’s sort of a legend in our area,” says Sweeney.

Polly and Alison Sweeney during her earliest pony-riding days. Photo courtesy Alison Sweeney

Throughout her career, Polly trained with Jimmy Williams, George Morris, Marcia Williams, and Archie Cox, among others, and she was named the World Champion Hunter Rider at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. Sweeney’s teenage daughter, Megan, is also an accomplished equestrian.

“My daughter is a way better rider than I am—she’s such a good rider!” says Sweeney.

With a horse-loving mom, it’s no surprise that Sweeney’s association with horses started early.

“I started riding when I was little,” she says. “My mom has been riding her whole life, so of course she introduced riding and horses to me when I was very young. And I loved it. I did a lot of riding when I was younger.”

But when a career came calling—Sweeney was just 16 when she began playing Sami Brady—she stepped away from the equestrian life while she pursued acting.

“When I got into my career, and in my 20s, it was harder to have time for everything,” she says. “I took a break from riding for probably 10 to 15 years.”

Sweeney pictured in 1993, just after she began appearing on Days of Our Lives as Sami Brady, a role she played for 21 years. Photo courtesy Alison Sweeney

The birth of her daughter, Megan, was the catalyst that brought Sweeney back to horses.

“[It was] wanting her to have the opportunity to get to be with horses that got me back into it,” she says. “And now here we are, three generations riding together. It’s so great.”

The significance of having such a deep multi-generational interest in horses is deeply meaningful to Sweeney.

“It’s so special—it bonds us,” she says. “It connects us all. It’s such a fun thing we have in common that we can share and talk about. I really think there is a horse-lover’s gene inside of you. I think there must be.”

With three generations involved with horses, there’s plenty of opportunity for the family to share their interests together.

“We love competition, and we love traveling for horse shows,” says Sweeney. “I love to ride. I love lessons, I love trail rides, I love being at the barn. We love the atmosphere, love being with our friends.”

A Competitor at Heart

Sweeney also loves jumping and primarily competes in the 1.10-meter classes (3’7″).

“I had goals along the way for the height of the jumps, getting up to competitive heights,” she says. “I’ve done 1.20-meter courses, and now I realize—and maybe it’s because I’m getting older—but I would rather just get better at what I’m doing and enjoy the process. I find myself still so challenged at 1.10-meter jumpers. It’s fun and it’s hard and I’m nervous about it and excited, and when I do well, I’m really proud of myself. I have a lot left to learn, so I don’t feel the need to keep putting the jumps up. I’m happy to get better at what I’m doing. It’s a thrill, the feeling of going around the course, and the excitement of when it all goes well, and you’ve communicated with your horse and you’re totally in sync for 12 or 14 obstacles. It’s the most incredible feeling. It’s unbeatable.”

Sweeney still loves the thrill and excitement of going around a jump course and competing, shown here on cover star Rosie. Photo courtesy Alison Sweeney

Competing is challenging, but it’s not as hard, Sweeney says, as being a horse show mom.

“Megan always says, ‘Mom, stop gasping.’ Being a horse show mom is really stressful. I care for myself, [but that’s] my heart outside of my body right there, with her. But the thrill of it is even bigger, too. The smile on her face when she comes out of that ring, proud of herself, or when she really shows what she can do, or she had a good round, it’s the best.”

Alison competes in the 1.10 meter jumpers (pictured on Captain). Photo by ESI Photography/courtesy Alison Sweeney

Work/Life Balance

Of course, there’s the question of “how?” As we all know, the equestrian life is a balancing act, and it’s a never-ending challenge to navigate the complexities of family, work, and horses. And as Sweeney’s career continues to evolve and expand—she’s now added the role of writer for the Hannah Swensen movies in addition to being the executive producer and playing the lead role in the films—how does she find time for horses?

“It’s a lot, I admit,” she says. “I talk to my friends at the barn all the time about that, how you balance it out. For me, with work and stress and everything else going on, I consider it such a healthy and important part of my mental health to get outside, to be with my horse, to spend the time separating myself from all those other issues and being really present. I’m better at doing everything else because I spend the time riding.”

