Youth Profile – Simone West
Fifteen-year-old Simone West of Oak Grove, Missouri, exemplifies the very best of the up-and-coming generation of horsemen.
My Life Between The Reins · World Premiere, Hollywood, CA
March 27, 2026 Comments Off on My Life Between The Reins · World Premiere, Hollywood, CA
Filmmaker Marilyn Swick’s documentary, My Life Between the Reins, has been making the film festival rounds, winning awards, and captivating audiences with the story of Paige Baylis, a determined equestrian who doesn’t let cerebral palsy slow her down. Paige is well-known to many on the AQHA show circuit for her indomitable fortitude and infectious positivity. Without her hero-mom, Susie, who has been at her side all the time, and is a fixture at the shows, Paige would not be where she is today.
Continue reading …Taylor Searles Leaves Collegiate Coaching Behind To Return To Her Roots
March 25, 2026 Comments Off on Taylor Searles Leaves Collegiate Coaching Behind To Return To Her Roots
TS is in Her Reinvention Era. And while it probably won’t include catchy tunes and poetic lyrics, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of sparkly outfits.
Continue reading …Training Topic: Leg Yields And Side Passes
March 23, 2026 Comments Off on Training Topic: Leg Yields And Side Passes
While to the casual observer leg yields and side passes may appear similar, their intent, energy, and execution differ–and those differences matter. But successfully completing either movement begins long before a pattern calls for it. Proper training, body control, and clear communication are essential to producing lateral movement that is both correct and credit-earning.
Continue reading …Behind The Clipboard: Seasoned Judges Share Insights From The Center Of The Pen
March 21, 2026 Comments Off on Behind The Clipboard: Seasoned Judges Share Insights From The Center Of The Pen
It’s that time of year when newly carded judges are named – an announcement that should be accompanied by a celebration, as the path to get there is not for the faint of heart, and the responsibility of holding a card is not one that is taken lightly.
Continue reading …Back Numbers: It’s All In The Details
March 19, 2026 Comments Off on Back Numbers: It’s All In The Details
It only takes a moment sitting ringside at a horse show to appreciate the attention to detail that competitors bring to their sand-covered stage. Each crystal-covered jacket, perfectly placed band, tightly wrapped braid, and tangle-free tail creates a picture-perfect image for judges to evaluate. The effort and investment in competing in this sport cannot be overstated. Yet, there is one area that many exhibitors often overlook: the proper display of back numbers.
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Almost every mare owner dreams about breeding for a replica of what they already own. So, they start shopping for the perfect stallion to match those expectations and dreams. There are so many different variables that it can be overwhelming for new and even some veteran breeders. We’ve asked some stallion owners and longtime breeders for some wisdom about choosing the right stallion to breed to a mare.
Continue reading …20 Tips For Presenting A Well-Groomed Horse In-Hand
March 16, 2026 Comments Off on 20 Tips For Presenting A Well-Groomed Horse In-Hand
Learn to make your show-day performance a shining success with head-to-tail grooming and fitting tips that will make your horse stand out as one of the most well-groomed in the show ring.
Continue reading …Grit, Grace & Determination – Shannon Quinlan Hill
March 15, 2026 Comments Off on Grit, Grace & Determination – Shannon Quinlan Hill
Grit. Perhaps there is no better word to describe trainer Shannon Quinlan Hill, though ‘passion’ is likely a close second. This driven young woman was in the saddle before she could sit upright, and she was showing hunters by age three. But there’s also no better illustration of her perseverence than the 2025 Quarter Horse Congress.
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Horse breeding is a synthesis of art (intuition, vision for desirable traits) and science (genetics, reproductive technology) focused on improving quality, performance, and preserving bloodlines. This is accomplished using methods from natural mating to advanced techniques like artificial insemination and embryo transfer–all while balancing husbandry and genetics to achieve one’s desired outcomes.
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