The sound of a horse coughing in the barn is unpleasant and worrisome. Even more disconcerting is a horse coughing while you are riding or showing him. Is this just irritation from a dusty arena, or a sign of disease? Most horse owners become “tuned in” to various nuances of equine coughing and are quick to try to figure it out and make sure the horse isn’t coming down with a bad “bug” that might need medical attention.

Mattie Stepanek once said, “Unity is strength. When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” Add in a healthy dose of mutual respect and immense passion for achieving excellence in the horse business and that’s the perfect recipe for a wonderful new venture at Patty Vatterott’s Sea Ridge Farms in Wellington, Florida.

Midnight practice rides, aching muscles, and chafed calves… sounds a bit like torture, doesn’t it? Yet it’s the life of a horse show exhibitor, one of the most resilient athletes known to man – a creature who always comes back for more. And to top it off, these athletes have chosen an industry where being judged is the norm, and they even pay for the opportunity.

One particular question was posed: does eliminating qualification for the L1 Championships make the event more inclusive or less prestigious?