Sidelines July - August 2026

2026 Pony, Junior & Collegiate Issue, Robert Caputo, Accidental Equestrian, Alex Alston, Adapting to Greatness, Olivia Sweetnam, Family Footsteps & Future Tiger

2026 Pony, Junior

& Collegiate Issue

Robert Caputo

Accidental Equestrian

Alex Alston

Adapting to Greatness

Olivia Sweetnam

Family Footsteps

& Future Tiger

SIDELINESMAGAZINE | July/August 2026

GRACE CHRISTIANSON

Breaking Records and Just Getting Started

ALEX ALSTON

Adapting to Greatness

LILLY HERZOG

Catch Riding to Division I

EMI RICHARD

Working Hard for Her Fairytale

COVER STORY

ROBERT CAPUTO

The Accidental Equestrian

OLIVIA SWEETNAM

Family Footsteps & Future Tiger

SYDNEY RIVERA

Tides, Trails and Chincoteague Tails

On the cover:

Robert Caputo with Devise Du Salbey,

owned by Ashland Farms.

July/August 2026

About this photo:

Despite not coming from an equestrian family,

Robert discovered his passion and talent for riding.

Photos by Melissa Fuller

Volume 38 Issue 7 SIDELINES (ISSN 1071-3859) is owned by TRAUB CAPITAL PARTNERS and is published ten times a year.

SIDELINESMAGAZINE | July/August 2026

ADDIE BORTON

Making Her Mark as a Young Eventer

EMMA HAKIM

A Full Circle Journey

AUDREY HAYWOOD

The Work Behind the Wins

FAMILIAR PLACES, FAMILIAR FACES

Tryon International With Glenn Petty

Grace Christianson

Photo by Melissa Fuller

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 Letter From the Editor | 75 Sidelines Directory

76 Sidelines Business | 78 Advertisers Index | 80 Sidelines Spotlight

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Emma Hakim

Photo by Sophia Donohue

SIDELINESMAGAZINE | July/August 2026

LETTER FROM

BRITNEY GROVER

Editor

Stay in touch by emailing editor@sidelinesmagazine.com

and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @sidelines_magazine

Robert Caputo

Photo by Melissa Fuller

Olivia Sweetnam

Photo by Melissa Fuller

Alex Alston

Photo by Maddy Falkowitz

The Next Generation With the Horse Bug

e often talk about the “horse bug”—something both as natural and as unpredictable

as the weather. It’s something many of us are simply born with, whether we come

from an equestrian family or not. It’s been that way for generations, and the rising

generation is proving they are no different—even if the world they live in is!

One such equestrian who seems to have developed the horse bug despite having a non-

equestrian family is Robert Caputo—though the bug may have been latent in his mother,

Heather, whose decision to finally follow her desire to ride sparked Robert’s passion when he

tagged along for an afternoon lesson. Now 14, Robert’s life revolves around riding. “School and

the barn—that’s pretty much all I like to do,” he said.

Heather says it’s a joy to see Robert doing what he loves, but she’s also quick to note that she also

worries. “From what we can observe, there are unique challenges in the riding world and we do

think about how reality may impact a beautiful and pure passion,” she admitted. “Regardless, I know

that Robert’s love and connection to the horse is who he is, and that will be a gift for a lifetime.”

While Robert’s family navigates being new to the equestrian world, Olivia Sweetnam’s passion for

horses is following in her family’s footsteps. Even before she started winning finals, her name was

familiar to scoreboards and winner’s circles because of her parents, Olympian Shane Sweetnam

and trainer Ali Sweetnam. Not only has Shane been showing Olivia the ropes, the two have been

known to compete in the same classes as Olivia takes to the Grand Prix ring.

What may have begun as a passion for ponies—including reading books like “Misty of

Chincoteague” (don’t miss our Chincoteague pony story on boat captain Sydney Rivera in this

issue!)—often continues with us into adulthood, and these days young equestrians have the

opportunity to integrate that passion with their collegiate studies. Olivia is planning to attend

Auburn University in the fall of 2027 and ride on their equestrian team.

Riding for Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Alex Alston became the first male

rider of color to win the prestigious Cacchione Cup in 2025—then repeated the performance

with a win earlier this year. Alex was exposed to many sports when he was young, but horses

were what stuck. “If I wasn’t riding, I was thinking about riding. Horses were pretty much all I

wanted to do once I found the sport,” he said.

From pony riders to collegiate success and beyond, this issue highlights stories from the rising

generation with the horse bug—and they are impressive. Here’s hoping the passion will enable

these already accomplished young riders to create a beautiful future not just for our sport, but

especially for the horses we all love.

