Nichola O’Donovan, manager for young show jumping athlete Hallie Grimes of Can We Keep It? LLC based out of Wellington, FL, and North Salem, NY
What are three things that are always in your ring bag and why?
Picking only three things is difficult, but the first thing I always like to have is a hole punch so we can make adjustments, even though sometimes the hole punch likes to grow legs and walk out of the bag. The second item is vet wrap in case of an emergency at the ring like an overreach. The last thing is a bag of cookies because it’s nice to let the ponies know when they’ve been good.
What’s something you learned early in your career that has stuck with you?
I wouldn’t necessarily say this came to me early in my career – it took me a while to realize it – but one thing I’ve learned is that because we work with many people from many backgrounds in this industry it’s important to remember that not everyone will do things the same way you do. This does not mean they are doing it wrong; it just means there are many ways to do the same thing. You can always learn a new way of doing something if you just take a minute.
What is your best tip for staying organized during a busy show day?
Photo courtesy of Nichola O’Donovan
On a day when I know I’m going to be busy, I make sure I start my morning with enough time. Having chores done before the horses get exercised is a big help. Whenever there are an extra five minutes, I like to clean the tack that is done being used. There is nothing worse than turning around at 5 p.m. and seeing a huge pile of tack to clean.
What is one horse show you have never been to but would love to attend?
I’ve been very lucky and have ticked nearly all shows and goals off of my list. I have never done a World Cup Final so that is top of the list now. My favorite locations are London, Dublin, and Rome. Any shows in those locations make me excited.
Mares, geldings, or stallions? Why?
I’ve had a quirky bunch of all three over the years, and none were easy to bond with in the beginning. I honestly cannot pick one. If they get your trust and bond with you, they will give you their whole heart. I’ve had a gelding and two stallions that really knew I was their person and that was something special.
If you were a horse, what would you be and why?
I would probably be a feisty companion pony. I wouldn’t be open to a herd of friends but would be very loyal to a few.
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!
Equestrian athletes live exciting lives so it is always fun to follow along with them on Instagram to keep up with their busy schedules. The most entertaining accounts include riders who post additional content besides competition photos such as behind-the-scenes looks at their farms, training tips, their go-to brands, and family photos. Continue reading for a list of BarnManager’s favorite equestrian athletes to follow on Instagram.
Edwina Tops-Alexander is an Australian Olympic show jumping athlete. In addition to competition highlights, her Instagram features posts about training exercises, traveling with her family, her favorite jewelry and clothing, and more.
In addition to being a top United States show jumping athlete, Georgina Bloomberg is an author, animal activist, and mother. Georgina shares a variety of posts including her world travels, special moments with her son, her rescue dogs, and fun shots from her Global Champions League team New York Empire showing on the Longines Global Champions Tour circuit.
Anna Buffini is an up-and-coming United States dressage rider. On her Instagram, Anna shares memorablemoments with her top mount FRH Davinia la Douce, her go-to fitness routines at the gym, videos of her training her horses at home, and horse show highlights.
Karl Cook is a United States show jumping athlete based in California. Karl is known for his “Walking and Talking” videos, which feature him reviewing his competition rounds, sharing his opinions and insights, what he has learned throughout his career, and discussing topics related to the equestrian world.
Archie Cox is a respected hunter, jumper, and equitation trainer who has taught many of the nation’s top horses and riders. Archie’s Instagram features fun throwback photos of his own competition days, horsemanship and riding tips, proud trainer moments, and inspirational quotes.
Cathrine Dufour is a Danish Olympic dressage rider. Cathrine shares posts from her travels, what she is working on while training at home, fun shots around the barn, and more.
At Double H Farm, owned by the Harrison Family, professional rider Quentin Judge provides hunter, jumper, and equitation training. The barn’s Instagram account shares competition highlights, photos of Quentin’s kids around the barn, fun candid and team shots, throwback videos and photos of their top horses competing, and more.
Boyd Martin is an Olympic eventing athlete for the United States. On his Instagram, Boyd shares photos of his family, competition reels, scenes from the course walk and jog at horse shows, and videos of him training at home.
Lauren Sprieser is a dressage rider from the United States. Her Instagram is a combination of training photos, #TipTuesday posts, and competition shots.
