One way to really mess with your mind is to think about your college friends as parents—then rewind to your college years. It’s wild. But what’s even cooler is seeing how much their kids are like them. You can already tell they’ve got big things ahead.

I’ve kept in touch with many of my college friends and equestrian team teammates thanks to social media. So, when I see that two friends have two sets of offspring that are following in their footsteps by learning to train their own horses and ponies either for resale or for clients, I knew this was a story I needed to share.

In the March/April issue of Young Rider, I share the story of the Taylor sisters and the Robertson brothers. Hope Taylor has been working with young horses since she graduated from Murray State University, helping to finish horses needing finishing or working horses through specific issues that need more trust. Her daughters, Evie and Finley, have watched their mother’s gentle approach and are starting to do the same with ponies and older horses. Jen Robertson, an accomplished rider in her own right, married into USEF Show Jumping royalty when she married Brody Robertson, son of Team USA member Bill Robertson. While Brody creates beautiful and unique jump obstacles and designs challenging courses for all levels, Jen runs their stable, now in Ocala, training and selling show jumpers. Their sons, Saer and Flynn, now train and sell show jumping ponies to follow along in their family’s footsteps.

I loved talking with both sets of siblings and their mothers because while it was surreal, it was also a proud moment of, “Look what we’ve accomplished!” Hearing the pride in the moms’ voices and then seeing their posts of excitement when the issue came out was the icing on the cake.

When Megan Arszman, a friend and equestrian teammate from college, reached out asking if the girls would be interested in an interview and article about siblings working with horses, they were excited for the opportunity! Both girls really enjoyed their phone interview and as a parent it was fun watching them trying to articulate their thoughts and feelings. Seeing themselves and their ponies on the pages of a magazine they see in a lot of stores we frequent was pretty exciting! From 3day old babies strapped to my chest or tucked in a tackroom pack n play day in and day out, to young ladies making their barn experience their own!

Another fun fact! The darling boy siblings who were also interviewed belong to another equestrian teammate and friend! Seems like yesterday that the three of us were carefree college girls, traveling to shows together, and getting as much horse time as we could! We now all have some amazing kids doing some amazing things.

— Hope Taylor

When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to read through Young Rider Magazine and then delicately remove the coveted horse poster that came within the centerfold. Saer and Flynn were interviewed by the amazing equine journalist and freelance writer Megan Arszman for the March issue of Young Rider, regarding their pony business. Such sweet timing, as our precious Coco graces the pages here. Thank you Megan for the interview and Susan Starling for the photos!

— Jen Robertson

Thank you, Robertson and Taylor families, for letting me share your stories! And, thank you to my editors at Young Rider for accepting my story submission and publishing it to bring smiles to the families!