BarnManager’s Spring Checklist
March 30, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Spring is a favorite time of year for many equestrians, especially those who spend the winter in a colder climate. Before the season is in full bloom, complete these tasks to help ensure a successful rest of the year. Continue reading to learn about BarnManager’s spring checklist.

Finalize Your Summer Show Plans

The early spring is a great time to nail down your barn’s summer show schedule. There are numerous steps in finalizing a show schedule, especially if your barn plans to travel a lot. First, create a list of events with your employees and send it to clients for their input on which shows work with their schedule. Begin this task early so clients have time to confirm which shows they want to attend. Once you have a solid list of who is going to each event, start working on filling out entries, coordinating shipping, and booking hotels. Entries are often due at least a month in advance, and sometimes hotel rooms can be hard to find. Starting this process ahead of time will prevent the challenges of making last-minute arrangements.
(Did you know? Users can add their show schedule to BarnManager’s calendar feature and share it with all clients and employees.)

Schedule Vaccines

Many farms vaccinate horses in the spring and fall. When scheduling a time to set up vaccinations with your vet, it is important to consider your upcoming schedule. For example, horses need a couple of days between being vaccinated and shipping or competing. Planning ahead and talking with your veterinarians about the best time to give vaccines based on your upcoming show schedule is crucial.

Take on Spring Cleaning Jobs

Everyone knows spring is the perfect time to deep clean your barn. Consider doing tasks such as cleaning all brushes, re-organizing your tack room and feed room, washing and storing winter blankets, and scrubbing dirty equipment. It is also a good time to walk through your paddocks to see how they weathered the snow, ice, and mud. Be sure to check for broken boards, dangerous-looking gates, giant rocks, or large holes.

Click HERE to read about spring cleaning jobs that are often overlooked.

Go Through Paperwork

As a new show season approaches, take time to double-check that all of your record-keeping is correct. Make sure all paperwork is up to date and in the correct spot. Take note of any missing or old documents that need to be updated for the upcoming show season. For example, if you notice that certain horses need new Coggins papers, make a list and schedule the vet before they expire.

In addition to paperwork, also make sure all checklists for routine barn chores and packing for horse shows are up to date. If you received a new horse during the winter, make sure their equipment is included in the packing list. Similarly, while you were spring cleaning you may have thought of another task to add to the daily chore list for employees. Although these lists don’t change drastically, taking a moment to ensure they are correct will help make the rest of the season run smoothly for everyone.
(Did you know? BarnManager allows users to upload documents and organize paperwork for easy access. Users can also create and edit checklists that can be shared with all employees.)

Although things can start to get busy in the spring, it is also a great time tackle a few important tasks so you are ready to take on the rest of the year.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Tips From the Pros: Buying a Farm with Martha W. Jolicoeur
March 19, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Deciding to buy your own farm is a decision not to be taken lightly. Understanding the process and knowing what properties will align with your needs are crucial factors to consider. BarnManager spoke with Martha W. Jolicoeur, one of the top-ranked real estate agents catering exclusively to equestrian clientele in Wellington, FL, to learn from her experience and expertise.

What are some important first steps a person should take when they decide to start looking for a farm?

When you start the process of looking for a farm you want to make sure you know what your budget is, especially when looking at equestrian properties. It’s important to hire a realtor you trust who comes recommended and specializes in horse farms.

What’s the first thing you look for when you walk into a farm, and what are a few other important qualities or features to look for?

As always in real estate, it’s all about location, location, location. Other features or qualities depend on what the buyer is looking for. For example, if you’re in Florida seasonally, you may need less land than if you’re here for a longer period of time. When looking at equestrian properties, it is important to remember that the maintenance of a property in Florida during the summer months is more than what is required in the winter; it rains every day in the summer, and everything grows really quickly.

Another important feature people who have experience working at a horse farm often look for is the ability to see the paddocks from the barn. Also, walkers are currently an important feature for many buyers. A farm that has a covered walker, or room to install one, is highly desirable.

Are there any features you consider to be absolute dealbreakers?

Anything that would be dangerous to the animals is a dealbreaker. Everything should be in a good state of repair. For example, there should be no nails sticking out in the stabling or fencing. If you’re selling, make sure the fencing is painted and looks nice because fencing is important and makes a strong first impression. For the barn itself, you want neutral colors. A barn that is painted in darker colors often looks dated which is a turn-off.