Jessica Springsteen is an Olympic show jumping athlete from the United States. Jessica’s Instagram includes impressive competition highlights from horse shows around the world, cute behind-the-scenes shots at the barn, photos of the Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian line, and more.
As the end of the year approaches, there are several prestigious competitions and finals you will not want to miss seeing. Continue reading to learn where you can catch a few of the most noteworthy show jumping, hunter, equitation, dressage, and eventing shows this fall.
Dressage at Devon:
September 26-October 1, 2023 – Dressage at Devon takes place in Devon, PA. The event offers international competition at several levels including World Cup qualifiers, three-star competition, Junior and Young Rider qualifiers, and Adult Amateur competition. It is also one of the largest open-breed shows in the world.
September 28-October 8, 2023 – Capital Challenge Horse Show will celebrate its 30th anniversary at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. Enjoy top equitation competition during Equitation Weekend, presented by BIGEQ.com. Hunter competition takes center stage starting on Monday, October 2, with the country’s best horse-and-rider combinations going head-to-head in World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Challenges and Finals. The highlight event will be the $25,000 WCHR Professional Finals on Friday, October 6.
October 5-8, 2023 – CSI Greenwich takes place at the iconic Greenwich Polo Club in Greenwich, CT. The event will feature five-star Major League Show Jumping competition on the beautiful grass field.
October 23-29, 2023 – The 2023 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) will take place at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The country’s best show jumping, hunter, and equitation riders will compete at the prestigious event. Highlights include the $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup, which is the only five-star World Cup qualifier in the U.S., and the WIHS Equitation Finals, both on Saturday, October 28.
October 26-29, 2023 – Les 5 Étoiles de Pau will take place in Domaine de Sers in Pau, France, and will feature some of the world’s top eventing riders and horses. The competition is one of the seven five-star events in the world.
November 3-12, 2023 – The 2023 Royal Horse Show will take place at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Canada, as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The event will highlight hunter classes as well as top international show jumping competition. The main event of the week will be the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto CSI5*-W on Saturday, November 11.
Where to watch the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto CSI5*-W: ClipMyHorse.TV
World Equestrian Center – Ocala November Dressage CDI3*:
November 16-19, 2023 – Dressage competition will take the spotlight at World Equestrian Center – Ocala during the November Dressage CDI3* show in Ocala, FL. In addition to offering three-star dressage competition, the event will also offer USEF/USDF competition and serve as a qualifying show for the Great American/United States Dressage Federation Regional Championships.
November 16-19, 2023 – LGCT Prague is the final event of the Global Champions Tour circuit. The show will take place in the O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. Top international show jumping athletes will compete for coveted titles with the main events being the LGCT Super Grand Prix and the Global Champions League Super Cup.
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!
Many equestrians use social media to stay on top of the latest news and results in the sport. In addition to keeping up with your favorite riders and horse shows, consider adding a few influencers to your follow list and enjoy the wonderful world of horses from their perspective. Continue reading for a list of BarnManager’s favorite equestrian influencers on Instagram.
Make sure to follow Alex Calder’s account @betweentwoears for beautiful views of Ireland through the ears of her horse Ben. Get a glimpse at the trails and fields of Ireland with some foal and pony posts mixed in.
You should definitely take a look at dressage groom Evan Donadt’s @evangrooms account if you are looking for fun. His videos featuring a lighthearted take on equine behavior and life around the barn will make just about anyone laugh out loud.
Matt Harnacke documents what it’s like to be a model and dressage rider. Check out @matt_harnacke to follow along with his travels, watch videos of him riding during golden hour, and get an inside look at his life as the founder of @horseworld_tv.
Esme Higgs shares videos and photos promoting fashion, beauty, horses, travel, and equine welfare. Esme travels to top competitions around the world and shares her experiences with her followers on @this_esme. She also hosts a podcast, Esme’s Country Life, that offers a deeper dive into her love of the countryside, animals, horses, and riding.
Follow along with Madelyn Houser’s equestrian adventures on @theblondeandthebay_. Madelyn chronicles the highs and lows of her dressage career, working with her husband’s roping horses, the funny realities of running a barn with her spouse, and more.