Even still, Sweeney recognizes the demands of trying to make horses fit in a busy schedule and a hectic pace, and realizes riding isn’t necessarily something you can do every day.

“I totally get that,” she says. “But if you can find the time to get up early, or block it out, or find a certain window to do it, it really is worth it. It isn’t just a luxury. It really does help you center yourself and get your mind back on everything else.”

And Sweeney looks for ways to find time for horses even when she’s filming. Her Hallmark co-stars are very supportive, including the other actors and the crew, who even came to cheer her on when she competed at the Thunderbird horse shows.

“Then we all watched the Grand Prix, which was super fun,” she says.

Barbara Niven, who plays the mother of Sweeney’s character in the Hannah Swensen movies, shares an especially close bond with Sweeney.

“[Niven] loves horses as much as I do,” she says. When Sweeney and Niven are on location in Canada filming, they sometimes stay at a horse property in Vancouver recommended by trainer Archie Cox. She and Niven hang out with the horses, and sometimes Sweeney even has the chance to ride.

“Barbara will video me and send my mom the videos,” she says. “[Niven] says she’s my horse mom. We have so much fun talking about [horses] together. She also watches Megan’s rounds with me when I’m away on location and Megan is competing. I’ll try to get the livestream, and [Niven will] hold my hand and jump every jump with me,” says Sweeney. “She’s so supportive. She totally gets it. All the feelings.”

L-R: Polly, Megan and Alison have a strong bond both in and out of the show ring, and it was Megan who helped bring Alison back to horses. Photo courtesy Alison Sweeney

Horses on Screen

Sweeney recently went on location in Spain to film two rom-com movies with her friend Ashley Williams for the Hallmark Channel. Over the past few years, she and Williams developed these film concepts, and together they starred in and served as executive producers for the films, which just aired last summer.

But what lies beyond? Does Sweeney ever think about doing a horse movie?

“Are you kidding? I think about it all the time!” she says. Watching current shows like Yellowstone that prominently feature horses makes her feel this even more deeply. “How do I make this a thing in my life? I just need to figure it out!”

Yet Sweeney is keenly aware of the challenges that equine film projects entail.

“Now that I’m actually a producer of movies, I understand how hard it is to do it right [with horses],” she says. She did have an opportunity to do a trail riding scene in a ranch setting in one of her recent movies, and she would jump at the opportunity to combine her love of horses and films even more in the future.

Staying Present

There’s lots to love about riding, and in Sweeney’s case, it certainly involves the bond she shares with her mother, her daughter, and, of course, her equine partner Rosie. But the meaning of it all goes even deeper than that.

Polly, Megan and Alison in current day, having spent years sharing their passion for horses. Photo by Julie Ahn

“One of the things I love the most about riding is that it really requires you to be present in the moment,” she says. “You can’t be thinking about work, or your personal life, or other problems, or things you’re worrying about. You have to be thinking about what you’re doing right now with the horse, what you’re communicating to them, and what they’re feeling. It takes you away from all those other issues. It just gives you that time to separate from how busy you are, what’s going on, or any problems you have, or struggles you’re dealing with, and gets you to focus—sort of how they talk about in yoga—[on] just being present. It requires you to be so present in what’s happening and what you’re feeling and what you’re hearing.”

She sums it up as all equestrians immediately understand:

“It’s the perfect place—my happy place.”

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

The post Alison Sweeney: From Horses to Hallmark appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 46, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise chat with author Terri Farley, who penned the internationally best-selling Phantom Stallion series.

To end the episode, Susan and Holly chat with Wild Rose Mustang Advocacy Group, Inc. about Skater Boy, this month’s ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse, and the upcoming Wild Horse Symposium and Summit (Craig, Colo., Aug. 5-8).

Click here to listen on mobile.

Terri Farley, Author

Barn Banter episode 46 guest Terri Farley.

