Horse & Style Magazine April/May 2014 by Horse & Style Magazine

OUT & ABOUT: FROM CALIFORNIA TO FRANCE

Le Passionné Saut Hermès

The world as seen through orange-colored glasses

Also in this issue: STYLE RIDER:

Reed Kessler

TREND REPORT

Make Your Mark

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

Ph. Tiziano Scaffai

W W W.FRA N C OTU C C I. C OM

Grand Prix Village: Planned with the hor se in mind at ever y tur n, this magnificent equestr ian facility was constr ucted with the highest quality of materials and built like a fortress. The 20-stall barn, jump arena, grass Grand Prix field, four paddocks, hot walker and industrial generator are a few of the top amenities to be found on-site. And with an owner’s apartment, manager’s apartment, and a studio apartment, there is plenty of room for everyone. The facility also includes a state-of-the-art security system that allows you to monitor the property through a live video feed anywhere in the world. Located in Grand Prix Village, the facility sits on the bridle path that is connected to the WEF show grounds. Offered at $12,900,000

Southfields: The pr oper ty has 2.8 acr es of land that holds a main house, a guest cottage, a 7-stall barn, large paddocks, a sand ring, and a backyard paradise. The main house has 2Br and 3Ba. The guest cottage has a spacious living area with kitchenette, 1Br, and 1Ba. The tranquil backyard has a pool, outdoor fireplace, and plenty of room for entertaining Just steps from the new Dressage facility and minutes from the Winter Equestrian Festival. Offered at $4,500,000

The Meadows: On the mar ket for the ver y fir st time - This well-loved and maintained equestrian facility has an 18-stall main barn with an adjacent 2-stall barn and is situated on 5 beautiful acres. The property includes a sand ring with premium footing and a grass Grand Prix field. Located minutes from the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and Global Dressage. This facility is “turnkey” with everything in place for your horses. Offered at $2,800,000

Amy Carr • Phone +1-561-662 0728 • Fax +1-561-791 2221 www.amycarr.evusa.com • Wellington, Florida • Amy.Carr@evusa.com

46 103 15 10 THINGS

Steven Wilde has one of the most recognizable voices in horse sport! H&S found out more about this busy international announcer, including 10 things about him that you didn’t know before.

46 STYLE RIDER

eed Kessler needs no introduction. In this issue, R H&S discovers the stylish side of this very talented and popular USEF team rider

49 THE MOVE UP MOMENT

ind out how young rider Alexandra Crown is F using her resources to move up in the competitive environment of top-level show jumping

LE PASSIONNÉ SAUT HERMÈS

82 71 TREND REPORT

Make your mark with these cool accessories that are fully customizable

82 THE MASTERS ARE COMING

With the exciting announcement of the LA Masters coming to the West Coast this fall, H&S speaks with California’s Dale Harvey to learn more about this upcoming show

92 PAY IT FORWARD

Equestrian Mental Skills Coach Tonya Johnston, M.A. gave back in a big way by paying it forward over the winter

PILATES IN THE BARN 103

ilates and horses became a winning combination for P horse show mom Denise Burks.

In March, H&S visited Paris, France and experienced the utmost in equestrian elegance at the amazing Saut Hermès CSI5* · www.horseandstylemag.com

contents

13 | FROM THE PUBLISHER 20 | PROFESSIONAL POP QUIZ 21 | OUT & ABOUT

Empire Polo Club

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sarah Appel

sarah@horseandstylemag.com

22 | OUT & ABOUT

2014 FTI Consulting WEF

25 | BETWEEN THE LINES 26 | RIDER SPOTLIGHT Guillermo Obligado

30 | NEW PRODUCT ALERT

april | may

Sarm Hippique

38 | OUT & ABOUT

2014 HITS Thermal

40 | BEHIND THE SEAMS

B.i.t.s.

64 | LIFE OF PESSOA

Becoming a Better Athlete

66 | RIDER SPOTLIGHT Wilton Porter 79 | FEATURE For the Good of the Wild Horse

80 | STYLE PROFILES

Urban Cowgirl

86 | QUEST FOR SUCCESS

The Horse Show Sisterhood

88 | HORSE CORNER

EDITOR

Erin Gilmore CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ryan Anne Polli

ADVERTISING & SALES

Elizabeth Davoll

advertising@horseandstylemag.com

COPYEDITOR

Laura Danowski PHOTOGRAPHERS

Asa Mathat, Selena Frederick, Erin Gilmore, Jim Bremner, Equinality, Denise Burks, Sportfot, James Parker/The Book LLC CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Gilmore, Denise Burks, Winter Hoffman, Kerry Cavanaugh, Esther Hahn, Alexa Pessoa, Saer Coulter, Terri Roberson, Katie Shoultz INTERN

Kerry Cavanaugh

Udonna

95 | ASK CARRIE 96 | BIT OF BLISS

Lane Clarke and Jennifer Reese

98 | VENDOR SPOTLIGHT LA Saddlery

100 | OUT & ABOUT

Saut Hermès

107 | DEAR FASHIONISTA 108 | BEHIND THE LENS

ON THE COVER: Jessie Drea’s Touchable and Louise Saywell’s Hello Winner enter the arena after winning the 1.45m Pairs Competition at Saut Hermès on March 16, 2014. Photo ©Asa Mathat

Horse & Style Magazine is a Hunter Jumper publication published bi-monthly and distributed FREE by Horse & Style Magazine LLC from coast to coast at hunter jumper horse shows, large training centers and participating tack shops. The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is legally prohibited. Copyright © 2014 Horse & Style Magazine LLC. TM

Dorte Tuladhar

112 | CAN YOU STAND IT?

Botanical Burnish

www.horseandstylemag.com ·

contributors

Erin Gilmore

Katie Shoultz

Esther Hahn

Alexa Pessoa

Erin Gilmore is a freelance writer and equestrian journalist based in Wellington, Florida. She has worked in equestrian media since 2002, and is a frequent contributor to regional and national equestrian magazines. A lifelong horseperson, she worked in a variety of disciplines, from hunter/jumpers to polo.

Katie Shoultz is a freelance writer and photographer based in Lexington, Kentucky. The business savvy writer is also the founder of Isidore Farm, in beautiful Kentucky. Katie is involved with several equine organizations and is active in the industry she most enjoys writing about.

Raised in Los Angeles, California, Esther Hahn trained in the hunter/ jumper discipline while juggling a full-time surfing career. After graduating from Yale University, Esther traveled the world, writing as a surf journalist. She now resides in San Francisco, freelance writing and blogging at Le Surf SF.

Alexa is an American rider from Connecticut who married Olympic Gold Medalist and Three Time FEI Rolex World Cup Finals Champion Rodrigo Pessoa in 2009. Her monthly column for 3 charts her life as a mother to their daughter Sophia, as a rider, and as a wife to one of the world’s most high profile show jumpers.

Winter Hoffman

Saer Coulter

Terri Roberson, Psy.D. Kerry Cavanuagh

With a background in filmmaking, fashion and contemporary art, Winter Hoffman brings a unique perspective to the equestrian world. A lifelong horsewoman, she helped her daughter, Zazou Hoffman, navigate her way to a successful Junior career, including the 2009 ASPCA Maclay Equitation Championship at the National Horse Show.

