The 2026 FEI World Championships will be hosted in Aachen from August 11–23, 2026, featuring six major equestrian disciplines: show jumping, dressage, para dressage, eventing, driving, and vaulting. This prestigious event, held at the historical Aachener Soers grounds, will showcase world-class sport, and will attract around 350,000 spectators. 

Show jumping at the CHIO Aachen. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

In the summer of 2024, my horse-obsessed, then 15-year-old daughter Emily and I ventured to Aachen to experience the CHIO. We were already in Germany visiting my in-laws near Warendorf, and I had attended the CHIO a number of times as an equine journalist and wanted Emily to see behind the scenes at one of the greatest horse events in the world.  

We stayed at the home of longtime friends who live in Aachen and were incredibly gracious hosts. My friend Heidi lives upstairs from her mom, Gerlinde, who put us up in a spare bedroom and laid out a spread of fresh baked goods from the bakery, along with coffee, cheese and fruit every morning before we set off for the Soers. 

We arrived on Thursday afternoon, and with cameras and notebooks in hand, we parked our rental car, collected our media credentials and scoped out the media center. Emily was excited about the fact that Lindt, a major sponsor of the CHIO, provides an abundant supply of chocolate to keep members of the media happy. She was also starstruck when we met Esme Higgs, who was working on social media for the event. 

First we set off to explore the competition grounds. We briefly browsed the trade fair, had a little snack of pommes frites (delicious French fries), and then headed for the main stadium. One of the original structures at the Soers, the stadium was expanded for the World Equestrian Games in 2006. The atmosphere is awe-inspiring, and we had arrived in time so that we could photograph the Nations Cup from inside the stadium. Photographers must stay in the photo pens, and vying for a good spot in the pack of photographers can be a challenge during the more popular events. Once you’re in place, you’re also committed to staying in the pen for the duration of the evening, so it’s best to visit the restrooms and have a snack and a drink handy. 

Standing in the middle of the stadium, under the bright lights, with the stands filled with spectators, right in the middle of the action, is an unforgettable experience. Some of the world’s best horses and riders galloping and jumping huge fences, right up close, and the entire stadium vibrating with rhythmic applause of thousands of fans, is electrifying to the senses. Team Ireland won the Nations Cup and their celebratory mood reverberated through the grounds as spectators headed to the party tents to celebrate with beer and champagne. 

It was a late night, but we were back early the next morning to catch the eventing dressage, with eventing show jumping taking place later that afternoon. Once again we positioned ourselves in the stadium for some good photo opportunities, chatting with fellow eventing journalist Tilly Berendt, who was over from the U.K., between horses. After years of working in equestrian journalism, the chance to catch up with colleagues is always a highlight of attending major competitions. Photographers Shannon Brinkman, official photographer of the US Equestrian Team, and her daughter Roya, and New Zealander Libby Law were just a couple of the other friend/colleagues that I enjoyed seeing over the weekend. 

Victory gallop at the CHIO Aachen. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

I also wanted to show Emily around the city of Aachen, so we left shortly after the eventing wrapped up and found dinner at a restaurant in one of the cobbled alleys in the pedestrian zone near the Aachen Cathedral, a World Heritage site. Shops around the city decorate their windows with CHIO-themes and we enjoyed looking at these as we wandered around. We also stopped in the Nobis shop for a little bag of Aachener Printen, a sweet and spicy gingerbread-type cookie that is a local specialty. 

Saturday for us meant an early morning of Grand Prix dressage, followed by one of the highlights of the weekend, the eventing cross-country. We wandered around the course, watching some of the more interesting combinations including the main water complex, and nibbling from a bag of assorted Haribo gummy candies from one of the vendors on course. We finished up inside the stadium to capture the excitement of the top finishers clearing the final fence and crossing the finish line — a dramatic photo opportunity as this was the final phase of the event. 

The individual win went to Germany’s Julia Krajewski riding Nickel 21 and the cheers from the home crowd reverberated through the stadium as Krajewski took a victory canter. Great Britain won the team competition followed by the USA and Ireland, respectively.  

Of course we also had to have a wander through the trade fair, where many high-end brands of tack and equestrian apparel are available at special prices. Emily was on a mission to buy a certain popular brand of sun shirt, and I bought a few gifts for friends back home. We met up with Emily’s cousin Jana, who proudly showed off her new collection of matching saddle pads and ear bonnets.  

Saturday evening is a popular time for the general public to visit the CHIO to shop, partake in food and beverages, and socialize. The party atmosphere was fun, but we opted for a quiet dinner at a Chinese restaurant in downtown Aachen with our hosts. You can only handle so much excitement before you start to run out of steam, and we wanted to have a good night of sleep so that we could enjoy the final day of the CHIO. 

On Sunday morning we headed to the Deutsche Bank stadium for the final dressage competition. The Lindt Prize, the Grand Prix Freestyle, was won by the Queen of Aachen herself, Isabell Werth riding Wendy de Fontaine. It was Werth’s 15th time winning this class and the crowd was appropriately enthusiastic during her victory gallop.  

