The physical aspects of riding are often described as a blend of stability, balance, and strength, but there’s a critical piece missing from this conversation: mobility. This may surprise you, but even the best riders struggle with areas of suppleness in the saddle.

I see it often in dressage, where some riders are more stable and others are more flexible. Neither is better than the other, but it’s important to know that each rider should strive to build more stability before moving on to suppleness. Incorporating mobility training in your program in the right ways can help you move more freely with your horse without limitations.

Photo by Jamie Isaacs Photography

Have you ever felt stiff, struggled to maintain a deep seat in the sitting trot, or found yourself gripping through transitions while riding? Chances are mobility, or a lack thereof, is playing a role in some of these common habits.

Most equestrians don’t think about mobility until something starts to feel a bit past “off.” You might focus on stretching tight muscles or building strength, when what you really need is a foundation of controlled, functional movement. This foundation and strategic process is supported by my essential four pillars for riders: stability, suppleness, strength, and stamina.

So, how can you improve your mobility to ride with more ease, effectiveness, and confidence?

Why Mobility and Suppleness Matter

When we talk about mobility, we’re referring to how well a joint moves through its full range of motion with control. Suppleness refers to the ability to bend, twist and move with ease and without discomfort.

It’s not just flexibility. The ability to stretch your hamstrings doesn’t necessarily translate into the mobility to ride well. Mobility is dynamic, meaning you need to be able to move in and out of positions without stiffness or tension through a certain range of motion.

Think about your pelvis, for example. It’s the foundation of your seat, responsible for absorbing motion and keeping you balanced. If your hips are stiff, your pelvis can’t move properly with your horse, which often leads to compensation in your lower back, knees, and even shoulders. Suddenly, riding feels like more effort than it should.

The same goes for the spine. A stiff rider in the upper body can’t adjust fluidly to the horse’s movement, making it harder to maintain an upright posture through various forward and backward movements, and especially rotational movements.

Then there’s the lower leg. If your knees and ankles lack mobility, you’ll struggle to keep your weight in your heels, causing your leg position to become braced rather than supportive, which lacks stability.

All of this means that mobility isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity. When you have it, everything about your riding feels more efficient and natural. Without it, you’re constantly fighting against your horse’s forces and your body.

On the Subtle Side

Mobility issues don’t always show up in obvious ways. In fact, many equestrians don’t realize they have a mobility restriction until they start noticing certain patterns in their riding or horse, such as:

◆ Feeling tense or stiff, especially during sitting trot or transitions.

◆ Issues maintaining an upright riding position, often riding with upper body pitched forward (in front of the vertical).

◆ Struggling to keep a deep, stable seat without gripping.

◆ Difficulty adjusting your pelvic position smoothly; for example, shifting your weight for halts and transitions.

◆ Persistent aches in your low back, hips, or knees during and/or after riding.

Or perhaps you have the experience of feeling like no matter how much stretching or strengthening work you do, something still feels “off.” If so, mobility training might be the missing piece in your riding routine.

The good news is that improving mobility doesn’t require hours of extra work, just a little focused effort in the right areas consistently over time.

Simple Mobility Exercises

The best way to improve is to move with intention, and this extends to mobility as well. Instead of forcing extreme stretches and looking for pain, think of mobility work as training your body to access movement with control.

Here are a few exercises that can make a real difference in the saddle.

1. 90-90 Hip Transitions

90-90 hip transitions strengthen your hips while improving their ability to open and rotate, which translates directly to a more supple seat in the saddle. Photo by CMJ Photography

Your hips are your connection to the saddle, and if they’re stiff, your seat will experience restrictions. I share the 90-90 hip transitions mobility drill with my clients, it’s a foundational movement for improving internal and external hip rotation, which is key for riders seeking a balanced seat.

Start seated with both knees bent at 90 degrees: your front knee positioned with the knee out (external rotation) and your back knee pointed inward toward the front foot (internal rotation), forming two right angles. Sitting upright with your hands behind you for support, alternate slowly side-to-side, maintaining control as you rotate through the hips.

