Episode Details

Send us Fan Mail

Piper, Catie Staszak and Cira Pace Malta speak with Heather Caristo-Willams about growing up in the horse world and her journey to representing the US show jumping team internationally. We also talk with trainer & rider Vanessa Roman about how she uses a mindful, grateful approach to riding and teaching. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Hosts: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse, Cira Pace Malta and Catie Staszak
• Guest: Heather Caristo-Williams is a show jumper who is based in Saugerties, New York and Wellington, Florida. She was a 3 time national hunter champion in her junior career. Heather also won ribbons in the equitation finals and was a 3 time gold medal winner in Young Riders. More recently, Heather competes mainly in the jumpers and has represented the US on several Nations Cup Teams. In addition to showing, Heather continues to develop young horses and train at her family’s barn, Glenview Stables.
• Guest: Vanessa Roman fell in love with horses at a young age while taking riding lessons at a small family farm in Stamford, Connecticut. Vanessa earned a B.A. at UMASS Amherst where the head coach of the riding program connected her with eventing riders Karen and David O’Connor. Vanessa worked with the O'Connor's as a groom for two and a half years. Vanessa moved on to the Boulder Brook Equestrian Center in 2007, where she worked as a trainer for 13 years. In 2019, Vanessa decided to venture out on her own until she partnered with Michael DelFIandra and Grafton Ridge was formed. Vanessa's unique style, which incorporates a mindful approach to the training of both horse and rider, incorporates a positive and relaxed environment at the stables. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, Alexis Kletjian, America Cryo, Nikovian, Wordley Martin Premium Equestrian Surfaces, Lauracea, American Stalls, Show Strides Book Series, Online Equestrian College Courses,  With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard, and American Equestrian School