Isabell Werth salutes the crowd aboard Wendy de Fontaine after winning the Lindt Prize, the Grand Prix Freestyle. This marked Werth’s 15th time winning this class. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

Following the elaborate prize-giving, we once again headed to the main stadium. The highlight of the final day is the Grand Prix Show Jumping competition, part of the Rolex Grand Slam that also includes Spruce Meadows, Geneva and ‘S-Hertogenbosch.  

The Grand Prix was not only one of the Majors of the Grand Slam, but a chance for some of the best riders in the world to fine-tune their performances in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The year marked a number of momentous anniversaries for the iconic equestrian venue, as they not only celebrated 100 years of history, but also 25 years with Rolex as the main sponsor.   

Starting in reverse order based on the results from the first round, American rider McLain Ward, who was tenth to go, jumped the first double clear of the class and put pressure on the remaining riders in the second round. Out of those riders, only Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, Germany’s André Thieme – the individual 2021 FEI Jumping European Champion – and World No. 10 Richard Vogel progressed to the jump-off. 

Ward, the two-time Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major winner, jumped around the shortened course clear in a time of 41.02 seconds. Fuchs was almost two seconds faster, but it was not meant to be as the penultimate fence fell. The crowds exploded with cheers as Thieme then took the lead in a time of 39.77 seconds, with just one left to go. It looked as if the final competitor, Vogel, would claim his second Major as he crossed the line over one second faster than his fellow citizen, but heartbreakingly the final fence fell, handing the victory to Thieme. 

André Thieme celebrates the win. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

The nail-biting competition was followed by the Farewell of Nations, when competitors representing their various countries and disciplines all come together in the main stadium for a gigantic farewell party. Every year the CHIO chooses a partner country and bases the theme of their festivities around that country’s culture. The 2024 partner country happened to be the USA, and the theme featured heavily in the opening ceremonies, which we watched on TV before our arrival at the show.  

The closing ceremonies feature all of the nations that participated in the competition, with participants from every sport taking part. Show jumpers, dressage horses, eventers, and even the four-in-hand driving competitors’ parade around the arena with their riders and drivers, with a flag bearer leading the way and competitors waving white handkerchiefs, a tradition that includes spectators, who wave back from the grandstands to the sounds of the German folk song “Muss I denn zum Städtele hinaus.” Another CHIO concluded, and Emily and I wandered around the quiet grounds one last time, stopping for a celebratory toast before heading home. Because shops in Germany are closed on Sundays, I asked one of the vendors if I could purchase a small potted flower to give to our hosts, and he kindly gave it to me with a smile.  

The crowd celebrates the Farewell of Nations. Photo by Amber Heintzberger

Because it was a late evening, we stayed over one more night and enjoyed one final wonderful breakfast from the local bakery, and had a short walk around the neighborhood. On the way back to the Warendorf area we stopped in Cologne to stretch our legs and took a short tour of the cathedral there. It was an exciting week and we were left happy to have enjoyed so much top equestrian sport and German culture. 

A Visitors’ Guide to the CHIO Achen

The CHIO Aachen is a huge destination event, and accommodations book quickly. An American friend who lives in Germany is planning to attend in the summer of 2026 and accommodations were already booked up months in advance. She was able to find an Airbnb in the Belgian countryside, driving distance from the Soers — the showgrounds where the CHIO is held.  

Purchase your tickets in advance. The really popular events sell out — yes, even dressage — and if there’s an event you really want to see, you’ll need to reserve tickets sooner than later.  

Wear comfortable clothing. People do tend to dress nicely for a day out at the CHIO, but you want to make sure that you are comfortable to walk long distances. Dressing in layers is also recommended — even summertime can be rainy and chilly, and while it’s fun to shop for new clothes in the extensive trade fair, it’s less fun to sit in the stands freezing and then spend a lot of money on a sweatshirt because it’s the first thing you can grab during a 15-minute break. Ask me how I know!  

Bring your appetite. The food offerings at the CHIO are extensive, and you can find everything from sushi and Thai stir fry to traditional German fare like currywurst, pretzels, pommes frites (French fries), and sandwiches. Alcohol flows freely in the evenings — be sure to return your glass to get a refund of the small deposit — and there are also plenty of non-alcoholic options. The riders tend to congregate at the Riders’ Bar on the ground floor of the grandstand near the gate to the main stadium. You’re also sure to spot a few familiar, famous equestrians strolling around the grounds.  

Horses have the right-of-way. While there is traffic control, be alert that pedestrians need to stop and wait for horses crossing at junctions of the horse paths and pedestrian walkways.  

Bring your spending money. The trade fair is not to be taken for granted: from apparel and tack to housewares and gift items, to luxury horse boxes and vehicles, the trade fair boasts something for everyone, on every budget. And be sure to grab a few souvenirs from the gift shop — you’ll really impress your friends at the barn when you show up wearing a shirt or baseball cap from Aachen. 