Are there certain features that are often overlooked but important when looking to purchase a farm?

Drainage is an essential feature for any barn. Also, having shade for the horses in the paddocks is often overlooked but is so important. It is a good idea to consider the direction of the barn and if it catches the wind. Having a breeze blowing through a barn aisle in the summer months is a great quality. Specific to barns in warmer climates, understand that rubber pavers do not do well in the sun. Many people are now using a poured rubber instead, which is easy to clean. You want to look for a surface that is attractive and can stand the test of time. If there is light footing in the ring, you don’t want a dark aisle surface that immediately shows the sand when you come into the barn.

Although shopping for an equestrian property is an exciting experience, it is also a large investment. In order to find a property that will best suit your needs, it is important to do your homework and to work with a knowledgeable realtor who understands the nuances of the market.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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BarnManager Q&A With: Ally Bradley
March 9, 2023| | in category BarnManager Q&A No comments yet

BarnManager Q&A With: Ally Bradley

Ally Bradley, show groom for Catherine Tyree, a young professional show jumping athlete based out of Wellington, FL

What are three things that are always in your ring bag and why?

My ring bag is a small tack room, to be honest. It of course comes with the usuals, but I will not go anywhere without a stud tree, Advil, or my spare rope halter. All three have proven to be useful on the days that make you say, “Well that wasn’t supposed to happen…”

Photo courtesy of Ally Bradley

What’s something you learned early in your career that has stuck with you?

Early in my career, I was working for Neil Jones while Mavis Spencer was still riding for him. Mavis taught me that there are many ways to do something correctly as long as you keep good horsemanship in mind. There is no one true path to success with horses. You have to leave room for error and stay empathetic with both the horses and humans around you. There has to be a space for differences in styles and personalities. Nothing in the barn belongs in a “box.”

Who inspires you the most in the industry and why?

My industry inspiration would be my childhood trainer, Kathy Slack, who is really more like my mom. When she started her career in horses, it was more of a side gig to teach a few lessons and enjoy her own horses while she worked as a nurse. She bought a small building with land and built the stalls inside the structure herself. Before you know it, she went from two horses to five to 10. Now, 25 years later, between two separate business operations, she oversees 80+ horses and countless riders and students. She does this all while being an incredible mom, instructor, philanthropist, and mentor. Kathy is the coolest person and the one who inspired me to go to Wellington and start grooming. I am grateful to her for everything she has done for me through the years.

What is your best tip for staying organized during a busy show day?

Photo by Lauren White Media

When the days get busy and you start going fast, the best thing you can do is have a clear plan from the get-go. Communication is also important. If everyone is on one page from the moment you feed the horses in the morning to the moment you feed in the afternoon, it makes for an enjoyable experience. If the plan falls apart during the day, it is also important to have a reliable and flexible team of people working with you. I consider myself really lucky to work with the team of people I do. I am quite close and work very seamlessly with my rider Catherine Tyree and my coworker Alex Weinman. We keep it all together by creating a plan every night and sticking to it the best we can. While we are very serious about show jumping, we are also always laughing and having fun. It is extremely important to me to be on a team of people I enjoy working with. If it’s not fun, why do it?

What is one horse show you have never been to but would love to attend?

I have yet to attend Spruce Meadows, and I am dying to get up there. It is such an iconic venue, and I hope to experience it soon.

Photo by Lauren White Media

Mares, geldings, or stallions? Why?

I am just a horse person. I don’t really have a favorite. I fall in love with the personality of the horse before anything else!

If you were a horse, what would you be and why?

If I was a horse, I would hands down be a naughty school pony who lived to be 100 years old.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Tips for Walking a Jumper Course
February 16, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Jumper courses are often technical and include lines where riders have several options for track and striding. For this reason, understanding how to effectively walk a jumper course to come up with a successful plan for the show ring is essential. BarnManager spoke with U.S. Olympic silver medalist and international grand prix rider Peter Leone to learn his tips for walking a jumper course.

Know the Format

The first step to walking a course is knowing the type of competition. When I walk a course with a student, I always ask them what kind of class it is, and I expect them to know the answer. Knowing the format tells us how we need to walk that course in order to strategize how to win and be competitive. For example, I’m going to have a different plan for a speed class than I would for a class with a jump-off.

