Hosting groups on sleigh rides is one of the Sharps’ favorite ways to introduce people to the exciting world of horses. The Sharp family purchased their land in 2018, moved into their farmhouse in 2020, and have been running a year-round horsemanship program ever since. Noel, age 17, is an integral part of the business alongside her younger brother and sister.

“I grew up giving wagon and sleigh rides with my family within the horse program that my dad managed,” says Erin. “I loved it as a kid. Jonathan and I wanted our kids to be able to learn and enjoy the world of farming and horsemanship, while making the world of harness horses available for everyone to enjoy!”

A Day in the Life at Haven Pines

Managing a farm and horsemanship business in all seasons is no small feat. The Northwoods region regularly experiences low temperatures in the negative teens, feet of snow, heat waves, and plenty of rain. Maintaining healthy horses in dynamic weather takes the entire family to be successful.

During a typical day of sleigh rides, Erin and Noel manage the driving horses while the rest of the Sharp family works to prepare the campfire, hot chocolate, warm blankets, and guest check-in process.

“We want guests to feel like they get to experience our farm as if they’re a member of our family,” says Erin. “Letting guests get to know the horses is a top priority for us. First, because our teams love the people, and secondly, because it’s so cool to get to know the horses that are the power behind the whole experience.”

Meet the Horses

In addition to their horses that are used for traditional English and western riding lessons, they have a string of driving horses.

“Oak and Maple, 5- and 6-year-old Belgian mares, are the stars of our 12-person sleigh,” says Noel. “Their kind and friendly personalities make them easy to love.”

Driving horses of all sizes call Haven Pines home, including a Shetland Pony gelding named Sampson, a Pony of the Americas gelding named Jack, and a Haflinger/Belgian cross named Randy.

Finding horses suitable for the work of sleigh rides is critical at Haven Pines. Pulling sleighs through snow is physically and mentally demanding work.

“The horse’s mind is the first thing I look at [when horse shopping],” Erin says. “Can the horse mentally live and work safely and happily in the environment I know will be waiting in my program? If the answer is yes, the second thing I look at is physical soundness. If the horse can pass a pre-purchase exam by a veterinarian, the third component is financial. Our equine programs must be self-sustaining. Ultimately, a prospective horse must be friendly, curious, forgiving, and healthy.”

Young Entrepreneur

Noel loves spending time with her family in the horsemanship business. She grew up working with horses alongside her mom, and now often drives Oak and Maple on sleigh routes.

“We always like to have two people with the draft team to make sure we can tackle anything that needs to be done while always having a driver at the lines,” Erin explains.

Since she’s still in school, Noel must balance learning and homework with farm work.

“The balance isn’t easy, but it’s worth it to do it for the guests,” she says. “Because I’m homeschooled, my education can support learning how to operate a business.”

On top of sleigh rides, Noel is involved in teaching riding lessons, doing chores, and managing her own herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats.

“One of my favorite parts of sleigh rides is working with the horses, and seeing how meaningful being around the horses is to our guests,” she says.

Keeping it Safe

Even when faced with challenges such as a record low snowfall in the winter of 2023-2024, the Sharps continue to invest in relationships with people and animals.

“Every sleigh ride business is unique, and learning what the exact perfect fit is has been a learning process,” says Erin. “We’ve had to deal with icy conditions, equipment breaking down, and other common issues that come with the territory of running a farm and managing livestock. Safety is a top priority for humans and horses. Our horses wear shoes with Borium cleats in the winter to ensure they can maintain good footing. We also conduct regular safety checks on harnesses, wagons, sleighs, and trails.”

Only rarely do the Sharps have to cancel sleigh rides due to inclement weather. The Northwoods is known for long, cold winters. As long as there is quality snow, sleigh ride trails can be maintained to be beautiful and safe, and caring for people and horses goes hand in hand at Haven Pines.

Learn more on the Havens Pine website.

This article about Haven Pines family sleigh rides appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Haven Pines: A Family Sleigh Ride Business appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Castle Leslie

With just a week available, I had to make the most out of every day. After spending a day recovering from jetlag and catching up with friends, it was off to Castle Leslie in County Monaghan. Located on the border of Northern Ireland, this was a perfect couple of days of horse-themed luxury.

I rented a car for the week, and while I adjusted pretty quickly to driving on the left-hand side of the road and shifting gears with my left hand, train service is available for anyone who doesn’t want the added stress of navigating the country roads by car.

The castle has an illustrious family history, and offers several options for accommodations. If you really want to make a splash, you can stay in the castle proper, or if you’d prefer more peace and quiet, the Old Stable Mews are located far out back on the property.

Most people interested in riding will be content to stay in The Lodge, which is connected to the stables and features the upscale Snaffles restaurant, drinks at Connor’s Pub, and a spa for relaxing after time in the saddle.

I arranged the trip to Castle Leslie through Unicorn Trails Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide, and the reservation process was easy and well managed. Every detail of the trip was smoothly planned in advance, and checking in at The Lodge was an easy process. The accommodations were well equipped and exceedingly comfortable. It was a huge highlight that the small balcony overlooked the stable yard.

My kids were heading back to school that week, but airfare from New Jersey to Ireland drops significantly in September: my flight was about $400, compared to over $1,000 in August.

My non-horsey husband agreed to deal with the back-to-school week so I could enjoy an adventure with my old friend, George Barry, who I’ve known since we were teenagers, when he and his sister and my brother competed in the International Tetrathlon exchange through Pony Club back in the late 1990s.

We’d traveled together before, and he’s a competent rider, and since riding is a high-risk sport—and so is driving a car in Ireland—I felt a little safer traveling with a companion.

Cross-Country Jumping

After settling in, we stretched our legs with a wander around the grounds and the castle. That evening we enjoyed an elegant six-course dinner at Snaffles. The food was delicious, featuring mainly locally sourced, fresh ingredients, and the service was impeccable. After dinner, we wandered out the door to the stables and admired the facilities and horses before retiring for the evening.

The full Irish breakfast the next morning was equally as impressive as dinner, if not more so. There was also an impressive array of fresh fruit, pastries and other breakfast items that left me wishing my appetite was larger. But with our horses waiting, I reined in my appetite. After changing into boots and breeches, we headed out to the stables.

The horses were fit and well cared for, and the borrowed helmets and cross-country vests were in good condition and up to the latest safety standards. I rode a gorgeous big gray mare named Blueberry, while George was on a stout gelding named Arnie. I’m 5’11”, and Blueberry took up my leg nicely. There were horses of all shapes and sizes, for riders of all shapes, sizes and levels of experience. A questionnaire in advance made sure that we met our ideal match.

Our instructor, Steven Carty, performed a brief assessment before we set off across the countryside. Steven was lovely and we chatted about the horses, the lifestyle working at the stables, and the history of the estate. If we’d had another night, I would have enjoyed sitting down with him for a pint at Connor’s Pub.

The jumps were on the small side, but since we were both out of practice, it was perfect. The cross-country course is extensive, but since we only had one day, we kept things simple, and the horses clearly knew the drill.

Next, we made our way to the corner of the lake, where we could jump in and out from a small bank or down a series of steps. Splashing through the lake with the castle in the background felt like a scene from a fairytale.

A walk in the woods that afternoon left me wishing we had more time to explore the estate. It was a peaceful way to wrap up our short visit, as the grounds and gardens are just as beautiful as the buildings.

The Wild Atlantic Way

I would have happily spent a week at the castle living the life of luxury, but our next stop would bring plenty of fun adventures. (In fact, if I were to do the trip again, I’d arrange to head to the castle after the beach).

