About

Zachary Libes

The American dream: whatever you set your mind to is achievable. At a very early age, Zach was inspired by his parents’ belief. Even though he grew up in a family of doctors and lawyers- and normally children tend to set out on a similar path as their parents-Zach had something else in mind.

Zach’s father was the very first to hear about his new passion.

“When I was only five, I came home from summer camp and my father asked me what my favorite activity was. After I said it was Friday’s pony rides, there was only one option: find a barn where I could take lessons. Growing up in New York City, my parents knew very little about horses. I set our family on a new adventure which has been all the more exciting to have them be a part of.” -Zachary Libes

A local pony barn, Ridgefield Equestrian, is where all the basics began. From the beginning, Zach had a special bond with the horses, which made learning easy for him. Later, Zach moved on to train at Whipstick Farm, winning numerous ribbons in the pony hunter and jumper divisions. Moving up from pony jumpers to horses was a natural next step for Zach. He competed at the team Prix de States Championship in 2009, jumping several clear rounds and earning team silver and an individual top ten placing.

In 2011, Zach based with Jeffery Welles of Triton Ventures. From there, he continued on to a career as a professional, jumping up to the international Grand Prix level. Two years later, Zach was given the opportunity to go to the Netherlands to help set up the Jumping Talent Sale auction with the Schröder Brothers, Ben, Wim and Gerco. After spending several months in the Netherlands, he went back to the U.S. for the Wellington Winter Equestrian Festival. After his time in Florida, Zach felt the urge to be in Europe full time.

Today, Zach runs Blue Spruce Farm, an international showjumping stable Basing out of Ootmarsum in the Netherlands while competing successfully himself in both national and international shows throughout Europe. He also offers top jumper, hunters and equitation horses for sale both from his own selection and his broad network.

In 2017, Blue Spruce Farm started its training and student program, inviting students from the Netherlands and abroad to learn the art of showjumping and horsemanship.

My Lagerberg

A farmer girl from the northern part of Sweden, she grew up on a bull farm where her step-father happened to have some trotting horses.

“At a young age, I learned that we had to work hard for the well-being of the animals. My parents were strict. If I had horses, it was my responsibility to make sure they were fed and had water. My very first horse was a trotting horse, that we took to jumping competitions in a trailer that we used to take the bulls to the field with. People looked at us of course. But it didn’t matter to my parents, we always had fun. After proving that trotting horses could actually jump, I think they realized my passion for riding would continue, and I got horses better suited for jumping.” -My Lagerberg

At the age of 16, My received an offer for a training position with Norwegian rider Anita Sande. My was able to continue her academic studies while pursuing a career with horses.

In 2013, My left Sweden for the U.S. to base with Lauren Hough. It was a huge opportunity to be part of a team on the 5* level.

It was also in 2013 that My met Zach. Today, My and Zach run Blue Spruce Farm together. My has a keen eye for detail and a strong sense that a horseman’s top priority must be the welfare of the horse. She competes successfully at the national and international level all over Europe. She has created her very own breeding program allowing Blue Spruce Farm to bring up young prospects out of the very best bloodlines.