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.

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 45, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise banter about Susan’s new children’s book, Swirl: My Wild Island Pony, as well as Holly’s encounter with the mules of Santorini, Greece.

Next, they chat with Kendy Allen, friend of the late Marguerite Henry, just in time for the annual Pony Swim. Kendy is a Chincoteague Pony breeder who lives near the island and founded the world’s only Chincoteague Pony Drill Team.

Last up, Holly chats with Bonnie McRae, director of After the Races in Maryland, about DrinkWithTheStars (“Cosmo”), a gorgeous 7-year-old bay Thoroughbred gelding who is a chill dude ready to take on any light career under saddle.

Don’t miss your chance to enter Horse Illustrated & Unicorn Trails’ giveaway for the riding trip of a lifetime at Yellowstone Ranch!

Click here to listen on mobile.

Kendy Allen, Founder of Chincoteague Pony Drill Team

Barn Banter episode 45 guest Kendy Allen with Misty’s Black Mist, great-granddaughter of Misty.

When she isn’t living her dream on the farm, Kendy Allen has been writing and telling her stories all her life. She has owned, trained, shown, and worked with Chincoteague Ponies for more than 30 years and loves them all for the very special ponies they are. She lives about half an hour from Chincoteague on a 100-acre farm with Chincoteague Ponies of all ages.

◆ Follow the Chincoteague Drill Team Facebook page

Adoptable Horse of the Month, DrinkWithTheStars (“Cosmo”)

Photo courtesy After the Races

DrinkWithTheStars is a coming 7-year-old, 16.1 hand, bay gelding that came to After the Races in partnership with Aftercare Charles Town. “Cosmo” raced 21 times and after racing, traveled down to the James River Horse Foundation where he spent a year in the care of Virginia DOC inmates.

While he has some changes in the upper joint of his knees, Cosmo has great range of motion, is very sound (even barefoot!). After the Races’ vet thought he’d do very well in any non-jumping career.

Cosmo has been lightly restarted at After the Races. He has an easy way of going and has been doing walk, trot, and some canter with (and has a lovely canter for a green OTTB). In addition to doing some ground poles, they’ve also taken him on his first trail ride at Fair Hill where he bravely crossed water and bopped around happy as a clam. They believe he’d do great in a pleasure home, low-level dressage home, and has the potential to make a great partner for trail riding.

Learn more about Cosmo here.

In addition to Barn Banter episode 45, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts here.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 45 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Equestrians With Disabilities

When therapeutic riding centers wanted to find a way to recognize and celebrate their riders outside of their own arenas, they started looking for horse shows so their riders could experience the thrill of taking home a ribbon and their name called over the speakers.

In the early 2000s, the head of one such center approached the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) with a need for a national platform and standardized rules for equestrian competition for riders with physical or cognitive disabilities. It didn’t take long for the NSBA to organize a task force of equine professionals, judges, and therapeutic riding professionals to develop rules and standards for these classes. With that, Equestrians With Disabilities (EWD) was born.

“(The NSBA) began to promote the classes and encourage shows to include these classes in their showbills,” says Elise Sheard with the NSBA Foundation. The NSBA World Championship Show first hosted EWD classes in 2009.

EWD classes have grown tremendously since debuting in 2009, and are now held at major shows across the country. Photo courtesy Shane Rux

Since then, there has been tremendous growth in EWD, with classes held at horse shows across the country. Many major shows now host classes, including The All American Quarter Horse Congress, Palomino World Show, Appaloosa National and World Championship Show, and the Dixie Nationals.

“There has also been significant growth on a more local level beyond the above major circuits,” says Sheard. “State Quarter Horse affiliates such as Illinois, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and many more regularly offer EWD classes at all of their shows. Any NSBA show can add EWD classes to their show approval.”

There are two divisions for EWD classes: Independent and Supported. The Supported division allows for a person at the head of the horse to lead and one or two individuals walking alongside the rider. There are specific rules regarding the roles of handlers, leaders and sidewalkers for the Supported division. Horses used in the EWD classes do not have to be owned by the exhibitor or their immediate family, and any breed of horse may be shown.

The EWD Supported division allows for a person at the head of the horse to lead and one or two individuals walking alongside the rider. Photo courtesy Shane Rux

EWD: Who Can Compete?

According to the NSBA’s Rulebook for Equestrians with Disabilities:

“In order to participate an exhibitor must have a physical and/or cognitive medically diagnosed condition that causes a permanent impairment that can be measured objectively. Examples of conditions, diseases or disorders that may lead to permanent impairment are: paresis, amputation (partial to full joint), ankylosis, upper motor neuron lesions, vision impairment, and intellectual disability. Eligible conditions include: amputation, arthrogryposis, Asperger syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, Batten disease, cerebrovascular accident (stroke), cerebellar ataxia, cerebral palsy, Coffin-Lowry syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, dwarfism, fragile X syndrome, Friedreich’s ataxia, Guillain-Barre syndrome, hearing impairment, Hunter syndrome, microcephaly, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Prader-Willi syndrome, Rett syndrome, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, trisomy disorders and visual impairment. Additional diagnosis will be considered upon request.”