San Francisco, CA native Saer Coulter chronicles her quest for success as an international show jumper. With the support of her family’s Copernicus Stables and guidance of German training team Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Markus Beerbaum, Coulter is poised to make a name for herself at the top of the sport.

A licensed clinical psychologist, Terri Roberson combines her passion for horses with her clinical work in equine-assisted psychotherapy. She currently sits on the board of Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Spending over 25 years on the horse show circuit has given her an eye for equestrian style and provides constant inspiration for her frequent contributions to H&S.

Carrie Wicks, Ph.D.

Denise Burks

Dr. Carrie Wicks divides her time between her private sport psychology consulting and family therapy practice, traveling with athletes, and writing. She recently completed her doctorate in psychology while researching the mental practices of equestrian athletes. Dr. Carrie’s passions include horses, yoga, mountain biking, skiing, and time in nature with animals.

Denise Burks is the Manager of Sugar Grove Equestrian, a small horse-boarding barn in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. Denise enjoys writing about the things that they’ve done right and is not afraid to share the mistakes. See her account of combining Pilates and equestrian life on page 103, and follow her at www. sugargroveequestrian.com.

· april/may

Selena Frederick

Photographer Selena Frederick of Palm Desert, CA owns and operates award-winning boutique photography company Cheval Photos. Cheval Photos has been published both nationally and internationally in sports and equestrian publications alike. Selena has an innate talent for capturing the moment that tells the story in equestrian sports, and has covered all three equestrian Olympic disciplines.

Kerry Cavanaugh is an equestrian professional from Northern California who most recently returned to the West Coast after working for one of the top US riders in Wellington, FL. A graduate of San Francisco State University, Kerry enjoys working for all aspects of H&S, including contributing, editing, and everything in between.

Asa Mathat

Asa Mathat has traveled the world photographing the elite and the celebrated, from Steve Jobs to the Dalai Lama. His photographs have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, the Washington Post, and with personal clients around the world. Asa crafts his distinct style of fine art portraiture by combining the intimacy of photography with his own creative vision and expertise, bringing passion and compassion to each and every shoot.

We’ve taken many years of experience, combined

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REVOLUTION FARMS Morley Abey • Joie Gatlin • Alex Wilson • Verena Schubert

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CONGRATULATES

Emma Waldfogel

Kings Peak

Circuit and 2 Half Circuit Champion Lg Jr Hunter nd

Winner $1,000 Lg Junior Hunter Classic - Week 7 Top 4 in every Classic entered

Zaretina

Owner: Brian Wee

Circuit and 2nd Half Reserve Champion Small Jr Hunter

Top 4 Small Jr Classic every week entered

Constantin

Winner or top four in Maclay, WIHS, WCE, CPHA, Foundation, and USEF Jr and Equitation 16-17

Best Jr Rider - Week 5

Thank you Mom, Dad and Team SVS for an incredible circuit!

Ned & Hope Glynn, Trainers | Tracy Mirabelli, Heather Roades & Robin Waugaman, Assistants

1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photo ÂŠFlying Horse

CONGRATULATES

Avery Glynn

All That

Bit of Flurries

Champion Small Pony Hunters

Best Pony Rider Weeks 3 and 4

Reserve Champion Pony Hunter Classic Week 5

Top Placing Small Pony in the Hunter Derby Thank you Jill Hamilton and Nancy Thomas for their coaching help with Avery.

Champion Mid Circuit and Circuit Small Schooling Ponies

Thank you Alivia Hart and Jillian Stuart for their help.

Sonoma Valley Stables is proudly sponsored by

HELMETS

Ned & Hope Glynn, Trainers | Tracy Mirabelli, Heather Roades & Robin Waugaman, Assistants

1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos ÂŠFlying Horse

CONGRATULATES

Sarah Hellman & Marble Arch

Eleanor Hellman & Argiste

Champion $1,000 A/A Hunter Classic Week 4 Top Ribbons AA Hunters and Pre-Green Hunters

Top Ranking Amateur Devoucoux Hunter Prix Champion Low Hunter Weeks 1 & 2

Sarah Hellman & Frederick

Eleanor Hellman & Alley Oop

Winner in the A/A Hunters Best Adult Rider Week 3 Champion Low Hunter Weeks 1-4 Mid Circuit Reserve Champion Low Hunter

Winner High A/O Jumpers 2nd Animo Med Jr/A/O Jumper Stake

Sabrina Hellman & Nigel

Eleanor Hellman & Cameron C

Top Ribbons HITS Thermal Adult Hunters, Performance 3’3” and 2nd Year Green

Laura Owens & L’Alta Vida

Champion Adult Equitation Weeks 4 & 5 Winner Ariat Equitation Week 5 2nd halfCircuit champion equitation 18-35

Ribbons in the 1.20’s and Lows

Gail Morey & Quinnus

Mid Circuit Res. Champion A/O Hunters Champion A/O Hunters 36 & O Week 3 Champion A/O Hunter Classic Week 3 Res. Champion A/O Hunters 36 & O Week 4

Eleanor Hellman & Nigel

Winner USEF Adult Medal 4 weeks Top Placing Amateur Devoucoux Hunter Prix

Paige Pastorino & Crusader

Reserve Champion Small Jr Hunters Reserve Champion Small Jr Hunter Classsic Winner 3’3” Performance

Summertime

Owner: Pastorino Hay and Grain Rider: Hope Glynn Champion Baby Green Week 1

Tonya Johnston & Casanova

Champion Adult 36 and O Eq Week 3

Ned & Hope Glynn, Trainers | Tracy Mirabelli, Heather Roades & Robin Waugaman, Assistants

1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos ©Gail Morey, Elena DeSanti and Flying Horse

CONGRATULATES

Sarah Ryan & Gabriel

Champion Performance 3’3” Hunters Week 5 Res. Champion Classic Low Jr Hunters Week 4 Winner Jr Hunters 15 & Under Week 5

Julie Blaney & Skywalker

Katie Lee & Autobahn

Mid Circuit and Full Circuit Champion PreChild Hunter and Maiden Equitation

Courtney Sibert & Charmant

Mid Circuit and Full Circuit Reserve Champion Mod Adult Hunters Winner 1st Year Green Hunters

Katie Lee & WT Who Knew

Sarah Ryan & Ponce De Leon

Winner Low Hunters

Reserve Champion Pre-Childrens Hunter Reserve Champion Bit of Straw Hunter Classic Winner Pre Child Adult Hunter Classic

Winner Low and Pre-Green Hunters

Erin Bland & Charmeur 332

Sarah Faust & Romantic Endeavor

Diana Heldfond and Aria

Top 10 Hits Hunter Prix

Ribbons in the Low A/O jumpers

Reserve Champion Maiden Equitation Week 2

Emma Townsend & Lassalle Champion A/A Hunter Week 4 Best Adult Rider Weeks 4 & 7

Winner Sore No More Medal

Ribbons A/A Hunters, Classic and Hunter Prix

Emma Townsend & CR Haribo

Champion Low Hunter Week 2 Top 10 in the HITS Hunter Prix every week Reserve 2nd Half Circuit Champion A/A Hunters 18-35 Reserve Champion A/A Hunter Classic Weeks 2 & 5 Reserve Champion A/A Hunters Week 2

