August 24, 2023 | Filed under: Breaking News, Current Articles, Featured | Posted by: Delores Kuhlwein
[The Rippeon sisters – photo by Danielle Long“I believe wherever dreams dwell, the heart calls it home. So may you untangle yourself from the twist of melancholy and let your thoughts carry you back to the birthplace of your truth.” – Dodinsky.
By Delores Kuhlwein
[The Rippeon family’s ancestral farm, a 300-acre sanctuary in Maryland, boasts a century-old connection to agriculture.In a turn of events that felt guided by destiny, the paths of Michael Colvin and the Rippeon family converged, creating a promising new chapter in the equestrian world. The Rippeon family, deeply rooted in Mount Airy, Maryland, on a 300-acre farm that has been in their family for generations, embodies a profound sense of home and tradition. “Family is everything,” Deanna Rippeon shares, highlighting the close-knit nature of their household, where grandparents regularly visit and family dinners are a staple twice a week.
This deep-seated connection to family is mirrored by their enduring commitment to agriculture, a way of life passed down through their lineage with a century-old agricultural heritage. This strong foundation has enabled Deanna’s husband, Michael, to excel in breeding, showing, and raising nationally acclaimed cattle. Their daughters, Alexandra (Allie) and Madeline (Maddie), have followed in their grandmother’s footsteps, developing a passion for showing horses. Jackson, their son, is equally involved, dedicating his time to the cattle operations. The family’s dedication is a collective effort, with each member deeply invested in the farm’s success. “Everybody collaborates around here,” Deanna emphasizes. “A long time ago, Michael and I realized how fortunate we are, and we want our kids to earn every step. Everybody here has a piece of making our family and life what it is.”
[Deanna Rippeon expresses gratitude for the exceptional trainers and coaches who have provided her daughters with a strong foundation in horsemanship.Allie and Maddie are actively involved in the boarding operation and facility management, particularly overseeing the equine activities. Their commitment is evident in their daily routines, attending to the horses morning and evening with pride in their contributions to the family’s enterprises. Jackson mirrors this dedication with his early morning and late evening duties in the cattle barns. Even after returning from his professional work, Michael joins his children in the barns, reinforcing the family’s shared work ethic and hands-on approach to their agricultural pursuits.
However, the demanding schedules of showing cattle across the United States and competing with horses nationally led to a growing realization. The family’s core values and cherished time together were becoming diluted by constant travel and preparation for events. This constant movement, while successful, was an unintended side effect that began to weigh on them.
Concurrently, renowned trainer Michael Colvin was at a personal crossroads. “I had contemplated starting my own program in the U.S. again, but it wasn’t coming together like I thought it might,” he explains. Seeking clarity and new perspectives, he embarked on an extended period of travel to Europe, where his expertise in teaching clinics and developing riders is highly regarded.
The introduction between Michael and the Rippeon family happened unexpectedly, described by Deanna as “kismet” – a perfect and undeniable fit. From Michael’s perspective, the Rippeon family’s deep generational roots in the area and their profound connection to their animals resonated strongly. He recognized that their situation perfectly aligned with his own aspirations. “Part of the criteria for myself was finding a great situation with an excellent facility,” Michael states. “In addition, the location is so picturesque. The rolling hills are reminiscent of the European countryside. There were really several crucial factors that came together beautifully for me.”
[Beginning in September, Michael Colvin will partner with the Rippeon Family, operating from their state-of-the-art facility, a move that feels perfectly timed for all involved.Deanna humorously adds, “It would only be a consummate professional to land in partnership with our family. Unfortunately for Michael, that means all branches of a very big family tree.” This sentiment underscores the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere the Rippeons foster.
A significant aspect of this partnership is the opportunity for Michael to leverage his highly sought-after expertise to continue his passion for teaching and nurturing riders’ skills. “The opportunity to work with them is already a good fit; the girls are very accomplished,” he notes. “I already have ideas moving around in my head about how we can continue that process and expand on their prowess at the shows.”
Both Michael and the Rippeon family express immense gratitude for this collaboration. The Rippeon family is excited to reconnect with their home base while benefiting from Michael Colvin’s renowned success, coupled with his characteristic humility. “He’s so down to earth and approachable, and his philosophy about giving back reflects in who we want to raise,” Deanna remarks. “I can tell he’s going to be part of the family.”
While the specific direction of their unique partnership is still evolving, the anticipation for the future is palpable. “I’m very excited for what the future holds and optimistic about seeing how this unfolds as time goes on,” Michael concludes.
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