When Practical Horseman began publishing in 1973, our goal was to educate, inform and inspire hunter, jumper, eventing and dressage riders of all levels with practical and educational information and advice. And that’s still our mission more than 50 years later. Over the past five decades, we’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of leading riders, trainers and clinicians to collaborate on articles and training videos for our audiences. Now, we want to give you the opportunity to interactively participate in this process.

Team Prac—our group of top trainers representing hunters, jumpers, eventing and dressage—is here to offer useful and impactful advice to help you improve in your particular discipline and develop a harmonious partnership with your horse. Our Team Prac members will be working closely with Practical Horseman and Dressage Today’s editors on articles, training tips and diagrams, solutions to everyday problems and videos to address specific problems or training issues you’re working through.

Our goal? To help you and your horse reach your goals and improve your riding and overall horsemanship skills. We know equestrian sports are expensive, so no matter your level or income, our Team Prac members are here to help you excel in your riding journey. Whether you’re an advanced rider, new to equestrian sport or somewhere in between, we’re inviting you to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge Team Prac has to offer.

How It Works: Ask Team Prac

To submit your question, sign up for Practical Horseman+. (Learn more about all the benefits you’ll enjoy as a member of Practical Horseman+, our new, exclusive membership platform, here!) We’ll ask a little bit about you and your horse and what type of issue you’re seeking help with. From there, we’ll pass your question on to a Team Prac member who specializes in your discipline.

If your question is selected, it will be featured in a future Practical Horseman and/or Dressage Today digital article and on our social media channels to help you and other riders who might be struggling with a similar issue. We look forward to helping you and your horse on your personal journey together!

Stay tuned: Be on the lookout for more pros who will be joining Team Prac in the future!

MEET YOUR TEAM PRAC MEMBERS

Margie Engle

Margie Engle has been one of the winningest jumper riders in the U.S. for more than three decades. To date, Margie has won more than 250 grand prix classes, six World Cup qualifiers, more than 75 Nations Cups, a record 10 American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year titles and was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 2021.

• Hometown: Miami, Florida. “l worked in the dog and cat kennels and groomed horses in exchange for rides and lessons at Gladewinds Farm in Miami with Robert and Dorothy Kramer. They had a riding school with horses and ponies, a boarding stable and a dog and cat kennel all at their facility. I eventually moved north to Wellington because of the horses.”
• Current homebase: Wellington, Florida. “I’ve been here for over 30 years. Sometimes, I will base out of Europe or Traverse City, Michigan, during the summers where it’s cooler.”
• Family: Margie has been married to equine veterinarian, Steve Engle, DVM, since 1995. Growing up, her parents and two brothers weren’t into horses but were very supportive of her passion. “My parents had more of an academic background, but they made a huge effort to understand the sport I loved. My mother even wrote a book called ‘No Hurdle Too High’ about my start in riding and first team events with USET.”
• What first drew you to horses? “I was always drawn to animals and sports, and horses were a big passion of mine since l was very young. I fell in love with them after my best friend from elementary school took me to Gladewinds with her when l was 8, and l’ve been obsessed ever since.”
• Favorite horse/pony growing up: “My favorite pony when l started riding was a mare named Gladewinds Garnet. She was a Welsh pony the Kramers bred and had quite a tough personality. She regularly dumped me, but l loved her and the challenge at the time.”

• Career highlights/favorite memories: “It’s difficult to name just a few career highlights, as I’ve been very fortunate to work with so many nice horses, but going to the Olympics in Sydney and finishing in the top 10 individually with Hidden Creek’s Perin are high on my list, along with a team gold and individual bronze at the 2003 Pan American Games. Hidden Creek’s Alvaretto helped win a team silver medal in the 2006 Pan American Games and was fourth individually, and Hidden Creek’s Quervo Gold helped secure a team silver in Aachen in the FEI World Equestrian Games. One of my most memorable grand prix wins was with Hidden Creek’s Laurel in Rome. Every memory is special in its own way. Even being able to do the grand prix was so special to me because I was told at an early age that it would be very difficult for me to ever get to that level without the financial backing and due to my size, etc.”
• Most influential horse: “It’s equally difficult to pick just one influential horse as each is special in their own way. As horseback riding is such an expensive sport, I didn’t own my own horse until I was in my mid-20s when my father helped me put together a limited partnership, so I could keep one of the jumpers I was riding for another horse dealer. That horse was Daydream, and he was the first horse l won a grand prix on when he was only 6 or 7. He helped me get on teams after that and brought other clients with horses for me to ride, train and sell. Saluut II was another special horse. He was one of the smartest, fastest and most careful horses I’ve ever ridden and had such a huge heart.”
• Competition superstitions: “I really don’t have many superstitions—other than it always seems like as soon as someone says a horse is going great or doing well it’s like the kiss of death and something happens.”
• When you’re not riding, where can we find you? “I mainly enjoy just being with my family and friends. I also like playing poker and going to Vegas and any kind of water activities.”
• Fun facts: “I played in my junior high and high school orchestra and was also a cheerleader. I loved to go to the football games!”
• Four-legged family members (besides horses): “We always had dachshunds growing up along with any other animals l could bring home. A dog named Oscar we had a few years ago was very special to me.”
• Favorite eats: Sushi
• Favorite book and/or movie: All John Grisham books, and as for movies, Margie says it’s a toss-up between “Seabiscuit” and “Rudy.”
• Mares or geldings? “I don’t really have a favorite. To me, a good horse is a good horse—whether it’s a mare, gelding or stallion.”
• What’s kept you involved in the sport for so long? “I’ve always had a real passion for horses. They keep you humble and honest. They never have an agenda and always keep things real. They’ve got so much heart, and it’s just something I fell in love with at an early age. They really try for you. They’re a lot bigger and stronger than we are, and they don’t have to do anything that we’re asking of them. But I really think for the most part, most of them really want to please and they’re just such majestic, big, powerful animals. And I love learning to communicate with each and every one.”

