Badger Ridge Farm

08/30/2026

Congrats Bex on being WEC’s Schooling Series 12-14 circuit champion! We love when our riders are rewarded for all of their hard work❤️

08/24/2026

Big news for our Badger Ridge and Copper Phoenix families.

For almost three years, we’ve had the privilege of working
side‑by‑side — coaching together, hauling to shows, sharing riders,
solving problems, and building a community that feels like home. We’ve
seen firsthand the heart, consistency, and dedication each program
brings to its riders.

Today, we’re excited to share the next chapter of that collaboration:

Copper Phoenix Equine is officially partnering with Badger Ridge
Equestrian — and moving to our farm in Hendersonville.

Starting in October, Copper Phoenix will operate as the show team,
while Badger Ridge continues to grow the lesson program and IEA team.
This partnership creates a seamless pathway for riders at every stage
— from their first lessons to stepping confidently into the show ring.

Copper Phoenix brings an established show program — led by Mandi, who
has coached collegiate riders, rated and regional show riders, and
served as a board member within her state’s hunter/jumper association.
The program is built for riders ready to chase big goals and step
confidently into any ring.

Badger Ridge is the grassroots foundation — the place where riders
begin their journey, build strong fundamentals, develop confidence,
and grow into the athletes who eventually step into any ring. With an
already established and successful IEA team and a thriving regional
show team, Alison’s leadership and Grace’s dedication have created a
welcoming, high‑quality lesson program that prepares riders for
whatever path they choose.

Together, this move gives us the ability to expand our program with
more lease options, more horses, and more opportunities to travel to
shows — creating a complete, supportive pathway for every rider’s
goals.

Our 2027 Horse Show Schedule is coming soon. We are currently pairing
lease and show partners with a strong emphasis on horse–rider
development as a true partnership. If you’re interested in joining us,
reach out for more information.

We’re excited for our riders. We’re excited for our horses. And we’re
excited for the future we’re building.

08/11/2026

Congratulations to our group on a great weekend at Silent Run Show Series ! We had some new faces joining us and we are SO proud of these girls as they learn the ins and outs of showing! We love watching this next generation create amazing friendships and memories while flourishing in their riding. We brought home many top placings over many divisions and beat the heat! WE LOVE TEAM BRF!! 🤩🔥🧡☀️

06/29/2026

WEC SCHOOLING 2️⃣
Our BRF riders rocked it this past week!
Duck Duck Goose and AnnaMae Koenig had fabulous rounds in the Thoroughbreds and Low Child bringing home some top placings!🩵
The Lucky One and Bexleigh Edwards- CHAMPION in the 12-14 EQ 🥇with other great ribbons in the low child as well
Buzz The Tower and Kaylee Johnson- wonderful trips in the eq and low child with ribbons to prove it! We are proud of Kaylee for her hard work stepping up to the 2’6 this season.
Thunderstruck and Sara Grace Fisher- baby Carl and SG took on the .65 and short stirrup plus a pretty red ribbon in the 11 and under❤️, we are super proud of this young horse!
Jaguar D’epic also stepped up this weekend- Mandi Powers piloted him to champion in the beginner horse and reserve champion in the baby greens. We can’t thank her enough for her expertise and patience with this lovely 5yo.

Thank you parents and friends for all of the love and support that fuels this great team!

06/16/2026

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼💯💯💯

Welcome to Trainer Tuesday! This week’s question posed is: What are the most important elements to finding a good distance?

“Pace and track. If you have those two things correct, you will almost always have a good distance to the jump. Your horses stride must be rhythmic, and your horse must be straight to the jumps. The goal is to always keep the speed and rhythm the same and try not to make too many adjustments. When the rider has an accurate speedometer, they can rate the pace much easier so they can make sure the speed always gets reset back to the ‘right’ pace for the horse in between the jumps.” – Stevie McCarron Wigley

“I think the narrative around finding a distance needs to be changed to learning more about a quality canter. As a rider, you are always responsible for your horse’s pace, path and their balance. These three things will lead you to a quality canter. When a rider has learned to control the canter, the ability to find a distance will become drastically easier.” – Kari Briggs

“A horse carrying the rider to the jump (not behind the rider’s leg) continuing to the jump. Straight and balanced canter with one rhythm (I think 110 strides per minute but I could be mistaken) a clear track to the center of the jump. Once you have the right connection with your horse, and the right canter, the horse should show you the distance so you won’t have to work so hard to find it.” – Stefanie Mazer

“The most important elements to finding a good distance are: having a good canter, having the proper track & approach to the fence, and having your horse in good balance and connection so they are with you!” – Michael Tokaruk

📎 Continue reading more trainer answers at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2024/06/17/trainer-tuesday-what-are-the-most-important-elements-to-finding-a-good-distance/
📸 © Heather N. Photography

05/12/2026

Ashley Duda is Coming to Badger Ridge Equestrian June 5-7!

If you’re an equitation rider with college riding on your radar, this is your weekend.

Friday Night: College Riding Talk + Pizza Party

Ashley will break down IHSA vs NCEA, recruiting, tryouts, and what college coaches are really looking for. A must‑attend for riders thinking about riding in college.

Why Ashley?

Ashley is the current Jumping Seat Coach of the Oklahoma State University Equestrian Team, bringing deep expertise in Jumping Seat Equitation, collegiate riding development, and what it takes to succeed in both IHSA and NCEA environments.

Before coaching at OSU, Ashley built a strong professional foundation as an A‑circuit rider, trainer, and ‘R’ judge in Hunters and Jumping Seat Equitation giving her a uniquely well‑rounded perspective as both a judge and a coach.

Her career highlights include:

- 2025–2026 Oklahoma State University Big 12 Champions
- 2025 University of South Caroline SEC Champions
- Coaching the 2023 3’3” Grand Champion Junior Hunter at the National Horse Show
- Leading teams to top finishes at IHSA Nationals, ANRC Nationals, and multiple Regional and Zone Championships
- Coaching the Cacchione Cup 3rd place finisher at the 2011 IHSA National Championships

More Info and to sign up: badgerridgefarm.com/riding-clinic/