The Family Compass

The inspiration of Caroline McKoane’s family guided her right into the saddle of Justa Machine.

By Delores Kuhlwein

“Anything is possible when you have the right people to support you.” — Misty Copeland.

When Caroline McKoane was growing up, her horse experience certainly didn’t involve show horses or those with any training. It was much more likely she would be found riding in the fields or in the orchards on a horse that her late father, who her brothers joked was the ultimate horse trader, had taken in trade for a car.

It was in her childhood when Caroline learned that the love of horses instilled by her father, James McKoane, was also the place where she could be carefree.  Though she didn’t begin showing until age 50, she found she could experience that feeling amidst the joy of competition. She says that the horse she won the L1 Select Trail with in 2021, LopinMyTroublesAway, “literally explains how I feel about riding, because when I’m on my horse, all my troubles melt away.”

Her brothers, Larry and John, understood that connection, and they made sure she didn’t miss out on a recent trip to try “Justa Machine” when her father passed right beforehand. In fact, they insisted she follow her dreams and keep the appointment.  Together, the siblings have a car dealership and a motorsports dealership, as well as a commercial real estate business. “I wouldn’t be able to do this journey without them,” explains Caroline.  “They cover so much on the work side of things when I’m gone, and we do that for each other.”

Life is short, she explains, and they all have an appreciation for each other’s hobbies, and it was her late mom, Lee McKoane, whose influence made them all so close.  “She really was the backbone of our family and was always a huge supporter of everything we pursued. She was always right there taking care of everything and encouraging us to chase our dreams.”

Although Caroline hadn’t actively been looking for a new horse, her trainer, Barbara Fletcher, had seen him in Texas at Maestas Show Horses, and said, “Oh, my gosh – Caroline needs to come ride this horse.”  Despite the fog Caroline was in, she followed her trainer’s and her brothers’ guidance, flying into Texas from California on Saturday to ride “Ziggy,” and returning home on Sunday.

Her experience with multiple World and Congress Champion Justa Machine turned out to be just what the doctor ordered, and they hit it off, because not only is “Ziggy” a superstar in the trail, her favorite event, but Caroline had a ball.  “I know nothing about doing lead changes, and I know it takes a lot of timing, but when I test rode him, I got lead change after lead change in spite of my lack of experience.” So Western Riding may also be on their horizon.

The Blessing of Finding Barbara Fletcher

Though her journey in the AQHA show world hasn’t been lengthy (she began showing AQHA in 2019 with her daughter, Kyrsten Ritchie), Caroline has experienced a string of successes, including winning the 2019 AQHA West L1 Western Pleasure – her fourth QH show ever.  “I thought it was a fluke,” she says.  “I kept thinking this is not sustainable, but it is all because of Barb.”  Her trainer, Barbara Fletcher, has helped her achieve her goals with horses LopinMyTroublesAway, The Candy Mann, Doin Big Things, and Extremely Dark Chips.

“She taught me a lot in a short amount of time,” explains Caroline.  “The first time she told me to close my feet, I had no idea what she meant. Even though it was a lot of hard work, she made it fun.”

Caroline attributes her success to the hard work of Barbara, who goes above and beyond to make sure her horses are ready for her.  “She told me from the beginning that if I really wanted it, she would put the work in, and she’s found some really great horses for me that have taught me so much.  I’m excited about Ziggy teaching me the next steps,” she says.  In fact, she had removed Western Riding from her “possibility list,” but now, “That’s back on the list!” she says.  Though first comes a solid lead change for horsemanship, her other favorite class.

Along with that solid lead change, they’re planning on going to the NSBA World Show, and possibly the EMO Championships, and Congress is on their list, too.

Looking Ahead

In addition to Barbara’s guidance as the new team moves forward, Caroline not only has her family’s support, but that of her husband as well. “My husband, Randy Ritchie, has never missed a single show.  We joke and call him the pit crew – he helps everybody in the barn saddle and longe, and he helps Barb set up and tear down.  When I met him, my aunt told me – ‘you’d better keep that one!’”

Caroline knew he was a keeper when she had a jet ski accident (one of their shared passions) and Randy stayed by her side in the hospital for three days straight. “The help that he gives, not just to me, but to everyone in the barn, means so much,” she reveals.

As for Justa Machine, Caroline feels incredibly grateful.  “I’m so new to all this, and I know horses like Ziggy don’t come available very often, especially to someone like me, who doesn’t usually have all the connections.  I appreciate they gave us the opportunity to come ride him and for me to own him. I appreciate the Graves as well, it has to be hard for Emme to let go, as it is for kids when their hearts get in it and it’s time to move up.”

However, she’s already making everyone, including the Graves, proud with immediate success with Ziggy, cinching a win in the Amateur Select L1 Trail at the 2024 Pinnacle Circuit, their first show together, with a score of 154.50! They are planning to go to the EMO Championships, NSBA World Show and Congress this year and are looking forward to all that is to come with Ziggy. “He’s a fun horse and he’s so sweet – when you ride into the show pen, he almost has this feeling of it’s time to step up and show. He’s a neat horse – I’m so excited!”

Congratulations, Caroline! We can’t wait to see you continue your winning ways with Ziggy.