Pace yourself. With so much to see and do, you might be tempted to try to do it all. Better to pick a few special events and enjoy those, and give yourself time for the trade fair, food vendors, and just to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere. There are also a number of entertaining performances in the main stadium featuring different breeds, demonstrations of various horses, and costumed horses and riders performing purely for entertainment. 

This article about a visit to the CHIO Aachen is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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

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

Click here to listen on mobile.

Amber Marshall, Star of Heartland

Amber Marshall. Photo by Sarah Mavro

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

◆ Follow Amber on Instagram

Cailin Caldwell, Director of ASPCA Right Horse Program

Cailin Caldwell.

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

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

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

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

It’s always been a bucket list item of mine—I’d even Googled “how do you ride on the Goodyear Blimp?” in the past, only to be disappointed to see there’s no way to buy tickets, but we’ll get to that later. 

You better believe when this opportunity came along, I jumped up and grabbed it. 

Setting “Sail” 

I met my group at Bowman Field, the smaller airport in Louisville, Ky. We watched a safety video and headed to a van that drove us across the airfield to the blimp, which was tethered to a tower for loading. We were the first group of the day to ride—me, someone from the airport board who had dreamed of riding the Goodyear Blimp for 40 years and “had to wait till he was 75” to do it, along with his friend, plus two men that worked at the airport control tower and were learning about the blimp’s flight path. 

We had two pilots—the one flying, since it is literally a “hands-on” flight at all times, no autopilot—and another pilot, Joe Erbs, who was there to answer our questions. 

“We like to be a part of the biggest events, whether it’s the biggest football games, the biggest horse races,” he explained. “We were at Coachella a couple weeks ago—the biggest music festival. We’re here to build our brand name; ultimately, we’re a flying billboard!” 

The Flight 

After takeoff, it was a steep climb (it felt like 45 degrees to me, but I was later told it was only 15 degrees) over SDF, Lousiville’s larger international airport. We could see the Ohio River and downtown Louisville in the far distance. But long before that, we reached our circling destination—Churchill Downs. Having been there many times, it was fascinating to study the barns, grandstands, infield, paddock and long chute for the one-turn races from the air. 

Since it was only 9:45 a.m. and the Kentucky Oaks has been moved back to 8:40 p.m., the stands were still completely empty. 

After some photos, videos, and conversation, it was time to head back. As we flew back over the big airport, a small jet went right underneath us. Since I had the blimp pilot and a small aircraft pilot to talk to, they said that’s a sight you don’t see everyday, and pointed out some features of the runways and planes I never would have noticed. 

How Does the Blimp Work? 

I had about a million questions for Erbs, starting with how many Goodyear Blimps are in the U.S. 

“There are three in the country; this one based in Akron, Ohio. That’s where the Goodyear corporate headquarters are as well. Another is based in L.A., and one is in Pompano Beach, Fla. This blimp’s next stop is Philadelphia, Pa., for the PGA Championship, which begins on May 11.” 

I knew the airship was lifted by helium, similar to a birthday balloon, because helium is lighter than air. But I learned a lot of new things while on board: 

• An airship or dirigible is any ship that is lighter than air that can steer and propel.  

• A blimp has no rigid frame. The Goodyear Blimp is a semi-rigid airship; without helium inflating it, it would look like a triangle. 

• A rigid airship has a stiff internal frame, like a zeppelin.  

• The small propellers that steer the Goodyear Blimp are run off engines that use regular fuel. They point up, down, or at an angle, depending on whether the blimp is ascending/descending, maintaining steady altitude, or parked and trying not to float away. 

• The day I flew on it, the Goodyear Blimp contained 97.8% helium. 

• The ship flew at a speed of around 32 knots (about 37 mph).  

• Our maximum altitude was around 10,000 feet, since the cabin is not pressurized. 

• It takes about the same amount of time to fly it from city to city as it would to drive, since there are no turns or stops. 

• The Goodyear Blimp can fly cross-country in eight rest and refueling stops, which takes about 10-12 days. It can safely fly at night. A specialized ground crew of vans and trucks accompany it from the road. 

• The ship can’t be flown in freezing temperatures. 

Can You Ride on the Goodyear Blimp? 

If, like me, your dream is to ride on the blimp one day, you may be wondering how to get on it. 

“Luck is your best friend,” says Erbs. “We don’t sell tickets. You have to be an invited guest. We do donate rides to charity; they’ll auction off a ride and invite those guests. We do a lot of rides for big tire dealerships or local suppliers or customers of Goodyear. And then we’ll invite folks from different media outlets or influencers. Then like with the tower guys, we take care of the people who take care of us.” 

There you go—I recommend making some airfield contacts if you live near one of the Goodyear Blimp bases, or start bidding on that charity auction! 

Many thanks to Goodyear for inviting me on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.  

