Grand Slam Equestrian, LLC.- Nina M. Shaffer

06/03/2026

Welcome back to with
, Part 14:

THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM

Behind every successful rider is a team of people working quietly behind the scenes — trainers, parents, barn staff, veterinarians, farriers, mentors, and the horses themselves. While ribbons and results may recognize a single rider in the ring, the journey to get there is rarely accomplished alone.

Horsemanship teaches us that success is not built by one individual, but through the patience, support, dedication, and trust of an entire team working toward a common goal. From early mornings at the barn to late nights preparing for competition, each person plays an important role in helping both horse and rider grow together.

One of the greatest lessons this sport offers is learning to value not only personal achievement, but also the people who help make those achievements possible. Gratitude, teamwork, and respect for others are just as important as skill in the saddle. A simple thank you can go a long way, just as congratulating fellow competitors reflects true sportsmanship.

The strongest partnerships are built not only between horse and rider, but within the entire community that stands behind them. The path to success is rarely a straight one, but having the support of a team can make all the difference along the way.

Send a message to learn more

05/29/2026

From the sunshine of Derby weekend to the rain-soaked day at Devon, these smiles capture the joy, dedication, and memories that make this sport so special. It is a privilege to share knowledge with the next generation of riders. Could your son or daughter be the next Grand Slam Leadline star?
Derby at The Vineyard Show Series The Devon Horse Show

05/28/2026

05/22/2026

A 10-minute continuous shower prior to exercise helped prevent weight loss and body temperature elevation in exercising racehorses.

Details: https://paulickreport.com/horse-care-category/study-pre-exercise-cooling-limits-heat-stress-for-training-thoroughbreds

05/21/2026

Nothing quite like Devon! Beyond lucky for it to be in our backyard. Good Luck to all!

The thing that separates Devon from other shows is history, Andre Dignelli explains. Devon is an iconic location and most of us have seen pictures depicting the show’s amazing past. If you have grown up in the horse show system, it may be a place you have always wanted to compete, a place where you have dreamed of winning. There is a lot of chatter about Devon- can this horse win at Devon? Is his horse ready for Devon? Are you qualified for Devon? It is one of the few shows that still feels important and special.

When you walk on to the Devon show grounds, there is atmosphere. It has many spectators and a carnival- like setting. The riders and trainers are excited and nervous, giving the air an electric feel. This translates to the horses and brings many challenges. Some are not used to all of the activity, the fair, the people- and the ring feels very important. Unlike most shows, there are no warm up classes, so there are no second chances. Riders have to go and in and execute right off the bat. We have become familiar with the jumps, so the equipment is the same. Certainly showing at night adds a unique dimension. But, the main difference is the atmosphere that both horses and riders must contend with.

At Heritage, we approach preparation for Devon in several ways. Having shown there for thirty five years, we have a routine at home that helps the horses and riders rehearse for Devon week. I change the courses frequently, what I refer to as rearranging the furniture. We have a track outside of our ring, so I put a jump out there as a new challenge. I have the kids jump it so they have to face something new and surprising and manage their horses as they do the same. Also, I will stack equipment in the corner of the ring which can be spooky as horses are used to the same things in the same place at home. Sometimes, I line up people at the edge of the ring holding umbrellas- something we see often at Devon. I purchased a very large TV set that we run at the end of the indoor ring to mimic the Jumbotron that many horses spook at. We disrupt the routine, we jump obstacles we haven’t faced before, we go in and out of the ring. Sometimes the reaction is so severe that it surprises all of us.

📎 Continue reading this article at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2019/05/24/ask-andre-how-do-you-prepare-for-devon/

05/21/2026

First Night Event POSTPONED ⛈️

Due to forecasted storms and out of concern for everyone's safety, the First Night Event scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, has been postponed to Thursday, May 21.

The event will take place at the same time (6pm) in the pavilion. Thank you for your understanding - we look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

If you have any questions, please feel free to call 610-964-0550 x234

05/20/2026

Welcome back to with
, Part 13:

The Role of the Working Student

There’s been a lot of conversation lately about barn labor, working students, and what’s “fair.” It’s worth remembering that not that long ago, working students were rarely, if ever, paid a stipend. The exchange was simple: you worked many hours through different seasons, and in return you learned. Compensation was often through lessons (on the facility’s horses or your own horse) or in some cases in exchange for a board reduction of your own horse.

The reality today is a bit more complicated. The cost of giving a lesson isn’t just the hour of instruction anymore. It includes the purchase price of the horse, the daily upkeep, feed, farrier, vet care, horse insurance, facility liability insurance (this is the big one!), well fitted tack, and much more. All of these elements are necessary to maintain a safe, experienced horse in a lesson program. Those operational costs add up quickly, and most barn owners simply aren’t in a position to give that away for free. It’s like expecting a teacher to tutor for free because they love education. Their passion alone doesn’t eliminate the cost of providing the service.

The Working Student position is structured as an exchange of labor for board. Participants are required to contribute approximately 75 hours per month to offset the cost of boarding their horse.

For example, if the monthly board is valued at $1,500 per month this equates to an hourly rate of $20 (generous) per hour, totaling 75 hours per month.

Scheduling is designed to be flexible in order to accommodate academic commitments. Working Students may complete hours through morning or evening shifts, allowing those enrolled in daytime or nighttime classes to successfully meet the required commitment.

This arrangement is intended to be manageable for individuals balancing school and riding, and averages approximately 18–20 hours per week, consistent with a part-time workload.

At its core, the working student role has always been about education. Yes, riding is part of it — but it’s only one piece. Some of the most valuable lessons happen off the horse: watching how situations are handled, learning timing, developing awareness, understanding the flow of a barn, and seeing what it really takes to care for horses day in and day out.

Someone with these foundational skills will almost always be hired by someone who appreciates a strong work ethic and a desire to learn.

This industry has always been built on experience, observation, and time. Not every lesson comes in the form of a ride — and not every form of compensation looks the same.

We ARE currently looking to add an additional working student to our program at this time who is over 18 years of age. Specifically looking for help on Sunday’s and Monday’s. Please PM if interested.