A couple hours’ drive west to County Mayo brought us to the small coastal town of Westport, a scenic village set on the calm, clear waters of Clew Bay. The bay is home to a number of tiny islands—“one for every day of the year”—and set in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, the mountain where Saint Patrick is said to have driven the snakes from Ireland.

This segment of the trip was organized by Ireland Equestrian Tours and operated by Go Trekking Ireland. Laura Lamb of Ireland Equestrian Tours sent a number of brochures over with information about the various options, and the Wild Atlantic Way seemed a good fit for a bit of adventure and beach riding after our cross-country schooling up in County Monaghan.

We stayed at George’s uncle John’s house on the way, and got an early start to Westport so that we could be out riding early, before the tide came in. We met the proprietor of the Westport Woods Hotel, Michael Lennon, who took us to his stables to select our horses for a beach ride. I chose a tall, athletic and solidly built chestnut hunter type named Coady, while George rode a gray named Naymar.

Beach Ride to Remember

We followed the horsebox to a spot where we unloaded and mounted up. Four of us set off across the bay. Our guide, Joanne Mason, was on a smaller cob who was fairly submerged in some of the deeper water crossings, so I was glad to be on a long-legged sport horse!

Eventually we ended up on Bertra Strand, where we had a good gallop on the beach and then rode out on a grassy headland overlooking a couple of large islands. After clattering over a stony section, we came to another beach where we rode out in the waves, before crossing back over to Bertra Strand for another good gallop in the shadow of Croagh Patrick. By the time we wrapped up our antics, the tide had come in, so we picked our way around the bay and back to the horsebox.

After riding, we stopped at a local pub for a truly Irish experience: drinking a pint in front of a peat fire. While harvesting peat is banned in much of the country, some locals are still allowed to harvest a limited amount using ancient methods, and the particular smoky atmosphere in the pub evoked a bygone era.

At Michael’s suggestion, we spent the afternoon at Ballinrobe Races, about 45 minutes south. It was the final meet of the season and there was a good crowd out for the racing. This was a fun way to see another aspect of the Irish horse industry and enjoy the excitement of placing a few small bets. I braved the bookies and bet a couple of Euros on two winning horses, bringing home around 40 Euros and a slightly inflated sense of my ability to judge a winning horse.

That evening, we settled on the Westway Pub in downtown Westport for a bite to eat. The food was fresh and simple and the atmosphere smart but casual. I’d hoped to stop in to listen to the traditional music at another pub up the street, but with another day of riding planned, opted for an early bedtime instead.

Surfing Beach

The next morning the horses were hauled to Carrownisky Strand, a popular surfing beach a half-hour or so down the road. It was a gorgeous, sunny day and a little surreal unloading the horses in a sandy parking area populated mainly by surfers and families taking their kids to the beach for the day.

We made a bit of a spectacle, galloping on the wide, sandy beach, which is the home to an annual horse race. The horses were eager to go and we were all too happy to oblige, with sea spray splashing in our grinning faces.

To cool the horses out, we hacked to the nearby Bunlahinch Clapper Footbridge, the largest complete clapper bridge in Ireland, at 50 meters long. Its 37 arches are constructed in a primitive style, each made of flat limestone slabs, and likely dates to the 1840s.

On the way back, we walked past cow pastures and bogs where sheep were grazing on the verdant grass, later taking another lively canter down the beach. The horses were very fit and had plenty in the tank to give another good run.

Mountain Ride

The original plan was to do the mountain ride the following day, but with stormy weather in the forecast, I opted to join a group going out that afternoon. After a short rest at the hotel, I headed back to the stables with Michael and an American woman and her daughter who had just arrived on holiday. (George had taken an unplanned dismount into the saltwater on our beach ride and wasn’t keen to go on a three-hour ride in soaking wet clothing, so he stayed behind and had a stroll around the town).

I was on Coady once again, and we rode directly from the stables and enjoyed a long, leisurely hack to the base of the mountain. Other than an easy canter up a long gravel track, this ride maintained a leisurely pace and was a good opportunity to take in views of the peat bog, the mountain, and sweeping views of Clew Bay, following narrow lanes winding over hills and through little valleys past cottages and farms.

That evening, we walked from the hotel to the Quay for dinner at the Towers Pub, a little more upscale than the previous evening’s location. Following Joanne’s recommendation, we followed dinner with pink gin cocktails garnished with strawberries at the Coast Hotel across the street. It was charming and refreshing and a nice accompaniment to the live music featured that evening.

All too soon, it was time to head to the airport, return the trusty rental car and fly home.

◆ Amber’s Packing Tips and List for an Irish Riding Holiday

This article about a horseback riding holiday in Ireland appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post A Horseback Riding Holiday in Ireland appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

While it might be hard to personally visit all the horse museums in America—they span from Maine to Idaho—you can learn a lot about horses and their amazing history by just checking out their websites. Pay a virtual visit to these museums to learn more about horses, shop their online souvenir stores, and if you like what you see, make plans to see them in person.

Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center

The Appaloosa Horse played an important part in the history of the Pacific Northwest, and the Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center in Moscow, Idaho, pays tribute to this colorful breed.

The record of the spotted horse, going back to prehistoric times, begins your journey on the museum’s website, featuring historical artwork showing the origins of colorful-coated equines. You can get a sense of the exhibits at the museum on the Museum Features page, and get details on how to book an in-person tour.

Don’t leave the site without stopping at the museum store, where you can buy everything from Appaloosa posters to jewelry.

Learn more at appaloosamuseum.com.

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum

The American Quarter Horse is the most popular breed of horse in the world, and the museum dedicated to it in Amarillo, Texas, reflects that popularity. This grand museum features galleries, halls and theaters, all dedicated to the what the American Quarter Horse Association has dubbed America’s most versatile horse.

On the museum website, you’ll find photos and exhibit details, along with information on how to visit the museum in person. Bring your wallet if you make the trip—the museum has a great gift shop.

Learn more at aqha.com/museum.

American Saddlebred Museum

The American Saddlebred Museum, dedicated solely to the American Saddlebred Horse, is located in Lexington, Ky., on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park. It houses the largest collection of Saddlebred horse artifacts in the world. 

The museum website provides images from the John P. and Dorothy Lenore Gallery Wing, which houses the museum’s temporary exhibitions, as well as the gift shop.

For in-person visitors, the Elisabeth M. Goth History Wing features interactive areas covering early history and formation of the breed; a mare and foal sculpture; a movie about the breed in the American Saddlebred Experience Theater; a children’s area where kids can color and put together puzzles; a section where visitors can try on show clothes and check their riding posture; and an interactive display where visitors can experience the feeling of being on a horse.

Learn more at asbmuseum.org.

International Museum of the Horse

The largest and most comprehensive of all horse museums is the 64,000-square-foot International Museum of the Horse, located at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. Dedicated to exploring the history of all horses and their impact on human civilization, the museum maintains an ever-growing library and archives, and serves as a resource for scholars and researchers throughout the world.

The museum’s website contains a searchable collection, which allows you to view museum items online based on keywords. You can also get a glimpse of exhibits inside the museum, which will whet your appetite for an in-person visit.

Learn more at kyhorsepark.com/explore/international-museum-of-the-horse.

Kentucky Derby Museum

The most famous horse race in America has its own museum! Located at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., home of the race itself, the Kentucky Derby Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary of the race with new exhibits, track tours and a History of the Kentucky Derby book release.

A visit to the museum website provides you with a peek at the new exhibits (including a “Long Shots” exhibit and a display dedicated to Secretariat), a review of the museum’s permanent collection, and a chance to shop online at the Derby Museum Store.

Learn more at derbymuseum.org.