This article about riding in the Goodyear Blimp over Churchill Downs is a web exclusive Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Riding in the Goodyear Blimp Over Churchill Downs  appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

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

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

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

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

— Edited Press Release

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

Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Racing Shetlands

Before Donna began race reporting, she carved out a jockey career that spanned 12 years and 1,130 wins. In the 1990s, she regularly rode for Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, piloting numerous stakes winners. Although she retired in 1998, Donna is still one of the top female jockeys of all time in purse earnings, at $18 million.

Growing up in Chester, W. Va., Donna’s first “races” were ridden bareback on Shetland ponies against her little brother Jerry and older sister Leah. The pasture where the ponies lived served as their track.

“At some point, we would end up in a race,” she recalls. “I think the ponies’ goal was to get into the woods, and the first one that could jump a log while going under a low-hanging branch and get rid of us won.”

The three Barton siblings, who would all later become jockeys, did what came naturally: ride at speed. Horse racing is part of Donna’s family’s DNA. Patti Barton, Donna’s mother, was one of the first six licensed female jockeys in the United States. Patti raced from 1969 until 1984, amassing just over 1,200 wins.

Donna is married to Frank Brothers, a retired Thoroughbred racehorse trainer who won two of the three Triple Crown races in 1991 with the colt Hansel. The couple splits their time between Louisville, Ky., and Saratoga Springs, N.Y., with their dogs Molly and Jackson.

Juggling a mic and race program in front of the cameras while galloping on a horse is no easy feat. Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Race Day Reporting

In the three months leading up to the Triple Crown or Breeders’ Cup, Donna spends six to eight hours a day on her computer.

“I’m reading articles, researching horses, and watching races,” says Donna. “[I’m] reading about those races beforehand, and reading the comments after.”

On race day, she multitasks.

“I’m riding a horse, and I’m trying to make sure that the horse and I don’t part ways,” she says. “And at the [Kentucky] Derby, there’s people on the outside fence who are banging on the fence, because they’re excited that the Derby’s running. That could spook my horse. So I’m paying attention to my horse and what my horse is paying attention to, and I’m listening to the call of the race in my ear … I’m listening to see who’s in the lead. I’m listening to see how fast they went in the first quarter [mile], how fast they went to [the] half.”

Donna Barton Brothers is instantly recognized by equestrians as she interviews winning jockeys after the biggest races in the country. Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Despite being on the track, positioned behind the starting gate, Donna can’t see the races from her saddle’s vantage point. Once the gate’s latch is sprung, she gallops behind the field. In longer races, she gallops away from the field.

“In a race like the Kentucky Derby where the distance is a mile and a quarter, that wouldn’t give me enough time to get to them,” she explains. “I’ll wait until they spring the latch, and then I take off galloping [in] the opposite direction. So I’m going around the turn that’s going to be their second turn, headed in the opposite direction. And then I’ll get to about the half-mile pole and stop and let the field run by me. And I get a glimpse of the field. Then I take off galloping again down the backstretch, so that I’m in position to interview them after the race.

“For the most part, I have no idea where the winning horse came from, unless it was in the lead the whole way,” she continues. “At first, I saw that as a liability, because I’m going to interview the winning rider, and I don’t know anything about their ride. Then I realized that unless the horse is in the lead the whole way, 90 percent of our viewers also have no idea where that horse came from. It puts me in a position to be able to say to the rider, ‘It looked like your horse didn’t get away from the gate cleanly. Can you tell me about your trip from the start of the race?’ It allows the rider to tell us about the trip.”

Donna rides past the scenic mountains at Santa Anita during the Breeders’ Cup Championships. Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Triple Crown History

In 2015, Donna covered the Belmont Stakes when American Pharoah and Victor Espinoza ended horse racing’s 37-year Triple Crown drought. When the bay colt crossed the finish line to cacophonous celebration, Donna kept her emotions in check.

The next day, she called her brother and sister and discovered they’d both watched the race from their respective homes with tears in their eyes. Donna reflected on the magnitude of the winning moment and captured the emotion of the moment by writing an essay for the New York Times entitled “Holding Back Tears After American Pharoah’s Triple Crown.”

Just three years later, Donna witnessed history again when Justify won the Triple Crown in 2018. She recalls her first impression of the chestnut colt.

“As soon as he walked out of the barn, I thought I was looking at a Greek Adonis of a horse. He was just a magnificent specimen, and I thought, ‘This horse is going to win the Kentucky Derby.’” When Justify clinched the Triple Crown title, Donna was elated for jockey Mike Smith.

“He had paid his dues, and he is a good, good person, and he’s a great rider.”

Donna’s last interview question with Smith was almost never asked. The cameras were about to switch to winning trainer Bob Baffert, but Donna insisted on one more question.

“My last question was, ‘Mike, we talked some months ago, and I asked you about how you felt about being inducted into the Hall of Fame, and you told me that you didn’t really feel like you deserved it at the time. Do you feel like you deserve it now?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I feel like I belong now.’ That was special. It was nice to see him come full circle on his accomplishments, and he had such a deep appreciation for the horse that if I hadn’t asked that question, he wouldn’t have taken a second to look back on what he had done.”