SIDELINESMAGAZINE | July/August 2026

GRACE

CHRISTIANSON

BREAKING RECORDS

AND JUST GETTING STARTED

By Laila Edwards • Portraits by Melissa Fuller

oung dressage rider Grace Christianson

started breaking records before she

was even a teenager. “I didn’t realize

how much fun NAYC was going to be until

I was there,” Grace said. “Winning multiple

golds and hitting scores in the 80s was simply

unbelievable!”

The first time Grace sat on a pony at 2 years

old, something clicked—and it wasn’t just a

childhood phase. What started as a simple pony

ride quickly turned into something much bigger.

Grace didn’t grow up in a horse family. There

were no barns in her backyard or generations

of equestrians before her. Instead, her

introduction to horses came through curiosity

and a willingness from her parents to follow

where it led.

“No one in my family had anything to do with

horses, but I just fell in love with it,” Grace said.

“I took a pony ride and that’s where it all started.”

“She wouldn’t get off!” added her mother,

Elizabeth, with a laugh.

That early fascination turned into something

more serious by the time Grace was 5, when

she began searching for ways to ride regularly—

which was harder than expected at that age.

Eventually, she found a small program where

she could begin taking lessons, often riding

bareback and simply learning to feel comfortable

around horses.

From the beginning, it wasn’t just about

riding, it was about finding her true self. “It was

always really peaceful being around horses,”

Grace said. “I just loved everything about it.”

Within a few years, Grace’s path began to take

shape in a way that set her apart from others.

Grace Christianson and Karieta Texel,

owned by Laura Saldana-Rich.

SIDELINESMAGAZINE | July/August 2026

FORMING A DREAM

As Grace progressed, her vision of a dressage

path was defined even more. “I remember

saying, ‘I don’t want to jump,’” Grace said. “My

mom thought that was really weird because all

the kids wanted to jump. But I just wanted to

do dressage.”

That clarity at such a young age became a

defining trait. Grace wasn’t just riding, she was

developing a dream.

Choosing dressage so early also meant going

against the grain. Surrounded by riders drawn to

the excitement and adrenaline rush of jumping,

Grace’s preference for the precision and subtlety

of dressage stood out. But rather than second-

guessing herself, she leaned into it. “There wasn’t

really a moment where I changed my mind,” Grace

said. “I just always knew that’s what I wanted.”

After changing barns in search of better

training, she found her first pony and began

leasing her. Together, they navigated the early

stages of competition, from schooling shows

to larger venues, learning the ropes along the

way. “I didn’t even know how to get a horse

on the bit,” Grace said. “We were just figuring

everything out step by step.”

Daisy, while not naturally suited for

dressage, played an important role in Grace’s

development. She provided the foundation by

teaching patience and problem-solving. That

realization would eventually lead Grace to the

horse who would change everything.

To show her eternal gratitude to the horse

that started her dressage journey, Grace retired

Daisy at home with her so she can be loved for

the rest of her life.

became partners on March 14, a date that has

remained significant ever since. “I rode her on

our anniversary this year and it was just crazy

to think about,” Grace said. “She’s really my first

true dressage horse and I just love her.”

Roulee quickly proved to be more than just a

good match; she became a cornerstone in Grace’s

career. Together, they stepped into the rated show

world, qualifying for regionals and eventually

reaching one of the sport’s biggest stages.

At just 11 years old, Grace became the

youngest rider to compete at the US Dressage

Finals in 2023. “It was really fun,” Grace said. “It

was a big experience, and I learned a lot from it.”

More than the results, it was the partnership

that stood out. With Roulee, Grace began to

understand what it truly meant to ride and train.

Following her early success, Grace

continued to build momentum. Each show

brought new lessons, new challenges and

growing confidence. But like any rider’s

journey, it wasn’t without setbacks.

Leading into a major competition, a last-

minute clinic disrupted the harmony she had

developed with Roulee, something Grace

can now reflect on with a sense of humor and

perspective. “Don’t go to a clinic right before a

big competition,” Grace said. “Lesson learned.”

Moments like that became part of her

education. Instead of shaking her confidence,

they reinforced her ability to adapt, learning

when to trust her training and when to step back.

With each ride, her feel improved. Her awareness

sharpened. And slowly, the pieces began to come

together even more. By 2025, their harmonious

partnership became publicly evident.

A BREAKOUT YEAR

The 2025 season was a year of success and

breaking records. Grace began working with

trainer Jennifer Conour, gaining valuable

experience not only with her own horses but

also on others she had the opportunity to sit

on. That exposure opened the door to new

My mom thought that

was really weird because

all the kids wanted to

jump. But I just wanted

to do dressage.

~Grace Christianson

A HEART HORSE

NAMED ROULEE

When Grace first sat on Roulee, she knew

immediately that something was different. “She

was the coolest horse ever,” Grace said. “So sweet,

so comfortable and just such a good personality.”

Even before Grace had ridden Roulee, her

trainer had a feeling she might be the right

match. After a few months in the saddle, that

feeling became a reality. The pair officially

Roulee is Grace’s “heart horse”

and the pair won three gold

medals at the 2025 NAYC.

