Photo Courtesy of Taegan Long
Junior rider Taegan Long has a need for speed and loves the thrill of the Jumper ring, but she isn’t afraid to step out of her comfort zone. This talented young rider managed to snatch up the win in the Alessandro Albanese Equitation 15-17 3’3” class at WEF Week 8 with her own 2008 mare Angelique.
Overcoming Obstacles
Taegan acquired the 18-hand Warmblood mare two years ago while Angelique was doing the six-year-old Jumpers and immediately began her transition to the equitation ring. “The switch over was a little bit difficult for her,” Taegan recalled, “but she’s such an amazing horse. My trainer has helped me so much with her and she has come such a long way. To be Champion out of about 45 at WEF on a self-made horse is such a big accomplishment for us both!”
Despite her absolute faith in Angelique, Taegan didn’t know what to expect going into the class. The mare had just come back from three weeks off due to a virus in her back leg. Two days after Teagan got the all clear to ride her again, Angelique got cast in her stall and did quite a number on her side.
“I went into that class that day just thinking, ‘I just want her to have a smooth transition back into the show ring.’ After completing the flat, the pair wasn’t called during the first call back so when she went in with the second group for last chance call backs from the judge, she thought to herself, “I really need to flat it out right now!”
The team did just that as they claimed the third place ribbon in their flat phase. She was pleased with that placing, but then had to redirect her attention to the jumping. “I went in just knowing I wanted to lay down some good trips and do well. I didn’t think I would win because I did decide to add in some of the lines,” but their trips landed them a first and second, securing the Championship title.
A Multi-Ring Horse for a Multi-Ring Rider
Angelique has definitely proven herself to be a phenomenal horse during their time together. The team competed at Mid-Atlantic Equitation Finals and every class they were in, they placed first. At Lake Placid, Taegan did the Junior Hunters on her and they ribboned in every class. “It was so nice to just see her progress,” said Taegan. “She is a very sweet and loving mare, she just wants to make everyone happy. No matter what she is going to save me.”
Watch the pair knock it out of the park at the Marshall and Sterling Finals in 2015 in the pouring rain!
Taegan rides with Norfield in Connecticut and trains with Chris Cawley for the Jumpers and with Timmy Kees for the Equitation. When she isn’t showing Angelique, she is actively training and showing for the Jumper ring with her new 10-year-old Warmblood, Steve. The team is currently showing the Medium Junior Jumpers and have hopes of moving up to the Highs. Ultimately, she would love to acquire another Jumper and make that her main focus.
Fashion Forward Future
“I have a lucky birthday,” says the 18-year-old who still rides as a Junior this year due to the birthday cutoff. Taegan is spending this last year as a Junior focusing on the Jumper ring and adjusting to her first year as a college student. She is studying Fashion Merchandising through an online university, but she is no stranger to online education. Taegan finished primary school through an online accredited academy to give her additional time to ride and show and help her align her focus for her education.
Photo courtesy of Taegan Long
In the future, she would love to work in the equestrian fashion industry and has already immersed herself in that culture through her well known site, Fashioned Equestrians which is currently undergoing revamping and will be released soon under a new name!
For now, Taegan is happy showing in the Jumpers as a Junior and intends on continuing on as an Amateur after this year. She is thankful for the opportunity to work with Angelique and to grow along with her during this journey and is excited to see what the future has in store.
While she may not spend this last year heavily focusing on the Equitation ring, Angelique has given Taegan memories and experiences of a lifetime, and for that she is very grateful.
Photo courtesy of Taegan Long