This movement strengthens your hips while improving their ability to open and rotate, which translates directly to a more supple seat in the saddle.

2. Standing Calf Stretch

The standing calf stretch enhances flexibility through the posterior chain and encourages ankle flexion. (Variation 2). Photo by CMJ Photography

If your ankles are stiff, you’ll struggle to keep your weight in your heels without tension. One of the simplest ways to improve ankle mobility is the standing calf stretch. This mobility stretch targets the ankle, calf, and hamstring all in one simple motion.

Variation 1: Stand with one foot forward and gently bend your knee over your toes while keeping your heel down. Slowly rock forward and back, feeling a gentle stretch through the ankle joint.

Variation 2: Start upright with your front leg extended and heel grounded, then hinge forward at the hips and reach toward your front foot while your back leg remains straight but slightly bent for support.

This movement enhances flexibility through the posterior chain, encourages ankle dorsiflexion (heels down), and helps you maintain better lower-leg mobility and alignment in the saddle.

3. Standing Knee Hug

The standing knee hug is a mobility stretch that targets the glutes and hip flexors while improving balance and posture. Photo by CMJ Photography

Tight hips can cause an arch in your lower back while riding, inhibiting pelvic movement and making it harder to stay balanced and upright. A quick hip stretch can help release this tension and relax your pelvis to move more freely.

The standing knee hug is a mobility stretch that targets the glutes and hip flexors while improving balance and posture. This stretch promotes single-leg stability and enhances hip mobility.

Stand tall with your feet less than hip-width apart, then lift one knee and use both hands to gently pull it in toward your chest, keeping your standing leg straight but not locked. Keep your pelvis slightly tucked to avoid overarching your lower back. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds per side.

4. Wide-Stance Windmill

The wide-stance windmill enhances cross-body coordination and improves spinal mobility, helping your spine and core stay engaged without stiffness. (Variation 2). Photo by CMJ Photography

A strong core is important, but so is core mobility—your ability to move fluidly while remaining stable. The wide stance windmill is a core rotational movement, designed to activate your core, open up the thoracic spine, and increase hamstring and hip flexibility. Talk about an all-in-one exercise!

Begin in a wide-legged stance with your feet pointing forward. Hinge at the hips and reach one hand toward the middle of your feet while extending the other arm straight up toward the ceiling.

Variation 1: Look down while doing the movement.

Variation 2: Look up, adding an extra stretch through your neck as your eyes follow your raised hand.

This movement enhances cross-body coordination and improves spinal mobility, helping your spine and core stay engaged without stiffness. You should be able to actively breathe while holding this movement.

Incorporating Mobility Work Into Your Routine

So how do you incorporate mobility work into your routine? The key is consistency—but that doesn’t mean you need to spend an hour a day stretching. Just five to 10 minutes, two to three days per week after you ride can make a huge difference.

Think of mobility as the foundational pillar that allows all your other training to work better. When your joints move freely, your strength becomes more effective, your balance improves naturally, and your riding feels more connected. Instead of constantly “fixing” position issues, you’ll be able to focus on refining your communication with your horse.

This article about mobility exercises for equestrians appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Writer Shawn’s first fall ride in the park was with her friends Anne and Adam, who trailered their horses to South Algonquin Trails. Photo by Shawn Hamilton

Algonquin Autumn Trails

My favorite time to visit the park is in the fall, and I can’t think of a better way to enjoy nature’s autumn display of colors than from the saddle.

There’s no better way to enjoy nature’s autumn display of colors than from the saddle. Photo by Shawn Hamilton

My first fall ride in the park was with my friends Anne and Adam, who trailered their horses to South Algonquin Trails and asked me to join them. Without a rideable horse at the time, a quick call secured me a lovely Appaloosa mare named Avery and a friendly and informative guide named Jocelyn.

It was one of those October days when everything just swings your way. The colors were peaking, it was not too hot, and the gentle breeze was just enough to keep the horses cool and the bugs away.