National Morgan Horse Museum

Located at the Pineland Farms Equestrian Center in New Gloucester, Maine, the National Morgan Horse Museum is run by the American Morgan Horse Association, and is dedicated to the history and development of the Morgan Horse in the United States.

The museum website includes historical photographs and articles about Morgans, plus promotional videos about the museum, which provide a look into what the museum has to offer to in-person visitors.

Learn more at morganhorse.com/about/museum.

National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame

You can learn everything you need to know about Thoroughbred racing in a fascinating series of exhibits at the National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame, located in historic Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Paintings from the collection of 20th century racing enthusiast Charles H. Thieriot, an exhibit on the famous racehorse Ruffian, and a juried racing photography exhibit are all currently on display at the museum. The permanent collection includes sculptures, trophies, racing memorabilia, an assortment of paintings and photographs, and of course the Hall of Fame.

Visitors to the website can learn more about what the museum has to offer, as well as buy select items at the online gift shop.

Learn more at racingmuseum.org.

National Sporting Library & Museum

Founded in 1954, the National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) is located in Middleburg, Va., the heart of Virginia’s beautiful foxhunting country.

The inviting six-acre campus, world-class research library, and fine art museum highlight the rich heritage and tradition of country pursuits. Angling, horsemanship, shooting, steeplechase, foxhunting, flat racing, polo, coaching, and wildlife are among the subjects you can explore in the institution’s general stacks, rare book holdings, archives, and art collection.

The NSLM also offers a wide variety of educational programs, exhibitions, and family activities throughout the year.

Learn more at nationalsporting.org.

This article about horse museums appeared in the October 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Horse Museums You Should Visit appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Located in Parkfield, “the Cowboy Side of California,” the V6 Ranch is owned and operated by the Varian family. A world away (but just four hours from L.A. or San Francisco), this 20,000-acre working cattle ranch is balm for the modern soul and medicine for horse lovers of all ages and abilities.

Founding a Ranch

In 1958, Jack Varian had just earned a degree in animal husbandry and married his sweetheart Zera, whom he called Zee. She grew up with horses in Southern California, and they were ready to start their life together as cattle ranchers.

Their first ranch was on hardscrabble, unforgiving land. After working it for three years, by some miracle a man wanted to buy it and Jack and Zee happily sold.

Two years later, they found a ranch of about 8,000 acres in the tiny town of Parkfield, nestled in the Cholame Valley in Central California. This land was completely different from their first ranch. Rich with life, water, and beauty, they soon understood why the indigenous Tachi Yokut inhabitants had named the area Cholame (“the beautiful one”).

Jack and Zee called the place the V6 Ranch after their family of six, which included their kids Katherine, Lillian, John and Gregory. They acquired more acres over the years as they raised their family on the ranch. Then a funny thing happened.

“As all of us kids finished college and were looking to start our new lives, we all realized we wanted to come back to Parkfield,” says son John Varian.

The problem? Even though the ranch was now 20,000 acres, with the cattle operation running about 1,000 head per year, it provided income to only support Jack and Zee. The rest of the kids would need to find a different way to make a living if they wanted to live on the V6.

Welcome to Parkfield, Pop. 18

By the 1980s, the little town of Parkfield was pretty much gone. There were still a few homes and residents but no public buildings. The old bar had burned down in the 1970s. There was a one-room schoolhouse and a community hall, but the rest of the buildings were abandoned.

“I had some construction experience from doing side jobs in college, so Dad and I started rebuilding Parkfield in 1989,” says John. “We decided we needed a restaurant first, so we started by building the Parkfield Cafe. At first, it didn’t have an indoor kitchen, so we began cooking outside on the pit for guests.”

The restaurant was finished as a log cabin—“the only thing we knew how to build”—and the Parkfield Cafe started to become a destination for barbeque and hearty meals. Once the restaurant took hold, the family decided to build a lodge so people could stay overnight.

In 1991, they built the Parkfield Lodge, using lots of reclaimed and repurposed material. It has 10 unique rooms and a gathering room with a rock fireplace.

“Then we kept going and repurposed the old buildings in Parkfield,” says John. “Now the old town provides comfortable lodging for our guests.”

The original 1920s Shell Water Tower is a two-story suite. The local post office, which was dragged to its location in 1906 by a team of horses, is a two-bedroom suite. The spacious Cowboy Cabin, built by John and his ranch crew, offers privacy and rustic luxury.

Bring on the Cattle Drives

One night in 1991, Jack and Zee went to town to see the movie City Slickers.

“As the family story goes, they watched as city folk ventured out to a cattle ranch for a vacation,” John says. “Driving home, they agreed. This was the next step for the V6.”

The idea: Take what they’d started in Parkfield with the cafe and lodge and begin to expand what they offered. Why not offer the ranching work and the experiences they had every day and share it with people?

John’s wife Barb created a brochure about their new cattle drives and started spreading the word.

“People came and had a great time, and it just went from there,” says John. “Then we continued to expand on what people wanted with different rides and experiences. We also knew that people with their own horses would love to come ride out on our working cattle ranch, so we built the Horse Camp to accommodate that.”

Saddle Up

“As a working cattle ranch, we have a lot of work to do and a lot of ranch land to cover,” John explains. “We love being able to share the work we’d be doing anyway with people from all over the world.”

Today, the V6 offers a range of ways to experience ranch life during the needs of each season. All V6 Ranch experiences are open to riders aged 7 and older and all skill levels. The ranch hands and wranglers at the V6 are family or friends from local ranches, so you’re in good hands. On many of the rides, you can bring your own horse.

Here’s what awaits you at the V6:

Dude Ranch Weekends: Two and a half days of riding out on the ranch, hearty meals, a massage, lodging in one of the fun Parkfield town buildings, and a chance to unplug and unwind. These are great for families and riders who may be newer to horses.

Cowboy Academy: Five-day working ranch experience where riders can improve their horsemanship and working knowledge of cattle and ranch skills, from gathering and sorting cattle to roping, ranch obstacles courses, and beautiful trail rides.

Cowboy Academy 102: Five-day, corral-based ride focused on honing roping and cattle-sorting skills, including breakaway roping live cattle in the corral, roping a mechanical steer, learning how to read a cow, alley sorting, and more.

Wrangler Ride: With coaching from the V6 Ranch crew, explore the trails and learn a wide variety of ranch skills such as gathering, sorting, roping and negotiating ranch obstacles.

Cattle Drives: For more than 30 years, the Varian family has invited guests four times a year to help gather and move cattle throughout the vast lands of the V6 Ranch. On each day of the four-day drive, riders will spend about six hours in the saddle gathering and moving cattle and then sleep under the stars.

Pack Trip: New for 2024, join the Varian family to ride and camp out for four days on the most remote and beautiful parts of the V6.

Meet the Horses

In addition to the variety of riding and experiences, another thing that’s special about the V6 is that there is no nose-to-tail trail riding.

“Our horses are ranch horses, not dude horses, because you can’t gather cattle nose to tail,” John explains. “You’ve got to spread out and be able to direct your horse wherever you need to go, and the same when you’re in the arena sorting or at a branding.”

The horses that the guests ride are the same horses that the Varian crew uses when no guests are at the ranch. The horses are experienced, savvy and can navigate the hills, rivers, and draws of the V6 with confidence.

With Quarter Horses, Paints, and Half-Arabians in their herd, it’s the horses’ cow sense, ranch work experience and intelligence, not their specific breed, that makes them great partners.

Interesting to note is that Jack Varian’s cousin was Sheila Varian, the renowned Arabian breeder, trainer, and horsewoman. In 1961, she changed history when she became the first woman to win the Reined Cow Horse Open Championship at San Francisco’s Cow Palace, and she did so on her Arabian mare, Ronteza.