Donna and Mike Smith’s historic exchange is now part of a reel at the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

A Close Call

Coming up with insightful on-the-spot reporting is part of what has made Brothers a staple on race day. Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Donna remembers one race at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Ky., as “a little too exciting.”

“As soon as the [starting gate’s] latch was sprung, a horse dropped its rider,” she says. “So I turn up the backside, and the outrider’s standing there, and he knew full well there was a loose horse. Now I have to stay out of his way, and he’s on the outside. The BATCAM [a camera mounted to a wire that runs along the backstretch] is going to come running toward me when the field comes toward me, and Sherman, the horse I was riding, doesn’t like the BATCAM. He spooks at it every time.

“The field is running toward me on the inside fence, and the loose horse is running toward us in the middle of the racetrack,” she continues. “We had to run directly under the BATCAM, as it was headed straight for us—that was the only place I could avoid the outrider, the loose horse, and the field.”

Donna cued to the gelding that they needed to dart directly under the aerial camera. Sherman rose to the occasion, and the two ran directly under it. She continued commentating, making her job look effortless once again.

Follow Donna on Facebook @BartonBrothers or Instagram @brothers.donna.

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

The post Donna Barton Brothers: Reporting from the Finish Line appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

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

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

Click here to listen on mobile.

Nicolle Glenn, Sidesaddle Enthusiast and Clinician

Barn Banter episode 42 guest Nicolle Glenn.

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

Follow Nicolle on Instagram here.

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

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

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

Adoptable Equine of the Month, Spinner

Photo courtesy Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary

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

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

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

Learn more about Spinner here.

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

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

Photo by Gudrun Braun

What we often forget is that we humans send a wide range of signals to the horse with our body language. Body language is the interplay of posture, movement, direction of the gaze, and gestures, in combination with facial expressions. We are often not aware of these nonverbal cues and tend to give them unknowingly.

During groundwork, you must learn to use these cues deliberately. That’s the only way you’ll be able to apply your aids in a manner precise enough for the horse to understand your request and respond willingly.

You shouldn’t underestimate the fact that your moods can be easily detected by your horse. Tone of voice and body language are strongly influenced by stress, unhappiness, restlessness, anger, agitation, and fear. Naturally, these emotions can be mirrored by the horse, with obvious tension or insecurity in response to the aids, and this often results in poor performance of the task at hand.

Therefore, it’s essential that we as equestrians learn to practice self-awareness and self-reflection. When handling a horse, you must remain calm and mentally balanced, and must act controlled and level-headed, even in stressful situations.

Posture

Walk naturally and give a competent, self-assured impression that the horse is drawn to and which he follows respectfully and trustingly. Photo by Pauline von Hardenberg

◆ During groundwork, you should walk naturally upright and with light tension through your body. A deliberately straight, tense posture is as bad as a lax, sluggish one.

◆ Your head should be carried upright, with eyes forward.

◆ Your shoulders should be set parallel to the direction of travel.

◆ Most of the time, your body should be positioned at a right angle to the horse.

◆ The horse should always maintain a distance of about half an arm’s length from you.

◆ You should walk naturally, with self-confidence, and give a competent, self-assured impression that the horse is drawn to and which he follows respectfully and trustingly.

Keep your body at a right angle to your horse. Keep your head up and your shoulders square to the direction of travel, with the horse about half an arm’s length away. Photo by Pauline von Hardenberg

Movement

◆ Your movements should be smooth and uniform, not hesitant or faltering.

◆ Your pace should clearly match the rhythm of the horse’s gait.

◆ There shouldn’t be any rushing in the movement of your arms or legs.

◆ Especially while you’re walking, your arms need to be kept still; otherwise, they become driving aids.

◆ Your overall appearance to horse and observers alike should radiate self-assuredness and confidence in handling equines.

The Direction of the Gaze

◆ Your eyes should be looking ahead in the direction of travel, not at the ground.

◆ Even on bending lines or over obstacles, always look where you want to go.

◆ Try to avoid looking directly at your horse. Particularly in tense situations, this can make him feel threatened. Only in relaxed situations do horses appreciate direct eye contact.

Look ahead in the direction you want to go. Avoid looking at your horse, as this increases tension. Photo by Gudrun Braun

Gestures

◆ You should avoid unintentional movement of your arms and hands; it unsettles the horse.

◆ Your leading hand should be relaxed and slightly open. Closing it into a fist gives the horse an impression of tension.

◆ The guidance of the lead rope or the whip should always be applied in a controlled manner and slowly increase in intensity. The horse can tell which direction he’s supposed to go based on your body language. He must be able to understand the application of the aids. The aids should not suddenly startle the horse, and they should always be given with soft pressure at first.

◆ You should only apply specific cues, not create continuous noise.