For a mix of horse training, fashion, fitness, and travel check out @myequestrianstyle. Bethany Lee shares videos and photos of recent horse shows, her favorite clothing items, her go-to fitness routine, and more. Bethany also interviews leaders from across the sport on The Equestrian Podcast.
Equestrians aiming to improve their fitness for riding should head over to @jack.equibody.fitness where dressage rider Jack LaTorre shares videos on why cross-training is important for equestrian athletes at all levels. Followers can learn exercises that can be done at the gym or at home to improve flexibility and strength to help improve their time in the saddle.
Brianna Noble is an inspirational urban cowgirl who is aiming to change lives. She works with youth from underprivileged communities in California and utilizes horsemanship as a tool toward a brighter future through her Humble project. Follow @urbancowgirl for motivational and fun photos plus an honest look at the equestrian industry.
Taryn Young posts everything from encouraging quotes to favorite equestrian products and gifts on @warmbloodsandwine. As an amateur dressage rider, Taryn also shares photos and videos of herself competing.
Madeline Finley, manager at Maarten Huygens Horse Sales based out of Wellington, FL, and North Salem, NY
What are three things that are always in your ring bag and why?
I like to travel light. I try to only carry the essentials. With that being said, my ring bag is always equipped with a towel, a hole punch, and cookies for the horses. I like to keep things very simple.
What’s something you learned early in your career that has stuck with you?
I’m very big on cleanliness and organization. Some would say it’s an obsession for me. I find it very hard to work and operate out of a messy environment. I think it’s safer for the people and the horses when the barn aisle is tidy and everything is in its place.
Who inspires you the most in the industry and why?
Maarten Huygens and Madeline Finley Photo courtesy of Madeline Finley
The person who inspires me the most in this industry is without a doubt Maarten Huygens. He came to the United States at a young age, rode, groomed, worked hard, and eventually became the successful businessman he is today. It is a story similar to how so many of us started out, including myself. Working for Maarten is really special. He is one of the most genuine, down-to-earth individuals with so much knowledge and passion for the sport. I am always proud to stand by his side.
What is your best tip for staying organized during a busy show day?
Communication always! Working in a sales barn can be very chaotic at times, but as long as everyone is communicating the day will run smoothly.
What is one horse show you have never been to but would love to attend?
I have never been to a horse show in Europe. I would really like to experience that at least once in my life. If I had my pick, it would be the Dublin Horse Show!
Mares, geldings, or stallions? Why?
I love a mare with an attitude and a big heart. I like to think those two things go hand in hand. When you can form a bond with a tough mare she will do anything for you; she will be your best friend.
If you were a horse, what would you be and why?
I would like to be a western horse on the Yellowstone Ranch. That’s my favorite show, and I always wonder what it would be like to live there.
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!
The month of August is jam-packed with major show jumping, hunter, equitation, dressage, and eventing competitions. Continue reading to find out how to tune in to the final events of the summer.
FEI North American Youth Championships
August 8-13, 2023 – The 2023 FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) will take place during the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival VI at Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, MI. As the premier equestrian competition in North America for children, pre-junior, junior, young riders, and U25, the NAYC allows youth to compete against their peers in a format similar to that of the Olympic Games and other international senior championships. Tune in to watch young equestrians compete for team and individual FEI medals in the Olympic equestrian disciplines of show jumping and dressage.
US Equestrian (USEF) Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms
August 8-13, 2023 – Catch some of the fun of the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farm by watching wall-to-wall coverage of the country’s best hunter, jumper, and equitation ponies competing for coveted titles. The show takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The competition will feature the Regular Pony Hunter USEF Championship, the Green Pony Hunter USEF Championship, the Marshall & Sterling/USEF Pony Medal Finals, and the USEF Pony Jumper Championship.
August 10-13, 2023 – LGCT London will take place at Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, England. The show will include two-star, five-star, and Global Champions League (GCL) show jumping competition. GCL classes will take place Saturday, August 12, and the LGCT Grand Prix of London will be the feature event on Sunday, August 13.
August 21-27, 2023 – The 2023 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions will take place at HITS Chicago at Lamplight Equestrian in Wayne, IL. The event highlights many of the nation’s top athletes and horses in 16 different divisions, including the USEF Para Dressage National Championship.