In order to compete in EWD classes, exhibitors must submit an official diagnosis form, a membership form to the corresponding national organization, an acceptable adaptive equipment form, and a riding ability form. The last two are completed and signed by a certified instructor or coach with PATH International, the Special Olympics, U.S. Para-Equestrian, Certified Horsemanship Association, or a certified instructor who is also in good standing with the host organization.

Classes available for EWD include showmanship, hunt seat equitation on the flat, hunter under saddle, trail, western horsemanship, and western pleasure.

Classes available for EWD include showmanship, hunt seat equitation on the flat, hunter under saddle, trail, western horsemanship, and western pleasure. Photo courtesy Shane Rux

Para-Reining

When Para-Reining was first held as a class at a National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) event, it was first called “adaptive reining.” NRHA Professional Jennifer Hoyt has been at the helm of the division since its debut in 2014.

“I had a young man that started to ride with me that had some disabilities,” explains Hoyt. “I was so impressed with how well our horses were broke to handle any rider.”

The intrigue of the brokeness of the reiner inspired Hoyt to see how well her horses handled riders with disabilities.

“It’s not that horses of other breeds or disciplines aren’t broke, but there’s just a way that reiners are settled and calm that makes them easier to ride, in general,” she says. “I knew NRHA needed to have a place for people with disabilities and to be all-inclusive.”

The difference between Para-Reining and EWD is that Para-Reiners must ride independently.

“With Equestrians With Disabilities, you may have individuals that need to be led or have support,” explains Hoyt. “When we created Para-Reining, we were adamant that this was an independently ridden event and the riders must be able to control the horse by themselves.”

The disabilities for riders in Para-Reining are more physical—riders might be missing a lower limb, or suffer some paralysis or another physical ailment such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, et cetera. Rider Holly Jacobson, for example, was injured in a car fire when she was 23.

“My right arm was amputated above the elbow, and I lost all of the fingers on my left hand,” she says. “I had several burns that required years of reconstructive surgery.”

The EWD Supported division allows for a person at the head of the horse to lead and one or two individuals walking alongside the rider. Photo courtesy Shane Rux

Jacobson grew up riding horses and became involved in Para-Dressage after her accident before she discovered Para-Reining.

“When Para-Reining started, I migrated with a bunch of other dressage riders to help promote the sport, and several of us got hooked,” she says.

As with all reining, patterns for Para-Reiners are dictated in the NRHA Handbook, and they can be adjusted for specified grades of riders. However, like all reining patterns, there are some required maneuvers for Para-Reining. These include at least one sliding stop, one circle in each direction, a minimum of two spins to the left and two spins to the right.

Like all reining patterns, there are some required maneuvers for Para-Reining, such as at least one sliding stop. Photo courtesy NRHA

Riders don’t need to own their horse, but the horse does have to have a competition license through the NRHA.

Riders can use the following provisions when competing:

◆ Specialty braces and/or belts

◆ Audio communication equipment

◆ Trainer/handler present in the arena

◆ Boot adaptations

◆ Rein hand holds

◆ Rubber bands

◆ Saddle blocks

◆ Wedges and/or cushions

◆ Safety stirrups

◆ Seat savers

◆ Whips

Para-Reining competitors must ride independently, but provisions such as rubber bands, safety stirrups, and more are permitted. Photo by Waltenberry

The growth of Para-Reining has been organic, thanks to the passion of the exhibitors and professionals such as Hoyt. Any NRHA show can add the classes to their show bill if there is a request, but Hoyt has seen some hesitation between show managers and trainers due to concerns for safety for the rider.

“Trainers tend to be afraid if a rider with a disability asks about lessons,” she says. “They can ask the rider what their disability is; people with disabilities aren’t afraid to tell you. You just have to find them the right horse, or adapt to how a horse is trained, or any other necessity for that rider to be successful. But our horses are fully capable of being a suitable mount for Para-Reiners.”

Jacobson agrees.

“My talented, kind horse, Shiney Juice, is my heart horse,” she says. “He’s carried me to two Para-National Reserve Championships and the Dechra Championship title in 2021.”

A Horse for Everyone

Both programs are helping open the world of horses and competition to a larger audience. Approximately 22 million adults ages 18 to 64 have a disability (according to Humanity & Inclusion), giving both EWD and Para-Reining important roles among this special sector of American horse enthusiasts.

“Equestrians With Disabilities is awesome, Para-Reining is awesome,” says Hoyt. “They’re both great offerings for people to become involved. They just need to have someone take a chance with them.”

Jacobson sees it as a huge win.

“Anytime a sport opens up to disabled athletes, [it shows] how people adapt using some modifications to live a fully engaged life and what’s possible,” she says. “The horse is the ultimate equalizer between men and women, able-bodied and para.”

The post Para-Reining and Equestrians With Disabilities: A Ride for Everyone appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

A crowd lines the hillsides overlooking Georgia International Horse Park’s Grand Prix Arena. It’s a steamy evening on July 5th, 2024, at the Georgia Quarter Horse Association’s Big A/Stars & Stripes Circuit, and feet, some clad in flip-flops and others still sporting boots with spurs that sing with every kick, dangle from the arena wall. A diverse sea of faces look out excitedly over the hallowed sand where Olympic dreams were made during the 1996 summer games in Atlanta.