◆ You should always apply touch precisely—in front of the shoulder joint, on the shoulder, on the back, or on the hindquarters, but never around the head.

◆ You should move only as much as you need to in order to act clearly and consistently, with the necessary inner calm.

The guidance of the lead rope or the whip should always be applied in a controlled manner. Photo by Gudrun Braun

Tarp & Slalom Game

Now you’re ready to try your first ground game! This sample exercise is executed at the walk.

Equipment:

◆ 5 cones

◆ 1 tarp

◆ 3 ground poles for the walk pole section

◆ 1 ground pole for the halt

◆ 11 ground poles for the U-shaped maze

◆ 30 ground pole anchors

Setup:

◆ Weaving section: cones 23 feet (7 meters) apart

◆ U-shaped maze: sides 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 meters) apart

◆ Walk poles: about 2.5 feet (0.8 meters) apart

How-to:

1. Enter at a walk, leading with the right hand on the left side of the horse.

2. Walk, tracking left, weaving through the cones on the long side.

3. Halt over the pole, and then walk off.

4. Proceed through the U-shaped maze of poles.

5. Change direction across the long diagonal, and then lead the horse over the walk poles.

6. Walk across the tarp.

7. Halt and end the exercise

This excerpt from Ground Games for Horses by Waltraud Böhmke is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books and originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Ground Equitation for Equestrians appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to your home away from home to relax, enjoy a trail ride or lesson, and soak up life on a one-of-a-kind farm. It doesn’t hurt that it’s lavishly and whimsically designed with equestrians in mind.

Photo by L.A. Berry

Your Host, Cari Swanson

The wind beneath the wings at Windrock Farm is Cari Swanson.

A U.S. Dressage Federation silver medalist and graduate of its “L” education program, Swanson applies her experience as an international-level dressage and national-level eventing competitor, trainer, and instructor to the entertainment industry. She’s put good seats and hands on inexperienced actors like Farrell, Beyoncé, Russell Brand, Russell Crowe, Hillary Duff, Jonathan Groff, Ethan Hawke, Salma Hayek, and Tim McGraw, all while training horses to perform complicated stunts and action scenes. Hollywood horses must hit their mark with the acuity of a Spencer Tracy.

Cari Swanson on the horse that inspired a mission: Red, the namesake of Red Horse Rescue. Photo by Swanson Productions

“Cari gets the shot every time,” said Academy Award-winning director Ang Lee about working with her on Taking Woodstock. “Her horses hit their mark for each take, even when the human actors do not.”

“Cari trained me for The Magnificent Seven,” said actor Haley Bennett. “I started out fearing [horses], and learned not just how to ride, but ride with gracefulness and integrity. She treated horses as equals. I found that a rare and dignified trait.”

Swanson-trained horses have contributed to the production of films Arthur (2011), H. (2014), and Echo Valley (2024); the video game Red Dead Redemption II (2018); miniseries Orange is the New Black, The Knick, The Plot Against America, and White House Plumbers; and commercials for E*Trade, the New York Knicks, New York Lotto, and Ralph Lauren.

“The horse’s wellbeing and joyful attitude are the most important criteria for training,” says Swanson, whose own story of finding Listo, owned by Ashley Waller, reads like a script. She had flown across the country to see an Andalusian for sale, only for his owner to warn her that the stallion was “too dangerous” to purchase.

“I’ll take him,” she said.

Fast-forward to the fall 2016 Unbridled Spirit campaign, projected from the windows of Ralph Lauren’s flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York City, where the “dangerous” Listo is seen at liberty in a slow-motion video sequence across eight windows, connected by an invisible thread to Swanson’s every ask.

“I was proud of that one,” she says. “The stage was maybe three strides. It was super hard because he had to run, rear, and jump a 1-foot pole, but we had to make it look like 5 feet!”

Windrock Farm

You don’t enter just a house at Windrock; you enter another world. It’s one of trompe-l’oeil countryside and celestial landscapes; of chandeliers, oriental rugs, and visits from four-legged friends.

Two beds and a balcony view can’t be beat as you overlook the horse pastures. Photo by L.A. Berry

“Can you trust your horse to come in the house and behave?” asks Swanson, who trains horses to go through doorways and into rooms to build confidence. “It’s vital to working with a horse on set, where there are distractions and strange footing.”

As you follow the incense through the foyer toward the staircase to your room, don’t forget to look up to appreciate an artful cosmos—and winged white stallion, an homage to Listo—painted overhead.

Each room offers a pastoral view (nothing like going to sleep to the northern lights or waking up to a horse grazing below), private bath, and ample closet space, including an extra riding helmet and boots in case you forget yours.

Windrock Farm’s carousel horse promises a magical ride at this Amenia, N.Y., Airbnb. Photo by L.A. Berry

Red Horse Rescue & Movie Nights

Ever wonder what it’s like to train horses for the movies or teach actors to ride? To benefit Red Horse Rescue and horses finding haven there, Windrock Farm regularly hosts cozy screenings for up to two dozen guests of Winter’s Tale. These include a visit from Listo before the curtain goes up, après film stories about the production, and a lively dinner by firelight.