Dave Thind

Dave Thind has competed at the Grand Prix level in dressage and jumping and is a noted equestrian biomechanics authority, with published articles and appearances as an expert guest and lecturer. He received his German Trainer A license in 2007 with a nearly perfect score awarded to him from the German National Federation. Dave holds an International Trainer Passport Level III and is also an authorized teacher of Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement. 

• Hometown: Montreal, Canada.
• Current homebase: Wellington, Florida. “I still co-own Aspire Farm, a beautiful 27-stall facility just outside Boston, but I’m now based in Wellington and spend my summers in Europe.”
• Family: Married to Camilla Stava, DVM, who is also a rider, international equine chiropractor and German Trainer C. Dave and Camilla have a 9-year-old son Zander, who already seems to have inherited the horse bug.
• Specialty: Dressage and equestrian biomechanics. “My goal is to help my horses move, feel and perform their best, and I find many horses benefit by returning to the fundamentals, correct biomechanics, suppleness and preventive rehab work. I also enjoy helping riders create that same feeling from the saddle, developing horses who are truly over the back, elastic and happy in their work.” Dave also helps riders better understand equestrian biomechanics out of the saddle through the Feldenkrais Method®, teaches clinics around the U.S. and offers private online sessions and self-paced recorded classes.
• What first drew you to horses? “They’re magic! From the very beginning, I was captivated by their beauty, sensitivity and honesty—the way they mirror who we are and invite us to grow. Horses have an incredible ability to teach us about ourselves and keep us present, and that connection continues to inspire me every day.”
• Favorite horse growing up: “I actually didn’t start riding until I was 15, so I didn’t have a single favorite horse. I loved them all! I was fortunate to begin mostly on off-the-track Thoroughbreds, who were sensitive, flighty and often unpredictable. Riding them taught me to be soft, gentle, precise and to really feel what the horse is sensing. I’ve noticed that riders who learned on Thoroughbreds and other more sensitive horses often develop a subtle and sensitive seat, riding in a way that’s very different from someone who started on heavier, perhaps more forgiving breeds.”
• Career highlights: “It’s hard to pick just one career highlight because, for me, the most special moments aren’t about competition achievements. My favorite moments are always when a horse lets me in and reveals their unique personality and the long-term connections I’ve forged with so many over time. There’s something incredibly rewarding about earning a horse’s trust—the subtle recognition that you’re listening, that you understand them and that you’re there to help rather than force.”
• Mentors: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from amazing instructors throughout my riding journey. Early on, I admired eight-time Olympian Ian Millar, whose show boots became my ‘lucky’ boots, and I witnessed Dr. Reiner Klimke live at the Royal Winter Fair, which gave me a clear picture of the perfection I wanted in my own riding. Over the years, I trained with many incredible mentors, including Johan Zagers, Martin Plewa, Rainer Jäckel, Arthur Kottas-Heldenberg, Christoph Hess, Monica Theodorescu and now with Rien van der Schaft. I’ve learned everything from classical refinement, correct seat and aid-usage to the relaxed competition mindset.”
• Most influential horse in your career: “I can’t choose. Every horse I’ve worked with has been equally loved and appreciated. I still miss those who have passed on. Each one has left a mark on my journey as a rider and trainer.”

• Competition superstitions: “I don’t really have any. I go by feel—sometimes a different saddle, a shorter warm-up or only a walk the day before feels right. Horses are living, breathing animals that keep changing, so no two rides are ever the same. In my preparation for a predictable outcome, I like to embrace that unpredictability—it keeps every ride an adventure.”
• When you’re not riding, where we can we find you? “I’m usually exploring new places with my family. My son Zander loves to travel as much as I do. I remain endlessly curious about cultures, cuisines and the mysteries of the universe. Meditation and energy work are part of my daily practice, but it’s my Feldenkrais work that truly keeps me present, grounded and fully connected with the horses I work with.”
• Fun fact: “Most people are surprised to find out that I’m fluent in six languages.”
• Favorite eats: “I’m a bit of a foodie and admittedly fussy. I avoid GMOs and seed oils when possible and prefer organic ingredients. I can’t resist good cheese, wine or a truly great pizza. In Europe, I tend to indulge in endless bread and other wheat-based treats, but I generally avoid them stateside. Once in a while, we go out of our way to experience something really special at a restaurant, but I also love cooking at home. I’ll happily seek out a hole-in-the-wall Mexican, Thai, Indian or Italian spot where the flavors are authentic and the ingredients are fresh. I tend to like spicy food, but since I spend a lot of time in Scandinavia, I’ve also learned to really appreciate more subtle flavors.”
• Favorite book and/or movie: “I’m a bit predictable. My library, which I adore, is mostly a collection of classics on classical riding, biomechanics and the Feldenkrais Method. One of my favorites is ‘My Horses, My Teachers’ by Alois Podhajsky. I also enjoy books on alternative therapies. I rarely read fiction, but ‘The Celestine Prophecy’ captivated me. On the movie side, anything visually stunning, thought-provoking or that just makes me laugh never fails.”
• Mares or geldings? “All! I have always gotten along with mares and stallions, but geldings are great, too!”
• What’s kept you involved in the sport for so long? “The horses. Every horse is unique, and the process of getting to know them, understanding them and building a partnership never gets old. I personally love training horses—helping sculpt and enable them, giving them confidence and bringing out what nature intended. I also love helping a horse-and-rider pair really begin to come together, opening a door to something new and discovering the elusive obvious. Just the other day, after working with someone, I noticed what a terrific mood I was in while driving to my next appointment and thought how lucky I am to help open a whole new world for both horse and rider. I am humbled by this, and helping create these moments is a gift to me as well. The curiosity, growth and breakthrough moments keep me passionate about this sport every single day.”
• Learn more: davethindmethod.com

Hannah Sue Hollberg

After serving as a working student for eventers Karen and David O’Connor, Hannah Sue Hollberg started her own training business. She competed in her first five star at Kentucky when she was only 20 and helped to secure a team gold and individual silver at the 2011 Pan American Games aboard Harbour Pilot. She has also represented the U.S. in a number of European events. With Capitol H I M, Hannah Sue competed in the 2023 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, where they finished fourth and were the highest-placed U.S combination.

