This week’s episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with top show jumper, trainer and clinician, Heather Caristo-Williams.

Heather grew up riding with her parents, Ralph & Holly Caristo, on Long Island, New York. Her career began early as she won the lead line at Devon Horse Show at just four years old. Throughout her youth, Heather continued her success in the pony divisions and in the hunters. She racked up three USHJA National Champion titles as well as champion in 15 National Hunter Derbies. She also placed sixth in the 1994 AHSA Medal Final and fifth in the 1995 Washington Equitation Classic. 

In 1995, she won her first of many gold medals on the North American Young Riders team, which fueled her desire to one day be a part of a Nations Cup team. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she represented the United States on Nations Cup teams in Canada, Sweden, and Portugal. 

Present day, Heather continues to compete at the top level, as well as train horses and teach students at her family’s Glenview Stables, which is based in Saugerties, New York, in the summer and Wellington, Florida, in the winter. 

The PhD Equine Nutritionists at Purina Animal Nutrition tackle problems using science, and their love of horses keeps them at it until they get it right. Even with the most established feeds, they keep innovating. Even when it takes years of research, they don’t stop until it’s right. They are dedicated to the scientific method, but it can’t capture the feeling of seeing a horse reach their full potential. It takes science and love to help your horses live their best life. Put their research to the test at HorseInnovation.com.