Ned & Hope Glynn, Trainers | Tracy Mirabelli, Heather Roades & Robin Waugaman, Assistants

1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos ©Gail Morey, Elena DeSanti and Flying Horse

CONGRATULATES

WT Who Knew & Hope Glynn Owner: Wild Turkey Farm

Mid Circuit and Circuit Champion Training Hunters

Hope Glynn & Kings Peak

Campari & Hope Glynn

Woodstock & Hope Glynn

Owner Helen McEvoy Mid Circuit, 2nd Half and Circuit Champion Low Hunter

Champion $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix Week 4

Top 10 Devoucoux Hunter Prix Weeks 1-3

Olivia Hellman: Reserve Champion A/A Hunter and Classic

Champion Low Hunter Week 4

Owner: Emma Waldfogel

Reserve Champion American Holsteiner Approval Jumper Classic

Ned Glynn & Akimba

Hope Glynn & Donato

Circuit Champion 3’6” Performance Hunter

Ribbons in the Level 5 and 6

2nd Half Circuit Champion, Reserve Circuit Champion Performance 3’3”

Hope Glynn & Zarentina

Hope Glynn & Lasssalle

Hope Glynn & Resplendant

Champion Mid Circuit and

Lessee: Emma Waldfogel

2nd $50,000 East vs West Hunter Prix

Owner: Brian Wee

Winner Performance Hunters3’3” Winner 1st Year Green Hunters

Owner Emma Townsend Mid Circuit Champion 3’3” Performance Hunter Champion Week 2 and 3

Owner Helen McEvoy Reserve Champion Baby Green Hunter Weeks 2 & 3 Reserve Mid Circuit Champion Baby Green

Ned & Hope Glynn, Trainers | Tracy Mirabelli, Heather Roades & Robin Waugaman, Assistants

1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos ©Gail Morey, Elena DeSanti and Flying Horse

FROMthepublisher

When in

Paris

Walking through the door of the Grand Palais, the first place to look is up, way up, to the incredible glass ceilings, capped by the most unbelievable windows imaginable. This past March, our team was lucky enough to travel from the United States to Paris, France and experience the Saut Hermès Jumping International CSI5* show firsthand. It goes without saying that Hermès is not your average French fashion brand. Our whirlwind weekend trip began with a VIP tour of the Emile Hermès Museum. The museum includes the private collection of the Hermès family and sits above the flagship Faurbourg store. Within moments of entering the museum, the strength of equestrian in the Hermès brand was crystal clear. Each Hermès team member is more passionate than the next, and all speak from the heart, of the history and legacy of the brand. This passion and appreciation carried through in everything we did while in Paris. The press brunch opened with a team of trumpeters in formal dress who played horns to officially open the show - just a sample of the tradition and unbelievable detail in the event, the show, and of course the equipment that Hermès is revered for. I could go on and on about my experience, but the amazing photos by Asa Mathat and story by our editor Erin Gilmore on page 52 will truly set the scene. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am so thrilled I was able to experience. And if you’re wondering, that’s right, I journeyed to Saut Hermès from my home in California while seven and a half months pregnant!

H&S Publisher Sarah Appel and Editor Erin Gilmore enjoy the Saut Hermès horse show in Paris, France. Photo ©Asa Mathat Having the chance to experience Saut Hermès was a result of the hard work and dedication we’ve put into Horse & Style over the past three years. We discover how hard work and dedication granted two lucky riders with the reward of private sports psychology sessions with Equestrian Mental Skills Coach Tonya Johnston, M.A. See how she “Paid It Forward” on page 90. This winter, H&S was incredibly busy from coast to coast covering the winter circuits. Check out our Out & About pages from the circuits in Thermal, CA and Wellington, FL on pages 22 and 38. Traveling to Paris to attend the Saut Hermès show was truly one of the most amazing opportunities I’ve ever experienced. As Horse & Style continues to grow at rapid speed, we plan to continue covering extraordinary equestrian events all over the world. Where will we go next?? Stay tuned... Beaucoup d’amour,

april/may ·

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10things

10 things you might not know about...

Steven Wilde

It’s safe to say that even if you’ve never met Steven Wilde, you’re very familiar with the sound of his voice.

The British-born commentator has covered two Olympic Games, Global Champions Tour events, is the director and main commentator at Hickstead in the U.K., commentated the biggest weeks at this year’s FTI Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, and is looking forward to commentating a second time at this year’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final. He also commentates at the top three-day eventing

competitions in the world, including Badminton and Burghley. And that’s the short list. Wilde enjoys the constant global travel that accompanies his line of work, and jokes that “I spend most of my life at Heathrow airport.” True, he spends an inordinate amount of time traveling around the world, but as far as he’s concerned, that’s one of the perks. Listen for his voice announcing the play-by-play at the next international show jumping competition you attend or watch, and find out 10 things that you might not know about one of the leading voices in the sport.

His mother show jumped internationally, winning numerous classes at Hickstead, and rode in the squad at Aachen in the ‘70s

2. When he was a teenager he nearly went to St.

Andrews University, mostly because he was a decent golfer - back then!

3. Last year he met Doctor Who (Matt Smith) in a gas station in the U.K.

4. He used to commentate at Highclere Horse Trials, which are staged on the grounds of the real Downton Abbey 5. David Broome CBE, gave him his first paycheck 6. His nickname at university was “Bond,” and he has

a model of Bond’s Aston Martin in his home office

7. On cross-country day at the London Olympics, he wore

a jacket with a Union Jack Lining, especially made for him by Holland-Cooper

8. He adores Hermès ties and Gucci shoes and nearly always wears very brightly colored socks 9.

He follows horse racing as well as show jumping. Every year he attends The Royal Ascot, and in the winter ,Cheltenham Races

10.

He watches a lot of American sitcoms. He’s watched every episode of Frasier and is addicted to House of Cards

Photo ©Erin Gilmore

april/may ·

some of the most beautiful dreams are dark “ D E R - D AU D R E A M B O OT ” 800.DER . D AU 6 . www. de rdau. com

PROpopquiz THIS MONTH’S QUESTION: What have you had to sacrifice in your life in order to do what you do today?