Terri Farley has always loved horses. She taught middle school and high school language arts and journalism in inner-city Los Angeles before moving to the cowgirl state of Nevada. Terri is the author of the internationally best-selling Phantom Stallion series, the 2026 Phantom’s Family picture book series (both from Simon and Schuster), and Horse Girl: How Velma Bronn Johnston Became Wild Horse Annie and Outsmarted the Mustang Killers of the West, a September 2026 biography from the University of Nevada.

She is an advocate for the West’s wild places and wildlife—especially wild horses. Through school and library visits, Terri continues to work with young people learning to make their voices heard. She lives in a 100-year-old house with her family, which includes her dog, Willow.

◆ Visit Terri’s Website
◆ Follow Terri on Instagram
◆ Follow Julie on Facebook

Adoptable Horse of the Month, Skater Boy

Photo courtesy Wild Rose Mustang Advocacy Group

Skater is a Mustang gelding from the White Mountain HMA in Wyoming. This butterball is about 13.2 hands of punk and sass. Thick in all the right places, and as sure-footed as a mule, Skater is a gorgeous palomino roan with long, thick hair. He is about 3 years old, and ready to develop with his person into a handy little horse.

Learn more about Skater here.

In addition to Barn Banter episode 46, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts here.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 46 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

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.

“He’s smart though, he learned with one eye,” my guide Brigitte says about the gray stallion. He turns his clouded eye toward us and pricks his ears forward in acknowledgement before losing interest.

Photo by Mitja Bozic

Lipizzaners may be the stars of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria, but the breed’s origins lie across modern-day borders in Lipica, Slovenia. Over the centuries, the herd survived wars, occupations, and numerous exiles to Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia.

When government funding declined, the Lipica Stud turned to tourism. In 1996, the stud was declared a protected cultural monument, and it’s now a premier destination for horse lovers of all ages.

The Hotel

The property’s recently renovated Hotel Maestoso, named after a historic stud line, is a large part of the wide-ranging appeal. Its futuristic style avoids appearing out-of-place by mirroring the farm’s uniform white fencing. A white membrane coats the structure, outdoor patios, and pools, and frames each room’s exterior.

The hotel’s futuristic renovation avoids seeming out of place by mirroring the white pasture fencing on the property. Photo courtesy Hotel Maestoso

Inside, barn chic décor nods to the hotel’s location. Black steel, iron, wood accents, and barn door separators are combined with luxury hotel touches, such as bright white sheets and creative lights. The glass door out to the patio opens to unique views of green pastures and mountains in the distance.

Guest rooms feature modern, barn-chic décor with black steel, iron, wood accents, and barn door separators. Photo courtesy Hotel Maestoso

Horse Activities

Tours of the property are available daily and cost 18 Euro (around $20 U.S. dollars), and you have all-day access to the stud as well as the Lipikum Museum and the carriage exhibition.

Tip: Visit in spring for newly born foals.

<<>>

Visit in the spring if you love to see newborn foals. Photo by Gabriele Boisellle

Alternatively, for 25 Euro ($28), you can purchase a ticket to an official show, which also includes a tour and access to the property. Shows are held Tuesdays (June-September), Fridays (May-October), and Sundays (April-October) at 3 p.m.

Official show tickets are a great way to see the world-famous Lipizzaners performing. Photo by Mitja Bozic

Trail rides can only be scheduled for experienced riders. You’ll need to have a membership card from a national equestrian association and be at least 15 years old. Two-hour rides cost 90 Euro ($102) and three-hour rides are 120 Euro ($136).

Carriage rides are also available for up to seven guests in a single cart. Costs range from 35 to 65 Euro ($40 to $74), depending on the length of ride and size of carriage. All activities require a reservation at least three days in advance.

Running Lipizzaners

In the distance, 40 or so horses all line up behind a gate one paddock over. As soon as the gate opens, the herd thunders toward me and the other spectators. As they canter across the yard onto the maple tree-lined path to the large pastures beyond, bathed in morning light, they disappear as quickly as they appeared.

