Sarah LesslerMadcap adventures, indelible moments, and a few detours along the way: Editor Stephanie Peters looks back on a decade of stories.
Above: Equestrian Living editor, Stephanie Peters, and Equestrian Living photography director, George Kamper, at Saut Hermès, Paris.
As I paged through the fall issue, reviewing the articles and making last-minute revisions, I paused to review the annual Gold List—our 13th edition.
Each year, the comprehensive survey brings unexpected and delightful surprises, a barometer, if you will, of shifting trends and preferences. It’s always fun to see voters’ loyalty in certain categories year after year, and the shifting whims in others. This year, we asked readers to share their thoughts on various topics, adding another fascinating layer to the survey.
A touch of nostalgia swept over me as I recalled some of the wonderful people I’ve met, the events I’ve attended, and the places I’ve visited over the last decade—several of which were in the Gold List.
While our editorial team takes its interviews, photoshoots, and editorial integrity seriously, we have had our share of madcap adventures and mishaps, along with awkward regional lessons. Take fire ants, for example. En route to visit reining legends Tom and Mandy McCutcheon in Aubrey, Texas, I found myself standing atop an angry mound of them while trying to photograph a Texas landscape. A painful lesson learned.
Joining Tom and Mandy McCutcheon and friends for lunch in Aubrey, Texas.
On a trip to visit the Keswick Hunt Club in Virginia, I heard a voice across a parking lot call out: “Are you here for a fashion show or to walk with the hounds?” Noted. I humbly returned to the car for a more hound-resistant barn jacket.
Former Keswick Hunt Club Huntsman, Tony Gammell.
I was commandeered to exit the highway en route to Lexington because a team member inexplicably wanted to try the fried pie advertised on roadside billboards. And there was the near-miss, off-road driving incident along the canals in Wellington in the earlier, less reliable days of navigation. Not dissimilar was arriving for a meeting at Wellington’s Wanderers Club, only to discover we had driven our SUV straight up the golf-cart-only path to the club’s elegant, understated entrance.
Of course, I’ve had indelible experiences, including twice attending Saut Hermès in Paris, the magnificent show-jumping event held at the Grand Palais; traveling to Doha, Qatar, with Carson Kressley for an event at Al Shaqab Equestrian Center and touring the Royal Stables.
Equestrian Living publisher, C. W. Medinger, paging through Equestrian Living with new friends in Doha, Qatar.
In Seal Harbor, Maine, Martha Stewart greeted us with freshly baked blueberry muffins and gave us a tour of her glorious barn, home to her magnificent Friesians. Across the way, Eileen Rockefeller gave us a carriage ride on “Mr. Rockefeller’s Roads” in Acadia National Park. Not bad work if you can get it.
Martha Stewart greets the EQ team with muffins and a Friesian in Seal Harbor, Maine. Photo George Kamper
Enjoying a carriage ride with Eileen Rockefeller in Seal Harbor, Maine. Photo George Kamper
We’ve had enlightening interviews with equestrians, from multi-Olympians across a range of disciplines to casual trail riders, as well as with celebrities who have welcomed us into their homes. I’ve included just a few snapshots of memorable moments that remind us why we keep reaching for more.
A cover shoot with Carson Kressley at his home in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Photo George Kamper
This issue is brimming with fascinating profiles, design projects, visits to famous ranches, world-class equestrian events, and heartwarming giving-back stories.
Editor-at-large Rebecca Baldridge wrangled a visit to the storied Four Sixes Ranch in Guthrie, Texas. Well-established in its own right—dating back 150 years—the Four Sixes has become the living heritage brand behind Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone.” This is a working ranch, and Rebecca, an adventurous interviewer, was front and center.
In a fascinating interview with rising star Kat Fuqua, Contributing Editor Sarah Lessler shares this multidisciplinary equestrian’s passion and success as a grand prix competitor in both dressage and show jumping. Poised and disciplined, the 19-year-old skillfully juggles life’s demands with surprising aplomb.
Across the pond, photographer Alden Corrigan captured some of the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations at the 2026 FEI World Championships, held at the Soers showgrounds in Aachen, Germany. Steeped in history, the stands were packed throughout the heart-pounding action. Alden also attended and photographed the 100th anniversary of the Nations’ Cup of Ireland at the Dublin Horse Show. Discover the highlights and the unmistakable Irish atmosphere.
Also highlighted are inspiring stories and profiles of those focused on improving the lives of people and horses alike, and we discover everything we didn’t know about the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. This issue’s gallery features Romy Elliott’s equine and canine paintings amid luminous light and vivid patterns, and department pages are filled with seasonal ideas for apparel, entertaining, and more.
Equestrian Living editor and publisher on a walking tour of the cross-country course of the Land Rover Kentucky three-day event. Photo George Kamper
With this issue, the last of 2026, I wish you all a wonderful fall and holiday season and look forward to whatever mishaps and marvels 2027 has in store.
Cheers!
Stephanie Peters
View the whole Fall 2026 issue here and subscribe.