Make a Strategy Based on Your Horse

It is important to take into account your horse’s strengths and weaknesses during a course walk. When I walk a course with a student, and it’s a jump-off or speed class, I’ll explain the striding, turns, and angles the winner will do. We then take that information and personalize it to their horse based on its strengths and weaknesses. Strengths to think about could be the horse is brave, quick, slow with a big stride, or careful. On the other hand, we also consider if the horse is spooky, jumps hard to the left, or is very aware of and drawn to the in-gate.

Anticipate How Your Horse Will React to the Jumping Questions Being Asked

Photo by Jump Media

It is important to consider how your horse will react to different jumps in the arena. If you have to jump a spooky wall heading into the end of the ring, ask yourself how you think your horse will react to that. If your horse is the type to shrink back and be hesitant about boldly approaching that fence, then understand that jump could be a problem and come up with a plan for how you, as a rider, can help your horse. For example, I would make sure to get straight to that jump, have a short, active canter, good connection, and also let my horse see it during our entrance. Another fence you may have to consider during a course walk is a plain, airy plank. The careful, attentive horses will pay attention to the plank, but the big brave horse will not give it the same amount of respect. So, when you are walking the course make sure to think about what you can do to make your brave horse pay attention to that jump and give a good, clean jumping effort.

Jump location is another important factor to look at during a course walk. Anticipate how your horse will react to a jump going toward the in-gate versus one going away from the in-gate. Look for jumps on tricky angles or blind turns and come up with a plan for how you can give your horse the best chance of jumping the fence clear.

Look at Footing Conditions

The course walk gives you an opportunity to see what the footing conditions are like. You can identify if the ground has a nice texture, if it is firm, or if it gives way on the turns. At the majority of competitions now the footing is so good that horses’ strides are longer than we expect. Oftentimes when we walk a line and think it will ride long, it ends up riding normally. This is because of how much the footing has improved over the years, so it is something we should think about when walking a course.

Pick Spots To Save Time

During your round, you will not jump every fence dead center, especially when you are going against the clock. When you are walking the course, you should pick particular spots on the fences that you aim to jump. When walking a broken line or a line to a line, always walk a 12-foot stride and the direct track first as opposed to the wider bending track. A direct line will help save time so only put big bends in your broken lines if you have to. Identify other places where you can cheat the clock and be under the time allowed. This might be turning on landing and galloping over to the next jump or making a tighter turn to a jump that is friendly and relatively low risk in terms of having it down. If you can cheat the clock in certain places, then you can take time to those trickier obstacles or combinations that need a more respectful approach.

Make a Smart Entrance

While walking your course you should also consider your entrance. Preloading, when allowed, and making a smart entrance is to your advantage. When you enter the ring, make sure to let your horse see those critical fences or possible problem areas in the course. When deciding your entrance, you should factor in your particular horse and what you think would be most beneficial for them to see such as a combination or spooky oxer.

No matter the height or level of track you are riding, coming up with a solid and effective plan during the course walk will go a long way to helping you have success in the jumper ring.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Tips for Bringing Your Dog to the Barn
February 9, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Many people have dogs that go everywhere with them, including the barn. If you work at a barn or plan to spend the majority of your day there it is nice to have your dog with you. Although dogs often can be seen running around freely at stables, there are rules that should be followed in order to do this safely.

Check for Barn Rules

Before you decide to bring your dog to the barn ask the owner and/or trainer about their rules for allowing dogs on the property. Do not assume you know the rules because every stable is different. Some barns do not allow dogs at all, while others will allow dogs but only on a leash. Even when the owner or trainer brings their dogs to the barn, that may not mean other people’s dogs are permitted.

Know Your Dog’s Behavior

Even if your barn allows dogs, think hard about how your pet might react in that environment. For example, consider your dog’s behavior with other animals, people, kids, and in a busy environment. If your dog gets anxious easily, is not good on a leash, or wanders off then bringing them to the barn may not be wise. Knowing how your dog may react under these conditions is important for everyone’s safety. Consider bringing your dog for a trial run on a day when you can spend time with them. Keep your dog on a leash and observe their behavior and reactions before deciding whether another visit will work. Also consider spending time reviewing basic training skills with them while you are in the barn environment.