You don’t just enter a house at Windrock: You enter another world. Photo by L.A. Berry

“The rescue has placed dozens of horses and continues to follow their careers, with a clause written in that a horse can be returned at any time,” says Swanson. “There can be six to 10 rescues at the farm [at any given time] being retrained so they can find a special human to love them in a new career.”

To help them—like you—feel at home.

To book or learn more about Windrock Farm and services offered by Swanson, visit cariswanson.com or Instagram @cariswanson17. Help horses get a second prance at redhorserescue.org.

This article about Windrock Farm appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Windrock Farm: Hollywood Horsedom’s B&B appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“Horses are in my life because I don’t think I could be without them,” she says.

Her mom brought her into riding at a young age, and soon she was a working student so that she could pay for lessons and horse shows. That hustle has come in handy while juggling a 14-year career in automotive advertising, a full clothing line, two small children, and the very active Instagram account that started it all.

Taryn Young says her success wouldn’t be possible without the support of her family. Photo by Stacy Tierman Photography

Beginnings

Young’s Instagram, @warmbloodsandwine, came about when she went to social media to share her equestrian journey after she started leasing her current show horse, Rayne, whom she would later purchase.

“My friends and family who weren’t into horses would never understand what I was talking about,” she recalls. “But the working woman equestrian [journey] was so relatable to so many people and gained traction.”

It certainly has, as the account has over 21,000 followers, and has led to many other opportunities. Young has done takeovers of social media pages for US Equestrian, USEF Network, USA Dressage, and PS of Sweden, to name a few. She credits the power of networking, and then taking the leap.

“It was all about me approaching and asking,” she says.

Breeches, Belts, & More

Her social media persona is also what led to her getting a foothold in the equestrian fashion space with her company, Novella Equestrian. After testing lots of different clothing items designed for riders, both through paid collaborations and her own personal purchases, Young kept finding herself imagining minor tweaks that would improve the pieces.

“Novella felt like a natural progression,” she says.

Young started her Novella Equestrian clothing company after testing much of what was already out on the market. Photo by Taylor Pence

The networking her social media presence allows has continued to be beneficial to the brand, as it makes finding models relatively easy with so many equestrian women at her fingertips.

“There are top riders I’ve been able to work with, which has resulted in some ‘pinch me’ moments, like when [2016 Olympic team dressage bronze medalist] Kasey Perry-Glass followed me,” says Young. “I just approached her and said, ‘I have a red, white, and blue shirt, would you be interested?’” (If you’re curious, Perry-Glass can be found on shopnovella.com sporting the “Team” shirt.)

Even though Young has had these opportunities, she doesn’t take them lightly.

“It’s very important to take your time with something like this because it’s your own idea,” she says. “You must have a vision and drive for it. You have to start out on the right foot and make the best lasting impression. People will give you a chance, but if that product isn’t up to their standards, they aren’t going to [buy again].”

Babies!

Novella was started soon after Covid hit, when Taryn found herself at home more due to working remotely and not needing to travel out of town to advertising meetings for her day job.

It also opened up the window to a new possibility: starting a family. She has since been blessed with two bundles of joy: her son Dunham and her daughter Parker. Young made sure to hammer home the point that she would not be able to accomplish all that she does without the assistance of those around her, which allows her to go out and attack her dreams full force.

“I have the most supportive and amazing family and husband,” she says. “They challenge me to go out and live my dreams, which has allowed me to get to where I am today.”

Barn Girl

After hearing about her full-time advertising job, being at the helm of a new fashion company, having two small children at home, and actively posting daily, you would think Young doesn’t get much saddle time—but you’d be wrong. She has carved out the time to pilot Rayne through eight show seasons, riding from Training Level to Grand Prix in dressage.

“He has the best brain, not the best movement, but his heart is so big,” says Young. “I think it says everything when you see a horse and a rider go from Training to Grand Prix because you know it’s the partnership that got them there.”

Young has piloted Rayne through eight show seasons, bringing him from Training Level dressage through Grand Prix. Photo by Fire & Earth Photo

Getting Resourceful

You may be wondering how Young balances it all.

“I like to be busy,” she says. “It doesn’t scare me when another thing is added to my plate, because I somehow just figure out how to be resourceful. I think horse girls are the most resourceful people I’ve ever known, because many people don’t have this demanding of a hobby. We’re taking care of a living thing, working, competing, juggling families, et cetera. But if it’s important to you, you figure it out.”

This article about Taryn Young appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Meet Taryn Young of Warmbloods + Wine and Novella Equestrian appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

You might be thinking, “Strength training can have that much impact on my riding?”

Yes! Incorporating exercises that maintain and build strength, improve mobility, and enhance stability can counteract the march of time. Riding is one of the few sports that you can do forever, allowing you to continue enjoying your passion with confidence, safety and vitality.

