Keeping It Straight – Hear From Top Trainers
The pivot in a pattern–whether it is horsemanship, equitation, showmanship, or reining–is a simple yet complex maneuver.
The bonds between trainer and client can run deep. The barn family and home family often intertwine, and the friendships forged through shared experiences can last a lifetime. It is no wonder that when the right fit happens, generations of clients stick with the same trainer, even after years away from the show pen. Whether the journey starts with a youth and leads to the parent, or the child goes from Leadline to the awards presentation in the center of the arena, these exhibitors share a common sentiment; their generational ties are like being a family–and working with the same trainer feels like coming home.
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It’s a moment everyone hopes to experience someday: being the last rider left in the pen as the World Show placings are announced. When Lane Kail and his horse, Battarang, were announced as the Level 3 Youth 14-18 World Champions this year, it was a moment made especially sweet, not only because it was his last year showing as a youth, but also because years ago, when he first began showing horses, it was Pleasure that hooked him–the same class he became a World Champion in this day. Talk about full circle.
Continue reading …Just One More Horse: A Day In The Life Of A Bander And A Braider
November 18, 2025 Comments Off on Just One More Horse: A Day In The Life Of A Bander And A Braider
It’s that last bit that’ll get ya’ every time. And that’s exactly what keeps Michelle Swanson and Carly Estreich-Lueck in business full-time.
Continue reading …Remembering Joe Mizzi’s Lasting Legacy In The Equine Industry
November 16, 2025 Comments Off on Remembering Joe Mizzi’s Lasting Legacy In The Equine Industry
The horse world lost one of its giants. Joe Mizzi was not just a breeder, exhibitor, or leader. He was a man whose generosity, wisdom, and loyalty left a lasting mark far beyond the fences of his farm in Michigan.
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Many in the industry are mourning the loss of a very special stallion whose impressive show record and ability to produce exceptional babies are remembered by those who loved him. But Fortunateson was much more than that, and his loss this past August has been felt throughout the Quarter Horse community.
Continue reading …Changing The Game – The USEF Mandatory Microchip Rule
November 12, 2025 Comments Off on Changing The Game – The USEF Mandatory Microchip Rule
As of December 1, 2025, every horse entered in a USEF-licensed or -endorsed competition must be implanted with an ISO-compliant microchip. However, the new USEF Microchip Rule is more than just a requirement–it’s a game-changer for equestrian sports.
Continue reading …Equine Law – New Year’s Resolutions For The Equine Industry
November 10, 2025 Comments Off on Equine Law – New Year’s Resolutions For The Equine Industry
Planning ahead for a successful 2026? You might consider “success” to mean great recognition and results in your horse-related showing, breeding, and training activities. But a successful new year could also include making a few extra efforts to protect yourself from a legal dispute. This article provides a few suggestions.
Continue reading …Kindred Spirits – Select Amateur Heidi Rasor and Full Drape, aka “Wallace.”
November 9, 2025 Comments Off on Kindred Spirits – Select Amateur Heidi Rasor and Full Drape, aka “Wallace.”
Select Amateur Heidi Rasor couldn’t even make it to the finals at the World Show for many years. Now, for the last three years in a row, she has been in the final cuts. What has made the difference? First of all, there’s her equine partner, Full Drape, the 2014 sorrel gelding by No Doubt […]
Continue reading …Born To Ride: Molli Jacobs Froman
November 8, 2025 Comments Off on Born To Ride: Molli Jacobs Froman
For Molli Jacobs Froman, horses aren’t just a part of life—they are life. Quite literally. Her story begins during the All American Quarter Horse Congress, where her mother went into labor while her father was showing. “I guess you could say I was born into the industry,” Molli laughs.
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