• Hometown: Shelbyville, Kentucky 
• Current homebase: Ocala, Florida. “We just moved here full time. I’ve been going back and forth between Virginia and Florida and then Pennsylvania to Florida since I was 18 years old. So, being in one place is going to be a big change. But we’re really excited about it.”
• Family: Married to grand prix show jumper Matthias (Matt) Hollberg; stepdaughter Emilia loves to ride, too. “I grew up on the back of a horse riding with my mother, Sue [Burnett]. No one else in my family between four siblings and my dad got the riding bug other than me.”
• Specialty and training facility: Eventing. “Matt and I have separate barns here in Ocala, but we work together every day. It’s nice to have such a talented husband nearby! My strengths are the management side of our businesses—both horses and humans, and Matt is extremely good at training people and horses. So, we work great together.” 
• What first drew you to horses? “My mom got me into riding and taught me everything she knew. I remember her teaching me to pick feet for the first time. She was so meticulous with my training—both in and out of the saddle. I’m incredibly grateful to her for this amazing life with horses that she taught me about and for every opportunity she gave me to make my own.”
• Favorite horse/pony growing up: “I had a lot of terrible ponies who threw me off, but my first good pony was a Welsh-cross named Ready Penny. My first great eventing pony was a 14.1-hand Appendix mare named Codiak Moment, who we called Cody. She and I went all the way up to my first Preliminary horse trial when I was 13. We eventually sold her as a pony jumper to buy my first real eventing horse, Keep the Faith.” 
• Career highlights: “Competing in my first five-star competition at Kentucky on Keep the Faith when I was 20, as well as my second five star on St. Barths where we were one of only two combinations to make the time on cross country and finished eighth. I have so many favorite moments with Harbour Pilot, who took me around the world and taught me so much, but a favorite is our team gold and individual silver at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Aachen is my favorite event of all time and being able to ride the wonderful RF Demeter there and finishing in seventh was a dream come true.”

• Mentors: “My mom, who we lovingly call ‘Smallzie’ and my incredibly talented friend Natalie Hummel. Karen and David O’Connor were also my mentors for a very long time and gave me so much.”
• Most influential horse in your career: “Harbour Pilot is definitely a favorite. He was the longest standing teammate I’ve had yet. He always gave his best—even when his best terrified me at times. Another favorite was Capitol H I M., but we didn’t get to compete at the highest level for long before we retired him as he got older. He gave me my highest placing yet at a five star when we came in fourth at the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in 2023. I absolutely loved riding him every day and miss him so much.”
• Competition superstitions: “I used to have a list so long it wouldn’t fit on two whole pages, but my mental game has improved greatly after working with Natalie Hummel for several years. I still have to put my right sock and boot on before the left. My gloves go on left and then right, and my spurs go right then left.”
• When you’re not riding, where can find you? “I’m working with Natalie to coach a group we run together called ‘How to Perform Mastermind.’ It’s a small group this year and I teach the riding and skill side of it. I also love playing ping pong and can play with either hand, which is fun! 
• Four-legged family members (besides horses): “We have two mini-Australian Shepherds, Cashy and Rosie, and one Aussie mix, Dilly. I am completely obsessed and can’t bear to be away from them.”
• Favorite eats: “Matt’s spaghetti is the best!”
• Favorite book and/or movie: “I can’t stop watching ‘The Crown’ on repeat. It’s my current comfort show and has been for about a year. I’ve always loved the book, ‘Open’ by Andre Agassi.” 
• Mares or geldings? “Both!”
• What’s kept you involved in the sport for so long? “I live for the connection with my horses. They are so giving and kind to us. And I love the challenge of constantly having to level up my game. I also love teaching other riders how to be good horsemen and women. A lot of people have the best intentions, but it sometimes doesn’t translate to the horses because of communication issues and misunderstandings. After going through some difficult times, Matt helped make riding so much fun again, and Natalie has helped me heal and learn to give myself grace, which has given me so much gratitude and energy for the wonderful life I live.”
• Learn more: @hsbeventing 

Stacia Klein Madden

Known as one of the most successful trainers of young riders in the country, Stacia Klein Madden began her career as a successful junior, winning the 1987 ASPCA Maclay National Championship and placing in the USEF National Hunter Seat Medal Final and USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East. She turned professional in 1988 and developed a passion for working with young riders.

• Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
• Current homebase: Colts Neck, New Jersey
• Specialty and training facility: Hunters, jumpers and equitation. Owns and operates Beacon Hill Show Stables out of Colts Neck and Wellington, Florida.
• What first drew you to horses: “Growing up, my best friend lived on a farm at the end of the street, and I would always go down to play with all the animals—the rabbits, pigs and horses. We would take her pony out for trail and sleigh rides. One day, my mother decided I should probably learn how to ride properly and enrolled me in weekly lessons at Grandview Stables in Indianapolis.”
• Favorite horse/pony growing up: “My very first pony, who I think we bought for $500. Her barn name was Angie, and her show name was Three’s Company. She was a buckskin medium-sized pony with three white socks—and yes, I named her Three’s Company because that was my favorite TV show at the time.”
• Career highlights/favorite memories: “As a junior, winning the ASPCA Maclay at Madison Square Garden in New York City, for sure. I also have thousands of fond memories of going to horse shows in a two-horse trailer with my mom driving the motor home and all of our friends staying in hotels together and watching our videos on the big video cameras that you would have to schlep around and plug into the TV to watch. As a professional, I thankfully have many favorite moments with my riders.”
• Mentors: “Val Renihan was my trainer for most of my junior career, and John and Beezie Madden really helped shape the way I run my business as a professional.”
• Most influential horse in your career: “I would say Logan when Brianne Goutal had him. He taught me to cherish the horse who makes the least amount of mistakes. I don’t look for all the chrome in a horse after working with Logan.”
• Competition superstitions: “I try not to make big changes at championships and stick with what got us there!”
• When you’re not coaching, where can we find you? “I love to travel and be open to new opportunities. I recently got back from the Galápagos Islands.”
• Four-legged family members (besides horses): “I have a wonderful Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Zara. I’ve had Corgis in my life since I was 15 or so.”

• Favorite eats: “I enjoy a nice steak dinner.”
• Favorite book and/or movie: “My favorite book is ‘The Five People You Meet in Heaven’ by Mitch Albom, and for movies, ‘Dirty Dancing,’ of course!” For those not in the know, the movie helped Stacia mentally prepare for her winning performance right before the 1987 Maclay Finals. She and fellow rider Molly Ashe Cawley were sharing a hotel room across the street from Madison Square Garden—and since both were huge Patrick Swayze fans, they were thrilled “Dirty Dancing” happened to be on their hotel TV. Even more kismet—during a jumper class the night before the Finals, Stacia had gone back to the room to go to bed when Molly called the room. Swayze, a passionate and accomplished equestrian, was at the show. Stacia raced back hoping to get a glimpse of the actor and ran smack into him getting off the elevator. “I still remember he was wearing an eggplant-colored shirt, black jeans and cowboy boots.”
• Mares or geldings? “Nothing beats a great mare, but I probably work with more geldings.”
• What’s kept you involved in the sport for so long? “My passion for the horses, the sport and seeing my riders grow in and out of the show ring. I also love working with unknown horses. Another thing I love about this sport, is that riding has so much to do with life lessons. You learn how to work with a living, breathing animal; how to deal with your peers and work with a coach; and how to navigate the ups and downs of a competitive show environment. Especially for younger riders, it also teaches about scheduling and the importance of properly caring for your animal. It’s so fascinating to be a part of a young person’s career, not just as a young rider, but to help them develop and see the changes they go through. And I think the passion they have for their horses is a big part of that; it gives them self-confidence and really helps show them the way.”
• Learn more: beaconhillshowstables.com

Elisa Wallace

After starting her eventing journey at the age of 4, Elisa Wallace moved up the ranks to become a top five-star eventer, competing on the international level at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and the Burghley Horse Trials. She and Simply Priceless were named the alternate combination for U.S. Eventing Team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. A longtime advocate for off-track Thoroughbreds and American Mustangs, Elisa also won the 2024 Mustang Classic with her Mustang Zephyr.

• Hometown: Warner Robins, Georgia
• Current homebase: Elisa owns and operates Wallace Eventing on a 60-acre facility in Reddick, Florida.
• Family: Elisa’s dad, Rick Wallace, is an eventing rider and trainer, and her mom, Laura Youngblood, bred and raised horses. She is married to Timothy Harfield, who’s gained a reputation a supportive “horse husband” and runs the popular blog and network HorseHubby.com.
• Specialty and training facility: Eventing and advocate for American Mustangs and off-track Thoroughbreds.
• What first drew you to horses? Elisa’s equestrian journey began at the age of 2 and was influenced by her horse-involved family. She started eventing at 4 and won her first gold medal at the Georgia State Games by age 9. Elisa later diversified into hunter, jumper and equitation competition, qualifying for the USEF Maclay Finals at 12, before returning to eventing.
• Favorite horse/pony growing up: “I had two favorite childhood horses. Lovestory was a Quarter Horse-cross mare my parents rescued from the kill pen. I started riding her when I was 4 years old and did everything with her from swimming in our lake, playing tag and riding bareback—all the crazy things people deem dangerous, I probably did with her. And I fell off her a lot! She would just stand there and look at me. I also starting competing in eventing with her. She taught me tons and was always game for playing and having fun. Then there was Prince, a black Quarter Horse, who my dad bred. He got kicked by another horse as a 2-year-old and ended up with a broken shoulder. After having a plate and bolt put in and being on stall rest for a year, Prince defied the odds and ended up being a performance horse. After my dad competed with him, he became my horse when I was around 8. He always won in dressage and was pretty strong and fast on cross country. We won in Novice at the Georgia State Games when I was 9, and later on he was successful in jumpers. He definitely taught me how to ride a strong horse.”
• Career highlights: Elisa and Australian Thoroughbred Simply Priceless secured an eighth-place finish at the 2016 Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5* (then CCI4) and were 14th at the 2016 Burghley Horse Trials. The pair were also named as alternates for the U.S. Eventing Team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Elisa and her first Mustang Fledge took top honors at the 2012 Extreme Mustang Makeover; she and Dorado won the 2018 Georgia Mustang TIP Challenge; and the versatile horsewoman and Zephyr won the inaugural 2024 Mustang Champion, a competition featuring Mustangs competing in English disciplines.
• Mentors: Nick Larkin, Stephen Bradley and Karen O’Connor.
• Most influential horse in your career: In Elisa’s experience, every horse influences her in some way, but there are a few notables. Demonstrating her keen eye for potential, she purchased her successful four-star Thoroughbred Jackson for $700. “At only 18, I saved up all my high-school graduation money and bought Jackson, who was a Thoroughbred yearling at the time, for $700 off a video tape. My mom and I drove to Kansas with a borrowed trailer and brought him home to my basement and back yard. A year later I found a place I could work off board and produced him up the levels. He won almost everything he did including his first four star. Fledge, a 13.3-hand Mustang, was also one of the most influential equine partners her in her career. “We learn from all horses, but Mustangs always seem to teach me something new. They have huge hearts and are very versatile athletes. When you work with a wild horse who learns to let go of his fears and trust you, it’s a truly special experience. I can’t even express how important this horse has been to me and my journey with mustangs.”