Bent-over dumbbell rows help improve strength and endurance in the saddle, as Ifa Simmonds and the model demonstrate. Photo by Jamie Isaacs Photography

Age-Related Muscle Decline

If you’re over 50, the natural decline in muscle strength is roughly 1.5 to 3 percent annually. This decline affects stability, suppleness, strength, and stamina around the barn, as well as in the saddle. Strength training, such as bodyweight movements and especially weightlifting, plays a vital role in mitigating this muscle loss. This training stimulates muscle protein synthesis, which helps you enhance muscle growth and maintenance.

For riders, muscle loss leads to reduced balance, slower reaction times, and greater difficulty maintaining good posture in the saddle. Strength training helps to maintain core strength and stability, both essential for staying balanced during transitions, turns, and unexpected movements from the horse.

Routine strength training has not only helped my clients preserve muscle health, but also promotes a higher quality of life and longevity in the saddle.

Bodyweight exercises like squats are ideal for building foundational strength and require no equipment. Photo by Jamie Isaacs Photography

Performance & Injury Risk

Riding places unique physical demands on your body. Core strength, leg endurance, and back stability are critical to maintaining proper alignment and posture while communicating effectively with your horse. When you’re weak in these areas, it leads to compensatory patterns, increasing the risk of overuse injuries and discomfort.

Stronger muscles help to reduce the strain on joints, tendons, and ligaments during rides. This is particularly important for mature riders, who may experience joint discomfort or back pain. Strengthening the lower body also improves your ability to absorb the horse’s movements without compromising balance, especially during activities like posting or sitting deeper in the canter.

Strength training can also improve grip strength, essential for holding reins and giving precise control without excessive tension. Combined with flexibility training, strength work enhances overall coordination, helping you feel more secure and harmonious with your horse.

Exercises like the marching press help develop the endurance, coordination, and stability used in the saddle. Photo by Jamie Isaacs Photography

Flexibility & Balance

Stability and suppleness are foundational to effective riding. Tight muscles with a limited range of motion negatively impact the horse’s way of going, often leading to stiffness or a lack of fluidity in the horse’s stride. Flexibility is just like the other things—if you don’t continue to practice it, you’re liable to lose it. Incorporating exercises like dynamic stretching, Pilates, or yoga can improve your suppleness and overall comfort while riding.

The center of gravity in an older rider is slightly different than in younger riders. To be centered and properly positioned in the saddle, it’s important to practice joint stability and balance exercises.

Simple exercises like standing on a balance pad, single-leg stands, balance pod balance, and stability ball exercises can improve proprioception (your awareness of body position). These exercises enhance reflexes, which are essential for quick adjustments in challenging situations like spooks or sharp turns.

Single-leg stands on a balance pad or balance pods increase proprioception and enhance reflexes, great for riding a spook or sharp turn. Photo by Jamie Isaacs Photography

Hormonal & Recovery Benefits of Strength Training

As riders age, the natural production of hormones like estrogen, testosterone and human growth hormone declines, which typically means greater loss of muscle mass and slower recovery times. Strength training stimulates the release of these hormones, promoting muscle repair, bone density, and overall vitality. This is especially important for equestrians who want to maintain their riding fitness over the long term.

Older riders may notice recovery from rides or training sessions takes longer than it used to. Training improves both physical resilience and enhances recovery rates, allowing you to get back in the saddle quicker with less soreness.

Recommended Strength Training Exercises

1. Bodyweight

Simple yet effective, bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups strengthen key muscles used in riding. These exercises are ideal for building foundational strength and require no equipment, making them accessible to everyone.

2. Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are an excellent tool that don’t place undue stress on your joints. You can do the same dumbbell exercises with bands instead. 

3. Dumbbells

Light dumbbells or kettlebells can gradually build strength in the upper body, particularly in the arms and shoulders. Exercises like overhead presses and bent-over rows help develop the endurance needed for rein control and proper riding posture.

4. Stability Exercises

Incorporating dynamic balance-focused exercises, such as the marching press, enhances coordination and stability.

5. Low-Impact Cardio

Adding low-impact cardio like swimming, walking, or cycling complements your strength training by maintaining cardiovascular fitness without over-stressing joints.

Taking It Slow

For anyone just getting started, it’s important to ease into strength training. Starting with light resistance and focusing on proper form minimizes the risk of injury. Gradually increasing the intensity by adding more reps, resistance, or weight gives your body time to adapt and grow stronger over time.

Listening to your body is equally important. If an exercise feels uncomfortable or causes pain, adjust the movement or reach out for help. Recovery is also key—allow ample time for rest between training sessions, especially after a tough or long ride.

Strength training will not only enhance your physical performance, but your mental confidence as well, allowing you to feel more in control and capable both on and off the horse. Investing in your health and fitness is an investment in your riding journey.

Find more fitness tips at ifafit.com.

This article about strength training for senior equestrians appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Strength Training for Senior Equestrians appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.