Now a resident of Aiken, SC, Richard grew up in Woodstock, VT, helping run his family’s horse farm, riding camp and ski lodge, as well as competing in hunters, jumpers, eventing, Pony Club and fox hunting. After graduation from St. Lawrence University, Richard managed his father’s guest house and riding center in Ireland, where he rode racehorses as well as jumpers and eventers; he also worked with Eric Horgan of the Irish eventing team. Richard is certified through the first level of the British Horse Society Instructor Certification and Level III in the USEA Instructor Certification Program and is one of the first to be certified as a Young Event Horse Trainer with distinction.
Richard returned to the United States to teach, train and compete, working with young and adult riders competing at all levels. Since 2002, he’s served as Chef d’Equipe and coach of the US Pony Club Team at USEF National Pony Jumper Championships, and also coached members of the 2012 US Olympic Modern Pentathlon team in riding. Richard has ridden Thoroughbreds all his life and considers the breed to be the ultimate sport horse, and has been a longtime supporter of the Thoroughbred Makeover as a judge and volunteer.
Photo: Anne Eberhardt Keough