• Competition superstitions: “At big competitions, I always try to find a four-leaf clover or two and put them in my number bib and in my horse’s number. I also make sure I have my evil-eye bracelet that my good friend Danny Miguel gave me. I always wear it, but I make sure I have one for competitions because it protects me.”
• When you’re not riding, where can we find you? “It’s hard to not find me around a horse, but I’m also a big foodie fan. I love food! And I’m huge fan of watching ‘Top Chef,” so my husband and I love going to new restaurants and trying new food.” 
• Four-legged family members (besides horses): Pocket, a 15-year-old, 4 1/2-pound Chihuahua; Fergus, a 3-year-old Jack Russell; and barn cats Pimento, Fontina, Ricotta and Feta—who all happen to be orange.
• Favorite eats: “Good old meat and potatoes made by my husband—a filet, buttered spinach, green beans and cheesy Parmesan noodles (or a baked potato). This dish also competes heavily with my mom’s meatloaf!” 
• Favorite book and/or movie: “I love reading Lucinda Green’s ‘Four Square’ and ‘Up, Up, and Away.’ And my favorite movie is ‘The Man From Snowy River.’”
• Fun facts: Elisa earned her Bachelor of Arts in art from Georgia State University, where she focused on creating life-size horse sculptures from found steel. She is also an educator and influencer and shares her training philosophies through her YouTube channel and other social-media platforms.  
• Mares or geldings? Don’t get me wrong, I love my girls but I’m 100% a goofy gelding person.” 
• What’s kept you involved in the sport for so long? “I just love it. And when it comes to working with Mustangs, they will change your life in some way. So if you’re looking to kind of deepen your experience with horses and learning about connection and going up a level and learning about horses just in general, Mustangs are amazing teachers.”
• Learn more: wallaceeventing.com

Stephany Fish Crossman

Stephany Fish Crossman, who co-hosts the Dressage Today Podcast, began riding as a young girl in Maine, and at 18, she discovered dressage and left college to join Michael Poulin as a working student. After a successful career working for large and small animal veterinarians and grooming for Jane Savoie, she attended the former International Academy of Equestrian Studies in Warendorf, Germany, where she graduated with her National Trainer Certificate. She’s also a USDF bronze and silver medalist as well as one of only nine accredited coaches for Mary Wanless’ Ride With Your Mind Biomechanics System in the U.S.

• Hometown: “I was born in Connecticut but grew up in Bangor, Maine, and we moved to Florida by the time I was 8.”
• Current homebase: Okeechobee, Florida
• Specialty: Dressage and equestrian biomechanics
• Family and training facility/program: “I’ve been married since 2019, and we have a 10-stall barn on a cattle ranch where I have my current show mount, Dante; my young horse, George; and my schoolmaster, Otti ‘the wonder horse.’ The bulk of my business now involves me traveling all over Florida and the U.S. conducting dressage and rider biomechanics’ clinics. I love doing clinics in Bozeman, Montana, and Maui, Hawaii.”
• What first drew you to horses? “My parents let me do a pony ride at the state fair in Maine when I was little, and it was all over from there. By the time I was a teenager, horses were my best friends.”
• Favorite horse/pony growing up: “My first horse was Beau. I did all sorts of things with him—dressage, hunters, eventing, trail riding, riding without tack. He was the best!”
• Career highlights: “My time in Germany will always be a favorite memory in my riding career and getting Fourth Level reserve champion at Regionals with my horse Raccoon, who I brought home from Germany.”
• Mentors: “I’ve worked with so many wonderful people over my career, but there are several who’ve had the most lasting effects, including Lynn Hendron, who was my trainer when I was a teenager, and Mary Wanless. Mary introduced me to the piece that made it all come together for me, both in teaching and training, and Heather Blitz had a phenomenal way of blending Mary’s work with her out-of-the-box thinking. I also appreciated Judy Downer for her amazing judge’s eye and Kathy Connelly for being the incredible mentor I needed to help me move forward in my dressage training!”
• Most influential horse in your career: “There are two who stick out the most. One was Raccoon, who was affectionately known as ‘the rock star.’ He started it all for me, when I brought him home from Germany. He made me look good when I had no idea what I was doing. Sache is the other horse I think about the most. He was beautiful, talented and super quirky. He was always a challenge mentally, but I brought him up myself to Prix St. Georges. I wish I’d had more time with him.”
• Competition superstitions: “Nope!”
• When you’re not riding, where can we find you? “On the porch with a good book or my guitar (I’m still trying to get good enough for public consumption!). Or out in the pasture with my husband checking on our cows.”
• Four-legged family members (besides horses)? “Red Dog, our Redbone coonhound; Pumpkin, a fat, black Florida cur dog; and Butter Cup, a Cane Corso. We also have two black cats who we call the MeeMees and my cows Zoe, Maisie and Graycie, who is Maisie’s baby—and any other cows I’m helping my husband raise at the time.”
• Favorite eats: “Steak or sushi, only because good Maine lobsters aren’t easy to find in Florida.”
• Favorite book and/or movie: “I’m more of a book person than a movie person. I’m a huge fan of Charles Martin, a Christian adventure/romance/thriller writer, the whole ‘Outlander’ book series and Pat Conroy.” 
• Mares or geldings? “Geldings! I’ve had some great mares, but I prefer the boys!”
• What’s kept you involved in the sport for so long? “Training horses is a lot like reading the Bible—the more you dig in, the more you realize we’re trying to communicate with these amazing beings who we want to care for and teach, and they don’t always understand our desires for their good! I love teaching people how to improve the relationships they share with their horses, whether that’s through better rider biomechanics, better understanding of theory or simply helping them recognize that horses are both a different species and unique individuals. Each horse and rider bring a different challenge to me, and that’s what keeps me teaching. For my own riding, I would like to make it to the Grand Prix and to really understand all the things that go into bringing a horse the whole way through. I am hoping to achieve that with Dante!”

