For 19-year-old rider Nora Nauss, “Unstoppable”—or “Uno” as he’s known in the barn—is more than just a horse. He’s the start of her professional journey. Last season, Nauss guided Uno to victory in the 6-year-old young jumper final at WEF, and the bond between rider, horse, and the people supporting them has been transformative...

In the equestrian industry, the dream often looks the same: become a professional rider, teach full-time, and build a life around being in the saddle. For many young riders coming up through the ranks, it can feel like that’s the only path to staying in horses long-term. But one longtime horseman’s journey tells a different story. One that highlights mentorship, business education, adaptability, and the power of building a role that extends far beyond the ring...

For Ryan Sassmannshausen, success has never been defined by a single ring, a specific height, or a predetermined outcome. Instead, it lives in the quiet moments—the ones where a horse finally relaxes, figures something out, and steps into the version of itself it was always meant to be.