Perserverance
John Ruiz, based in Potsdam, NY, has pursued equestrian excellence from a young age, earning high honors in 4-H and IEA competitions. His commitment to improving his skills led him to train with Olympic eventer Stephen Bradley in Virginia, an experience that continues to shape his riding today.
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Class of 2027
5'10" | 140 lbs
Jumper
Based in Potsdam, NY
Competing at 3'
IEA Varsity Open (Regionals 2024)
HITS and Saratoga
Trainers:
Tiffany Curran, Equestrian Sport Training Center, Winthrop, NY
Ronald Bartholomew, RGB Training & Sales, Skaneateles, NY
Stephen S. Bradley, Rock Ridge, The Plains, VA
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About
John Mahoney-Ruiz is an accomplished equestrian from Potsdam, NY, who has distinguished himself through success in youth 4-H competitions and by training with some of the top names in the sport. As a member of the Equestrian Sport Training Center (ESTC) based in Winthrop, Mahoney-Ruiz has earned multiple blue ribbons, and represented St. Lawrence County at the New York State Fair — where his ribbon haul included two 1st-place finishes, a 2nd place, and a 5th place in his division.
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In the summer of 2025, John took a significant step in his equestrian journey by training under renowned Olympian and international eventing competitor Stephen S. Bradley (based in Virginia) — an opportunity that local press highlighted as a major milestone in his development as a rider.
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John is known among his peers for his dedication, work ethic, and willingness to learn — qualities that have earned him recognition in regional circuits and beyond. Looking ahead, he plans to study psychology and hopes to continue riding competitively through the collegiate-level Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA).
Honors and Accomplishments
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Hobbit Hollow Farm, Skaneateles, NY
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trainer: Ronald Bartholomew
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Equestrian Sport Training Center, Winthrop, NY
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trainer: Tiffany Curran
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Clinic with Stephen S. Bradley
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Clinic with Selena O'Hanlon Fox
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Clinic with Kelly Artz
Summer training and working student for Stephen S. Bradley
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North Country Now: https://surl.li/lgmdfp
Equestrian Talent Search, Hollins University, VA
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John was chosen as Most Improved Rider: At the conclusion of each clinic, one of the most important awards is “Most Improved Rider” - the student who shows that they have taken instruction well and can work hard toward new approach.
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Equestrian Sport Training Center, Winthrop, NY
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trainer: Tiffany Curran
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Clinic with Tracy Percival
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Clinic with Selena O'Hanlon Fox
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Clinic with Stephen S. Bradley
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North Country Now: https://surl.lu/rhqtqh
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SHOWS
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HITS on the Hudson
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Saratoga Horse Shows, Saratoga, NY
IEA
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qualified for Regionals
4-H
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qualified for and attended State Fair
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North Country Now: https://surl.lu/flxrzg
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Equestrian Sport Training Center, Winthrop, NY
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trainer: Tiffany Curran
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Fall 2023 - purchased Dutchess of NY
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Fall 2023 - Spring 2025 - mucked stalls, turn in and out, taught lessons, exercised and schooled horses, landscaping, general upkeep of barn and horse care in exchange for board
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Clinic with Sean Sellars of Johnna Stables, Carlise PA (at ESTC)
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Clinic with Lisa Ecklund of the Mindful Equestrian
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Clinic with Boyd Martin
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Martin's critique was that he had great perseverance
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SHOWS
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GMHA, Vermont
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HITS on the Hudson
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Saratoga Horse Shows, Saratoga, NY
IEA
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qualified for and exhibited at Regionals
4-H
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qualified for and attended State Fair
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North Country Now: https://surl.li/nxiozm
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Equestrian Sport Training Center, Winthrop, NY
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trainer: Tiffany Curran
Aureliano Equestrian, Old Brookville, NY
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winter bootcamp
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trainer: Alexa Aureliano
Green Mountain Horse Show Association
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first away show
4-H
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qualified for and attended State Fair
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Equestrian Sport Training Center, Winthrop, NY
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trainer: Tiffany Curran
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Equestrian Sport Training Center, Winthrop, NY
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began lessons
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trainer: Tiffany Curran