Karen Pavicic describes how any horse and rider should be able to perform the walk pirouette for a high mark.

No matter what the discipline, nearly everyone who competes has experienced a setback partway through the season. Learn how to overcome them with Robin Hahn

"Would I have been a rider without the influence of my parents? I honestly don't know," says top show jumper Jonathon Millar.

Every once in a while, a product breaks through and becomes hugely successful, embraced by the equestrian industry as a safe and legitimate training aid.

Paralympian Ashley Gowanlock and team coach Andrea Taylor

When Hawley Bennett-Awad stood on the podium in Kentucky last October, enjoying the glory of a World Championship silver medal with her teammates, there were two other people who shared the moment along with her.

Christilot Boylen made history at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo when she became Canada's first Olympic dressage competitor at the age of 17. The six-time Olympian has also won the individual gold medal at three Pan American Games.

Behind every top competitor is a mentor, sponsor or supporter who was instrumental in helping that rider along the path to success. Our Horse Tales series The Difference Makers profiles Canada's 2010 WEG team members and the people who inspired them to reach the top of their sport.