Every issue, a new question will be answered by hunter/ jumper professionals. Have a question you want answered? Send it to sarah@horseandstylemag.com

“Absolutely nothing, my career has given me everything and allows me to still be doing what I love today.” Michael Page - North Salem, NY “Oh that’s an easy one. Nothing! I feel super blessed to be able to do what I love to do every day. I think most of the professionals I know feel the same way.” Penelope Strait, Pen Oak Ltd. - Wellington, FL “I like to view them as choices, not sacrifices. For the past two years I have chosen to live in an RV in order to make the move to California from Montana. I left a barn, home, family and friends to be in California where there are more shows to go to and a higher level of competition. Several times, I have chosen not to sell horses that I knew would help me accomplish my goals of riding at the grand prix level. My goals are more important to me than a nice house, an expensive car, or jewelry and purses.” Jenny Carbonari, Northern Lights Show Jumping - San Marcos, CA “Being a successful trainer means hardwork and putting your horses’ and clients’ needs first. Other careers give you the occasional holiday off, but in the horse world you work every day of the year. I learned at an early age that I would have to sacrifice much of my time, spending late nights with horses exhibiting colic symptoms or trying to unhook the trailer with flashlights. I am lucky to have my mother, Kevan Husky, who is an incredible example of a person who sacrificed so much in order to do what she does today.” Nicole Husky, Husky Stables - Los Angeles, CA

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OUT&about

EMPIRE POLO CLUB – INDIO, CA

4 3

6 7

5 9

FlintridgE Spring Classic Apr. 15 - 19, 2014 S & S Bank Card Systems Flintridge Grand Prix WCHR Hunter Spectacular THE 93RD ANNUAL

FliNTRIDGE HORSE SHOW

Benefiting the Huntington Memorial Hospital

Apr. 23-27, 2014 Land Rover Pasadena Grand Prix

presented by Allen Lund Company

Children’s Tandem Championship

1. Second generation polo player Caitlin Dix 2. Teammates John Zeigler (left) with Vladimir Rivkin 3. Fergus Gould: popular with mallet or pen! 4. Singing the anthem for all to enjoy 5. Divot stomping time! 6. Representatives from the Omni Resorts Rancho Las Palmas 7. The unsung heroes: one of the grooms hard at work on the sidelines 8. Doug Blumenthal rides onto the field 9. These two were all about soaking in the atmosphere at haltime EQUINE INSURANCE

Photos ©Jim Bremner

photo ©McCool Photography

W W W. W E S T P A L M S E V E N T S . C O M

OUT&about

2014 FTI CONSULTING WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL – WELLINGTON, FL

1 5

6 7

1. Grand prix winner Ben Maher indulges Adequan’s Allyn Mann in a selfie shot 2. Yann Candele was a valuable member of Canada’s winning Nations Cup team during Week 8 3. Jessica Springsteen recorded a big finish in Week 9’s World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix 4. Jonathon and Christine McCrea take the course walk to the dogs 5. It wouldn’t be Saturday Night Lights without someone swallowing a little fire 6. Two legends: Anne Kursinski and Leslie Howard enjoy an ingate chat 7. Lillie Keenan and her coach, Andre Dignelli, watch rounds during the Artisan Farms Young Rider Team Event during Week 6 8. Vinton Karrasch and John Madden watch Beezie Madden’s round from behind the scoreboard

Photos ©Erin Gilmore

· april/may

9 10 13 14

9. Great Britain’s Tim Gredley looking sharp in team colors 10. A grand prix rider in the making walks the course 11. Team USA chef d’equipe Robert Ridland 12. Hardin Towell and Man In Black after winning the Ariat Grand Prix during Week 4 13. No one can match Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum’s step 14. H&S Intern Kerry Cavanaugh gives the Artisan Farms vertical some height perspective 15. Australia’s Ben Meredith 16. Mexican riders Nicolas Pizarro and Juan Carlos Franco have their head in the pre-grand prix game

april/may ·

Riding Surfaces for Equestrian Athletes

www.equestriansurfaces.com | 888.461.7788 Follow our story on Facebook.

Silva Martin, Grand Prix Dressage Rider And Trainer Photogrpahy by AK DRAGOO

“Great footing arises from great passion.”

BETWEENthelines by Kerry Cavanaugh

The Secret of Blackwatch Stables Amber Cavalier Spiler BookLogix, 164 pages $3.95 on Kindle

The easy-to-read novel follows the bond between a small group of girls and their “magical” ponies and focuses on a battle of good and evil. Twelve-year-old Maggie, having recently lost her mother, is taken by her father to Blackwatch Stables to begin riding lessons. Soon after, while shopping at a horse sale, a pony selects her and the magic slowly starts to appear. Maggie quickly finds herself a part of a secret society dedicated to protecting their four legged friends from an evil horde of dragons and their riders. A perfect book to read with a tween (not too scary), this novel will still keep parents entertained and wanting more.

Boleto: A Novel By Alyson Hagy Greywolf Press $8.89 on Kindle

Sometimes, a novel reads at same the slow and steady pace it takes to get to know a green horse. Boleto, a cowboy tale of horsemanship and human discovery, makes its way forward in this style, as it methodically weaves the story of Will Testerman and a blood bay filly that is his to mold. He journeys from his home in Montana to California with a clear set of intentions; little does he know that his goals will be twisted by other people, and his morals tested by the people who surround the horses he loves. Author Alyson Hagy writes with a style not unlike that of Cormac McCarthy – sparse punctuation, simple but deeply meaningful phrases, and a talent for painting a stunning portrait of American landscape and animals using just her words. Boleto is a journey and for the reader, it’s one worth taking.

Huntington Beach Surf Classic July 3 - 6, 2014 GGT Footing Grand Prix

Huntington Beach Summer Classic August 7 - 10, 2014 Grand Prix of Huntington Beach

EQUINE INSURANCE

photo ©Steven Duarte

W W W. W E S T P A L M S E V E N T S . C O M

Thought you knew what a dragon looked like? Bet you weren’t thinking a giant, winged and armored horse! Amber Cavalier Spiler takes a new spin on horse fiction by adding an element of magic in her novel The Secret of Blackwatch Stables.

RIDERspotlight by Erin Gilmore

Guillermo

Obligado After more than 20 years in the business, Guillermo Obligado has learned many things, not the least of which is how to give back to the equine industry as a valuable mentor. With his most memorable horse, the striking bay gelding Carlson, Obligado enjoyed representing Argentina at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany and 2006 FEI World Cup Finals in Kuala Lumpur, firmly etching a place for himself in the sport after leaving his native Cordoba, Argentina, in 1990. More recently, Obligado has developed somewhat of a reputation for lending a helping hand to young professionals who find themselves in the same shoes that he was in at the beginning of his career. From his Woodgrove Farm in bucolic Rancho Santa Fe, CA, Obligado operates a relaxed, yet high performance program for a dedicated group of clients. With his business partner Lynn Obligado, Woodgrove Farm runs smoothly between stops on the West Coast show circuit, buying trips to Europe, and in its own home ring, where Guillermo enjoys passing his knowledge on. In a perfect world, he would like to find another Carlson (now 22-years-old, and happily retired) before he hangs-up his spurs for good. To that end, Obligado works closely with horse dealer Uli Collee in Germany to source prospects for himself, as well as suitable horses for his clients.

Horse & Style: Tell us how your first trip to the United States led to a permanent move. Guillermo Obligado: I came here 20 years ago, with horses for sale. I was in law school at the time, and was going to graduate. In the beginning, I came for just three months to sell a few horses and go back home. Ok, the horses didn’t sell quickly, but it was ok because when I got here, I realized I could make a living here. The economy here for sure in America is better than in Argentina. There is more money to do the sport. H&S: So it was from the United States then, that you built-up your career up to an international level?

GO: Yes, we started doing some sales, we had very good horses

and clients, and then ok, everything started building. Then I started building the string of horses by going to Spruce Meadows, and was very successful. I went to Europe and did many Nations Cups, I was the alternate for the Argentine Olympic Team in Athens (in 2004) and in 2006, I competed at the WEG in Aachen. I had many placings in Europe, including a 2nd place in the five star grand prix in Barcelona.