Safety First

Even if you have a well-behaved dog, you must still take certain precautions to ensure the safety of others at the barn. For example, if someone is getting on a spooky or green horse and your dog is lying next to the arena, it may be best to move them away so they do not accidentally scare the horse. Similarly, do not let your dog roam free in or near the ring when a beginner is getting on to ride. Even the best-behaved dogs can have moments where they decide to chase after a bird or bark at a squirrel, and you do not want to be responsible for someone falling off their horse because of your dog. Remember that you are accountable if your dog spooks a horse, bites a person, or chews on a tack trunk. Although these are worst-case scenarios and many dogs successfully spend time at the barn, it is necessary to consider and understand the risks.

Also think about safety concerns for your dog when you bring them to the barn. You do not want them to get kicked by a horse or eat something poisonous. Always keep an eye on your dog, especially if they are loose, in order to prevent a dangerous situation from occurring.

Make Sure Your Dog Is Comfortable

If your dog is going to spend time at the barn be sure they are comfortable first. You may want to purchase a bed, water bowl, or pen that you can set up so they can rest and feel safe. Even if you decide you are comfortable allowing them to be loose most of the time, it is nice for your dog to have a quiet spot that is theirs, especially during times when they cannot roam free.

While spending the whole day with your horse and dog sounds ideal, it is important to acknowledge the responsibilities that come along with bringing your dog to the barn.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Tips for Competing in a Night Class
February 2, 2023| | in category Tips and Tricks No comments yet

Competing in a night class under the lights can be overwhelming for both horse and rider. Although it is technically just another class, the atmosphere can be intimidating, especially if it is your first time. Continue reading for a few tips from BarnManager on how to successfully conquer a night class.

Practice Under the Lights

Photo by Jump Media

Competing under the lights is very different from showing during the day. It may take your horse a little time to adjust to the different lighting and shadows that can appear. If possible, it is best to ride your horse in this type of setting before entering the show ring with them. Some horse shows allow hacking in the ring the morning before the show starts while the lights are still on. This is a great way to allow your horse to experience the effects of lighting in the ring and on the jumps themselves. Riding in these early morning conditions can also help you identify sections of the arena that may become spookier as the light changes. Another option is to arrange to visit a nearby farm that has an outdoor arena with lights where you can practice at night.

Plan Your Horse’s Schedule

When you show during the day you typically prepare your horse in the morning. When competing in a night class, it makes sense to rethink your preparation schedule. For example, you will probably want to lunge and/or ride your horse later in the day than usual. It is important to think through this new schedule to avoid your horse being in its stall all day or rushing last minute to lunge them.

Feed at an Appropriate Time

When competing in a night class, be sure to feed both yourself and your horse before the start of the competition. Plan your horse’s meal early enough to allow them time to properly digest their food before going to work. Depending on when the class starts and where you go in the order, you may be able to eat dinner beforehand as well. Even if you prefer not to eat a full meal before competing, make time to have a healthy snack before you show.

Organize Equipment

Night classes can bring out a lot of nerves in riders, so it is important to plan ahead to help you feel as relaxed as possible. Organize and set out all of your equipment early.  Think through the timing of your day since it will be very different than your typical show schedule. Write it down on paper or on your phone so you can refer to it when you get busy. These kinds of steps will allow you to focus on your plan for the night class instead of worrying about lots of last-minute details. Consider also laying out and organizing your aftercare products and wraps so that process will go smoothly once you are done showing. Night classes often require early mornings and late nights so having everything in place can help save time and energy.

Photo by Jump Media

Complete Additional Tasks Early

Plan to complete any additional tasks you have scheduled for that day as early as possible so you have time to focus on the night class. This may include riding other horses, organizing equipment, finishing up work-related items, or doing schoolwork. You do not want to be distracted while you are trying to get your horse ready, walk the course, create your plan, or watch other riders go in the class. Make sure you leave enough time for yourself to take a moment at the ring and go over your strategy for the course.

Take a Breath and Enjoy

In the end, a night class is just another competition. Do not put too much pressure on yourself, and remember to trust the partnership you have with your horse. Before you enter the ring, take a deep breath, pet your horse, and make sure to enjoy the learning experience.

