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MAILING : P.O. Box 8, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Fall 2026
Bri ’29 has been around horses for as long as she can remember. Both of her parents grew up around ranches, her father has spent much of his life training horses, and Bri and her brother were introduced to riding when they were babies. But this year, she’s experiencing something new with her seven-year-old mare, Peaches, who is expecting a foal in April.
We caught up with Bri to hear more about Peaches, what she’s learning through Midland’s Horse Program, and why this next chapter is both exciting and a little nerve-racking.
First, tell us about Peaches. How did she get her name?
When I was little, I came up with the most random names. I remember eating a peach and looking at her, and I thought she looked like a peach because she was so hairy. So I decided to call her Peaches!
What’s Peaches’ personality like?
She’s a troublemaker! When she was little, she loved getting into trouble. She would get up on her back legs and put her hooves over my brother’s horse’s back. She’s calmed down a little since then, but she still has her moments.
Peaches showing off a little of the personality that keeps Bri on her toes!
You’ve grown up around horses. What makes your connection with Peaches special?
I’ve only really been working with her for about two years, but I feel like my connection with her is just as deep as my connection with her mom, who I’ve known for much longer. We kind of just hit it off. When she was first born, I was actually a little scared of her because of the things she would do to my brother’s horse! But we’ve developed a really different kind of connection.
Bri ’29 and her mare, Peaches, share a little love at the barn.
How did you find out Peaches was pregnant?
My dad stopped me when I was on my way to the barn and said he had news. I got really scared! He told me that when he’d taken Peaches to get her teeth done, he’d also taken her to the vet, and they’d told him she was pregnant.
I was shocked. I wasn’t expecting it at all because I didn’t even know she’d been bred. But then I started thinking about it, and it’s a baby! It’s such a cool experience. I also started thinking that maybe I could use the foal for my senior project and learn to train a horse more independently, instead of always working alongside my dad.
Peaches is due in April. Does that feel far away?
Right now, it feels like a long time, but I think once we come back from winter break, it’s going to go by really fast.
Have you noticed any changes in Peaches since she’s been pregnant?
She gets really moody! She’s always had a little bit of that personality, but I’ve noticed it more. I think she needs a lot of attention, too. She can get into trouble when she isn’t getting enough.
What are you doing to care for her during her pregnancy?
I try to spend as much time with her as I can. She really likes being groomed, having her tail braided, and getting scratches. Lauren has also helped me with a supplement for her.
I’m part of the horse crew, so I’m out at the barn most days helping with feeding and chores. I’m also in Horse Internship, where I ride, practice groundwork, and work with Peaches. With classes and volleyball, it can be hard to find extra time, but I try to go out whenever I can, even if it’s just to groom her or hang out with her.
You’ve been around horses your whole life. What’s different about learning horsemanship at Midland?
It’s really nice hearing information from someone outside of my family. Sometimes when your family tells you something you’ve heard before, you think, “Oh, this again.” But hearing it from someone else helps you realize how important it is.
Lauren has so much knowledge, and she and my dad both share a lot with me. I’ve learned things about horse health, riding, and groundwork that I hadn’t really thought about before.
I also like that they help me but give me space to figure things out on my own. They know when to step in and when to let me try something independently.
What’s something you think people misunderstand about horses if they’ve only experienced riding?
It’s not just about getting on a horse and riding. I think it’s important to have an equal connection through groundwork, spending time around them, and riding. You need all of those things.
There’s so much responsibility involved in caring for horses, like grooming, veterinary care, taking care of their teeth, and knowing how to do things properly. It’s not just riding.
What’s your favorite memory with Peaches?
Winning my first rodeo buckle with her! We competed in events that included barrel racing and pole bending, and I think our pole bending really helped us win.
It was my first buckle, so that was special. She helped me get there. We worked together to achieve that.
An experienced barrel racer, Bri has spent years developing her skills in the saddle.
Peaches has had a foal before. How does this experience feel different for you?
I’ve been around mares giving birth since I was about six. I remember my brother and me sleeping near the stalls because we wanted to watch a foal being born, sometimes at three in the morning when we had school the next day!
But before, I was mostly watching or helping when someone needed something. This time, I’m excited about being more involved and learning how to do things more independently.
Peaches’ first foal is a young male horse, and my dad is just beginning his training now. I’m really excited about the possibility of working with this new foal myself someday.
What are you most excited about, and is there anything you’re nervous about?
The actual birth! I’m excited and nervous at the same time. We haven’t decided yet whether Peaches will have the baby here at Midland or at home, but either way, it’s going to be a really special experience.
I’ve been around foals being born before, but I’ve always been more of a spectator. This time feels different.
Have you imagined what the foal might be like?
I haven’t seen the stallion she was bred to yet, so I don’t really know what the baby will look like. I’m hoping it’ll be energetic and athletic! We don’t know yet if it’s going to be a boy or a girl.
How has your relationship with Peaches changed since you learned she was expecting?
I think I’ve learned to have a lot more patience with her. Before, I was really dependent on my dad when I was working with her, especially when she was being difficult. Being at Midland has helped me learn to handle those moments more patiently and independently.
For Bri, time with Peaches is about more than riding. It’s about friendship, patience, and plenty of personality.
What are you looking forward to working on with Peaches between now and April?
I want to keep working with her as much as I can, especially on groundwork. I think that’s an area where we can both grow. Even as her pregnancy progresses and our work together changes, there are still ways we can spend time together and build our connection.
And finally, finish this sentence: “Peaches has taught me…”
Patience! There are a lot of things she’s taught me, but I think that’s the biggest one.
At Midland, horsemanship goes far beyond the saddle. Through daily barn responsibilities, groundwork, and hands-on learning, students develop confidence, patience, and a deeper understanding of the animals in their care. We’re looking forward to following Bri and Peaches’ journey as April 2027 approaches.
A conversation with Bri ’29, facilitated by Jasmine Fullman, Senior Advancement Associate.
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