H&S: And during most, if not all of those competitions, you were riding Carlson, correct? What was the story behind that horse?

GO: Carlson was a Holsteiner, how I got him was a funny story. He

was ridden by Vincent Voorn, Albert Voorn’s son. He was riding and showing at Valkenswaard, and I noticed him there. When the show was over, it was mentioned that Carlson was for sale; he belonged to Paige Johnson at the time, but she really wanted to sell him because

· april/may

he was a really difficult horse. I offered the money and bought him without trying him. I’d seen him in the small grand prix and he looked super hot, but I thought, ‘if Vincent can do it, I can do it.’ He looked like he had all the quality, I always rode the difficult horses myself, and I never had sponsors and it was my own money. I went and vetted the horse and bought him.

H&S: Clearly, it was the right choice. How did you gain his trust? GO: I tried not to change so much the way he went. He was almost

like a race horse with a lot of blood. He would go sideways to the first fence, but if you were quiet he would find the distance to the jump. Ok the first six months were not easy… I think he wanted to be number one. And I had the time to do it.

H&S: What has been the biggest challenge in your career that you’ve had to overcome?

GO: In 2006, I began to have a problem in my back. I had my back

injected, went to physical therapy, trying to figure out what was the problem. I was scared to have surgery, and I did everything to avoid it – laser, acupuncture, everything. But the pain was so bad, it interrupted my riding. Finally last year I did the surgery, and now looking back it was the best decision I made. I feel strong again and I want to ride again.

H&S: You’ve helped a talented succession of young professionals get a leg-up in the industry early in their careers. Has that been deliberate?

GO: Well, all these years we had a big stable, for three or four years

we had up to 60 horses. So I always needed help, and the first guy I hired was Santiago Rickard from Argentina. Then after three or four years he got married and started his own business, so I hired Mariano Alario, also from Argentina. He worked for me for three or four years also, then Mariano got offered another job and I needed to find somebody, so somebody told me about Daniel Ighani, yes, also from Argentina. I teach them about the horse business. It’s normal, you get a young guy to work for you for four or five years and then they want to grow.

H&S: Do you enjoy the mentor role? GO: Yes, I enjoy teaching a lot and

working with all those guys is great. As you go through your career you do so many courses, so many times, and I can tell them how to do it because I’ve already done it. And after so many years, I can predict what’s going to happen before it happens.

H&S: These days, you have talented

young professional Nick Gegen working for you. What’s that like? GO: Nick has been working for me for a year and a half. He’s a very nice guy and an unbelievably hard worker. He had already done some grand prix classes before he came here, he just needed to grow, so I give him the tools. And at the end of the day, I let him be himself, and get the experience and go into the ring.

H&S: What’s next for you? Do you

have a goal that you still would like to accomplish? GO: To have one more big horse, before I retire or get too old, would be nice. But if not, I think I will be ok. Now, having my son Lucas, he’s three years old, he is the most important thing in my life.

Opposite page: Obligado and Carlson competing at the 2004 Olympic Trials in San Juan Capistrano, CA. This page: Guillermo Obligado at HITS Thermal. Photo ©Cheval Photos

april/may ·

ANTON

& Juliana Ronn

CZECH &

Emmeline Sears

FINAL SALUTE & Keilty Archibald

Winner of the NorCal Senior Medal and Hudson and Co. Medal Classes Winner Modified Jr/Amateur Hunter Class 6th - $7,500 Fox Farms Hunter Derby

Champion Pre Child/ AA Hunter and Equitation

Class Winner Pre Child/AA Hunters

Northern Winter Classic III

ridden by Keilty Archibald

Northern Winter Classic III & IV ridden by Emmeline Sears

3rd place $2,500 Foxfarms Hunter Derby Reserve Champion Low Hunters Northern Winter Classic III

3rd - $7,500 Fox Farms Hunter Derby Champion Low Hunters ridden by Vanessa Brown

Northern Winter Classic III

ridden by Vanessa Brown

QUINOLLI & Cameron Pfeiffer A successful debut with ribbons in the 3 foot Equitation and Medals www. d erby h ill f arm.com

The Red Barn

100 Electioneer Rd., Stanford, CA 94305

Buddy & Vanessa Brown, Trainers (561) 758-3148 Ahlia Qutub, Assistant Trainer

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Reserve Champion $7,500 Fox Farms Hunter Derby Reserve Champion Perf. Hunters 3'3"

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ridden by Vanessa Brown

Northern Winter Classic III

8th $2,500 Fox Farms Hunter Derby ridden by Vanessa Brown

Northern Winter Classic IV

ridden by Juliana Ronn

Champion Perf. Hunters 3’3” ridden by Vanessa Brown

Northern Winter Classic III

Champion Junior/ Amateur Owner Hunters clean sweep ridden by Juliana Ronn

Reserve Champion Performance Hunters 3’3” ridden by Vanessa Brown

Northern Winter Classic IV

THE CLOSER & Lindsay Sceats A successful debut with ribbons in the starter Jumper Divisions both weeks. www. d erby h ill f arm.com

The Red Barn

100 Electioneer Rd., Stanford, CA 94305

Buddy & Vanessa Brown, Trainers (561) 758-3148 Ahlia Qutub, Assistant Trainer

Edgewood Equestrians 3421 Nicasio Valley Road Nicasio, CA 94946

NEWproductalert by Katie Shoultz

e u q i p p i H Sarm

路 april/may

A CUT ABOVE

A well-dressed rider speaks volumes without uttering a single sound. Consider it the proverbial icing on the horse show cake. Cue Sarm Hippique - a brand established in the fashion mecca of the world, Milan, Italy, now being curated in the States. Sarm Hippique has crafted an Italian collection with rider sensibilities in mind. Founded by a tailor whose daughter and grandchildren are also involved in the business and are avid riders, no detail goes unnoticed in design or production. For two decades it has been a family run company: Sar -- means tailor in Italian; m -- for the family last name of Giuseppe and Katya Mulazzani and this family’s pride is the crowning feature of the operation. Outfitting the rider – from show coats, to breeches to accessories, Sarm is the perfect blend of functionality and haute couture.

A DISTINCTIVE LOOK (AND FEEL)

Tailoring imbued with elegance and masterful attention to detail creates a look of impeccable style. Yet, there is the attentiveness to the practicality of the piece, which translates to wearability and functionality for the rider. In keeping with the hallmark of any superb piece of clothing, Sarm is obsessed with fabric and is intent on using the best fabrics that are available worldwide. Schoeller, Italian and French microfibers are deftly utilized, depending on the model. The skilled touch of a tailor who knows what fabric works best is something for which Sarm is known. A keen sense of fashion flair, coupled with a discerning eye for details completes the look. The stunning results? A great range of motion in a beautifully tailored show coat. Some of their fabrics are completely waterproof. Celebratory dinner after a successful show? White breeches are not a problem as liquid rolls right off and are good to go for another day of showing.