You, too, can watch the release and return of the horses every day at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

You can watch the herd of 40 horses running at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day as they come in and leave the stables. Photo by Gabriele Boisellle

For non-horse enthusiasts in the group, there is a casino, a golf course, and tennis courts on property.

Know Before You Go

Tours of the grounds are available daily and include all-day access to the stud. Photo by Jošt Gantar

The nearest airport is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) or Trieste Airport (TRS) across the border in Italy. From either location, a car rental is best. Lipica is a little over an hour from LJU and 20 minutes from TRS.

If renting a car internationally isn’t your cup of tea, you can take a bus (1.5 hours) or a train (a little under 2 hours) to Sezana, followed by a 10-minute taxi ride.

For more information on the Hotel Maestoso, visit lipica.org/en/new-hotel-maestoso.

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

The post Visiting the Lipizzaners appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy of Breyer

Unexpected Start

Breyer Molding Company, then based in Chicago, released its first model horse in 1950 as a special order for the F.W. Woolworth Company. Known as the No. 57 Western Horse, this model was created specifically to embellish a mantel clock.

However, it was the horse—not the clock—that captivated buyers.

Consumer demand inspired the company to change course and launch the Breyer Animal Creations^® brand of model horses and accessories.

Reeves International, a prominent name in the toy industry that was founded by Swiss entrepreneur Werner J. Fleischmann in 1946, acquired the Breyer Animal Creations brand in 1984 and continued to expand it. Breyer remains the company’s signature brand, manufacturing and selling millions of models and accessories each year.

Sizes of Breyer Model Horses

Breyer models come in several sizes:

◆ Traditional Horses at 1:9 scale                                       

◆ Freedom Series/Classics at 1:12 scale                                        

◆ Stablemates at 1:32 scale

◆ Mini Whinnies at 1:64 scale

The Traditional model is the largest, most popular size. Known as “portrait models” when representing a real horse, these are packaged and sold in Breyer’s colorful window boxes.

From the 1950s to 1970s, Breyer Animal Creations not only produced models of beautiful horse breeds and well-known horses, but also of famous dogs, including Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Benji and Tiffany.

Storybook Inspiration

Through the years, Breyer has honored both fictional and real horses.

One of the earliest models inspired by literary equine heroes was Fury, released in 1962. Black Beauty became a model in 1979.

Marguerite Henry’s popular book, Misty of Chincoteague, was published in 1947, leading to the release of the longest-running model in the Breyer lineup. Misty of Chincoteague has been in continuous production since 1972, and it has appeared in numerous variations of coat pattern and color. Her foal Stormy followed in 1977. Misty and Stormy currently sell together as a gift set.

Numerous equine athletes have been memorialized as models: Favorites include Triple Crown champion racehorse Secretariat, show jumping legend Snowman, dressage great Valegro, outstanding Quarter Horse Wimpys Little Step, and many more.

Famous horses like dressage superstar Valegro are often made into Breyer models. Photo courtesy of Breyer

Selection Process

Breyer models currently represent over 190 different breeds.

Multiple factors play into how horses are selected to become portrait models. Proposals come from associations, fans, and owners. The company also does its own research and follows trends and stories in the equine industry.

Once a horse is selected, it takes about one year for that model to hit the market. Although new models are released throughout the year, special models are released every summer at BreyerFest.

The number of models made of each particular horse varies. Once a model is retired, no more are produced. In-demand models can sell for significant amounts after they’re out of production. Collectors often shop for these models online or at unofficial swaps held near the Horse Park during BreyerFest.

Model Creation

The manufacturing process starts with the creation of a clay (or sometimes digital) sculpture of the horse based on photos and videos.

“Breyer artists are specialists for their particular breed or discipline,” says Stephanie Macejko, vice president of marketing and product development for Breyer. “Some artists are passionate about Thoroughbreds, while others know all there is to know about American Saddlebreds.”

It takes about one year for a horse to go from sketch to store shelf. Photo courtesy of Breyer

All prototypes for each horse model, playset and accessory are designed at the company’s New Jersey location.

Using the original clay sculpture, a tooling pattern is cast and completed. A 1,000-pound steel injection molding tool is then created.

