An award-winning educational platform that combines original illustration, website design, and interactive learning to inspire the next generation of horse lovers. As founder and creative director, Susan DiFelice designed every aspect of The Pony Island, which earned First Place in the Equine-Related Website category at the American Horse Publications Equine Media Awards.

I’m honored to share that The Pony Island received First Place in the Equine-Related Website category at the 2026 American Horse Publications Equine Media Awards.

I recently joined Denise Alvarez on the How to Market Your Horse Business podcast to share the creative journey behind building equestrian education projects like The Pony Island.

A collaborative series for The Chronicle of the Horse featuring Eliza Sydnor’s dressage instruction paired with Susan DiFelice’s original illustrations, bringing training concepts to life through visual storytelling.

Horses and “large canvas” were the focus this week for several painters at Aiken Center for the Arts, as the facility played host to a three-day workshop.  “I put my name on the wait list. I had to juggle some things to be able to take it,” she said. “It was well worth it. I just had a wonderful time, and really enjoyed getting to see Aiken for the first time and meeting the people. They were very generous with their time… showing me the town and sharing the history.”

In the world of dressage, setting goals can often feel like navigating a winding road filled with surprises. In this insightful blog post, author Sally O’Dwyer shares valuable strategies to help riders embrace the journey, illustrated by Susan DiFelice. O’Dwyer emphasizes the importance of allowing extra time for achieving skills, encouraging a long-term perspective that treats each challenge as a vital part of your equestrian narrative. She reminds us to acknowledge our feelings when faced with setbacks, but to quickly shift our focus towards constructive reassessment.

Eliza Sydnor Romm announced her decision to transition from leasing a farm and training horses to becoming a freelance instructor. Despite running a successful equestrian program, high operational costs and difficulty hiring reliable staff helped her make this decision. She aims to share her experiences and insights into dressage training through a new blog series with artist Susan DiFelice.

Sandhills Equine Monthly asked Susan about balancing riding with family and work as a professional equestrian designer.

Eliza Sydnor Romm, a dressage trainer, shares insights on effective hand usage in riding, debunking the myth that “good hands” should remain still. Collaborating with artist Susan DiFelice, they reveal illustrated dressage training tips in their “Drawn To Dressage” blog series, blending their expertise and love for horsemanship.

Learn how to build your own horse barn out of a box. This is a fun craft project that kids can create with items around the house. They are a great size for playing with Breyer horses or plush ponies.

Eliza Sydnor Romm discusses the misconception that trained horses are easy to ride, likening their complexity to piloting a jet. She emphasizes the importance of mastering foundational skills like balance and responsiveness to handle advanced movements. Romm collaborates with artist Susan DiFelice to share illustrated dressage training tips through their blog series.