While showing under the lights may look like a piece of cake when you watch the live streams, it is often a difficult setting for certain riders and horses. Successfully competing in a night class is a skill that requires practice, preparation, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Tips To Monitor the Financial Health of Your Business
January 12, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

By Dora Bennett / Pro-Office Support LLC

In the equestrian business, we tend to spend the majority of our time in the stable, leaving little time for office operations that are essential to the barn’s financial health. Keep reading for tips from guest blogger Dora Bennett of Pro-Office Support LLC on important areas to monitor in order to effectively run your business.

Feeding Chart

Every stable uses a feeding chart as an essential tool to keep track of changes in diet, medication, and supplements. It is important to proactively keep it updated for the health of the horses, but have you ever thought about how not billing those updates can affect the financial health of your business? Adjustments as simple as changing a horse’s grain, upping the amount of grain, or purchasing a supplement on behalf of a client can all have a financial impact on your revenue. The prices of grain and hay are always fluctuating. Neglecting to reflect an updated cost in your billing is something that is easily overlooked and causes the stable to absorb the increased cost. Constantly updating and managing your barn’s feed chart can be tedious but it is extremely important for the financial side of your business.
(Did you know? BarnManager has a feeding chart feature that allows you to update information, share changes with your staff, and make the adjustments easily available for billing.)

Training and Lessons

If your stable has a lesson or training program, it is necessary to keep track of each session for billing purposes. Managers, riders, and trainers must record each lesson or training ride in an organized system. This will ensure that you are charging for each session and sticking to the allotted time period. We all know the saying time is money, and this is the perfect example.
(Did you know? With BarnManager, users can quickly input each lesson or training ride into the calendar feature, which makes scheduling, planning, and billing a breeze.)

Boarding

Most barns offer boarding as a service. Some stables offer several boarding options to clients depending on the level of care and training they want. When was the last time you sat down to figure out the actual costs required to board each horse? Do this regularly to account for significant price changes for critical supplies like hay, shavings, and grain. Also, consider what items are included in your board to be sure you are properly billing for extra services you provide. If your barn includes all services in full-care boarding, make sure the fee takes all costs for those services into consideration. If you monitor these changes throughout the year, you will be better prepared to set your rates when it comes time to announce adjustments to your boarders.
(Did you know? With BarnManager Pro, users can analyze revenue and even break it down by client, horse, product, or service.)

Proper Management of Your Barn’s Books

Proper management of your barn’s books is essential to the financial health of your business. It is difficult for most busy stable owners to find time to work on the books, and it is often after a long day at the barn. When the financials are not well maintained, it is hard to properly understand the financial health of your business. Finding an accounting person, service, or software product that also understands the equestrian business can make this task much easier.
(Did you know? BarnManager Pro’s accounting and business management features help users more easily analyze the financial side of their business by simplifying the invoicing process, allowing safe and secure payments, and integrating with QuickBooks Online.)

Although these tasks are time-consuming and require consistency, they are essential for properly keeping track of your business’s finances. Thankfully, there are accounting services and software products, such as BarnManager, that can help you understand your barn’s financial health.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Six New Year’s Resolutions for Equestrians
January 6, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Have you chosen your New Year’s resolution for 2023? If you are considering any equestrian-focused goals this year, keep reading for a few ideas from BarnManager.

Fix One Habit

Every rider has one bad habit they are always being reminded about during lessons. Instead of having a broad goal to become a better rider, try focusing on improving that one flaw. It may be something small like lowering your hands, not leaning to the right, or keeping your shoulders tall. Every time you ride, keep that one habit in mind, rather than a long list of things, and before long you will see progress.

Add More No-Stirrups Work to Your Routine

This year, try to make every month “No Stirrup November.” Begin with small steps, like adding it in for 5 minutes once a ride and then build from there instead of torturing yourself once a month or only doing it when your trainer asks for it in a lesson.

Take Care of Your Tack

Photo by Jump Media

Cleaning, oiling, and conditioning tack are extremely important tasks that often get skipped. Leather tack is expensive and the more regularly you take care of it, the longer it lasts. This year, make a plan to clean your saddle, bridle, martingale, boots, and other leather equipment after every ride and oil and condition the leather once a week.