A PERSONABLE PRODUCT

When Lauren Morlock left for Italy in 2009, she didn’t realize a new career path and future husband (and business partner) awaited her. But, with horse connections around the country and an eye for fashion, it was the ideal fit to become the face of Sarm Hippique in the U.S. “I was in Italy for four years, and I’ve always been a fan of anything horses and Italian design – this is where my life has lead me. My husband, Tony, became a wholesale distributor and represents Sarm, and is their voice in the U.S.” With a competitive background in the hunter/jumper industry, Morlock knows that the right look and perfect fit make the difference between a good round a great one. Newly-introduced to the States, samples were brought over in October with select tack shops in California, Florida and Texas carrying the brand. And now it’s making its way through the Midwest and East Coast. “We want to go and see the shows and

Hunters are sort of paying homage to the classic tradition of the sport. And the jumpers – wow. introduce ourselves in person and become the face of the brand in the U.S. because it is a family run business and that is so important,” Morlock said.

#TREND

As most any rider can attest, the European style has hit the equestrian world by storm. As Morlock sees it, “there’s been an Italian invasion. Not just the large amount of Italian bootmakers and apparel brands, but also the horse show scene has sort of changed.” With more color in the jumper ring and a subdued look in the hunters, there has been a definite shift in style. “Hunters are sort of paying homage to the classic tradition of the sport. And the jumpers – wow,” she remarked. But the difference in Sarm is that while still high tech-fabric, the cut remains classic with made-toorder options that can get you from the jumper ring to the hunter ring in a flash. Marrying the classic with contemporary is a fine art of which Sarm is the master. Rolling out a new line in the upcoming months, Sarm is using equibella microfiber – a fabric designed to improve circulation while riding, and in turn, reduces fatigue. “We’re always looking for the next material and have the best thing that’s on the market,” said Morlock. Hands down, the best feedback Sarm has received from riders is the fit and the fabric. “The 100% microfiber makes such a difference. A lot of other brands are using a cotton blend but ours truly have full range of motion. There is no more need for a short or a long. Just like tights you just adjust them on your leg. They feel great. “We’ve come a long way from the 2-way stretch and wool coat. I remember that unless I wore the appropriate undergarments, my coat would slide up. Those days are gone,” Morlock said. Bringing style and grace from the fashion hub of Milan with the best fabrics from across the globe, Sarm is redefining expectations of riding clothing. While a newcomer to the American market, this brand brings the experience and understanding of what a rider wants inside and out of the ring, and pushes themselves to tailor the very best. Opposite page and above: the Sarm Hippique look brings a tailored fit and high tech function to the U.S., all the way from Italy.

april/may ·

SLF BIZET Top Ten $15,000 Open Jumper Classic - HITS Thermal, Week 7

Matt & Lindsay Archer • Alamo, CA • 925.285.6361 • www.shadylanefarmllc.com photo by Barbara Ellison

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O

GABRIELLE CIRELLI

O N H E R S U C C E S S E S D U R I N G T H E R M A L 2014

QUIRO

Top Ten - 10,000 Junior Medium Jumper Classic - Week 7 $

Thank you, Jill Humphrey, for sharing this wonderful horse with us!

FAMKO S

Winner Medium Junior Jumpers - Week 4 2nd Place - $3,500 Jr/AO High Jumper Classic - Week 7 Winner Junior Young Rider Trial - Week 7

Matt & Lindsay Archer • Alamo, CA • 925.285.6361 • www.shadylanefarmllc.com photos by Susan Lea and Flying Horse Photo

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O

CAROLINE ALBRIGHT O N T H E P U R C H A S E O F C O R A D O 9 9!

Thank you, Lynn and Guillermo Obligado, for this lovely horse. Looking forward to a fun-filled year!

C A R O L I N E & W E LT I N O B Winner - WCE Medal 2nd - CPHA Foundation (55 entries) HITS Thermal, Week 4

Matt & Lindsay Archer • Alamo, CA • 925.285.6361 • www.shadylanefarmllc.com photo by Annie Bennett

ROYAL FLUSH Champion Week II, Mid-Circuit Reserve Champion, HITS Thermal

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O

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NORAH ROSS & GEORGIA HUNT O N T H E P U R C H A S E O F T H I S L O V E LY H O R S E !

Matt & Lindsay Archer • Alamo, CA • 925.285.6361 • www.shadylanefarmllc.com photo by Flying Horse Photo

C O N G R AT U L AT E S

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We would like to thank Buddy and Vanessa Brown for the amazing experience!

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OUT&about

20 1 4 H I T S T H E R M A L DESERT C I RC U I T – T HERMA L, C A

3 4

5 9

7 8

1. Alexandra and Jeanette Sinclair 2. John French 3. Jenny Karazissis collects another win 4. Dreaming about her future pony, perhaps? 5. Tara Couch, Zoe Brown, and Harley Brown walk it out 6. William MacLean with his pony Trixster and mom, Daphnie MacLean 7. Ray Ariss and his mustang Hail Yeah put on an amazing demonstration for mustang awareness 8. Will Simpson always has a smile on his face 9. Newlyweds Sage Clarke and Ashlee Bond Clarke

Photos ©Cheval Photos

· april/may

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10. Strolling from here to there at Thermal 11. Willow that dog has a very creative groomer 12. The hardworking HITS Thermal ring crew 13. Michelle Parker and Archie Cox head to the ring 14. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to see Richard Spooner back in California

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BEHINDtheseams by Esther Hahn

B.i.t.s.

BACK IN THE SADDLE It happened on an evening in 2012. Cindy Gellerson and a friend were finishing an evening trail ride and returning to Sunset Ranch, the iconic barn nestled into the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, CA. Suddenly, the horses spooked underneath them. “The other horse spun and my horse lost her footing at the edge of a cliff, and she and I fell down the hill,” Gellerson says. “When I hit the bottom of the hill, facing upward, I saw her falling toward me in slow motion. Then she hit me. She wasn’t injured—she had a soft landing! And she just stood with me until my friend could walk down to us.” Neither of the two riders were carrying cellphones, and her unharmed friend headed back to the ranch to find help. Meanwhile, as Gellerson lay in the darkness waiting, she found inspiration, not fear. “I was past the point of being afraid,” she explains. “I was just laying there, looking at the dark night.”

Gellerson’s friend who had witnessed the big tumble sent her photos of that first ride back, titling them “Back in the Saddle.” And so her brand B.i.t.s., Back in the Saddle, was born.

A G I R L W H O WA S N ’ T A F R A I D TO DREAM

“I always loved horses,” Gellerson says. “When I was a little girl, I would imagine my bike was a horse.” But riding was a luxury in former East Germany, where Gellerson was born and raised. Eventually, at age 15, Gellerson started taking lessons with her mom. Her mom didn’t continue, complaining to Gellerson’s father after their first lesson, “I can’t believe I paid for this pain!” But Gellerson did. She rode her bike to the barn almost every day and mucked out stalls to help pay for lessons. “At that barn [and in that time’s culture], if you fell off your horse, you would have to bring champagne the next day,” Gellerson remembers with a laugh.