August 24-27, 2023 – The MARS Great Meadow International eventing competition is held at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA. In addition to drawing international talent, there are also several notable U.S. athletes expected to attend including Lauren Nicholson, Boyd Martin, and Will Coleman. Viewers can enjoy all three phases of the CCI4*-S, plus additional coverage from the other divisions.
August 25-27, 2023 – Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) at Ottawa takes place at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa, ON. Enjoy both two-star and five-star show jumping as well as MLSJ Team Competition. Tune in on Saturday, August 26, for the CSI5* Team Competition and Sunday, August 27, for the CSI5* Grand Prix.
2023 United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds
August 29-September 3, 2023 – The 2023 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. This annual championship showcases every level of eventing from Beginner Novice to Advanced.
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!
Most horse owners say they take better care of their equine partners than themselves. While many maintenance treatments and products could be considered a luxury, veterinary chiropractic adjustments do not fall into that category. Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Dr. Ryan Lukens is a certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner from the Chi Institute in Ocala, FL, and recommends all horses can benefit from regular chiropractic adjustments.
From minis to draft horses and pasture pets to top sport mounts, the parasympathetic stimulation triggered by chiropractic adjustments improves multiple facets of health for any equine. Therefore, veterinary chiropractic adjustments improve more than just athletic performance, and for sport horses, Dr. Lukens considers them a necessity.
According to Dr. Lukens, the benefits of veterinary chiropractic adjustments include:
Relief of pain and soreness
Increase in range of motion
Reversal of muscle atrophy through increased frequency of nerve activation
Increase in speed and accuracy of athletic movement
Adjustments can help calm the “fight or flight” response
Dr. Lukens outlines the “must know” details for any sport horse owner:
Major Adjustment Points
There are 205 bones that comprise the skeleton of a horse, however, the equine chiropractor does not just adjust the skeleton. It is important to improve motion at segmented levels that involve bones and the supporting soft tissue structures and nerves. “Motion palpation” is used to test moving segments. If a segment is not moving freely in the appropriate directional planes, the equine chiropractor can perform an adjustment to correct the restriction of this movement.
Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Equine Clinic
Major adjustment points include the:
Mandible and tongue
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Poll and cervical vertebrae
Withers and sternum
Front and hind limbs
Thoracic and lumbar vertebrae
Pelvis/sacrum
Every Horse Is Different
Veterinary chiropractic adjustments can be different for each horse and are often based on their discipline. The most common adjustments for various performance horses include:
Dressage: Balance is essential for dressage. The major points of balance affected by veterinary chiropractic work are the TMJ, hyoid, sternum, and cervical facets. Other common adjustments affected by lateral work include the shoulders, elbows, and pelvis.
Hunter/Jumper: Hunters and jumpers typically benefit from vertebral adjustments of the lumbar and upper cervical regions, ribs, sternum, front distal limbs, and the shoulders.
Eventing: Most eventing horses benefit from adjustments to the pelvis, all cervical vertebrae, TMJ, ribs, and the shoulders.
Western Disciplines: Reiners benefit from adjustments to their right shoulder, lower cervical facets, withers, and pelvis. Barrel racers benefit from shoulder, sacroiliac, and hip joint adjustments.
Tips for Before and After an Adjustment
It is important that dental and farrier work is not overdue before veterinary chiropractic adjustments. Sharp dental points can cause adjustments to hold for shorter periods of time, especially in the poll, TMJ, and cervical vertebrae. In addition, if a horse is currently not shod well or has recently pulled a shoe, the adjustments of their limbs, back, pelvis, and sacrum may not provide long-lasting benefits.
Horses can be ridden and have a normal day before an appointment. They should not be ridden for the remainder of the day after an adjustment, but they can be turned out to pasture. Horses can be ridden as normal the following day, and it is a good idea to follow up with the veterinarian about how they felt.
Solving Common Issues
Several common issues are often solved by a veterinary chiropractic adjustment. For jumpers, changes in jumping style (i.e. landing away from a front limb, only jumping off of a certain lead) and performance (hitting more rails than normal) could indicate a lack of range of motion that can often be corrected through a proper adjustment or series of adjustments.