A hush falls over the crowd, and both cowboy hats and caps proudly displaying military branches of service are placed over hearts as a cowboy on a striking palomino enters the stadium. He carries an American flag, familiar colors dancing proudly in the evening light as the golden horse’s gait quickens with the building climax of Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag,” poignant words shimmering across the summer breeze.

There’s an almost electric feeling of pride blanketing the stadium when the cowboy stops to present the colors. It’s a fitting opening for one sector of the horse industry’s tribute to the men and women of our armed forces: the Heroes Horsemanship Challenge (HHC).

The event opened with a cowboy carrying the American flag to Johnny Cash’s song “Ragged Old Flag” aboard an eye-catching palomino. Photo by Cody Parmenter Photography

How It Started

Inspired by the Heroes on Horseback Challenge held at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, North Carolina horse trainer Jake Hartman and his wife Ali were drawn to the idea of creating a similar event to honor our country’s service members. Former Army Ranger Ryan Bandy’s magnetic personality while offering encouragement to his fellow competitors at the Congress Challenge led Jake and Ali to conversation with Brandy and his wife, Kaylee, who has served almost 20 years in the Army herself.

Together, the couples decided to create a similar event that would level the playing field. Instead of running it as a pleasure class (where the horses are being judged), they chose to score participants on a horsemanship pattern.

This put the focus on the performance of the riders rather than relying solely on the quality of the horse, allowing more riders to be able to compete with a smaller number of horses needed to accommodate them. The first competition was held in 2022, and annually since then.

Camaraderie & Competition

The Heroes Horsemanship Challenge is a team event open to both past and current members of the armed forces and their family members. Riders of all skill levels are encouraged to participate, with an attempt being made to evenly weight the combined experience level of each team.

When competition day arrives, each team is paired with a professional horse trainer, and they begin their preparation with a group clinic to go over the basics of the horsemanship class and the pattern they will be riding.

Each team is made up of past and current armed service members and their families, then paired with a professional horse trainer. Teams are evenly weighted by riding experience. Photo by Heather Glazer

From there, it’s time for the teams and their trainers to get down to business. The remainder of the afternoon leading up to showtime is spent meeting their mounts and learning how to translate the dots and dashes on their pattern sheet into a display of communication with their equine partners.

Though the spirit of competition is decidedly in the air, the opportunity for fellowship HHC provides for service members and their families is profoundly valuable. The military lifestyle comes with its own unique challenges, and the events surrounding competition day provide a venue for a wider portion of that community to come together. This can be especially beneficial for those who are no longer active duty.

“Events like HHC are so important because they provide validation,” says Army Lieutenant Colonel Kaylee Bandy. “Too often, our veterans feel stripped of their identity when they transition out of the military, and this same sense of loss affects their families as well. Military service provides deep personal connections and mutual understanding through experience. Much of that can feel lost to an entire family when a Warfighter transitions out of uniform—and the emotional, psychological, and physical effects can feel isolating and overwhelming. Programs like HHC are so much more than a head nod to our Warfighters. They’re platforms for genuine connection, shared experience, and public celebration of those who volunteer to keep our nation safe.”

Family members of veterans and active service members are invited to participate as well. Photo by Heather Glazer

Joe Conwell, a 2024 HHC competitor who spent 28 years in the Army National Guard, agrees.

“It’s a day out with people going through (or having gone through) similar situations in life, and a chance to have discussions, cheer each other on, and see the smiles on each other’s faces,” he says. “The camaraderie, competition, and support touch so many different aspects of what everybody’s going through and gives them a positive push to keep moving forward.”

Healing Through Horses

Although there are many programs geared toward honoring and strengthening the mental and physical wellbeing of our active duty military members and veterans, there’s something special about those like HHC that harness the therapeutic power of riding and interacting with horses.

“Horses hold no judgment, no preconceived notion,” says Bandy. “They don’t know their rider’s history of trauma, failures, guilt, anxiety, or fears. The relationship between our participants and their horses is unflawed and genuine.” 

Multi-year HHC competitor and 25-year retired Chief Navy Diver Michael Suzuki had very little experience with horses when he was introduced to the event by his niece. Though he was nervous during the first ride, Suzuki quickly learned that working through the pattern with his equine partner was a welcome escape. 

“When I ride, I’m not thinking about anything else, just me and that horse,” he says. “I’m still new at it, so it takes my full concentration—but that’s a good thing. It’s a stress, but a good stress.”

Retired Chief Navy Diver Michael Suzuki had very little experience with horses when he was introduced to the event by his niece. Photo by Cody Parmenter Photography

That mental focus is especially important for service men and women who have spent time on the frontlines.

“Someone who’s been in the combat zone basically remembers things from it almost 24 hours a day,” says Conwell. “When you’re multitasking and concentrating on getting a horse through the pattern, it puts that external input from your past to the side. It releases your brain for the amount of time you’re communicating with the horse.”

Teamwork is the foundation of many duties and operations within each branch of the military, so participants also find they’re able to apply the principles they use to tackle work-related tasks to something that feels much lighter.

“You’re doing the same process of working together to come up with an outcome, but it has absolutely nothing to do with military green suits, guns, and all of that,” says Conwell. “It relieves you of the military output, but you’re still doing the same things you’re trained to do.”