Photo by Emma Claire Stephens

SIDELINESMAGAZINE | July/August 2026

opportunities, like competing a young horse for

the first time. “I really wanted to show a young

horse, and I got the chance,” Grace said. “That

was a huge learning experience.”

Then came the North American Youth

Championships (NAYC), where she competed

in the Children’s division for Region 2. Aside

from the earned experience of competing at

NAYC, Grace went above and beyond. She

delivered three tests that were nothing short

of remarkable, leading her to earn triple gold

medals with scores in the 80s, and breaking

records along the way.

Just weeks later, she continued her success

at Festival of Champions, adding more wins

and championships to an already-impressive

summer season. “I just remember saying I

wanted a cooler, which you win if you’re first

or second place,” Grace said. “I didn’t even care

what color. And then I got multiple and it was

just the best feeling!”

Just to top things off, she also closed out the

2025 season with her USDF Gold medal as well.

While Grace’s talent is undeniable, she’s

the first to credit the horses who make it all

possible. Roulee remains her heart horse,

defined not just by her talent, but by her

personality. “She’s always so happy to work

and not like a typical mare,” Grace said. “She’ll

literally groom you, like brush your hair with her

lip. She’s just the sweetest.”

Her other horse, Outsider, owned by the

wonderful Karissa Gearen, is affectionately

known as Potato in the barn and brings a

completely different energy. “He’s the sweetest,

most gentle giant,” Grace said. “He just wants

love all the time.”

What makes Potato especially unique isn’t just

his size or presence, it’s the way he meets Grace

where she is. “He’s huge, but he tries to make

himself small for you,” Grace said. “In the barn,

he’ll literally put his head on your chest and just

stand there.”

With all of the horses that have been a part

of Grace’s journey, each has brought a unique

educational experience that has brought so much

growth to her journey.

BALANCING IT ALL

Behind the ribbons and results is a schedule

that would challenge even the most seasoned

professional. Grace attends school full time,

balancing academics with a demanding riding

schedule that often stretches late into the evening.

“I go to school all day, then straight to the barn,”

Grace said. “By the time I finish riding and take

care of everything, I get home around 9 p.m. and

then do homework.”

At 11, Grace was the youngest

rider to compete in the US

Dressage Finals in 2023.

SIDELINESMAGAZINE | July/August 2026

Growing up in barn environments have

shaped her maturity. “I feel like I kind of grew

up around adults,” Grace said. “You get the full

experience being around people who are older,

and I think that’s shaped me a lot.”

It’s something that shows in the way she carries

herself, both in and out of the ring. Still, she finds

moments to be a normal teenager. “I don’t get a

ton of free time,” Grace said. “But when I do, I

like to just hang out with my friends.”

Her family plays a huge role in making it

all possible, too. “I’m really lucky to have such

supportive parents,” Grace said. “They’ve given

me the opportunity to do all of this, and I’m so

grateful for that.”

She finds inspiration in the riders she

watches at the top of the sport. “I love watching

riders like Lottie Fry,” Grace said. “She just

makes everything look so effortless.”

As Grace continues to develop as a rider, her

goals are as ambitious as they are grounded.

Like many young equestrians, the Olympics

are on her radar, but so are other iconic stages,

including competing in Europe and one day

riding at Aachen. “I feel like that atmosphere

would be so cool,” Grace said. “That’s definitely

something I’d love to experience.”

At the same time, she’s keeping her options

open beyond the barn. “I definitely want to go to

college,” Grace said. “I’m not totally sure what I

want to do yet, but I want to keep riding and go

as far as I can with it. I feel like every rider wants

to go to the Olympics. But I’m just focused on

improving and seeing where it takes me.”

In the meantime, her focus remains on her

horses, particularly Roulee, who was recently

diagnosed with Polysaccharide Storage

Myopathy (PSSM), with symptoms such as

“tying up.” “She’s my heart horse,” Grace said.

“So, we’re just going to do what’s best for her.”

It’s a mindset that reflects not just her maturity,

but her understanding of what truly matters

in the sport. For Grace, success isn’t defined

solely by medals, scores or record-breaking

performances. It’s found in the quiet moments,

the early mornings at the barn, the small

breakthroughs in training and the partnership she

continues to build with each horse she rides.

What began with a simple pony ride has

grown into something far more meaningful.

It’s a journey shaped by discipline, perspective

and a genuine love for the horse. And as her

career continues to unfold, one thing remains

certain: Grace isn’t just chasing success, she’s

building it.

Follow Grace on Instagram @gracecdressage

Photos by Melissa Fuller, melissafullerphotography33.mypixieset.com,

unless otherwise noted

Grace always wanted

to ride dressage.

SIDELINESMAGAZINE | July/August 2026