One ring: “Hello.”
Diane Carney, internationally renowned horse woman, was in Florida coaching hunter jumper riders in show competition last weekend, when her cell phone rang, and enthusiastic knowledge for “anything horses” became quickly apparent upon immediately answering.
“I love the horses lifestyle, always have. I literally grew up on horses, and love all aspects of horses, even though now I specialize in working with hunters and jumpers,” verified Carney, most congenially.
“Oh, I’m really looking forward to coming to Kansas next week for the EquiFest,” declared the seeming-unceasing horse-passionate woman of equine diversity.
Sharing her versatility and in-depth knowledge as a grand prix rider, hunter rider, certified trainer, teacher, event organizer, commentator, course designer, judge, and more, Carney will be a featured clinician all three days, February 26-27-28, at the ExpoCentre in Topeka.
“I grew up at Golden, Colorado, but my mom was originally from a ranch at Goodland, Kansas. So, I rode Western in the morning, and English in the afternoon,” Carney said.
But, her “knack” in jumping showed through early, and she was soon competing in Grand Prix, “just below Olympic-level,” competitions going over 3-foot-6-inch fences.
Attending the University of Denver, Carney had envisions of becoming an attorney, but when her best friend gave her an opportunity to “get paid for riding horses,” Carney’s lifetime career was set in motion.
Making the connection between horsemanship and higher education is a priority for Carney, who attributes much of her follow through in business and riding from principles learned by accomplishing a college degree.
“The principles of riding from leg, seat and hand are the focus of every lesson or clinic, as the basics of flat work are the keys to success with all riders and horses,” Carney emphasized.
From her Telluride Farm training facilities at Antioch, Illinois, Carney travels throughout the country and the world in her horse diversities.
“Discipline with a sense of humor has been the phrase most often used to describe Diane Carney,” according to Ann White, EquiFest of Kansas manager.
“Hard work with a positive outcome is the goal in Diane’s teaching or committee activities,” White said. “Diane is an excellent horsewoman to have on the team whether international showing, national horse shows or to figure out simple horse and rider solutions.”
“Excellent stable manager and top care of the horses” are accurate statements regarding Carney’s focus. “Orderly, efficient, basic horsemanship are the trademarks of the aisle at the farm or the tack room at shows,” White verified.
For more than last 35 years, Carney has continued the mission of spreading knowledge and horsemanship through clinics and supporting programs that raise the level of riders, trainers and owners’ horsemanship.
Organizing The George H. Morris Chicago Clinic, for three decades, Carney said the program offers exposure to not only Chef d’Equipe Morris, considered one of the most influential riders and trainers in equestrian sport, but also Olympic riders, Olympic veterinarians and other equestrian experts to those riders and trainers desiring the experience.
Supporting and promoting education wherever she travels, Carney conducts many clinics nationwide, including the EquiFest of Kansas in Topeka. She has also provided educational commentary to a number of live stream productions
Dedicated to giving back to the sport, Carney is currently a leader in United States Equestrian Federation activities.
A certified judge for the United States Hunter Jumper Association as well as other horse groups, Carney’s judging resume includes major competitions throughout the country and the world. “I’m privileged to judge these events and always try to be completely straightforward in reasoning for my placings,” Carney said.
.Her 2016 schedule includes the New England Equitation Championships and the Finals at the National Horse Show.
Carney, 61, continues to compete at the professional level in hunters, equitation and jumpers, both nationally and internationally. Her client horse show resume includes winners at a number of the most prestigious competitions in the world.
Because of her ability to build consensus, get the job done and for her display of outstanding horsemanship and dedication, Carney was named the Indiana Hunter Jumper Association Horseperson of the Year in 2008.