Completing their pattern in front of the cheering crowd also instills a sense of pride, accomplishment, and confidence in participants.

“Getting out there and doing their best on a regional stage, surrounded by seasoned professionals and industry champions, infuses our riders with confidence and satisfaction,” says Bandy. “They dismount holding their head a little higher and standing a little taller. They prove to themselves that they can do hard things, and that they’re worthy and deserving of joy and hope after hardship.”

Assembling the Ranks

Many members of the equine industry come together to make the Heroes Horsemanship Challenge happen, including professional trainers, the owners of the horses used in competition, and the Georgia Quarter Horse Association.

Various sponsors also graciously give monetarily or donate auction items to help cover the cost of a dinner for those in attendance, Harris jackets for every participant, and prizes such as belt buckles for the winners. Remaining proceeds from the event are given directly to Folds of Honor, an organization that provides scholarships to families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders.

Members of the winning team are presented with a prize. Photo by Heather Glazer

For the trainers who coach each team, the experience has proven to be both humbling and rewarding.

“All of the trainers have a good time,” says professional horseman Carey Ready, whose team won the 2024 HHC. “It was a time to let down in the middle of a busy show—a fun thing. So it’s good for us too. It really helps us keep perspective in life, not just the horse industry.”

Trainer Carey Ready coached the winning team in 2024. Photo by Heather Glazer

“It’s really humbling for us,” adds trainer Duke Williams. “This is something I would do every time I possibly could because it makes us feel a little better too. That we did something, gave something. At the end of the day, it’s still not enough.”

The positive aspects of events like HHC aren’t limited to what the participants glean from taking part. As service members and their families gather each year, the horse industry inevitably adds new faces to its ranks. Several trainers recalled team members becoming new horse owners after their experience with HHC, and most participants feel they’ve found a new community to be a part of.

“After I participated, it changed my whole perspective,” says Suzuki. “It made me more interested in the horse industry and learning more about it. Now when I hear ‘horses,’ I talk too.”

2024 competitor Joe Conwell (in red) presented event coordinator Jake Hartman with a flag flown while he was serving in Kuwait. Photo by Heather Glazer

In future, the HHC team hopes to add an additional event at a different show and venue so they can honor even more individuals and their families who have made sacrifices to protect and serve our country.

“As veterans and members of the horse industry, it’s a privilege to be able to pair our patriotism with our passion while serving our brothers and sisters,” says Bandy. “They’re the protectors of our peace and represent less than 1 percent of the American population. It’s not lost on the HHC team that the sovereignty of the United States was mostly won on horseback. This is truly a ‘thank you’ to both horse and rider.”

Visit heroeshorsemanshipchallenge.com for more information about the Heroes Horsemanship Challenge, how to become a participant, and sponsorship opportunities.

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

The post The Heroes Horsemanship Challenge appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo by Christiane Slawik

In-Person Benefits

Chandler, whose experience with off-site instruction comes from virtual, video camera-based lessons, says that one benefit of continuing in-person instruction is that you have a real person standing there who can see more than you can see on a camera. As evidence, Chandler points to an issue with virtual lessons that a former client experienced.

“The instructor was missing some things because she could not see the whole picture all the time,” she says. “She could just see what the camera was focused on. The feedback from that was very limited.”

According to Chandler, safety is another drawback. “What if someone falls off their horse and the only other person present is a virtual riding instructor?”

She adds that the experienced eyes of a riding instructor, because they know the horse well, may also be able to detect a slight lameness that an inexperienced rider is not yet able to feel.

Finally, some riding instructors offer valuable insight into more than just riding technique, which Chandler feels may be lacking when taking lessons via an app. Helpful tips, such as changing to a different bit or advising clients to have their saddle fit checked, are just two examples of such feedback that you might get from an instructor versus an app.

Valuable feedback, such as checking saddle fit or changing bits, are an important part of in-person instruction. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Ridely App

But riding apps come with their own set of benefits. Ridely is one of today’s popular riding and education-based apps that seeks to fill the gap between riding lessons, or, in the absence of a regular instructor, provide riders with an opportunity to level up their riding skills from home.

“Ridely is a video-based educational platform app that can be accessed through the app or on your browser,” says Ridely’s U.S. Country Manager, Nicole Graf.

“It’s not master classes,” she says. “With our bite-sized content, you can learn a lot more in a smaller amount of time. Ridely’s approach helps riders learn easily—it’s a mobile-friendly educational app that fits seamlessly into your day.”

Graf says that no matter where you are, you can easily learn in short, two- to 10-minute videos that are designed to be quick and practical, meaning that you don’t need to spend hours in front of a computer to get valuable insights. She adds that the idea is that you can get specific information by watching a section on shoulder-in or on whatever it is you need.

“We’ve got dressage, jumping, hunter/jumper with some equitation, western, western dressage, and eventing,” says Graf. “We also have groundwork, horsemanship in-hand work, horse bodywork, sports psychology, and rider fitness.”

She adds that Ridely now has over 500 videos, which are all self-made by Ridely, and they are continually adding more content. To provide this amount of content, the app has partnered with 10 Olympians and 65+ trainers so far, including such experts as Carl Hester, Henrik von Eckermann, Lillie Keenan, Stacie Madden, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Lendon Gray, William Fox Pitt, Andrew Hoy, and more.