A broken back and a couple broken ribs couldn’t stop Gellerson from creating, rather than Growing up during the Cold War period, there lamenting. From her hospital bed, she sketched wasn’t much available variety in the clothing and out a design for a speed pouch. The small leather fashion. “East Germany was so limited. My mom bag would hang on all saddles (of the various riding and my grandma disciplines) to hold were sewing a cellphones so lot. Whatever After that first ride back, I that future riders my siblings and I wouldn’t be in the realized that I didn’t want to stop wanted, she would same precarious try to make it. I horseback riding ever again. position in which would have visions she found herself and tell her. I loved earlier that night. to draw, that came from my dad. He was an Those of lesser ilk may have called it quits on amazing artist and a technical drawer [by trade].” equestrian pursuits, but Gellerson refused to give Another influence from growing up behind the up. “I literally couldn’t wait to get back in the Iron Curtain was that Russian was Gellerson’s saddle,” she says. And once her bones mended, second language. So once the regime fell and she was back at it on the very same horse from Germany was reunified, she headed to Los that fateful night. Angeles to learn English and study fashion “She and I actually developed trust from that fall. computer design. In her senior year at the The first ride back, I do think she was upset with California Design College (now known as the me—as though she was saying that I let her down L.A. Art Institute), she found work as an assistant in some way. But each ride after, our bond grew designer for the junior’s line at Swatfame, a stronger to a point where it surpassed our trust fashion manufacturing company. before the accident.”

· april/may

“I fell in love with L.A. and its approach to life. In Germany, people would always ask me, ‘Why design?’ Here, nobody asked that. Here, everyone said, ‘Sure! Why not?’”

nicely that she returned to riding. “In 2011, I met a lady who had a horse at Sunset Ranch, and she brought me back to horseback riding,” Gellerson says.

When the opportunity arose to intern for Dior in Paris, France Gellerson packed and left for the city of lights. But when she arrived, the woman who had hired her had left the company and Gellerson was out of a spot at the luxury brand. Instead, she freelanced for fashion boutiques, and learned a major professional lesson along the way: to never give away designs without being paid.

“After that first ride back, I realized that I didn’t want to stop horseback riding ever again.”

Gellerson pieced together enough money to return to Los Angeles, and eventually went to work for YMI Jeans as an assistant designer. It was the owner and VP of YMI who encouraged her to follow her visions and to start her own business. In 2009, Gellerson and her husband launched Bagstil, a handbag and accessories brand made completely in California.

THE EQUESTRIAN THREAD THAT TIES

Sunset Ranch and its miles of trails were Gellerson’s riding outlet even from her earliest days in L.A. But while she poured her efforts into launching her career in fashion and design, she placed her horse activities on hold. It wasn’t until Bagstil was progressing

After the accident, Gellerson contemplated purchasing her trail-riding companion. But while she was resting after re-fracturing her ribs from a fall down the stairs, the owner had moved the horse to a different barn. Never wanting to feel the same pain again of losing a treasured and trusted mount, Gellerson with the help of her two children (ages 7 and 4) - bought a red dun Quarter Horse mare named June to call her family’s own. “My horse is my inspiration,” Gellerson says. “The B.i.t.s. JR Equestrian Bag is named after her, and then I designed the JR Messenger Mini once we found out she was pregnant.” The production of B.i.t.s. is done by the same factory that manufactures Bagstil. But while her first brand met resistance in infiltrating the higher end market, the equestrian angle of B.i.t.s. helped the brand gain entry into boutiques (of both horse and non-horse persuasions). “L.A. Saddlery picked the line up right away and really helped spread the word. At

first, I wasn’t sure if my designs would sell because equestrian fashion is so much about tradition. But the products actually sell really well. Even a menswear store in Downtown L.A. picked up the horsebit keychains.” The B.i.t.s. collection may not be conventional, but the designs are based on timeless aspects from the equestrian lifestyle. For example, the holster bag was inspired by an old Western gun holster. And the intricate details on the cuffs and belt, are fashioned after bits, stirrups and other tack. “I noticed and liked the tightness from horse boots, which is what inspired the tightness of the cuffs—it’s also good for riding,” Gellerson notes. It’s the time spent around the horses that influences Gellerson the most. And whatever the experience, she can magically transform her knowledge into art. Wearing the B.i.t.s. collection is like wearing a piece of Gellerson’s strength and history. From the Cold War to the Hollywood Hills, there’s beauty in it all.

Opposite page from top: The B.i.t.s. S.B. Bag, the B.i.t.s. Jr. Messenger Mini; B.i.t.s. founder Cindy Gellerson models one of her designs. Above: Modeling the B.i.t.s. leather cuff

april/may ·

Cheval Photos

Congratulations to Ashlee Bond Clarke

Winner of the 2014 HITS Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix Welcome to the Oglivy Team! Ashlee Bond Clarke rides in the Oglivy Jump Memory Foam Half Pad

www.oglivyequestrian.com

Grand Prix Village: Remar kable new construction. This 20 stall barn is hacking distance to Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Owners lounge, 2 Br living quarters with living/ dining rooms. Custom fireplace and outdoor kitchen near the patio creates a great entertainment area. Offered at $11,500,000

Grand Prix Village: Second phase of Gr and Prix Village, the most prestigious and desirable subdivision of world class barns in Wellington. City water, sewer and electric is complete and has been brought to each property line. Offered at $1,050,000 per acre

Grand Prix Village: Hack to the hor se show! This barn has 18 stalls, 6 wash/ grooming stalls, a private office, 2 tack rooms, 2 feed rooms, 2 storage rooms, and 2 powder rooms. The property has an all weather ring and 4 paddocks. Offered at $10,500,000

Mallet Hill: Gr eat value 4.15 acr es in exclusive manned gated community touching the horse show. 4 Br, 4.5 Ba home with a 16 stall barn, ring, guest house and grooms quarters to be completed in 2014. Offered at $12,500,000

Southfields: This exceptional far m is situated on 5.37 acres of well-maintained grounds. Property includes two barns with a total of 38 stalls. There is a large ring with allweather footing, and a second ring for lunging. The property also has access to an exercise track. Offered at $4,350,000

Saddle Trail: Gor geous custom estate on 2 acres hacking distance to the horse show. The home has 5 Br, 5.5 Ba plus a office. Beautiful 4 stall barn with grooms quarters, tack room, large paddocks and water views. Offered at $2,750,000

Palm Beach Polo • Cypress Island: Best value in Cypress Island. One of the last large estate lots backing up to water and golf course. Offered at $725,000

Palm Beach Polo • Hunters Chase: Br and New Home in Hunter's Chase. St. Andrews Model. The lowest priced home in the Polo Club that has 5 Bedrooms, 4 bath, loft. 3 car garage, and open kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Tons of upgrades, beautiful pool and wet-bar. Offered at $899,990

Palm Beach Polo • Mizner: Stunning r emodeled home sits on the golf course with an extra large lot. Tons of entertainment areas and beautiful pool and spa. Patio with a great sitting area and summer kitchen/grill. 5Br, 5.5Ba, exercise room and 2nd family room. Offered at $2,950,000

Carol A. Sollak, P.A. • Phone +1 561-818-9476 • Fax +1 561-791-2221 www.carolsollak.evusa.com • Wellington, Florida • Carol.Sollak@evusa.com

Palm Beach Polo • Winding Oaks: This home has absolutely amazing golf and water view from the pool area. The home has recently added a guest house and 2 car garage. Offered at $3,400,000