Archie Cox

Hunter, equitation and jumper trainer and judge Archie Cox grew up competing along the East Coast as a junior rider, earning ribbons at the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final and ASPCA Maclay Finals. He went on to ride for the equestrian team at Drew University. After college, Archie moved to California in 1992 to work with top hunter/jumper trainer Karen Healey for several years. In December 2000, Archie opened his own business, Brookway Stables—named after his grandparents’ farm in Maine—at Middle Ranch. His students and horses in training have collected numerous champion titles at the country’s most prestigious shows.

• Hometown: Locust Valley, New York
• Current homebase(s): Los Angeles, California. “I’m at a facility by the name of Middle Ranch, and I have been there for 25 years.”
• Family: “My father lives in Pine Plains, New York with his wife, and my mother lives in Wellington, Florida. Then, my sister lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, so we are well spread out.”
• Specialty: Hunters, equitation and jumpers
• What first drew you to horses? “My dad’s family, in particular my dad’s mother, first drew me to horses. My grandmother, Phyllis Cox, was an avid horsewoman who rode Morgan horses and saddle horses. She was on the board of directors of what was then the AHSA (American Horse Shows Association) in 1977, and at the time, she was also the president of the American Morgan Horse Association.” 
• Favorite horse growing up: “As a youngster, before really getting into heavily showing, I had a horse called Mr. Hippo. He was a chestnut Quarter horse, and he got me up to the Medal and Maclay Finals. Then, it became evident that Mr. Hippo was not going to be going to Madison Square Garden [for the Maclay Finals], so I moved on to other horses. My best junior horse called Private Carrier; his barn name was Lennon. He was a very light chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail.” 
• Career highlights: “As a trainer, I’m proud of all my students. One highlight was Mathew Sereni winning the 2003 Maclay Finals. Another standout memory was Lucy Davis winning Best Child Rider and Grand Champion Junior Hunter at the 2007 Devon Horse Show, and her horse Harmony was The Chronicle of the Horse’s 2007 Hunter/Equitation Horse of Year. As a career high in my judging resume, I’ve been fortunate enough to judge the Maclay Finals, the USET Finals and the Devon Horse Show.” 
• Mentors: “Growing up, I idolized Leslie Burr Howard, Katie Monahan Prudent and Rodney Jenkins. I was lucky enough to be exposed to all of them. And then as a young professional, Karen Healy, Linda Hough and Don Stewart were mentors.”
• Most influential horse in your career: “It’s really an endless number of horses, and every horse teaches you something. But I smile thinking of Lucy Davis’ Harmony and Patrick, Laura Wasserman’s Boss and really any one of Stephanie Danhakl’s horses. We were fortunate enough bring along most of them, and there’s great pride in doing that.” 
• Competition superstitions: “I’m always early and start the day with really shiny shoes. When you look down, you should look down and take pride in yourself and that starts at your feet.” 
• When you’re not riding, competing or training, where can find you? “At the barn. Horses are my life.”
• Any other four-legged family members (besides horses)? “No, it’s just the horses.”
• Favorite eats: “A shrimp cocktail, a Caesar salad and a ribeye steak.” 
• Favorite book and/or movie: “My favorite movie is either ‘Fletch’ or ‘Vacation.’”
• Do you prefer riding mares or geldings or stallions? “In my business, I prefer working with mares and geldings. I have many young students and several horses, and stallions are a little bit of a different breed and harder to have in the barn. It really ends up being about safety.” 
• What’s kept you involved in the sport? “Seeing the progress and the joy that horses and learning bring and the confidence that people can gain from working with horses and competing. It’s very rewarding.” 
• Learn more: brookwaystables.com

Jacob Pope

Jacop Pope had a successful junior career, winning the 2011 USHJA Emerging Athletes Program Finals, 2012 USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East and 2012 ASPCA Maclay Finals. After graduating from college in 2017, Jacob turned professional and competes in both the hunter and jumper divisions. In 2023, Jacob and Highway FBH were on the U.S. Jumping Team at four CSIO3* Nations Cup competitions, helping the team win gold in Denmark. In July 2025, they again earned team gold for the U.S. in the $75,000 FEI Jumping Nations Cup Traverse City CSIO3*.