Ridely has partnered with 65+ trainers, including 10 Olympians, to create its video content. Photo courtesy Ridely

Despite their vast offerings, Graf does not feel that riding apps will replace in-person lessons.

“We feel that we complement [your] trainer’s lessons,” she says. “We are not a substitute. But for those people who don’t have access to a trainer, don’t live near one, or can’t afford to take weekly lessons, we can educate people like a trainer.”

Graf says that within the Ridely app, there is also an AI coach. The AI coach helps riders put together a lesson based on what they want to work on. A digital calendar in the app allows riders to track what they do with their horse every day, along with uploading photos, videos, and comments; a beneficial feature that allows riders and trainers alike to track progress.

This information can also be shared with anyone you wish who may be involved with your horse. Trainers can also use the app to assign videos and more as homework between lessons and track their student’s progress.

To address the need for feedback, there is a feature within the app called community groups.

“We have community groups of people with general topics,” says Graf. She says that you can create a private group that could include just you and your trainer, or you and people from your barn, where you can share feedback.

Ride iQ App

While taking a slightly different approach than Ridely, Ride iQ is another popular riding app seeking to fill the gap between in-person and technology-based riding lessons.

“At its core, Ride iQ is listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world’s best coaches,” says Ride iQ Co-Founder Kinsey Lux. “The reason behind building Ride iQ was to give riders all over the world access to quality education and quality coaching during their independent schooling rides. An important clarification that we always make is that Ride iQ is not meant to replace in-person coaching. It is meant to support you when you are riding alone.”

Ride iQ was founded by sisters Kinsey and Jessa Lux. Photo by courtesy Ride iQ

Even as their current offerings continue to grow, Ride iQ has over 500 audio lessons and hundreds of exclusive podcasts through partnerships with 26 coaches, including six Olympians, across the disciplines of eventing, dressage, and hunter/jumper. They also offer rider fitness lessons, sports psychology, conditioning, natural horsemanship, and more. (Rider fitness lessons are video rather than strictly audio-based.)

Like Ridely, students often find their in-person instructors assigning lessons from the app as homework.

“Coaches love it because the riders are making progress,” says Lux. “They are showing up to their lessons more prepared.”

For riders that have little or no access to regular instruction, Lux says that the app can also help riders continue to improve between clinics or even be used independently.

“We also have a number of coaches who are members,” she says. “They use Ride iQ not only when they are riding their horses and training client horses, but also to inspire their training. It gives them a different vocabulary and different ways of teaching concepts.”

Lux explains that some of the podcasts available within the app are particularly complementary of the riding lessons. One of these podcasts is Riders Unscripted.

“It’s all adult amateurs,” she says. “You don’t know who the adult amateur is, but these are one-on-one sessions with sports psychology coach Natalie Hummel. You get to hear [the adult amateur’s] full, raw story, and it’s really powerful.”

Ride iQ also hosts weekly question-and-answer sessions with experts in the equine community.

“When you’re trailering out to a competition for the first time, we want to be there so you can go into the Ride iQ app and search for trailering,” says Lux. “You have a whole wealth of options of things to learn, safety tips, and more. We’re trying to support every level of rider and every aspect of the journey.”

Currently, the app is adding e-book content and launching a beta for a coach’s program within the app.

How to Try a Riding App

Training via app can be a great supplement between in-person lessons. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Both apps offer affordable subscription fees, access to coaches that you may not otherwise be able to schedule a lesson with, and—should you seek to change up your daily routine—easy access to experiment with a new discipline.

The trial periods offered by both apps can help you decide which one is the best fit for you.

Chandler says that despite the growing popularity and appeal of riding apps, she has seen no decrease in the number of in-person riding lessons being scheduled at Heatherfield Horse Park.

“My phone rings a lot,” she says. “The area where we live is growing and there is still a demand for them.”

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

The post Are Riding Apps the Future? appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Others believe these are rare instances of misuse, and that most horse owners are doing what’s best without the need for regulations or laws.

Flash Nosebands

Flash nosebands have a second attachment coming off the center of the cavesson or regular noseband that circles around the lower part of the horse’s face in front of the bit and around the mouth. The purpose is to keep the horse from opening his mouth—gaping—and possibly getting his tongue over the bit. Proponents say it encourages the horse to chew on the bit and stabilizes the bit in the horse’s mouth while not allowing the horse to evade it, thus giving more control.

Due to questions raised about overtight nosebands at the recent Paris Olympics and other events, The FEI has introduced a measurement tool to ensure all nosebands, not just flashes, are not overtightened at competitions.

“Currently, there is not a rule change proposal banning flash nosebands, but the FEI has introduced a measurement tool to ensure the appropriate tightness of the noseband at competitions,” says Danielle Henson, sport communications manager for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

The FEI started checking noseband tightness with a measuring device May 1, 2025. Photo by Shawn Hamilton/CLiX/Adobe Stock

“We are not aware of discussions regarding flash straps or any initiatives to ban them,” shares Malina Gueorguiev, manager, governance communications, stakeholder & media relations communications department for the FEI.

