Submitted by Michelle Morgenstern Photography: As a photographer some of my favorite pictures are riders giving their horses the biggest hugs after their rides. Warms my heart.
Today is National “I Love Horses” Day, a day dedicated to our equine dance partners who enrich our lives every day, recognizing and appreciating the beauty and significance of horses in human history and culture!
To celebrate, USDF is spotlighting the horse or horses that are so special to our social media followers! We recently asked them to post a photo of the horse who has their heart for a chance to be featured in an upcoming gallery on YourDressage. Check out some of the ones they shared!
My heart, my soul, my everything.
Photo by Kristie Scholten.
– Cate B.My partner of 10 years, Starfyire’s Phoenix Rising, who has taken me on a journey of an unbroke 6yo to PSG last year as her sole trainer (with lots of help on the ground!). While we will never be top level competitors at PSG, nothing can replace the journey. PC Lisa Michelle Dean Photography – Mandy E.And the colt who has stolen my heart. For Fun SF, my 2yo homebred Westfalen colt by Fortunato H2O. PC my favorite biped, Sean Endfinger
– Mandy E.Bestest buddy ever. Couldn’t ask for a better partner ❤️
Seeing Spots Photography
– Jaimee J.Emily Rawlston on her pony, Her Signing Bonus. – Dianne R.My best girl Mae – Miss Fayetta has all of my ❤️.
– Sarah S.Alyssa and Charm. There are not enough words to describe the love and partnership between these two. He pushes her every day to be a better horse woman and she steps up to the challenge every time. 💙
– Jen G.Felix! My 17 yo Friesian Sport Horse. My heart and soul❤️🤎
– Delice M.Submitted by Melanie M.This is my horse “Pretzel”. I’ve had Pretzel for just over a year and he has taught me so much about how to ride a difficult horse.
– Isabel P.4 year old PRE who thinks I’m doing everything all wrong if I’m not riding her Right Now. – Anneke C.Hendrik the Magician
23 yr old superstar, retired Friesian stallion. Beloved soulmate to Jen Lowe, president South Dakota Dressage Association
– Jen L.Topaz (age 18, registered half Arabian) and I (age 67) riding in Biomechanics Clinic. Still having so much fun!
– Beth D.Sully ❤️ (13 year old QH) We’ve had our ups and downs but I’m so excited for the future. He’s my bestest buddy 😊😊
– Lindsay G.
Note, USDF strongly recommends all riders wear protective headgear when mounted.The lovely Lalique – 9 yr old KWPN. – Kelly W.Miss Nina- 7 year old KWPN mare competing at Kentucky Horse Park
📸 by Lisa Michelle Dean Photography
– Alexandra L.Foxy, 16 year old TB mare. She totally changed my perspective about thoroughbreds and mares. Foxy is a very particular horse with rather high standards, so whenever we have a stellar ride, I know for a fact it was earned and not just luck. She’s taught me so much about confidence, timing, and refinement of my aids in just 6 months! Owned by Sarah MacKusick Mills at Iron Star Equestrian.
– Maddie M.Kumair was the great love of my young life. the photo is not a dressage photo. but when I was 16, this seemed to me the height of horsemanship – Pamela G. Note, USDF strongly recommends all riders wear protective headgear when mounted.Austin Hermann and his horse Corcovado MLF.
– Nuria W.My sweet boy Laird who I purchased as a two year old for my 60th Bday present. Trained and ridden by myself with help from some excellent trainers. After having the winter off due to my cancer reconstructive surgery, he got his qualifying scores at his first two recognized shows this year, with an all time high of 72 plus % ! He has been a joy to own and train and I am so proud of him and what this old hunter rider has accomplished so far!!
– Heather L.I have three boys who have my heart. This is KSD Dreamweaver, aka Roo. He is my 4 year old Appendix gelding who is in his first year of riding and showing. We’ve been bonding at some local schooling shows so far this season. 💚 PC Meghan Cole Photography – Meaghan C.Baltico BRH, my 7 yr old PRE gelding whom I purchased as a 3 yr old stallion to be my para horse. He’s just the best ❤️
Sharon Packer photo
– Elizabeth W.My heart horse, Johnny B. Goode (Luxembourg Warmblood).
– Jessica T.Royal Fashion, 15 year old Hanoverian. Striving towards our Silver Rider Medal and our Bronze Freestyle Bars this year!
– Susan T.Tribunal HB, Lusitano stallion. My precious “dancing partner” and the sweetest, bravest, most willing companion. Forever thankful to Jorge Gabriel & Casa Lusitana for finding him for me.
Leigh Fields photo
– Andrea W.My partner Shadowphax Sir Lancelot, who I got when I had just started lessons on my mare when I was 13yo, so I’ve had him his entire life and he just turned 6yo! He is my Hanoverian X Friesian cross who has taken me on such an amazing journey so far and kept me safe through each and every ride! From seeing him at a few days old, teaching him to lead as a foal and to starting him myself as a 3yo I would do it all again! With lots of help from our liberty training our ridden work has changed for the better and has made him even happier! He’s taught me so much about confidence and so much more! We’ve just begun training level but our goal is to move up the levels together!
– Jenna C.My 19 year old Morgan gelding KS Bluestem B All U Can B “KB”. They say Morgans are the horse that chooses you, and even though he isn’t the easiest horse to ride, I wouldn’t trade him for the world. – Kayla M.Appaloosa RNA Dark Drifter (Everest), he is a wonder 🥰
– Maria S.WiDegro “Winn” 22yo KWPN with the biggest heart and the most beautiful soul. My best friend. ❤️
PC: Alyssa Hamedi
– Christine L.