• Hometown: Columbia, Maryland
• Current homebase: Traverse City, Michigan, and Wellington, Florida
• Specialty and training facility: Hunters, jumpers and equitation. Co-owns and operates Hickory Ridge LLC with Nick Pongracz.
• What first drew you to horses: “It actually all started with my dad. I grew up in Maryland on a really small horse farm in Columbia. My dad rode as a kid, and as he grew older and could get his own place, he bought a small horse farm and always had horses there. I also went to schools that had horses all the way from kindergarten up through 12th grade. I switched schools a couple of times, but I always went to a school with a riding program.”
• Career highlights/favorite memories: “I definitely would say the Nations Cups teams. It was a dream come true being able to just be selected for the teams. The first Nations Cup I did, which was in Denmark and there were a ton of teams. We had to have clear rounds to make it to the second round, and then we came out on top. I would say that’s one of my most memorable wins. Also, my first Grand Prix win, which was in Traverse City where I live now in the summer, on Highway was quite notable. From when I was younger, I would say the Emerging Athletes Program win, as well as my equitation finals wins with the USET Finals and the Maclay Finals. I think it all ties in and really shows true progression through the sport as a junior doing equitation, aging out, going to college, becoming a professional, winning my first grand prix and then getting to go on and do Nations Cups. It’s been a really fun progression, and it’s just an honor to be in this sport every day.”
• Mentors: Judy Richter, Andre Dignelli and Katie Prudent
• Most influential horse in your career: “The horse who really was a turning point in my career was Uno. He was one of Heritage Farm and Andre Dignelli’s equitation horses who I was lucky enough to ride my last junior year. I won the USET Finals and the Maclay Finals with him. He was a really special horse, and he just wanted to win. I feel like he loved competing. I still remember to this day what an amazing canter he had, which I think really made him such a great equitation horse.”
• “There also was a horse named Blink that Judy Richter gave me to ride. She actually trained Andre, and I met her at the Emerging Athletes Program Finals that was in Chicago. Before I even met Andre, she said, ‘If you ever need a place to stay when you’re in New York or whatever, feel free to stay with me at Coker Farm.’ I took her up on the offer and lived at her farm in one of the apartments that she had there. She would give me lessons after my days of being a working student at Heritage. I’d go home and ride a couple horses for Judy. And Blink was the main one that I rode for her. Judy was an amazing person and horsewoman and all the things. She really believed in me, which I think is a really important part of a coach is to have someone who believes in you. I hadn’t really done jumpers much, and she had me do my first 1.20-meter class and my first grand prix in the same week with Blink. He was pretty special, and we actually were clear and fifth in that grand prix, which was pretty awesome.”
• “And then my most recent one who I’m competing in grand prix classes is Highway. He is owned by Sherry Crawford, and I would say he is my horse of a lifetime. I’ve had him for three and a half years now and have gotten to achieve so many goals with him that I never even thought were really going to be possible. I hope that he keeps going for many more years, because he’s a really special horse.”
• Competition superstitions: “If it’s a big class, I always walk the course twice. If it’s an open warm-up 1.20 meter or something, I’ll just walk once and write the numbers down in my notes on my phone so I don’t forget the strides. Also, I always make sure that I go through my backpack before I leave the barn for a bigger class, making sure that I have all the sets of spurs that I use, the stick that I always carry that I have extra gloves. It’s stuff that I would have to have in my backpack just in case. I always do that and I always make sure that my boots are polished before I get on, especially for a grand prix.”
• Four-legged family members (besides horses): Mixed-bred pup Kylie.
• When you’re not coaching, where can we find you? Going for a run or cuddling with Kylie on the coach while watching HGTV.
• Fun facts: Jacob loves to cook and enjoys eating in with friends during WEF. He also started a business called Real Deal Ponies with several friends to import ponies and pair them with young riders in the U.S.
• What’s kept you involved in the sport for so long? “I think it’s obviously the love of the animal. I’ve always been an animal person. I have a whole bunch of dogs and love being outside, so it’s not just horses. I think it’s loving the sport and what comes with the sport. Being around animals all the time, being outside, not being at a desk job because I really love being outside.”
• Learn more: hickoryridgeeq.com

James Alliston

After growing up in England, eventer James Alliston has made a name for himself with numerous top international placings, CCI5* completions and appearances on several U.S. Nations Cup teams. He made his senior Nations Cup team debut at the 2022 Boekelo CCIO4*-NC-L in the Netherlands with Nemesis. In 2024, James and Karma helped the U.S. Eventing Team earn a second-place finish at CHIO Aachen in Germany and were the highest-placed U.S. combination in ninth place.

• Hometown: Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire , England
• Homebase: Castro Valley, California
• Family: Married to Helen [Alliston]; James and Helen own and operate Alliston Equestrian, where they enjoy training horses and teaching students in the sport of eventing.
• What first drew you to horses? “When I was about 4, we moved to a house in England where there was a pony next door. Our neighbors said we could ride him, so my mum taught my brother and I to ride. After this introduction, I kept going and was a member of the Minchinhampton Pony Club in Gloucestershire.”
• Favorite pony growing up: A Welsh pony named Nimrod.
• Career highlights: “Being in the top 10 at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event with Karma and coming in second with the U.S. team last year with Karma at Aachen where we were in the top 10 individually. I would also say winning at Rebecca Farm in Montana with Paper Jam a few years ago. He probably has to try a little bit harder than some of the other horses to get the wins at that level, so that was a really cool one. And then all those early wins when you haven’t won anything before was always super exciting. Winning with Jumbo’s Jake at Galway Downs, which is a big four-star long  in California, in 2011 was a super exciting win.”
• Mentors: “I worked for Bruce Davidson Sr. for a while, and he’s been a great mentor. I feel like now I learn from observing top riders like Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin and Will Coleman as well as team coach Leslie Law. I also rode for Gerd Reuter, a German dressage trainer who worked closely with Will. He always said, ‘Ride with love.’ I love the horses. They’re all sort of my babies because I’ve had them most of them from a young age. So, we try to be patient, ride with love and see what happens.” 
• Most influential horse in your career: “Most recently, Karma. She’s a 2014 U.S.-bred Oldenburg mare owned by Alliston Equestrian and Ric Plummer. Parker was another great five-star horse earlier in my career that I got a lot of experience on. When we first came to the U.S. he was the first horse I bought. Parker was an off-the-track Thoroughbred I bought from Bonnie Mosser who didn’t have any show experience, so he was relatively inexpensive. We were both young, so we sort of learned together. He was brilliant and so tough and did season after season of five-stars that really got me started. I also had some really nice other horses like Jumbo’s Jake and Tivoli when I was very young. I was very fortunate really to get those good horses early and that sort of nice taste for the big competitions and that’s where you want to be and what you want to do.”