There are those who believe this is not enough, however, and that flash nosebands should be banned to avoid people misusing them at home as well as in the show ring. Those against them claim that training can overcome issues including bit evasion and opening their mouth, which can also be signs of discomfort that owners and trainers should not dismiss.

“Flash nosebands don’t solve anything other than masking improper training, in which the horse shows proof of that by opening the mouth to escape pain and pressure of harshly handled bits,” says Josepha Guillaume, a horse welfare consultant, trainer, and author of Dressage in Hand: What horses want you to know. “Tight nosebands, whether flash or otherwise, prevent the horse from relaxing and mobilizing the jaw, which is in turn needed to mobilize and relax the shoulders and back. Having to brace against harsh bit action and a too-tight noseband prevents the horse from using the correct and natural muscles, and therefore prevents correct movement and the much-sought-after collection in any form. No one would expect a human athlete to perform his best with someone forcing a head and neck shape, or tight belts along the face, or the mouth strapped shut. Yet, it is expected from horses.”

Mary Kautz, founder of Equine Harmony Connection in Oregon, explains that flash nosebands restrict licking, chewing and swallowing, all of which are ways horses release tension.

“Banning flash and drop nosebands in competitive events will result in more relaxed horses, increased harmony between horse and rider, and higher standards for ethical training practices,” she says. Both trainers agree that the issues flash and other nosebands mask could be fixed with humane training, rendering the need for the nosebands moot.

Whisker Trimming

Many continue to trim their horse’s whiskers for breed and other shows. Go to any Arabian or Miniature Horse show in the United States, and you won’t find a single hairy face. Owners and trainers feel the clean look accentuates the horse’s facial features.

“At this time, USEF is not pursuing a ban on whisker trimming,” says Henson. “We recognize that discussions surrounding the topics of nosebands and whisker trimming are ongoing. USEF is committed to ensuring that our rules and regulations reflect the best interest of horses and the sport, and we will continue to monitor developments both nationally and internationally.”

Like your cat and dog, a horse’s whiskers are not just facial hair, like a man’s beard, but are sensory tools the animal uses to interact with his environment.

“The horse’s whiskers are sensory hairs, and horses use them like ‘feelers’; trimming them therefore reduces the horse’s sensory ability,” says Gueorguiev when asked why the FEI banned whisker trimming.

Article 1004.1.i of the FEI Veterinary Regulations specifies: Horses are not permitted to compete in FEI Events: if the Horse’s sensory hairs have been clipped and/or shaven or in any other way removed unless individual sensory hairs have been removed by a veterinarian to prevent pain or discomfort for the Horse.

The FEI banned whisker trimming at its competitions in 2021. Photo by Nigel Baker/Adobe Stock

“The sensory hairs around a horse’s eyes and muzzle serve many functions, including helping them locate food and avoid injury,” explains Kautz. “These whisker hairs allow the horse to compensate for the blind spot in front of their nose and detect electric fences. In low-light conditions, the whiskers help the horse detect objects in their environment. Horses whose whiskers are trimmed suffer many disadvantages. These horses are unable to navigate as effectively or gather details about their environment. Without their eye whiskers, they are also more likely to injure their eyes.”

With articles like “Why it Might be Time to Stop Riding Horses” in the mainstream media, the equestrian world will continue to face issues like these—and more—in the coming years. The hope is that, at the end of the day, regardless of what side of the fence you graze on, we will all come together for the benefit of the horse.

This article about the issues of whisker trimming and flash nosebands appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post At Issue: Whisker Trimming and Flash Nosebands appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo by Mary Cage

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

The Inherent Dangers of Equestrian Sports

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the Safety Vest Fitter 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How a Professional Safety Vest Fitter Measures a Rider

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

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

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

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

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

 Is Wearing One Right for You?

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

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

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

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

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 44, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise celebrate the magazine’s 50th anniversary by chatting with former Horse Illustrated editor, Liz Moyer, about her 20 years with the magazine.

During the episode’s banter, Susan and Holly discuss Holly’s ride in the Goodyear Blimp on Kentucky Derby Weekend and Horse Illustrated‘s big success at the 2026 American Horse Publication Equine Media Awards.

To end the episode, Susan and Holly chat with Marleen Bosch Hopkins, director of resources at Mountain Valley Horse Rescue, about Barbie and Buggs, this month’s ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horses.

Click here to listen on mobile.

Barn Banter Episode 44 Sponsor

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

Liz Moyer, Former Horse Illustrated Editor

Barn Banter episode 44 guest, Liz Moyer. Photo by Rachel Milewski

Liz Moyer spent 20 years with the Horse Illustrated team as an editor, working up from Associate Editor to becoming Horse Illustrated‘s Editor in Chief for 13 years. After her two decades of dedication to the publication, Liz joined the United States Pony Club team as the Fundraising & Marketing Coordinator, a role she has held since 2019.

Adoptable Horse of the Months, Barbie and Buggs

Both Barbie and Buggs came to Mountain Valley Horse Rescue in Colorado a year ago as part of a law enforcement seizure case, and are the final two from the original group of six yet to find their forever homes. 

Barbie

Barbie. Photo courtesy Mountain Valley Horse Rescue

Barbie is a cute gray mare who likes to just make a quick check to see who is in charge, and loves clear expectations and direction. Being restarted under saddle, this loving mare is looking for a partner to build a bond with and get out to do some exploring. Are you looking for a tune up project who thanks you for every training session? Barbie is your gal.

