McLain Ward started riding after being encouraged to take up the sport by his parents who were professionals in the industry. In 1990, at age 14, he became the youngest rider to win the United States Equestrian Federation’s Show Jumping Derby. Ten weeks later, he became the youngest rider to win the USET Medal Finals, now known as the Platinum Performance USEF Talent Search Finals - East. He became the first and youngest rider to win both titles in the same year.

In his long equestrian career, Ward has won three Olympic medals, three World Championship medals, three Pan American Games medals and a World Cup Final Gold Medal. In April 2017, McLain was ranked #1 in the Longines FEI world rankings for the first time. He has won the Grand Prix of Devon 11 times and has had a long list of incredible equine partners including Twist du Valon, Sapphire, HH Carlos Z, Rothchild, HH Azur, Tradition de La Roque, HH Gigi’s Girl, Noche de Ronda, Catoki, and Clinta. McLain alongside wife, Lauren, and daughter, Lilly, owns and operates Castle Hill Farm in Brewster, NY and Wellington, FL.

Sydney is the daughter of Jill Shulman and one of the head trainers at Back Country Farm. Now representing Israel, Sydney has competed across the United States and Europe for many years. In addition to training with her mom, Sydney has also trained with the help of John Roche, Brianne Goutal, Stacia Madden, Max Amaya and Frank Madden over the years to continue expanding her knowledge in the hunter, jumper and equitation rings. Sydney experienced an incredibly successful career in the ponies and throughout her junior years, winning the Ronnie Mutch Award, multiple championships at Pony Finals, the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, and more.

Sydney turned professional in 2015 and quickly grew to be one of the most competitive U25 and Grand Prix athletes in the industry. Since then, Sydney has continued to accumulate top placings at the most renowned horse shows in the country, such as the Devon Horse Show and the Washington International Horse Show at the Grand Prix level. The 2020 competition year has continued to bring success for Sydney and her impressive string of horses, including Villamoura, J-Boston S.E, and Azilis Du Mesnil, by capturing a notable list of wins all the way up to the 5* level.

Lorcan Gallagher comes from a horsey family in Newry county, in Northern Ireland. Lorcan started riding when he was 8 years old in the local pony club and by age 12, graduated to competing in the pony jumpers. As a junior, he moved to work and train alongside former individual World Champion, Dermott Lennon, where Lorcan gained valuable experience, moved up to compete at the Grand Prix level, and won his first Grand Prix. Lorcan has produced many young horses to compete at the top level, including the prestigious International Young Horse Finals in Dublin.

In December 2011, Lorcan moved to the United States and was offered a position at Shane and Ali Sweetnam’s Sweet Oak Farm. This is where Lorcan started to have most of his success, winning multiple Grand Prix classes and top results at shows such as the Hampton Classic, Winter Equestrian Festival, the National Horse Show, and Tryon. Lorcan made his senior Nations Cup debut in 2015, producing clear rounds for Ireland to secure a gold medal and silver medal at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Lorcan has coached riders to major wins across the country including the Prix De States and international level Grand Prixs. Lorcan truly enjoys teaching and seeing his students achieve their goals.

Lauren Knopp is an FEI level USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist that operates her business, Lauren Knopp Dressage, out of her family's IDA Farm in Wellington, Florida. Lauren fell in love with the sport of Dressage at 8 years old and has had many successful wins since then. In 2009 she was National Junior Reserve Champion at Gladstone and Team and Individual Silver Medalist at NAJYRC with her horse "Rho Dance". In 2011 she received her USDF Silver Medal and in 2013 received her USDF Gold Medal. Lauren has trained with top professionals including the late Patrick Le Rolland, Sasha Newman, Carole Grant, Anne Gribbons, Cesar Torrente, Oded Shimoni, Laura Graves, Debbie Mcdonald and currently trains with Raul Corchuelo. Lauren is currently campaigning a number of horses with hopes of representing Team USA one day.

Amanda Steege, a prominent figure in the equestrian world, captured attention at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival by clinching the $50,000 WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular on Lafitte De Muze, owned by Cheryl Olsten. This marked her fourth attempt and a first-time victory in the prestigious event. Raised in a horsey family in Massachusetts, Amanda's journey in the equestrian realm began in her junior riding days. Her notable successes include championships in pony hunter, junior hunter, and equitation classes, riding the famed One In A Million. After a hiatus for a psychology degree at Boston College, Amanda transformed her passion into a profession, founding Ashmeadow Farm. As a leading show hunter producer, trainer, and rider, Amanda is based at Ashmeadow Farm in Califon, New Jersey, and Ocala, Florida. She divides her time between these locations, catering to both professional and amateur hunter riders. Amanda has left an indelible mark in international derbies and boasts multiple titles as the World Champion Hunter Rider for the northeast region. Her story reflects a remarkable journey from a horsey upbringing to becoming a renowned figure in the competitive world of equestrian sports.

Meg Kepferle, also known as Meg Kep, is a 4* eventing rider hailing from Long Valley, NJ and owns and operate Kepferle Equestrian. Meg grew up riding in the pony hunters, equitaton, and jumpers, until she learned about eventing in the eighth grade and became hooked! Meg groomed for Sinead Halpin through several 5*`s, Olympic training camps, and World Championships and the two are still close friends to this day. Meg has proved that top riders do not need to come from money to end up at the top of the sport, and believes access to quality education for riders of all abilities is paramount to not just reaching the top ranks, but also having a confident, safe, and enjoyable partnership with horses. Meg`s top horse Anakin, has helped her reach the top level of the sport while she brings along young horses and teaches a variety of junior and amateur clients.

Bliss Heers grew up in Encinitas, CA and always loved horses. Her mother took her for a riding lesson together when she was very young and she only wanted to ride after that. As a junior, Bliss rode with the legendary Hap Hansen and catch rode as many horses as possible. As a junior she placed in every major equitation final and was awarded “Rookie Grand Prix Rider” of the year in 2007. Bliss’ greatest achievements include bringing up horses to be competitive at Grand Prix level as well as jumping for the US Senior Nations Cup Team. With top horse, Prado K, she competed competitively for many years in Europe. With Antidote de Mars, Bliss achieved her greatest accolades jumping for Team USA with top podium finishes and 5* Grand Prix wins, including her first win at San Miguel de Allende.

Originally from CA, Liz Halliday is a 5* International Three-Day Eventing rider based in Lexington, KY and Ocala, FL. Liz has achieved wins across the globe and has been an established member of the US Eventing High Performance Training List for many years. Liz was the 2020 US Eventing Rider of the Year and has represented Team USA on multiple occasions; most recently as a key member of the Silver Medal Team at the 2023 Pan American Games. Liz has a phenomenal string of horses in her barn and has achieved the most international wins in the WORLD for the past 3 years running (2020-2022). Liz`s top horses include Miks Master C. Cooley Moonshine, Cooley Quicksilver, and Deniro Z.