M & N Ranch

08/13/2026

Congratulations LLA!!!

SHE’S DONE IT - THE NETHERLANDS’ LAURA VAN LAAR (LLA) WINS THE 2026 MONGOL DERBY!

Nine days. One thousand kilometres. Dozens of horses. One extraordinary ride across the Mongolian steppe.

Today, Laura van Laar (LLA) crossed the finish line in FIRST PLACE to become the 2026 Mongol Derby Champion.

From brutal heat and long days in the saddle to penalties, navigation challenges and a fiercely fought battle at the sharp end of the field, LLA has been tested every step of the way.

But through nine days of racing, she kept pushing. Kept chasing. Kept herself in the fight.

And today, there was nothing left to chase.

After 1,000 kilometres across Mongolia, Laura van Laar (LLA) has conquered the world’s longest and toughest horse race.

Your 2026 Mongol Derby Champion.

What an absolutely phenomenal ride.

Photo credit: Feelings by Tulgaa Skizz

08/11/2026

08/10/2026

Steady Strides is seeking sponsors!

🌟Seeking Class Sponsors!🌟

Want to support local young equestrians while promoting your business? Steady Strides IEA Dressage Team is looking for class sponsors for the IEA show we are hosting on August 29! As a sponsor, your name will be listed in our show program, posted and recognized over the PA system at the show, and named on social media posts about our show. Thank you so much for supporting our team!

08/08/2026

🦄 And they’re off before the bugs 🦟 wake up!

08/07/2026

🐴 After such a busy, whirlwind week away at the endurance race, it feels so good to be right back home and diving straight into lessons! 🎓
We have to give a huge, special shout-out to the incredible school horses on the property. These seasoned, patient, and absolutely golden horses are the true backbone of our lesson program. Coming back to their steady presence and seeing them take such amazing care of our riders is the absolute best way to reset.
There is nothing quite like the wisdom and heart of an old-school horse! ❤️✨
Just a couple 📷 of our besties!!!

Love

08/07/2026

Motivation comes and goes. Routine is what keeps you moving.

The easiest way to build discipline isn't by waiting until you feel motivated—it's by creating a routine you can stick to.

The riders who make the biggest improvements aren't always the most motivated. They're the most consistent. They show up, put in the work, and trust that the small efforts will add up over time.

Stop chasing motivation. Build a routine. Discipline will follow.

Your future success is built by what you consistently do today.

www.betweenthereins.us

08/07/2026

🐴🛠️We can never say it enough—we absolutely love our farrier! "No hoof, no horse" is a rule we live by, and having someone so skilled, dependable, and patient keeping our entire herd balanced and sound is a true blessing.
Thank you for always taking such incredible care of our horses, from our hard-working lesson horses to our endurance athletes and everyone in between. You are a vital part of the M&N Barn family and we appreciate everything you do!
👇 Drop some love for our amazing farrier in the comments below!

08/06/2026

🌲 IT TAKES A VILLAGE: Pine Tree Pioneer Appreciation Post! 🌲

Now that we are home, and reflecting on our incredible week in Fryeburg, we want to give a massive, heartfelt thank you to everyone who makes the Pine Tree Pioneer endurance ride possible.

Endurance riding is the ultimate test of partnership between horse and rider, but these events simply wouldn’t happen without the tireless dedication of an incredible community behind the scenes.

Our Deepest Thanks To:

- The Volunteers: From the timers and pulse-takers to the volunteers hauling water to the remote checks in the heat—you are the true heroes of the sport!

- The Ride Management & Organizers: For the endless hours of planning, camp coordination, and ensuring everything runs flawlessly.

- The Trail Markers & Landowners: For clearing, marking, and opening up beautiful, safe trails for us to experience the stunning Maine landscape.

- The Veterinary Team: For keeping our horses' safety, soundness, and welfare at the absolute forefront at every single vet check.

The camaraderie and support at base camp are what make this community so special. We left Wednesday evening with tired bodies but very full hearts, immensely grateful for the opportunity to ride alongside such wonderful people and horses.

Until next year, Pine Tree Pioneer! 🌲🐴❤️

08/06/2026

🌲 DAY 3: the best day yet!

What an incredible wrap-up to our week! We wrapped up our final ride on Wednesday, and the horses gave us their absolute all. Watching them stay so sound, forward, and happy through the final day is the ultimate reward for all the conditioning hours put in back home.
We packed up camp and headed out Wednesday evening with tired horses, tired riders, and very full hearts. Huge thank you to the ride managers, volunteers, and vets who make the Pine Tree Pioneer such a fantastic event every year! ✨ 🏆