“Twenty-one years ago I set out to be a professional, with stars in my eyes and hopes of a Grand Prix career, and today I can honestly say that those same things are true. I took the long road to having my own barn, Round Meadow Farm, because very early on I recognized the benefits of “learning what to do and what not to do” from everyone I met. Having grown up a product of my parents, and of Foxfield in Southern Calfornia, where I learned the value of being a horseman, and of Karen Healy
Nicole Bloom
Round Meadow Farm, Menlo Park Stables, where I learned that hard work will get you anywhere, I set out at the young age of 19 to take on the horse world. Little did I know at the time that cold calling Susie Hutchinson for a job at Flintridge Riding Club would set me up so well for what was to come down the road. I was told by a close friend to follow Jimmy Williams around like a puppy, and so I did. He taught me in a way that I didn’t even know I was being taught. It was all through experience. I still use many of his methods and sayings to this day and value the time I spent there greatly. I feel so fortunate to have worked professionally for and with people like the Esau Family, Nancy Nordstrom, Frank Madden, Barbie Bancroft and Carleton Brooks. They all have something different to offer, but
one thing remains the same, they are lifelong Horsemen and they love what they do.
Mentoring is one of the most valuable things we can offer in our sport, to be able to share our experiences and support one another can only make us better professionals. To this day I have several mentors I regularly call on for advice (probably more often than they care for!) and I’d like to think that I too have had the opportunity to guide a few of my fellow professionals as well. Teaching has taught me so much about not only riding, but myself and has become one of the most rewarding (if unexpected) things in my life.”
Ian McFarlane 13 years old “I am grateful to have incredible parents, and I believe they have made the greatest impact on my riding career so far. I am also lucky to have the influence of great riders including Guy Thomas, Richard Spooner, and Allison Kroff. Also my parents have found me great horses to ride. My mom Gry McFarlane has taught me to find solutions to both the physical and mental challenges of riding. My dad Duncan McFarlane continues to help me maximize my horses’ potential.
Both my parents have provided me with a solid foundation from which i can develop as a rider. As I advance in my career I will always be able to fall back on this foundation.”
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Nicole photo ©Cheval Photos Ian photo ©Ryan Anne Polli