Learn more about Barbie here.

Buggs

Buggs. Photo courtesy Mountain Valley Horse Rescue

Buggs is in her late teens and must have some Tennessee Walking Horse in her. She is in overall good health, but can no longer be ridden due to hind end issues. She is a sweet mare, loves grooming and to be doted on. She is gentle on the ground, great with her feet and would make a wonderful pasture pet and companion horse.

Learn more about Buggs here.

In addition to Barn Banter episode 44, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts here.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 44 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Ultrashield Gold

Developed with the breakthrough Absorbine FlyShield® technology, this water-based formula works differently from traditional fly sprays by disrupting the insects’ homing systems stopping bugs before they bite. Defends against over 100 different insects—even when they’re at their worst.

Shop for $37.87 at absorbine.com.

Stretch Bug Eye Saver With Ears

A pull-on mask made to protect horses’ eyes and ears in summer. Made from lightweight, soft and flexible nylon stretch outer that forms to your horse’s face with raised, see-through mesh screen over each eye for unobstructed vision and mesh ears for extra protection.

Shop for $24.99 at weatherbeeta.com.

Fly-Bye Boots

Designed to stay in place with a unique design that combines stiff binding and an ergonomic shape tapered to fit your horse’s legs. The bottom of the boots are finished with a soft binding that makes for a comfortable experience for your horse. Easy to quickly put on and off with full velcro strip.   

Shop for $49.99 (set of 4) at majykequipe.com.

Horseware Fly Boots

Innovative 3D-constructed polyester air mesh outer with a soft fleece edging is comfortable and helps prevent flies from getting underneath the boots. Ideal for horses in warm weather given the cooling nature of their excellent air flow. Slim-fitting design and four strong adjustable straps keep boots securely in place.

Shop for $39.95 at horseware.com.

Professional’s Choice Fly Sheet

One of the most durable fly sheets on the market due to polyester rip-stop technology. Made from an ultra-strong, uniquely breathable and UV-protective nylon mesh that resists stains and wrinkles. The open-front design with double buckle closure ensures a perfect fit.

Shop for $231.95 at profchoice.com.

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

The post Fly Season Gear appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Cloaked in history and tradition, cadres of mounted police flourished in Europe and the United Kingdom in the 1700s before being embraced by other Western countries in the mid-1850s. The legacy of mounted police work, forged in steel and spirit, lives on today at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Officers of the Kentucky Horse Park mounted police unit embrace responsibilities far beyond security with a focus on community engagement. Photo courtesy Kentucky Horse Park

Patrolling with a Purpose

The role of mounted police units evolved over centuries from helping wagons and carriages navigate poor roads to modern-day crowd control for parades, state fairs, and music events.

Officers patrolling on foot or behind the wheel of a squad car need help navigating tight turns or traversing wooded areas, mountainous terrain, or waterways. Mounted police officers accomplish challenging assignments because of their perch on the back of a horse. The ace for a mounted police officer is their range of vision 10 feet off the ground, allowing them to respond more quickly in cases of emergency.

The Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) mounted police unit assumed responsibility for the 1,032-acre park from the Kentucky State Police in 1987. Still, like other mounted horse departments, it bore the brunt of budget cutbacks.

Presentation of the flags before the start of all major events embodies the legacy of mounted police officers. (L-R: Captain Lisa Rakes on Oliver; Sergeant David Johnson riding Koda; and Officer Heather Geer aboard Mackenzie.) Photo courtesy Kentucky Horse Park

The functions of the KHP mounted police encompass everything from search and rescue, patrolling high-crime areas, or monitoring and responding to security breaches. Most of the unit’s activities are related to crowd control at major events, like the National Horse Show, which features top hunter/jumper competition; the U.S. Dressage Finals; the two-week-long Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010; plus ceremonial and high-visibility patrols at parades, the Kentucky State Fair, and significant music events.

However, the KHP’s Mounted Police Division Captain, Lisa Rakes, believes deepening relationships with the community is the most critical aspect of mounted police officers.

“The horse brings so much to help with community bonding,” says Rakes. “A good example of that would be if I’m doing traffic. If I’m not on my horse, people will be honking their horns at me because they’re tired of waiting. If I’m sitting on my horse, it’s a completely different ballgame. People are taking pictures, they’re smiling. They’re engaging in a conversation with me. Interaction between the police and the community is so much better.”

Captain Lisa Rakes beams with pride next to her mount Oliver, a 17-year-old Paint/Shire cross. Photo courtesy Kentucky Horse Park

Rakes considers the KHP a sliver of paradise for its officers and horses and believes the role of mounted police officers goes far beyond public relations. Visitors to the park experience unexpected emotional connections with the horses—maybe for the first time.

“It truly is all about the horse,” says Rakes. “Our visitors want to have an experience with horses. They may have seen a horse, but they’ve never touched one. When they come and ask if they can pet the horse, it’s a bucket list moment. Little kids grab a horse’s leg. The horse will nuzzle a person. A wave of emotion comes over them, which is cool to experience.”