Sheila came out to the V6 quite often and brought her rock-solid Arabian ranch horses to sort, brand, and gather cattle in the roughest places on the ranch. Today, the V6 has a few Half-Arabians from Sheila’s breeding program.

Getting to the V6 Ranch

“As I like to say, Parkfield is in the middle of nowhere, but it’s four hours from everything,” says John. The V6 is reachable by several airports: San Luis Obispo (SBP; 65 miles), Fresno (FAT; 110 miles), and San Jose (SJC; 175 miles). It’s also a half-day’s drive from Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Another Place and Time

If the whisper of a simpler time and the distant echo of hoofbeats is calling to you, take a trip to the V6 Ranch. Every member of the Varian family will welcome you to relax and enjoy, and the ranch horses will eagerly join you as you discover “the beautiful one.”

For more information on visiting V6 Ranch in Parkfield, Calif., visit v6ranch.com. If a ride you’re interested in is booked, add yourself to the waitlist. Last-minute cancellations often open up.

This article about the V6 Ranch appeared in the October 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Visit the V6 Ranch appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Unicorn Trails has many remote and adventurous destinations throughout the world, but this one tops the charts for diverse scenery, unique culture, and local hospitality.

Panama City

My friend, Ali, and I spend a night in Panama City to enjoy a traditional Panamanian meal, including yucca and plantains, in the brightly decorated Sabroso restaurant on the Amador causeway. Colorfully lit buses drive the road beside the park where families walk enjoying the city lights reflecting in the water.

Lunch in El Valle, a town constructed in the middle of an extinct volcano, breaks up our five-hour drive to Santa Fe. We arrive just in time for dinner at Hotel Anachoreo and join our friends, Dawn and Tracy, for homemade fish soup, with fresh herbs from the hotels incredible garden.

Our host, Lizzie, a fit-looking young woman originally from Zimbabwe, arrives to introduce herself and let us know the plan for the morning.

“My farm is on the river, which isn’t always passable because of the rain, so the horses will be transported by road—the long way around—to a friend’s farm, where we’ll begin,” she says.

While handing out cushy saddle seat covers and saddle bags, she reminds us to pack our bathing suits and towels.

Meeting the Horses

After a breakfast of fresh fruit, eggs, crepes and bacon, we hop in Lizzie’s Jeep to a small corral where her helper, Jose, is just finishing tacking up the horses.

Ali is given Pali, a small palomino mare; Dawn is presented with Luca, a tall brown-and-white Paint Horse; and Tracy has a cute blue roan named Chombin.

Jose and Lizzie adjust the stirrups and I mount up on Capitan, a gaited chestnut Criollo. The western saddle is extremely comfortable.

“They are locally made,” Lizzy tells me. Some of the horses are also bitless, which is always a pleasant surprise.

Lizzie leads the way on a stallion named Calypso.

“He hasn’t been ridden in a while,” she tells us. “We’ll see what happens.”

Jose takes up the rear on a mule named Mr. Red, ponying Little Dude, a small gray Criollo gelding. Kids come out to greet us.

Calypso, eager to run uphill, takes the lead on a wonderful gallop up the mountain road. Resting at Cerro Tute, historically known as a rebel hideout, we tie the horses to a fence for a snack and enjoy the views of the small town of Santa Fe, population approximately 3,500.

Petroglyphs and Swimming

After crossing the peak, the pine trees turn into cactus plants and the dirt road turns to clay—from forest to desert just like that! We zig-zag through an array of round rocks displaying petroglyphs (see pg. 72). The wind cools us from the hot sun, but it’s so strong that it blows the sun brim off my helmet. Even Ali’s special brim with Velcro and hooks can’t fight it.

We cross a large river, tie the horses to trees and untack them.

“Time for a swim,” Lizzy announces.

Ali takes Pali right in, deep enough to swim. I hop on Capitan and he is eager to cool off. The current is strong, but the horses plunge through. It’s so much fun I can feel my smile growing from ear to ear the deeper I get. The water is just right—refreshing but not too cold.

Leaving the horses behind for Jose to take home, we head into town for a delightful late lunch at a local restaurant and have some yummy ginger chicken. We stop at a store where I purchase a wide-brim hat for under my helmet, and the others find shoes for swimming.

A vivid rainbow can be seen from our hotel, where we enjoy fresh cheese from the cheese shop before dinner.

A Steep Climb to the Cows

A local farmer, Wilson, has invited us to explore his land. We enjoy coffee and homemade muffins in his barn the next morning before heading out. This is the first time Lizzie has taken him up on his offer, and he seems excited to have us.

Ali has decided to give the mule, Mr. Red, a try, and he turns out to be a good choice for the narrow, rocky paths clinging to the hillside. We dismount and follow Wilson to a hidden cave, complete with bats and human bones.

Steep climbs that lead to incredible vistas and long canters on the sandy footing are a treat. After a rest in the shade, Jose helps Wilson round up his cows, and we help herd them back to the ranch where a homemade picnic awaits us.

Dawn’s Paint Horse, Luca, is the perfect mount to practice roping cows while Wilson and Jose brand calves. What a day!

Tropical Forest Waterfall

Dawn’s sister, Danialle, has finally arrived (delayed due to passport issues), and she joins us for the rest of the week. Just when you think it can’t get any better, Lizzie keeps throwing surprises at us.

We begin to explore the tropical forests of the Santa Fe National Park, a 290-square mile conservation area. Surrounded by hanging vines and tropical plants, a very steep climb takes us to a stunning waterfall, where we can jump in to cool off and swim around in its pools.

The newly purchased shoes for swimming come in handy. The current is strong in parts, so we have to be careful. At the end of a great ride we cross the river, dismount and enjoy a wonderful riverside BBQ, finished off with Ali’s special grilled pineapple.

A freshly graded red dirt road on the side of a mountain allows for long gallops. At the top, we rest and take in the views, trying to spot our hotel below.

Organic Farm & Hanging Bridge

Deep in the forest, we ride to an organic farm for lunch, of which 90 percent of the ingredients are home-grown. The owner gives us a demonstration of how coffee is made. Everyone we meet is super friendly and accommodating.

The clouds continue to linger in the next valley, and we can feel the mist in the air, but the rain subsides for the entire week. Everyone has been happy with their mounts. Nothing seems to faze them: not the horses running in pastures next to us, cows coming to check us out, trucks on the road, or barking dogs.

They are put to the test when we have to cross a long, skinny hanging bridge hovering above the river. We dismount and walk them across. I am shaking in my boots, but Capitan doesn’t flinch. These horses are amazing—even at an old telephone booth, Dawn coaxes Luca right up to grab the receiver.

Goodbyes & The Canopy Tower

Our last ride finishes at Lizzie’s farm, where we untack the horses and help Jose bathe them and turn them out. It is with sweet sorrow that we say goodbye to the horses, the farm, Wilson, Lizzie and Jose. The experience has been incredibly unique.

Ali and I finish the trip with a breakfast tour of The Canopy Tower, just outside of Panama City, where we get to watch various tropical birds and monkeys at the top of the rain forest. A nature walk rewards us with an anteater sighting, a first for me.

Panama has never been a destination at the top of my list, but Unicorn Trails Santa Fe Jungle Ride with Horseback Panama touched my heart. The horses, the people, the locally grown food, and the stunning scenery definitely won me over.

For more on the Santa Fe Jungle Ride, visit here.