Breyer artists are experts in the breed or discipline of model horse that they work on. Photo courtesy of Breyer

For decades, artist Chris Hess sculpted many horses and other animals for Breyer. He also engineered the company’s original injection molding tools. Hess’ final sculpture for Breyer before his death was Secretariat’s model, which was released in 1987.

“Chris was a rare talent,” says Macejko. “He was able to see both the ‘positive’ three-dimensional horse, but also the ‘negative’ cavities that form the hollow shapes for each horse. There is a lot of art in the creation of the tooling to keep the integrity of the original sculpture.

“Breyer has had the privilege to work with some amazingly talented sculptors over the years,” she adds. “At this point, we’ve worked with at least a few dozen artists.”

To form each model, cellulose acetate is heated to liquid and injected into the molding tool where it forms the two halves of the model.

The halves are briefly cooled, then bonded together.

At least 24 hours later, each model is cleaned with Dremel tools, sanded, and cleaned again to remove any dust before heading to the paint department. 

Every model is hand-painted. Different airbrush artists paint base colors, manes, tails, dappling and other details.

“About eight to 10 painters work on each horse,” says Macejko. “From molding to pack out, about 20 different people have a part in the creation of each Breyer model.”

All About Alan

In 2023, Whitney Barnard of Paris, Ky., and her handsome mule, Alan A Day’s Work, became the first mule/rider pair to compete at a recognized jumper competition. Barnard just so happens to be the assistant managing director of education for the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA).

Barnard and Alan A Day’s Work became part of a successful effort to allow mules to compete with horses in nationally recognized jumping events. Photo courtesy of Breyer

When Barnard bought Alan in November 2012, the timid 4-year-old was barely broke to lead. After much groundwork and time in the round pen, she was riding the 13.3-hand john (gelded mule).

Alan’s love of jumping was revealed the first time she pointed him at a low cross-rail. He hopped right over with good form. In time, Barnard began taking him to horse shows and hunter paces.

Alan’s unique name has a fun origin. Barnard’s husband, Joey, who was her boyfriend at the time, said her new mule “looked like an ‘Alan.’”

Barnard felt the name fit him, but she still needed a show name. She credits a witty friend she’s known since grade school for coming up with Alan A Day’s Work.

Eventually, Barnard and Alan became part of a successful effort to allow mules to compete with horses in nationally recognized jumping events. 

“Alan really loves going to different places and seeing new things,” she says.

Barnard had no idea Breyer was considering Alan for a model until she received an email in June 2023. After a Zoom call during which she shared Alan’s story, Barnard was informed that he’d been selected to be a Breyer model if she agreed.

“Of course, I said ‘yes,’ but I couldn’t tell anyone until January 2024,” says Barnard. “I had to keep that secret for six months.”

Barnard submitted detailed photos showing Alan’s unique coloring and pattern.

“I literally took photos of every inch of his body—even under his belly, his chin, and on top of his back,” she says. “They sent me photos of the rendering to review, and I looked to see if all the spots coordinated. He’s a roany Appaloosa, so I had to see if the artist rendering matched Alan.”

Whitney Barnard photographed every inch of Alan’s coat pattern to send to the model makers. Photo courtesy of Breyer

Barnard was thrilled to receive a finished model in late April. In May, members of the Breyer team came to Kentucky, met Alan in person, and took photos for the Breyer website and social media pages.

“When I was 10 and living in Columbus, Ohio, I had a bunch of Breyer models,” says Barnard. “I remember thinking it would be so cool to go to BreyerFest, but Lexington was so ‘far away.’ It seemed impossible then, and here I am! I really appreciate that Breyer included Alan.

“I don’t think Alan really thinks he’s different from other horses,” she adds. “If he does know, he doesn’t seem to care. I want him to be an advocate for equestrians who happen to ride mules and want to showcase their talents.”

Expect more equine heroes to be memorialized as models in the future.

Learn more at breyerhorses.com.

This article about Breyer model horses appeared in the September 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The World of Breyer Model Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.