Raven Ranch

I’m still reeling from this past Saturday. Not due to a traumatic event, but rather the incredible support and energy from the cinch workshop. As the names started flowing in, I realized we had an extraordinary, fun group of women. Even though I wasn’t directly involved in teaching, I somehow managed to pull the event together—thinking up Cinch Maker hats for all participants was my contribution 🙂.

A big thank you to our wonderful students: Amy, Sunny, Meredith, Julia, Casey, and Erin. Special thanks to Patrice Larivée, who traveled all the way from Canada to share his expertise in biomechanics, and cowboy Fred, who kept us thoroughly entertained. And to Nancy, thank you for providing the brain-nourishing snacks and always being there to support me through any pressure. Last but not least, thanks to Skye and Rebecca for sharing your wealth of knowledge from years of cinch making.

We’re energized and already planning the 2027 workshops with Skye. More photos coming soon. ~ Cybèle

As the dust settles our historic first WAWE championship event we are filled with pride for all involved: the US team, our coach and our chef, our dedicated photographer, grooms and sponsors, and of course ALL of the amazing people that make USAWE one of the most inclusive, supportive, and exciting sports to be part of.

Our team -- two women and two men, two Lusitanos and two Mustangs -- all from exceptionally diverse equestrian backgrounds but bound together in love of the horse and this sport, boarded planes and flew to the historical seat of equestrian education in Jerez, Spain to show the world what these dark horses can do.

In an nod to the United States' incredible diversity of horsemanship the team chose to ride in English saddles and bridles, donned beautifully tailored blue cavalry style jackets, red wild rags, and iconic fringed chocolate brown chaps. Looking out from under the brim of their cowboy hats into the face of international competition like true Americans they said, "Let's show them what we're made of". And they really, really did.

We didn’t go to our first international competition to win; we went to say don’t count out the United States! Making not only a top ten, but 8th in the world finish, the sweetest icing on an already excellent cake.

We could not be more proud of our brave team: Robin Bond, Matt French, Kenton Wright, Kimberlee Barker and the alternates willing to step up Pati Pierucci and Stephanie Hayes, Team Coach Miquel Undabarrena and Chef dEquipe Julie Alonzo, not only for carrying our flag, but also carrying our love, support and hope onto the international stage.

Now as we go home to our barn and our ranches, to our backyards and our trails, USAWE looks forward to practice and advance, to be humble and work hard while continuing to support each other and to keep loving our horses fiercely.

Go Team USAWE!