We lunched at the Gut, where the river narrows and creates rapids to a waterfall that cascades into a small lake. Our horses carried us through the well-maintained trails to the lookout for breathtaking views. We crossed bridges and creeks surrounded by the reds, oranges, and yellows of Mother Nature before returning to the ranch.

The view of a lake from the saddle on Anne’s horse, Baloo. Photo by Shawn Hamilton

Horse Camping

Over the years of running South Algonquin Trails, owner Tammy Donaldson noticed that a percentage of the trail riding guests had a horse at home. Realizing the market for horse-friendly accommodations, their first equestrian campsite was completed in 2018.

A high demand prompted the expansion to 13 horse-friendly camp sites, one with an electrical hookup, and three cabins available for rent. Each site is designed for easy maneuvering of large trailers and comes equipped with a fire pit, picnic table, covered stalls, shovel and wheelbarrow, its own outhouse, and a 100-gallon water tank for the horses filled by the staff as needed. Guides and extra trail horses are also available for a fee.

This past September, I was lucky enough to join a group of friends to experience horse camping at South Algonquin Trails firsthand. We booked two camp sites side by side, and with two living quarters trailers and a cabin rental, the six of us and our horses were well accommodated. Over four days of riding, we took to the trails to see rivers, lakes and lookouts followed by delicious, combined-effort meals while stories and songs were shared by the campfire.

A full day in the saddle included a ride to a lake the horses could wade in. Photo by Shawn Hamilton

Day by Day

Even with the pending forecast of rain, we geared up and headed out on day one. A slight drizzle did not deter us as our horses enjoyed the wide trail to Eco Lodge, a remote hidden gem on a small lake where visitors can hike or bike in to stay overnight and enjoy a piece of wilderness.

Eco Lodge is a remote hidden gem on a small lake where visitors can hike or bike in to stay overnight and enjoy a piece of wilderness. Photo by Shawn Hamilton

Patrons of the lodge who would like to experience the park from the saddle get picked up to ride some of South Algonquin Trails’ well-mannered horses, ride through the park, and return to the lodge on their mounts to enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Taking advantage of the nice weather for the next few days, we rode to the lookout for a picnic lunch overlooking the expansive and colorful views and enjoyed long canters on the flat, sandy trails. A full day in the saddle included a ride to a lake the horses could wade in—the perfect spot to swim with the horses on a hot summer’s day.

Anne and Ghost at Lookout Ridge. Photo by Shawn Hamilton

Along with trail riding and horse camping, South Algonquin Trails offers horse camp for all ages; even grandparents are welcome. Rides are flexible, from one hour to full days, and their special overnight package called “Come Stay With Us” features three hours of horseback riding each day, accommodations, and meals, with an available upgrade meal package to enjoy at the nearby Nomi Spa.

Other fun events include liberty and obstacle clinics, poker rides, and a new Ride for the Cure hosted by the ranch this year. If you find yourself at Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, look for their booth, where you can hop on one of their mechanical horse simulators used for training purposes.

South Algonquin Trails is a laid-back facility that caters to all types of horse enthusiasts, from those who have never touched a horse to those who want an adventurous experience from the saddle in one of Canada’s most prestigious provincial parks. It is well worth the trip!

For more information, visit South Algonquin Trails online at southalgonquintrails.com and Algonquin Eco Lodge at algonquinecolodge.com.

This article about horseback riding in Algonquin Provincial Park appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Horseback Riding in Algonquin Provincial Park appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 48, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise chat with Amanda Anderson of Ssaddlefitting.us. Plus, tune in as they talk with sponsored guest Olissio Zoppe of Cirque Ma’Ceo.

To end the episode, Susan and Holly chat with Kaycie McCarthy of MSPCA at Nevins Farm about Pip, this month’s ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse.

Click here to listen on mobile.

Amanda Anderson of saddlefitting.us

Barn Banter episode 48 guest Amanda Anderson of Saddlefitting.us.

Amanda Anderson of saddlefitting.us is a German-trained saddle fitter with three years of apprenticeship to a German Master Saddler, over 4,800 hours of instruction, and 25 years of saddle fitting experience. Since 2001, Amanda has attended over 20 U.S., German, and U.K. based independent and brand-sponsored saddle fitting courses/schools. Her business, Saddlefitting.us, provides saddle fitting services as well as education.