• Competition superstitions: “I don’t like to change too much from the last competition if it’s gone well. If it hasn’t, I will make sure I alter something, even if it is a very small detail.”
• When you’re not riding, where can we find you? “I play a lot of tennis outside of the horses.”
• Four-legged family members (besides horses): “Our dogs are Duncan and Fiona, and we have two barn cats named Salem and Mario.”
• Favorite meal: Chinese food.
• Favorite book and/or movie: Harry Potter
• Mares and geldings? Mares!
• What’s kept you involved in the sport for so long? “I really enjoy the daily journey of trying to improve the horses and myself. I love the all-around test of horsemanship and skills that eventing offers. I think you really need a wonderful partnership with the horse to do it. There’s so much training that goes into it with three disciplines and the time spent working on the fitness with the horses. So, I just really like that part of it. I think there are also many different sorts of horses that can succeed at the very highest level and I enjoy working with all of them. You can take off-the-track Thoroughbreds and horses who maybe aren’t necessarily superstar talents, and they have the heart and desire for it, they can be successful at the highest level.”

Ronny Reimer

With over 20 years of experience, German grand prix show jumper Ronny Reimer brings a wealth of knowledge from both the European and American riding styles. He’s competed successfully at the FEI and national levels and made a name for himself as a rider and trainer throughout Europe and North America before starting his own training business.

• Hometown: Hamm, Germany
• Current homebase: Ocala, Florida
• Specialty: Show jumping
• Family and training facility: Ronny and his wife Chanel own and operate RCR Equestrian, their sales and training business based out of Diasti Stables in Ocala.
• What first drew you to horses? “My mom was originally the rider in the family. I would just sit around waiting for her lessons to finish so we could go home. One day she put me on her horse to walk him out, and he threw me off three times. From that day on, I promised myself I would practice as long as it took to stay on the next time.”
• Favorite horse/pony growing up: “Castro’s Revenge. He was a Holsteiner stallion by Calypso and out of Capitol.”
• Career highlights: “European Championships and riding in a German Junior/Young Rider Youth National Championship.”
• Mentors: German show jumper and two-time Olympic team gold medalist Franke Sloothaak and show jumping legend Paul Schockemöhle
• Most influential horse in your career: Castro’s Revenge
• Competition superstitions: “I always have to have clean boots.”
• When you’re not riding, where can we find you? “Home. I love our house and the peace and quiet it provides.”
• Four-legged family members (besides horses): Mixed-breed dog, Hydee, and two cats.
• Favorite eats: Filet or pizza
• Favorite book and/or movie: “Anything Marvel.”
• Mares or geldings? “Any horse that jumps big!”
• What’s kept you involved in the sport for so long? “Either love for the horses or me not being too smart!”
• Learn more: @germanridinginstructor

Christian Simonson

Christian Simonson is a rising star on the dressage scene. After numerous top results as a young rider, he moved up to the senior level and has continued his success. Christian rode Son of a Lady at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, helping the U.S. Dressage Team win gold. He and one of his current mounts, the experienced Indian Rock, have a promising partnership, already collecting several wins such as the Grand Prix Champion title at the 2025 U.S. Dressage Festival Champions.

• Hometown: Ventura, California
• Current homebase(s): Wellington, Florida and Greenwood Village, Colorado. “I train with Adrienne Lyle at amazing facilities in Florida and Colorado.”
• Specialty: Dressage
• Favorite horse growing up: “Rudy, who was a very naughty little Lusitano pony. I basically got my real start in dressage with him.” 
• Career highlights: “Some of my biggest highlights are team gold at the 2023 Pan American Games, being the U.S. Grand Prix champion and U25 champion in 2025, and winning FEI North American Youth Championship medals (young rider team and individual gold in 2021, young rider team silver in 2018 and junior team gold in 2017).”
• Mentors: “Adrienne Lyle is my biggest mentor.”
• Most influential horse in your career: “I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of amazing horses in my career. Zeaball Diawind was one. Son of a Lady was definitely another, and I went from the youth level to more serious senior competitions with him. Now, there is Indian Rock, or ‘Rocky,’ and we are seeing how that journey unfolds. He may be the most influential, but it is to be determined.”
• Competition superstitions: “I used to be really superstitious about competitions, and then at some point I realized this is more disabling than enabling. Now, I just try to have a really simple routine beforehand of going through my tests in my head and usually a light meal, but I try not to make it too grandiose to the point that it takes forever.” 
• When you’re not riding, where can find you? “I’m probably at the gym or spending time with my family and friends. Some people may not know that I used to fly planes, but I haven’t done it in a long time.”
• Any other four-legged family members (besides horses)? “It’s just the horses at the moment.”
• Favorite eats: “Chipotle.”
• Favorite book and/or movie: “My favorite movie is the very first ‘Iron Man.’ I just think that’s super cool. My favorite book is ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak. Maybe that’s a niche, children’s book, but I like the nostalgia of that one.” 
• Mares or geldings? “I think a good horse is a good horse, but I’m a little biased to stallions right now. I think they just they have a lot of try.”
• What’s kept you involved in the sport? “For me, it’s the love for horses and animals in general.”
• Learn more: christiansimonson.com

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