Other Horseback Riding Destinations
◆ Top 10 International Horseback Riding Destinations
◆ The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
◆ Riding Through Sicily
◆ Riding Camargue Horses in France

This article about a trail ride in Panama appeared in the August 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post A Trail Ride in Panama appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The steep uphill gravel road to the ranch is in rough shape.

“It’s only open from June to October,” Curt says while navigating the large ruts. “Hopefully it will be graded by next week when you head out.”

Passing pine forests and rolling green hills, we arrive at a reservoir reflecting the snowcapped mountains before entering the gates of Spear-O-Wigwam, which sport a 100th anniversary banner on the fence.

Founded in 1923 by Willis Spear, a local rancher, the 17-acre property with seven cabins continues its dude ranch legacy through investors with local ties.

The fire crackles in the lounge next to the dining area, where I enjoy a meal of lasagna and Caesar salad with some of the other other guests, here for day rides or kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. In my quaint riverside cabin, I organize my gear for tomorrow’s pack trip.

Day 1

A moose, not bothered by my presence, wanders the grounds as I head for breakfast, a smorgasbord of fruit, quiche, pancakes and sausage. Our host, Mark Patterson of Cross Country Equine, introduces me to Gabby and Lydia, who will join me and returning guest Joleen on the pack ride.

As instructed, we arrive at the main corral with our bags where Pence, Claude and Pistol stand quietly as Mark meticulously weighs and loads every piece before placing it in their packs, checking constantly for even distribution.

“It’s key to not having to stop on the trail to fix anything,” he declares.

Mark chooses Canyon, a sturdy draft cross, for me, and two Norwegian Fjord crosses, Princess and Babydoll, for Lydia and Gabby. Joleen is given her favorite horse from last year’s ride, Chester, while Mark leads the pack on Swede (both their mounts are Norwegian Fjords).

We head out of the corral, crossing the first creek of many, one with a spectacular backdrop of mountains. Green meadows full of colorful wildflowers lead us to an uphill path in the woods. Canyon carefully chooses his way through the narrow, rocky parts.

“Let the horses pick their way, and make sure they have forward momentum, especially on the steep parts,” Mark advises. “It’s harder for them to get their legs in front of them if they slip when going uphill.”

At 9,760 feet, the tree line opens to breathtaking views of Geneva Pass and Geneva Lake before arriving at the camp at Crystal Lake, where rocky cliffs reflect on the water’s surface.

We untack the horses and turn them out for a well-deserved roll and to graze in the fenced-in area surrounding camp. Several teepees, including one for cooking, spot the grounds. Mark unpacks the bags and I change into my bathing suit for a quick dip in the chilly yet refreshing water.

After a scrumptious steak dinner, I drift off to sleep on the cot in my teepee to the sound of the melting snow cascading over the rocks into the lake.

Day 2

The cliffs glow in the morning light behind the horses grazing at the lake shore.

A full day at camp allows for exploration deeper into the Cloud Peak Wilderness area, an expanse of 295 square miles in the Bighorn Mountain Range, which has been protected by the Wyoming Wilderness act since 1984.

Mark trims branches from fallen trees on the trail that climbs to spectacular views. The Solitude loop takes us to the high country of remote lakes, cascading waterfalls, fast-running streams and snow still lingering in the mountains crevices.

The shore of Cliff Lake across from its jagged rock edges provides a peaceful lunch stop. On the way back to camp, we cool off the horses in the deep water of a small lake, sometimes belly deep. I take advantage of the clear night sky to watch the shooting stars before heading to my teepee for the night.

Day 3

In the early morning we help take down camp, as it will be the last trip here this season.

“The pasture is pretty much done,” Mark says. “And with any luck, the snow has melted enough to head to Beaver Creek camp for the next pack trip.”

Mark diligently weighs each box and bag before loading up the pack horses.

With total confidence in Canyon, I’m now relaxed over the steep, rocky terrain and can simply enjoy the views of the Bighorn Mountains against the blue sky. We allow the horses to drink at each of the numerous creek crossings before arriving at the familiar green meadow just before the ranch.

At Spear-O-Wigwam, we have time to untack, say our goodbyes and head into Sheridan for the rodeo’s opening night—I truly feel like a cowgirl now!

To learn more, visit @crosscountryequine on Instagram or go to spearowigwam.com.

This article about a pack ride in Wyoming appeared in the August 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post A Pack Ride in Wyoming appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Part of that dream came true when Rebekah Hart of Hart’s Island Pony Ranch graciously invited me to attend Pony Penning Week with her. She had won a raffle for “A Vacation of a Lifetime,” which included special access to the week’s events. How could I say no to an opportunity like this?

The Pony Swim

Pony Penning Week in Chincoteague, Va., is a cherished tradition for both locals and tourists. This annual event, held during the last week of July, is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the wild ponies of Assateague Island.

The first event I attended was the beach walk. The Saltwater Cowboys, who guide the ponies through this experience, bring the northern herd down the beach to meet the southern herd before both herds swim to Chincoteague Island.

On the day of the pony swim, we were up well before dawn to catch a boat to Assateague Channel. Everyone was quiet as we navigated the dark ocean waters to our spot. I remember looking up to see a velvety night sky filled with stars as the cool air washed over my face.

The timing of the swim varies each year and depends on “slack tide,” where the tide is neither going in nor out, so the water is relatively still, making it easier for the ponies to swim.

Once the herds make it to shore, officials signal the beginning of the swim with a red flare. The actual swim took just minutes. It was exhilarating to watch and capture with my camera.

Once on land, the Saltwater Cowboys give the horses about 45 minutes to catch their breath before they parade them through town to the carnival grounds.

The Auction

The next major event is the highlight of Pony Penning Week: the pony auction. This auction is an opportunity for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company to raise funds for equipment and maintenance while also ensuring the health and sustainability of the pony population.

The morning of the auction, I expected to see a lot more drama when mares were separated from their foals, but everyone was relatively calm. Some foals would get feisty when led around the auction area, but keep in mind, these are wild, unhandled foals!

Buyers from across the country bid on the ponies both in-person and online. Several groups pooled together funds to bid on “buybacks.” These fundraiser foals stay wild for life and remain the property of the Fire Company.

A Fitting Conclusion

After the auction, the remaining ponies are released back into their herds by either swimming them back across the channel (if they are part of the southern herd) or trailering them back to their stomping grounds (if they are part of the northern herd).

Beyond the excitement of the pony swim and auction, Pony Penning Week is filled with fun activities such as parades, riding demonstrations, carnival rides, a farmer’s market, shopping, live entertainment, and more.

Pony Penning Week is more than just a spectacle or a fundraiser. This event brings together communities and visitors in a shared appreciation for nature, tradition, and the enduring bond between humans and horses.

This article about the Chincoteague Pony Swim appeared in the July 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Chincoteague Pony Swim appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Errol stood squarely between us and the undulating turquoise sea.

“I need you to listen to me,” he said. “People who know how to ride never listen to this part, and they always mess it up.” His sternness was softened by a twinkle in his eyes.

My friend Beth and I looked at one another and grinned before returning our full attention to our guide, who explained how we would ride our horses into the water and get ourselves into position for an “only in Jamaica” experience: floating behind our mounts’ powerful hind ends while they swam, towing us with their tails.

Even for a pair of lifelong equestrians with a penchant for travel, this adventure was a first.

Half Moon Resort’s Commitment to Rescue

Beth and I met more than a decade ago in Colorado as volunteers for a racehorse rehoming organization. In the years since, life took us to opposite ends of the country, making in-person visits hard to come by. It made sense that our first reunion after years of separation, the stresses of Covid, and our own personal stories of grief would center around horses.

It was a perfect surprise to arrive at Half Moon Resort’s elegant stables to find that 13 of the program’s 23 mounts are adopted horses in different stages of rehabilitation.