◆ Saddlefitting.us Website
◆ Follow saddlefitting.us on Instagram
◆ Follow saddlefitting.us on Facebook

Sponsored Guest: Olissio Zoppe of Cirque Ma’Ceo

Photo by Stunning Steeds Photography

Cirque Ma’Ceo’s Creator and Director, Olissio Zoppe, hails from a rich Italian line of eighth and ninth generation bareback riders and equestrian performers, the Zoppes and the Zamperlas. He has been performing since the age of four. Olissio is one of the most well-rounded equestrian performers to grace the stage today. Throughout his varied experiences, he has mastered the arts of liberty, dressage, cossack riding, Roman riding, and the rare and dangerous art of bareback riding.

Cirque Ma’Ceo is an emotionally charging, up-close and personal, luxurious experience. The custom-designed Italian Big Top theater features brand-new, state of the art seating. The world of Ma’Ceo is proud to showcase mesmerizing acrobatic feats, aerial dancing, and exotic horses.

The current special tour guest is legendary Grand Liberté performer Sylvia Zerbini. For the tour schedule and to purchase tickets, visit here.

◆ Cirque Ma’Ceo Website
◆ Follow Cirque Ma’Ceo on Instagram
◆ Follow Cirque Ma’Ceo on Facebook

Adoptable Horse of the Month, Pip

Photo courtesy MSPCA at Nevins Farm

Pip is an impressively handsome 21-year-old OTTB gelding looking for a new pasture. He currently shares a paddock with an older Irish Sport Horse gelding. They have lived together for some time and enjoy the company. MSPCA has not introduced Pip to other equines in their care but they don’t anticipate him having a hard time making new buddies in his new home!

Pip stands well for the farrier and vet. He was recently diagnosed with EOTRH and will require removal of the affected teeth. This is a procedure MSPCA has scheduled. His adopter should have a close relationship with their veterarian to continue his care. Though it sounds intense, horses tend to do very well with this procedure. The removal of the affected teeth will also remove his discomfort.

Pip came to MSPCA at Nevins Farm with a history of being ridden under saddle, though he has not done so in some time. They have not completed an under-saddle evaluation due to his body condition.

Learn more about Pip here.

In addition to Barn Banter episode 48, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts here.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 48 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Ashley Sisco selects and videos a wide range of trailers for her dealership to meet customers’ needs. Photo by Jessica O’Connor

Unexpected Opportunity

In 2012, Sisco, who was then working as the store manager for a COACH Designer Handbags and Purses location, made the decision to trade in her horse trailer for a larger model while at a horse show. The good rapport she found with the saleswoman who made the deal for her helped lead to another upgrade—and a shockingly unexpected opportunity.

“She told the owner of Shadow Trailers that I needed to be selling them,” Sisco recounts. “He flew me out to tour the plant in Florida and made it clear that he wanted a dealer in North Carolina. I’d always wanted to work in the horse industry, and I was also at a crossroads in life. So I moved to the middle of the state, opened the dealership in May of 2013, and it just escalated to where I am today.”

Personal Touch

The personable entrepreneur keeps a mixed inventory of both new and used horse trailers on her lot to help put every customer into a trailer that checks all their boxes. Sisco insists on offering a quality product, and her honesty in presenting each is just one of the reasons that repeat customers are the norm at Carolina Trailer Sales.

“Over the years, Ashley has helped me buy three different trailers, each time locating exactly what I needed,” says loyal customer Aimee Soyka. “She’s also sold two trailers for me, and each time has made the entire process as stress-free as possible.”

After personally inspecting each consignment or trade, she ensures they receive a professional cleaning and creates a thorough video walk-through of each trailer listed for sale. This extra step has proven to make the buying process much simpler and cements trust in her relationship with clients.

“I purchased my trailer ‘sight unseen,’ aside from a short video and a few pictures Ashley sent me,” says customer Kristi Welke. “It was exactly as described and exactly what I told her I was looking for. She was so easy to work with, and I won’t think twice before purchasing my next trailer through her.”

