Draw It Out® · The 2025 Real Riders

A year of real riders.
Stories worth keeping.

Twelve months. Twelve horse people. Meet the riders we recognized in 2025 and the horses, daily work, and lasting partnerships behind their stories.

Apply to be featuredMeet the 2026 riders

January through December 2025

Every month has a story.

Find a familiar face, meet someone new, or jump to a month. Each feature opens the rider’s full story.

Lindy Johnson’s 2025 Real Rider feature

December 2025

Lindy Johnson

Hayden, Alabama

Barrel racing, cattle work, and six distinct personalities at Johnson Bend Farm.

Read Lindy’s story
Chrissy Walter’s 2025 Real Rider feature

November 2025

Chrissy Walter

Illinois

From dressage to barrel racing, with patient training at Sinful Sorrels.

Read Chrissy’s story
Ellie Love’s 2025 Real Rider feature

October 2025

Ellie Love

Real Rider spotlight

The care behind the ride, from conditioning and hauling to the quiet work after the arena.

Read Ellie’s story
Sam Montgomery’s 2025 Real Rider feature

September 2025

Sam Montgomery

Winnipeg, Manitoba

A lifelong love of riding, a lasting partnership with Duke, and daily care for nine horses.

Read Sam’s story
Kaydence Grant’s 2025 Real Rider feature

August 2025

Kaydence Grant

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Barrel racing, pole bending, and a horse-first program built on consistency.

Read Kaydence’s story
Jenna Riga’s 2025 Real Rider feature

July 2025

Jenna Riga

McSherrystown, Pennsylvania

Barrel racing and training with Ruger, trail time with Mojo, and a partnership built on trust.

Read Jenna’s story
Morgan Heideman’s 2025 Real Rider feature

June 2025

Morgan Heideman

Fort Lupton, Colorado

Six horses at Heideman Farms, a longtime barrel partner in Cappuccino, and a love of helping young riders.

Read Morgan’s story
Ellen Beguelin’s 2025 Real Rider feature

May 2025

Ellen Beguelin

Joy, Illinois

Three decades with horses, all-around showing, and everyday life with her mare Scarlett.

Read Ellen’s story
Victoria Ross’s 2025 Real Rider feature

April 2025

Victoria Ross

Ivor, Virginia

A return to barrel racing, a herd of five, and the patience to rebuild confidence.

Read Victoria’s story
Kierlyn Parham’s 2025 Real Rider feature

March 2025

Kierlyn Parham

Valrico, Florida

Bringing Mako along as her first self-made barrel horse, with heart horse Scarlett by her side.

Read Kierlyn’s story
Lilly Sauer’s 2025 Real Rider feature

February 2025

Lilly Sauer

Pennsylvania

An American Saddlebred named Woody, a second chance, and a barrel-racing partnership with heart.

Read Lilly’s story
Arnold, Peg Zimmerman’s Quarter Horse, in her 2025 Real Rider graphic

January 2025

Peg Zimmerman

Springfield, Tennessee

AQHA all-around showing with Arnold and a lifelong love of being in the saddle.

Read Peg’s story

Your story belongs here, too.

Tell us about your horses and the everyday care behind your rides. Selected riders receive a $75 Draw It Out® gift card when their feature is published. No follower requirement or posting quota.

Apply for a feature

Selection considers story fit, useful insight, and community contribution. Applying does not guarantee a feature. Rider stories share personal experiences and do not replace veterinary care or current product directions.