There’s Timmy, the failed polo pony with trust issues. Precious, a sweet off-track Thoroughbred. Ebony, a 25-year-old pony who was near death when Half Moon’s Equestrian Director Trina Delisser rescued her from a roadside pony-ride operation eight years ago.

“She wasn’t supposed to live six months, but here she is,” says Delisser.

Delisser has been running Half Moon’s equestrian program for 37 years. Raised in Kingston, Jamaica, she grew up riding whenever she could as the daughter of an international polo player.

She came to Montego Bay’s Half Moon Resort when it became clear that continuing her passion would require turning it into a career. And while she has competed in polo and showjumping, she clearly loves giving horses a second chance.

Under Delisser, life at Half Moon’s Equestrian Centre is flexible for the horses. She has the skills and commitment needed to give a horse like Timmy the attention and mental rehab he needs.

Older horses like Ebony and those that are intermittently sore benefit from the opportunity to swim (with or without guests, depending on their needs). And those in good mental and physical health get a fun job.

Swimming with Horses

After touring the airy white barns and greeting the dogs, donkeys, and Gene the goat, our group of three guests and two guides mounted up and began the walk to the beach. I rode Zayne, a lanky gray rescue who sauntered happily along behind our guide Errol and his mount Coltrane.

Minutes later, we traded tree-lined pavement for sugary white sand, where we dismounted and readied ourselves for the main event: the swim!

Once the horses were untacked and the humans stripped down to swimwear, we climbed on bareback. I now rode Coltrane while Errol rode Zayne (since the gray became a natural leader in the water) and marched into the sea.   

As Errol led us toward swimming depths, he belted out Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.” The crystal clear water grew deeper, and the horses began the distinctive rumble that indicates they were starting to swim.

“Drop your reins!” Errol shouted over the noise, and suddenly, we were weightless. I tangled my fingers in Coltrane’s mane and leaned forward, letting my legs floating behind me as we swam into the rolling waves.

Suddenly, I heard Errol’s voice again. “To the tail!” he shouted, and I gently pushed myself toward Coltrane’s chestnut tail.

As we swam in sweeping circles, I held onto Coltrane for guidance, but the sea kept me afloat, and somehow, there was minimal resistance. I turned on my side and found Beth. We were both laughing the way we probably did the first time we cantered. I kept rotating onto my back, to look at the cotton-ball clouds. Then I spun onto my stomach to take in the strange vision of horse ears held just above ocean.

As we turned toward the shore one last time, we let the waves push us onto our horses’ backs. My heart sank. The ride was over. But as I squinted at the palm-lined beach, the postcard water, my dear friend, and the shine of a wet equine neck, I took a deep breath of gratitude.

For at least a moment, it felt like Errol (and Bob Marley) were right. Everything would be alright.

Opportunities for Different Levels of Experience

Beyond the Jamaican magic of swimming with horses, Half Moon Equestrian Centre offers a range of experiences suitable for riders and non-riders:

◆ Private dressage, jumping, or polo lessons are available for beginner to advanced riders over 10 years old.

◆ Inexperienced and rusty riders 6 and older may opt for a leisurely horseback “Sand Stroll” to the beach with a bit of a dip in water (but no swimming) or a mini lesson in the arena followed by a ride around the property.

◆ Kids 6 and under can spend their time learning to interact with the array of animals that call the Equestrian Centre home, including donkeys, goats, and of course, ponies!

◆ Adults looking for some quality horse time out of the saddle can sign up for a “Positive Empowerment” groundwork session.

If you’re ready to get away and relax while admiring turquoise waters around horses, this could be your perfect destination.

Learn more and book your stay at halfmoon.com.

This article about Half Moon Resort appeared in the June 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Half Moon Resort: Swim with Adopted Horses in Jamaica appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

After a swim in the pool and a soak in the hot tub, I joined guests in the main lodge for their final social gathering and outdoor barbecue. The stories of their week’s riding adventures were abundant, and everyone seemed eager to return, one on her sixth visit. I spent the next few days learning the secret to The Hideout’s success.

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch History

In 1995, David Flitner and Paula De Cabooter-Flitner started construction of the guest ranch, building the main lodge, cabins, arena, and barn on a prime riverfront location of the property, offering unobstructed views of the Big Horn Mountains.

Initially named after a local historical ranch, Trapper Creek Guest Ranch, it was rebranded as Hideout Adventures, Inc. Peter De Cabooter, Paula’s nephew, arrived from Belgium in 2006 to help, and a year later was joined by his wife Marijn and their twin boys.

The reins were eventually handed over to Peter, and The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch began its growth.

Year-Round Focus

Taking over full ownership in 2017, Peter began the transition from a seasonal three or four months per year operation into a more sustainable year-round business. His corporate experience is key to The Hideout’s success today.

“In order to keep a reliable crew and create a culture, we needed to offer more year-round jobs for our staff,” he says.

Peter follows the “3 C Culture” of character, conduct and competence.

“One can train for competence, but not for character and conduct,” he explains. “And this is even harder in a seasonal environment.”

Having the right crew focusing on the principles of their authentic hospitality—taking care of its people, guests, and horses—is of the utmost importance, as is their branded Authentic Horsemanship.

Authentic Horsemanship

When Marijn first arrived at the ranch, she was far from a cowgirl. Mileage in the saddle and exposure to many horse trainers, including Yvet Blokesch of Featherlite Academy in the Netherlands and Parelli trainers Farrah Green and Amy Bowers, Marijn gained well-rounded horsemanship skills.

Marijn was introduced to liberty work by Kirsten Brein, trainee of Lorenzo the Flying Frenchman, and now shares her knowledge with interested guests. From various training methods, The Hideout shaped their own branded Authentic Horsemanship based on a trusting relationship through communication, respect and understanding.

Peter describes it as “An ethical, respectful, safe, enjoyable and professional approach, getting the best out of both horse and rider.”

The Horses and Trails

I could sense the Authentic Horsemanship methodology from the saddle while on one of their many horses. With over 650,000 acres to explore and elevations ranging from 4,200 to 13,100 feet, there are a broad range of climates and plenty of biodiversity within riding distance of the ranch.

We chose the cooler canyon ride to escape the August heat. I would be riding with Peter and Marijn’s son Victor, as well as Nina Reuter, a German woman who was originally a Hideout guest, but who left a corporate life in New York to join the Hideout crew.

We crossed rushing rivers surrounded by lush greenery in the red rock canyons, cantered on sandy footing, and galloped past the red Needle Rock towering above us. A short trailer ride brought us to the nearby bentonite clay-painted hills.

My mount, a palomino Quarter Horse named Sheridan, was a true gem. Being well tuned in neck reining, there was minimal rein contact needed, and gaits changed simply from my seat.

“What a wonderful treat for a trail horse,” I said to Nina.

“Yes,” she replied. “The key is to train the guests how to ride our horses.”

Orientation and Safety Talk

All guests, from beginner to advanced riders, participate in an extensive safety orientation at the start of the week, then mount up for an ability assessment.

I watched guests ranging in ages from 11 to 75 walk in a circle and stop, trot along the rail, and depending on their self-proclaimed ability, perform a few canter strides. Instructed to use only their seat for balance, some experienced difficulties, but Marijn reassured improvement by week’s end. It was a safe yet revealing way to split into groups before hitting the trails.

Returning later with big grins, everyone had fun and felt comfortable. Catering rides to their guests’ preference on length, pace, and terrain, the wranglers could now make informed decisions on who was capable of what.