For dressage horses, a change in balance could result in head tilting, not working through the back, lifting the lower cervical curve, or the hind limbs not following the path of the front limbs. That balance can often be reestablished with an adjustment.
In the western disciplines, a decrease in acceleration and turning can be indicative of the need for adjustments.
Choosing Your Equine Chiropractor
A veterinarian trained in chiropractic adjustments is the safest choice for the horse. A veterinarian’s extensive knowledge of anatomy and understanding of when not to adjust a horse is an important part of ensuring the horse’s safety and well-being. If done improperly, adjustments can have adverse effects.
For a more in-depth explanation of equine chiropractic adjustments, click HERE to read the full article from Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
NOTE: These guidelines are only suggestions, and you should always follow the specific instructions from your veterinarian.
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!
Katherine Esterline, groom for Anna Marek of Marek Dressage based out of Ocala, FL
What are three things that are always in your ring bag and why?
I always have sugar cubes. Anna’s trainer Anne Gribbons likes to give a lot of rewards during her lessons. I make sure to keep a good supply in my bag for training times and warm-up at competitions. The second item is a wet rag. Lots of sugar leads to a lot of foam and a mess! I use a wet rag to wipe the horse clean of foam and sand before they go in the show ring. It’s also very handy when the reins get slippery and covered in sweat. The third thing I keep in my bag is an instant ice pack. In Wellington, FL, it can get very hot during competitions. The ice pack helps me stay cool while standing by the warm-up arena, and it keeps my rider’s water bottle cold.
What’s something you learned early in your career that has stuck with you?
I learned early on that a good curry comb is your best friend.
Photo courtesy of Katherine Esterline
Who inspires you the most in the industry and why?
My mom helped me find a passion for horses at a young age. She trained and managed a boarding farm in Michigan. She was the one who gave me my first lessons. She now manages the care of Anna’s training horses at Crownview Dressage. She works extremely hard. I never see her take a day off.
What is your best tip for staying organized during a busy show day?
I make a plan using the notes app on my phone the night before with the times my rider will mount and show. Anna tends to show two to three times a day plus additional schooling sessions. Having everything written down is essential. Setting timers for lunch and other special tasks is also very helpful.
What is one horse show you have never been to but would love to attend?
I really want to go to Aachen. I’d love to go even just as a spectator … one day!
Mares, geldings, or stallions? Why?
I love geldings, but earning the friendship of a mare is truly the best.
If you were a horse, what would you be and why?
The new foals on the farm look like they’re having the most fun playing around in the field. I’d love to be them!
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!
Kerri Short, manager and groom for Anna Marek of Marek Dressage based out of Ocala, FL, and Dunnellon, FL
What are three things that are always in your ring bag and why?
The first thing I always make sure I have in my ring bag is a towel for wiping off boots, horse slobber, or anything else. I also keep silver spray just in case there are any last-minute nicks or scrapes. The third thing is sugar cubes for the good ponies! There are a lot of other things that are always in my ring bag but those are my top three.
What’s something you learned early in your career that has stuck with you?
Early in my career I learned that happy, healthy, shiny horses are due to good feed, grooming, and management.
Who inspires you the most in the industry and why?
Photo courtesy of Kerri Short
I would say there is no one person in particular who inspires me. Anyone who has made the horse industry, grooming in particular, their livelihood is inspirational. It can be a tough life, so I admire a lot of professionals and grooms that continue to always do a nice job and care for their horses. The love the equine industry “lifers” have for the horses is pretty awesome.
What is your best tip for staying organized during a busy show day?
A white board! It is so important to write down all the times, schedules, and other important information about what needs to happen during the day. A white board is perfect for this because you can write down a lot of notes and easily make any changes.
What is one horse show you have never been to but would love to attend?
When I was an event groom, I always wanted to go to Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials. In the dressage world, any of the team shows, like the Olympics, Pan American Games, or World Championships, are high on my list.
Mares, geldings, or stallions? Why?
I think a good horse is a good horse!
If you were a horse, what would you be and why?
I would probably a short Cob horse. I would definitely hate flies and want all the fly gear!
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!