Industry Trends

Her personal involvement in the horse industry aside, Sisco makes it a point to stay abreast of what consumers are looking for in today’s horse trailer market, as well as taking the time to learn all she can about the trailers she sells and any emerging improvements and technology.

A prime example was her recognition of the need for a weekender bumper-pull model, a trailer designed for ease of use by those who may want to overnight occasionally without needing a large rig. She pitched the concept to KieferBilt Trailers, and one of her most rewarding moments in business followed when a horsewoman from Arizona traveled to her lot to purchase the model.

“Ashley has been an asset to us because she gets out there and uses the product to be able to give accurate feedback to her manufacturers and customers,” explains David Green Jr., owner of KieferBilt Trailers. “She connects well with her customers and is able to communicate with us what they’re wanting so we can build a trailer that better suits the end user.”

Secret Sauce

The secret sauce behind Carolina Trailer Sales’ success, however, lies in Sisco’s focus on building relationships, not just making transactions.

“I always put myself on the other side of the table,” she explains. “I treat people the way I want to be treated.”

Walking into Sisco’s office feels like stepping into someone’s home, a space adorned with vibrant scenes from her own life with horses and cozy western décor, reminders of what could stretch out on the road ahead for those purchasing their own horse trailer.

Sisco’s beloved pets supervise all office paperwork in the cozy space. Photo by Jessica O’Connor

“I sold several last year that were ‘first trailers’ for little girls to start showing,” she recalls with a smile. “It almost brought tears to my eyes, because I remember when my dad got my first trailer for me. I know how that felt, and it’s been great to be a part of that moment with others.”

Sisco’s laid-back, low-pressure approach during sales appointments adds to the inviting atmosphere she’s created at her dealership. By the time the paperwork has been signed (supervised by her two feline and canine companions), most feel they’re leaving the dealership with a new friend.

“She does a phenomenal job with customer service, taking care of people and making them feel good,” says Kyle Kegley, Merhow Trailers’ regional sales manager. “She obviously treats them like family, and she’s very thorough.”

Sisco’s customers tend to agree, as seen in over 100 positive Google reviews for Carolina Trailer Sales.

At the end of the day, Sisco’s ultimate goal is to simply serve the equine industry well, whether that’s through helping customers find the perfect trailer or giving back to local show circuits.

“I love what I do,” she says. “I want to continue to give everyone who walks onto my lot a great experience and keep making dreams come true.”

Follow Ashley Sisco’s business on social media at facebook.com/CarolinaTrailerSales.

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

The post Boss Babes: Ashley Sisco of Carolina Trailer Sales appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

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

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

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

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

Important Differences Between Electric Trucks and Traditional Trucks

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

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

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

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

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

Quiet and Clean(ish)

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

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

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

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

Instant Torque

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

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

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

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

Towing Range of Electric Trucks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is It Right for You?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Jamie Isaacs Photography

Why Prioritize Sleep?

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

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

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

Sleep & Hormones

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fatigue & Reaction Time

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

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

Immune System

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

Practical Tips for Good Sleep

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to listen on mobile.

David Silver, Founder & Executive Director of Detroit Horse Power

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

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

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

Adoptable Horse of the Month, Natsu

Photo courtesy Lucky 7 Horse Rescue

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

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

Learn more about Natsu here.

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

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

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

Paniolo History

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paniolo Equipment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paniolo Culture

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bertelmann agrees.

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

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

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

Paniolo Horsemanship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Shelley Paulson

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

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

Barn vs. Office

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

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

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

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

Barn vs. Kids

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

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

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

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

Training vs. Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guilt Over an Untimely Passing

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

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

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

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

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

Guilt from Others 

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

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

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

Release & Reframe 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Julie Ahn

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

But then again, so is Sweeney.

All in the Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Competitor at Heart

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

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

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

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

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

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

Work/Life Balance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Horses on Screen

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

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

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

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

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

Staying Present

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

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

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

She sums it up as all equestrians immediately understand:

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

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

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