The Whole Package

In my short visit, I concluded that what brings guests back repeatedly to The Hideout is their attention to detail, consistency, and authenticity. Their hospitality and horsemanship benefits everyone, especially the horses, creating a perfect balance.

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch in Shell, Wyo., ticks all the boxes necessary for a comfortable adventure on safe horses in spectacularly diverse scenery. I applaud them!

Learn more about a visit to The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch at thehideout.com.

This article appeared in the April 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch: Get Away From It All appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The bookends to this 10-day equestrian extravaganza are the Live Oak International Combined Driving and Show Jumping Tournament held at the beautiful 5,000-acre Weber family Thoroughbred breeding farm (this year March 13-16), and the FEI Longines League of Nations week of 5* international show jumping held at the impressively massive, bright-and-shiny World Equestrian Center (this year March 19-23). At both events, fans can see elite human and equine athletes from around the world under stately live oaks, waving palm trees and the glorious Florida sun.

Mark your calendars for these events in March 2026 and get ready to immerse yourself in the equestrian scene in the Horse Capital of the World®. (Yes, Ocala, and surrounding Marion County, Fla., have registered this title with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.) The county boasts more horses and ponies than any other in the USA with over 15,000 Thoroughbreds among them and over 600 Thoroughbred breeding farms. But, beyond that, Arabians, Quarter Horses, Gypsy Vanners, Clydesdales, European Warmbloods, and many other equine breeds call the county home, too.

2025 Live Oak International Report

It’s difficult to beat the ambience of the Weber family estate with huge, Spanish-moss-bedecked live oaks and grassy-green fields as far as the eye can see. Attendees of the Live Oak International Tournament have the rare opportunity to visit the private estate during the annual event. This year was the 34th renewal of the competition which features four days of international-level (2* and 3*) and national-level combined driving, plus three days of international-level (CSI4*) show jumping―the only event in North America showcasing the two sports together.

Hosted by the Weber family with champion driver Chester Weber and his niece and FEI show jumper Chloe Reid (daughter of Chester’s sister Juliette) as co-presidents of the tournament, there is much to do and see for sports fans and families alike. Find a great introductory video about the history of the Live Oak Tournament here.

In addition to the driving and jumping competition, Live Oak featured an appearance by the Budweiser Clydesdale eight-horse hitch on Saturday afternoon, and daily performances by enthusiastic dock-diving dogs who launched into a specially-constructed pool chasing their favorite toys. The NetJets airplane simulator was also available for walkthroughs and the children’s play area with huge white sand pile and a bouncy house was a hit. A host of shopping tents, a food court featuring barbecue, wood-fired oven pizzas, Cuban food and more, and a beer garden, rounded out the fun. Event organizers reported record crowds of more than 15,000 over the four days.

1 of 3

The Live Oak combined driving drew participants from five countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, and United States) and 18 U.S. states (California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin). Live Oak has become a circle-the-date event for many drivers, because it offers more atmosphere with the large crowds, a world-class venue much like those encountered in Europe, and both national and international divisions including additional classes for youth and para drivers. Many of the drivers in the international divisions were also striving to qualify for the World Championships later this year.

Two days of driven dressage tests on Thursday and Friday opened the Live Oak combined driving event, followed by the marathon phase on Saturday and then the cones class concluded the competition on Sunday.

Winners of the Live Oak international driving classes were: FEI2* Pony Single, Tina England, Odessa, Ontario, Canada; FEI2*Horse Single, Marcus Holzinger, Metamora, Mich.; FEI3* Pony Single, Janelle Marshall, Australia (now based in South Carolina); FEI3* Pony Team, Bram Chardon of the Netherlands driving American Mary Phelps’ four pinto ponies; FEI3* Horse Single, Raymond Helmuth, Cambridge, Iowa; FEI3* Horse Pair, Jacob Arnold, Paris, Ky., and FEI3* Horse Teams, Chester Weber driving his own four-in-hand, Ocala, Fla.

1 of 5

The Live Oak international FEI5* show jumping classes ran Friday through Sunday with the CSI5* $190,000 Live Oak International Grand Prix, presented by Lugano Diamonds, capping the long weekend. Competitors from at least nine countries entered the jumping classes. The winner of the Lugano Grand Prix was Ireland’s Christian Coyle riding Extravaganza Semilly owned by Alexis Bodo. His brother Daniel Coyle rode Canadian owner Ariel Grange’s Farrel to second and the USA’s Will Simpson guided Imar, owned by Elizabeth Phillips, to third. The Live Oak jumping series Leading Rider Award went to Ireland’s Jordan Coyle, the Leading Lady Rider Award to Jenny Rankin (IRL), and the Leading Owner Award to Aaron Vale (USA).

1 of 3

During Sunday’s Grand Prix with only five riders out of 21 starters left to go, the skies opened up and over two inches of rain fell in a little over an hour. Since lightning was also present, for the safety of all, the show committee called a pause in the competition and sent competitors back to the barn to wait out the weather. The organizers and FEI ground jury, along with several competitors, walked out into the arena as the rain slowed and talked at length about options as water covered the arena surface. The decision was made to wait another hour, which paid off since the arena surface drained incredibly well and it was safe to continue, a real testament to the construction and maintenance of the ring surface there.

“This was an exceptional day of competition, proving once again that when tested, Live Oak International is equipped to thrive,” said Weber. “Despite the weather challenges, we came together as a community of competitors and organizers to ensure the safety and success of the event. I couldn’t be prouder of our arena and our team.”

Simpson spoke of his admiration for the Live Oak show, “The organizing committee did an amazing job managing the weather and the footing. It was an incredible day of sport, and the grass fields here are second to none. I’ve always loved this show; we really have to keep these grass fields.”

For a complete list of all of the 2025 Live Oak International combined driving and show jumping participants, course maps, and results, visit here.

To watch replays of the 2025 Live Oak International Tournament go to FEI.TV on ClipMyHorse. (A paid subscription is required, but you may be eligible for a trial period. Some events are available through USEF Network via ClipMyHorse, so if you are a USEF member, check to see if you are eligible to view through that membership.)

The 2026 Live Oak International Combined Driving and Show Jumping Tournament will return for the 35th year on March 12-15, 2026. For more information, click here.

USA Wins: 2025 Longines League of Nations Ocala Synopsis

Just a couple of days after the Live Oak competition ended, international jumper riders and horses took center stage just a few miles down the road at World Equestrian Center (WEC). The current 387-acre WEC facility, completed in 2020, is designed as an equestrian community onto itself with two major hotels, a general store and other vendors, restaurants, a chapel, a huge gas station, feed and bedding suppliers, medical facilities for horses and humans, more than 15 outdoor arenas, six indoor arenas, 20 barns with over 3,000 stalls and more. The Roberts family, owners of the WEC facilities in both Florida and Ohio, actually own 6,000 acres in Florida with plans for more expansion.

This year was the second for WEC Ocala to host a leg of the FEI Longines League of Nations (LLN) show jumping series. The FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale or International Equestrian Federation) created this new Nations’ Cup competition in 2024. Riders on teams from 10 nations compete at four qualifiers in 2025: Abu Dhabi (UAE) in February; Ocala (USA) in March; Rotterdam (NED) in June, and St. Tropez-Gassin (FRA) in September.

Of the ten competing in the four qualifiers, only eight teams will ultimately qualify for the Longines League of Nations Finals in Barcelona (ESP) this October. The winner of the LLN Final of last year’s season (Germany) was automatically qualified for this year’s season series regardless of their ranking on the relevant qualification list. The remaining nine places were allocated to the nine best-ranked teams in the LLN Ranking list (excluding last year’s winner). Qualified nations for 2025 are: Belgium; France; Germany; Great Britain; Ireland; Italy; the Netherlands; Sweden; Switzerland, and the USA.

