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.
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.
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.
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