Beyond the Saddle

Born on a dairy farm employing horses for both work and play, Rakes went to college, later serving in the military, before starting a career in law enforcement that lasted 23 years. After retirement from the Lexington Police Department, the KHP hired Rakes in 2013 to lead the on-site mounted police division.

Rakes moved quickly to bring in new officers, pledging to create a cadre of professionally trained officers and horses. Though Rakes prioritized the need for excellent equitation skills, recruiting officers capable of riding initially presented a significant issue.

“Most police officers across the country have zero riding experience, which is the case here as well,” she says. “The majority of officers we hire are retired from larger agencies. That means that most don’t know how to ride a horse. We have to teach people in their 40s or 50s how to ride. That’s a challenging task. Riding horses requires agility, physical fitness, and balance, among other things. We take equitation or dressage lessons because when it comes to riding, if your equitation skills are not there, you’re not going to be a good rider or an effective officer.”

Rakes and her sergeant, David Johnson, start all new horses and riders, putting them through a specialized training program before assigning teams. Training for both officers and horses is a daily part of their jobs, especially for officers new to the unit like Eric Radow.

“Every day, you work on training and equitation with the horse,” he says. “You can practice a lesson and then immediately go and implement it while you’re working. We train throughout the year to become better riders.”

Officer Eric Radow’s horse, Legend (left), was recently made into a Breyer model. Along with Rakes and Oliver, the officers pause to chat with a family visiting the park. Photo courtesy Kentucky Horse Park

Officer Heather Geer was an accomplished hunter/jumper competitor who moved to Lexington from Long Island, N.Y. Retiring after five years on the street, eight and a half years with crime scene investigation, and 12 years as a helicopter pilot, Geer emphasizes that even with her equestrian experience, she learned much more as a mounted police officer.

“I’ve learned to be a lot calmer,” she says. “There are things that I’ve never done on a horse, even though I had a lot of experience. I’ve had to learn here. I learned more in five years here than I did in 30 years at home.”

All officers and horses are required to pass a riding exam, a dressage test, and an obstacle assessment annually. Training is year-round, continuing during the winter months to ensure team skills shine by the time tourist season arrives.

When Rakes assumed leadership of the park’s mounted police unit 11 years ago, it began with two officers and three horses. Today, 10 horses and the ability to field eight riders are a legacy of service on the rise.

Innovation on Horseback

Innovative ideas arise with questions, and answers arise when people connect across states and countries. The KHP annual consortium emerged from mounted police unit supervisors in Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee, and Kentucky phoning each other with questions about policies, procedures, and training approaches.

What began with intra-state phone conversations developed into a roundtable discussion hosted by the KHP in 1983. Good ideas spread when participants ignited the match of community connections. Since its inauguration, the KHP Mounted Police Colloquium has annually hosted officers and their horses from across the country and Canada to learn, train, and network.

“The colloquium grew from an event with no horses to our largest turnout of 149 in 2023, and 138 in 2024,” says Rakes. “Officers come from across the country, including representation from Toronto, Canada. The U.S. Border Patrol brought 30 officers to the training. The colloquium is a week-long experience that consists of two days of training and two days of competition. They come for the training, the camaraderie, and the networking. They take new skills back to their own police department and their own community and start incorporating some of the things they learned.”

Teams of officers exhibit varying levels of skill attend the annual KHP Colloquium Training and Competition to train, learn, and network. Photo courtesy Kentucky Horse Park

Colloquium organizers invite trainers from around the country to present material that exposes officers to best practices from departments skilled in various aspects of mounted police responsibilities, like crowd control and management.

“Officers from Toronto, Canada teach aspects of crowd control and management because they do a great job,” says Rakes. “The U.S. Border Patrol has much to offer with the variety of terrain they encounter. They’re not working in one community, but in lots of communities, because they’re patrolling the borders. A trainer from Maryland with a dressage background gives equitation lessons. Another trainer has a jumping background. We focus on working equitation because that’s essentially what we are doing. We are moving from point A to point B and want to do it in harmony with the horse.”

As part of the colloquium, the event sponsors a variety of competitions, including a uniform inspection class where officers are judged on their appearance, how their tack fits, how the team is turned out; a team obstacle course; and a more police-oriented dressage test, which includes tasks officers accomplish on patrol.

Representatives from multiple countries converge of the KHP to attend the annual colloquium. Photo courtesy Kentucky Horse Park

Bonding Beyond the Bit

The role of the KHP’s mounted police officers goes far beyond security and the visibility of law enforcement. Rakes emphasizes that officers and their horses serve as ambassadors of goodwill.

With close to one million people visiting the KHP each year, Rakes believes that the best part of the job is engaging with people every day.

“We get a lot of people who are seeing a horse for the first time,” she says. “We also get horse experts, people who ride, compete, and see horses daily, who say our horses are amazing. Sometimes you lose sight of this, but we get compliments from experts in all sorts of disciplines. I like talking to people who don’t know anything about horses—and to the experts who know everything.”

From Captain Rakes’ perspective, mounted police officers and their horses bring love and build positive relationship with local communities far beyond the KHP.

“These days, everything on TV and social media is being scrutinized,” she says. “At the park, people are able to have a relationship with an officer and their horse. You’re doing a disservice to your community by not having a horse patrol unit.”

This article about Kentucky Horse Park mounted police appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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