MNR Horsemanship

09/01/2026

As a post and photo of an emaciated pony has rightly become a topic of public concern, the Hampton Classic wants to provide a factual accounting and update of what has occurred.

The Classic was appalled at the condition of the pony in question and is horrified that anyone would bring a horse or pony in such a state to a horse show to compete. Prior to the start of the leadline competition, the Classic’s first class on Opening Day, Classic staff saw the pony and immediately contacted the Classic’s executive director. The USEF steward was notified and the pony’s entries were canceled. The show veterinarian was consulted and he agreed that the pony was in no condition to be on the show grounds. The steward filed an abuse report with the USEF. Also, the Classic has been in touch with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) and an investigation is underway.

09/01/2026

When seeking a mentor, find someone who is not only the rider you seek to be. Find someone who is a better human than you.

Find someone who is grounded to a moral code
Find someone who is less judgmental, more patient, stronger emotionally, and more giving.
Find someone with strong boundaries and a soft heart.
Find someone who you aspire to be like- if you aim for 100% and manage 60-70%, that’ll be far and above where you already are.

If you can’t find all this in one person, find several people and internalize only the best parts of them consciously.

Aim for the top, with a sharp eye on where you want to be. A mentor models how to be a better horse person, but more importantly, how to be a better human.

08/31/2026

Can someone skip the tedious process of learning how to ride by buying elite horses?

Absolutely. But only to a certain extent.

Depending on how inept the rider is, the good horse will begin to shut down as it gets wrong signals. But we see good riders on less than stellar horses getting beaten all the time by poor riders on top of the line horses.

In this way, horse sports are unlike most other sports.

In tennis, say, you can’t purchase for any price a magic tennis racket that hits the ball for you, but you CAN buy a magic horse if you have enough money.

Fair? Of course not. Reality? You bet.

08/29/2026

08/27/2026

Remember this?

At the 1962 Inverness Two-Day Event (California), Fence 3 sent horses and riders out into the bay, underneath a pier and between its pilings. The original report noted that whether a horse waded belly-deep or swam depended “on his size as well as his mood!” While the horses won’t be swimming their way around cross-country, the 2026 USEA American Eventing Championships kick off this week in Lexington, Kentucky.

Read about the week in horse sport: http://r.news.chronofhorse.com/16kljhqkhev9pfe.html?t=1787687902797

📸 Tony Vacek Photo

08/27/2026

08/26/2026

⭐️ TOK ⭐️
10 yr old registered Mini Gypsy gelding (actually is more like a teddy bear unicorn with long flowing mane 🧸🦄 )

✨has been started under saddle and will continue training until sold
✨clips, loads, ties, grooms, great for the farrier
✨incredibly friendly and people oriented temperament
✨has the potential to be a handy kids pony or amateur/family mount with further training
✨not spooky
✨13 hands
✨panel tested (all negative)
✨recent UGA soundness exam and x-rays available
✨$$ Lowest 5 figures

Iva, SC

Please send PM or text/call (843) 364-0859 for more information and video