As with the other older Nations’ Cup formats, the LLN competition is run over two rounds, with identical courses. Both rounds are run according to FEI jumper rules Table A, against the clock. The ten competing nations’ teams (four riders each) all jump in the first round, followed by a rest period. Then, three riders each from the top eight teams from the first round return to compete in the second round. The team with the lowest combined score (faults) wins. The LLN competition rules can be found here.

For more information on the FEI Longines League of Nations competition, including information about each leg of the series, competitor photos, news, statistics, current standings, dates for the remainder of 2025 and the 2026 series, and more, go to their website here.

While the March 22 Ocala FEI Longines League of Nations two-round competition was a standalone event, there was a week of international 2* and 5* show jumping classes at WEC designed to augment the show for both competitors and spectators. After the first horse inspection on Tuesday, March 18, international jumper classes kicked off on Wednesday, March 19 and finished on Sunday, March 23. To find starting orders, results and course maps for the entire week of 2* and 5* jumping at the WEC, including the LLN Ocala competition, visit here.

On Thursday, March 20, a CSIO5* $350,000 Lugano Grand Prix featured many of the same riders who would compete in the LLN on Saturday. The top three finishers in that Grand Prix were Germany’s Christian Kukuk on Just Be Gentle in first, Ireland’s Cian O’ Connor riding Iron Man second and Nina Mallevaey from France on Nikka vd Bisschop third.

Kukuk talked about Just Be Gentle (an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Ludger Beerbaum Stables in Germany) who he has been riding for two years after the Grand Prix, “She’s a sharp lion and, in the ring, she wants to go fast. The more you ask of her, the more ability she gets. I am very, very happy to have her in my stable. She will step up in the Nations Cup on Saturday, and I’m excited for the rest of the year.”

The course designer for this year’s Ocala LLN leg was Alan Wade from Ireland. His courses showed his knowledge of the sport and the teams involved, and were designed with the welfare of equine and human athletes in mind. The arena was also visually appealing with gorgeous aesthetic design including jumps featuring Florida attractions as well as event sponsors.

Saturday’s Longines League of Nations main event played out in front of packed stands with spectators cheering for all competing, but cheering even louder for their home teams, of course. Riders for the U.S. team, coached by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, were Lillie Keenan on Argan de Beliard (a 15-year-old Selle Français gelding by Mylord Carthago owned by her family’s Chansonette Farm) going first, Aaron Vale on Carissimo 25 (a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Cascadello owned by the Carissimo Group) second to go for the USA, Laura Kraut on Dorado 212 (a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Diarado’s Boy owned by St. Bride’s Farm) in the third spot, and anchor U.S. rider McLain Ward on Ilex (a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Baltic VDL that he owns in partnership with Bonne Chance Farm and was his 2024 Paris Olympic Games mount).

1 of 4

They all jumped very well in round one, with only Vale and Carissimo having one rail down and the other three clear and within the time. So, the U.S. team was sitting of a low score of only four faults after round one and in the lead by just one point over Germany. The pressure was on and the U.S. riders really stepped up in round two, with Keenan, Kraut and Ward returning to jump a second time (Vale and Carissimo were the team’s drop score from round one so didn’t return for round two).

Keenan was first again to jump for the USA in round two; she and Argan de Beliard put in another flawless round. Eight rides later, Kraut and Dorado 212 entered the ring and started off beautifully, but as Kraut worried about making the tight time allowed, she decided on a sharp turn back to the big wall (fence number 10) and Dorado unfortunately knocked some blocks off the top for four faults.

The USA and Germany remained neck and neck in the competition when Germany’s Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Singclair, going next to last in the order, turned in their second clear round of the day. So, it was all up to veteran rider Ward and Ilex to clinch the win for the USA as they entered as last to go in round two. That’s just what they did, turning in a perfect round for the USA to remain one point ahead of Germany to win the Ocala Longines League of Nations.

In a press conference after the League of Nations competition, U.S. riders and Chef d’Equipe Ridland commented on the competition and the win. Ridland praised the LLN and his team, “I’ve said it many times before, I love the format that the League of Nations has, specifically for the excitement. Of course, it’s always nice to be on the right end of the excitement. It was great that Laura added to that [when she and Dorado dropped fence 10] just to make sure McLain had some real pressure on him going out there. How things can change in that second round. We have a veteran team here and these are horses that have done it before. There’s a reason why we picked the team we have here. It’s our home Nations’ Cup, and we had some incredible competition that we had to beat. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Keenan, 28, who trains with Ward and is currently ranked number 25 in the Longines World Rankings, reflected on being the newest rider on the Team, “Anytime I get to ride alongside these riders who I have looked up to for as long as I’ve ridden a horse is pretty special. To win on home soil and to have everyone see one of the best venues in the world, and the best venue in America, is so special because we all share an incredible sport. It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate it here and with a home win.”

Ward, 49, said he also loves the new LLN competition design, “I think the drama at the end is a testament to the format; it makes for excellent sport and competition. I don’t know how many times now I’ve been in that position of having to jump clear. I’d be lying to tell you it isn’t filled with some nerves and anxiety. I was going down the ramp, and when Sophie [Hinners from Germany] jumped clear, I got a smile on my face and my thought was, ‘Okay, game on. This is what we do.’ You focus. That’s what you live for.”

The win gave USA 100 points to add to the 40 they accrued in Abu Dhabi during the first leg of the 2025 LLN. This moved them up to fourth in the LLN order after the first two competitions. Ireland and Germany are currently leading the series tied on 170 points each and France is in third with 150. To see the current LLN standings after these, visit here.

All legs of the League of Nations competition may be viewed (both live and on-demand replays) on FEI.TV via Clip My Horse (paid subscription required, although a free 30-day trial is available).

View replays of the 2025 LLN Ocala competition here.

More Horsing Around Ocala

Additional equestrian competition venues in Ocala include the Florida Horse Park, and the HITS (Horse Shows in the Sun) circuit. The Florida Horse Park features a large eventing course, outdoor and indoor show arenas and lots of stabling. The Park hosts virtually any kind of equestrian competition you can think of from Western to English and everything in between. These include, but are not limited to, a large draft horse show in February (the Grandview Invitational), trail and ranch horse classes, eventing, dressage, hunter-jumper, breed shows, cutting, contest classes, mounted games, polo, United States Pony Clubs rallies, and more. The HITS circuit specializes in hunter-jumper competition.

For more equestrian fun stuff in the Horse Capital of the World, consider scheduling a trail ride at one of several farms in the area or touring local farms, then cap the day with meal at one of several equestrian-branded eateries (these include places like Horse & Hounds Restaurant, Stirrups Restaurant and Yellow Pony Pub & Garden to name few). Outdoor activities, museums and cultural events abound to round out the agenda for a trip to Ocala. Find ideas for planning these activities at the Ocala-Marion County Visitor’s’ Center website or call them at (352) 438-2800, as well as the Visit Florida website section on Ocala.

One other tip for animal lovers visiting Ocala―for great wildlife viewing, check out the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, and its Three Sisters Springs, located near the town of Crystal River, Fla. The refuge is located less than an hour’s drive from WEC. It is one of the best places in the world to see the endangered West Indian manatee, especially during the months of mid-November through about the end of March.

To get more nature and outdoor fun packed into your travel itinerary, Rainbow Springs State Park and Silver Springs State Park are both located near Ocala, too. Find these and more through Florida State Parks resources.

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

The post Ten Magical Days in Ocala: From Live Oak International to Longines League of Nations & More Horsey Adventures appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.