Organize Your Paperwork

Organizing your horse’s or barn’s paperwork is a daunting task, but a necessary one. Making sure paperwork like health certificates and lease agreements are up to date and in an organized location is key. If you are organizing your barn’s paperwork, set aside time once a month to confirm all information is current, new horses have been added, and everything is still in the correct place.

(Did you know? BarnManager can help you organize all of your paperwork so that it is in digital form, easy to access, and readily available.)

Spend More Quality Time With Your Horse

Whether you are a professional, junior, or amateur rider, you probably have a busy schedule that makes it hard to spend time with your horse. Between riding, showing, work, and school, finding free time to just be with your horse can be tricky. Promise yourself you will carve out a little time during most visits to the barn to groom, graze, or simply hang out with your horse. Even if it’s only for an extra 10 minutes, this quality time will give you both a well-deserved break to relax together.

Photo by Jump Media

Be Grateful

It is all too easy to compare yourself to other riders, owners, or trainers in this sport. This year, make a point to be grateful for the opportunities and horses you have instead of focusing on what others are doing. Everyone has their own path so make the most of yours and take time to be thankful for the horses and the people you have in your life.

For 2023, stick with a few simple, specific resolutions rather than big, overwhelming ones that are difficult to maintain. Before long, you will find your new year becoming more enjoyable!

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Horse Show Highlights From 2022
December 30, 2022| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

As the year comes to a close, many enjoy the tradition of reflecting back on favorite moments. BarnManager caught up with three grooms and managers to share their highlights from the 2022 horse show season.

Caroline McLeese

Rider, Manager, and Assistant Trainer for Double H Farm, located in Ridgefield, CT, and Wellington, FL

Photo courtesy of Caroline McLeese

What was your favorite memory of 2022?
I had the opportunity to show one of Quentin Judge’s horses, HH Qualido, in a national grand prix at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY, this spring. We ended up double clear and third, which was an exciting result for our first bigger class together. McLain Ward won, and Rodrigo Pessoa was second, and being in the ring for awards with two riders who I have looked up to for my entire riding career made it even more special. On top of that, the whole Double H team had quite a busy day between showing and getting a few horses to the airport, and I was super impressed with how everyone kept things moving. It was one of those rare days where everything came together just how it was meant to!

What are you most looking forward to in 2023?
I have a horse to jump some two-star FEI classes with this year, Moncler van Overis. I’m really excited to keep getting to know him and see where we go together.

Stephanie Nell

Groom for Amethyst Equestrian, located in North Salem, NY, and Wellington, FL

Photo by Sportfot

What was your favorite memory of 2022?
My favorite horse show memory from 2022 was from the beginning of the year when Rodrigo Pessoa and Lord Lucio finished seventh in the $216,000 NetJets Grand Prix CSI4* during Saturday Night Lights at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Lord Lucio is one of my favorite horses to take care of, so it was a very special night. I also love the exciting atmosphere during the Saturday Night Light classes.

What are you most looking forward to in 2023?
I am excited to now be grooming for Rodrigo and Alexa Pessoa’s student, Maison McIntyre. Maison is a junior rider who has a lovely string of horses ranging in different competition levels. This summer we are going to Europe to compete, so I’m really looking forward to that trip.

Kimberly Graves


Former Groom for John French, located in Wellington, FL

Photo by Jump Media

What was your favorite memory of 2022?
My favorite memory of 2022 would definitely be World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) week at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. The $100,000 United States Hunter Jumper Association/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular night class lived up to its name. It was truly spectacular. I had two horses in the class, Babylon and Milagro. They are both young and promising horses. It was my first time grooming horses for the class. I have watched this class in person and on live stream since it was available, and I have followed the sport and hunters since I was nine years old. I always dreamed of being a part of this night with a special horse or rider, and this year that dream came true. John French rode Babylon to an eighth-place finish that night for owners Ariana Marnell and Marnell Sport Horses. Just taking care of a special horse that qualified for that class was a check off my bucket list. I also had the honor of accepting the Mark Gregory Award for the best-conditioned horse of the first round of the class for Babylon and Marnell Sport Horses. That was the icing on the cake. I always take great pride in making sure the horses I care for are healthy, happy, and shiny!

What are you most looking forward to in 2023?
I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter in 2023. I’ll be looking to find a new team to join in the new year. I’m also looking forward to checking more boxes off my bucket list like going to Devon and all of the indoor shows.

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