Palm Beach Polo • Bel Air: Astonishing sunsets. The home has been completely renovated and has lots of extra features that include granite kitchen with gas range. The home has 5Br, 6Ba and 2 half Ba. Offered at $2,950,000

Palm Beach Polo • Winding Oaks: This custom home has been gutted and remodeled. There are 3Ba, 3.5Ba plus office in the main house and 2Br, 2Ba plus living room, kitchenette and laundry room in the guest house. Offered at $3,800,000

Palm Beach Polo • Mizner Estates: This home is ready to move in. Exquisite 4 bedroom 4 bathroom home on cul de sac has been updated above and beyond. Covered patio with heated pool and spa on the water. Offered at $2,150,000

Palm Beach Polo • Bel Air: Fantastic location right in the heart of the Polo club. Two level estate home with load of extras. Great entertainment potential on both levels by the resort style pool area. Offered at $1,699,500

Palm Beach Polo • Islebrook: Incr edibly priced courtyard home on 0.5 acre lot. 4 bedroom 4.5 bathroom including guest house. Marble floors in all living areas. Very spacious. Offered at $1,300,000

Palm Beach Polo • Fairway Island: Beautiful home, completely renovated, on a large lot with gorgeous sunset views overlooking a lake. Wonderful pool area perfect for entertaining. Offered at $2,195,000

Palm Beach Polo • Mizner Estates: Stunning custom home with huge covered patio overlooking pool, garden and lake. 4Br plus den, 5Ba, powder room and large living room. Marble and wood floors in living areas, 2 fireplaces. Offered at $3,750,000

Polo West: Enjoy panor amic sunsets fr om this lakefront home. Custom kitchen with wood cabinets, granite tops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors in living, dining kitchen and family room. Luxurious master with his/her closets, built-ins and whirlpool tub. Offered at $625,000

Carol A. Sollak, P.A. • Phone +1 561-818-9476 • Fax +1 561-791-2221 www.carolsollak.evusa.com • Wellington, Florida • Carol.Sollak@evusa.com

STYLErider

Reed

Kessler It’s hard to believe that two years have passed since Reed Kessler became a breakout star in the sport of show jumping. Her upset victory of the 2012 USEF Olympic Show Jumping Trials and subsequent naming to the London Olympic Show Jumping Team made her into a record-breaking sensation. Now, at the ripe old age of 19, Kessler continues to impress in competition in Europe, and home in the United States. She’s ranked 25th in the world on the Longines FEI Show Jumping Ranking List, and after spending the winter competing at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, she will base herself in Europe with her Olympic partner Cylana, and string of top jumpers under the guidance of coach Marcus Ehning. As she rides through the transition period of becoming a young professional, find out what brands are supporting Kessler through their sponsorship, the moment with Cylana that she’ll never forget, and who has been most influential in her riding career.

Horse & Style: Describe your riding style: Reed Kessler: My style is pretty classic and American. I like things to

be well fitted and not too flashy.

H&S: What is your head-to-toe riding outfit? RK: I recently signed with Kingsland Equestrian, which is massively

popular in Europe. They are looking to bring the brand to America and I don’t think it will take long at all to catch-on! The brand is known for being very well made, stylish and practical. So I wear all Kingsland attire, a Samshield helmet, and Parlanti boots.

H&S: Do you wear anything for good luck? RK: I used to have a pair of lucky socks that I will still bring out for special occasions. I also had a lucky necklace that I wore for several years until it broke last year! I think you make your own luck though!

H&S: What are your favorite equestrian brands? RK: Kingsland Equestrian, Parlanti, Samshield, Passier and Sohn Saddlery, and Ogilvy saddle pads.

H&S: How would you describe your non-horse show style? RK: My non-horse show style has a wide range. I went to high school

on the West Side in New York so I can go either way: very dressed-up or laidback! Most likely you will see me in jeans, chunky boots, a tank, and a cardigan!

H&S: Of your biggest accomplishments as a rider, which one are you most proud of, and why?

RK: Winning the Olympic Trials and making the team was probably

the biggest. It was a long journey there and Cylana and I really fought

· april/may

for our place there. We were a very new partnership with little experience at that level, and we found our way there together. I was proud to make it not just for myself, but for her because she deserved the recognition. I cried when I got the call.

H&S: What are your riding goals for the future? RK: I’m so young, there is still so much to learn. I hope to have a long

career at the international level and to win medals at championships for my country.

Enter our monthly giveaway contest at horseandstylemag.com/giveaway to win fabulous prizes from our fashionable partners. Enter before the end of each month for your chance to win!

THE H&S

Giveaway! H&S: If you weren’t a rider, what would your dream profession be?

RK: If I wasn’t a rider I don’t know what I’d do, because

WIN AN OGILVY HALF PAD!

H&S: Who has been the most influential in your riding

Do you love Ogilvy Equestrian? Would you like to own one of their half pads, and not just any half pad, but the one photographed in this portrait of Reed and Mika?

riding really defines me.

career? RK: The most influential people have been my parents. They started out not coming from much and worked very hard to earn everything they have now. We are so close from all our time together in the backyard taking care of the horses, before everything took off in my father’s career and in my own. My favorite childhood memory is my mom and I taking my pony in the two-horse trailer to Harrisburg for the leadline, and our old truck broke down on the side of the road. We hitchhiked in a cattle rig to the show! They have always supported me in everything I do and I can’t thank them enough.

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Ogilvy, and Reed herself, you can! During the month of April, you can go to horseandstylemag.com/ giveaway and enter to win this Ogilvy half pad with navy blue piping. The H&S April Giveaway winner will be chosen on April 30th. Enter now!

H&S: What is the one thing you never go in the ring without? RK: I never go in the ring without the help of my team. The grooms, sponsors, owners; the whole team’s effort is with me every time I go in the ring!

Congratulations to H&S February Giveaway winner Alexis Behar!

Above: Kessler and Mika enjoy a quiet morning at their winter base in Florida. Photo ©Equinality

Alexis won a cute junior riding ensamble courtesy of Annie’s Equestrienne Apparel!

Opposite page: Kessler and Cylana competing at the 2014 FTI WEF in March. Photo ©Erin Gilmore

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is success!

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feature

by Winter Hoffman

ALEXANDRA CROWN IS POISED FOR NEXT LEVEL SUCCESS

Up Move Moment You can learn so much from just watching; competing in the jumpers has been the most beneficial to my riding. It forces me to make quick and definite decisions.

Most teenagers only dream of visiting an elegant castle in France. But in 2013, 18-year-old Alexandra Crown got to show jump at one! The seductive Château de Chantilly, complete with verdant emerald grass field and moat, serves as the setting and backdrop to the very prestigious Global Champions Tour, which hosts a phase of its annual tour there every July. Last summer, Crown made an impressive international debut at Chantilly, winning the CSI1* circuit on Soul Sister, her 11-year-old Dutch mare by Gentleman. It was an accomplishment, and a moment that Crown won’t soon forget. Crown trains with célèbre superstar Kent Farrington, currently one of four riders short-listed for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held this summer in Normandy, France. Crown can thank Farrington for providing her with an instruction manual for international success.

Above: The backdrop of the Château de Chantilly made everything feel like a fairytale,” said Crown of competing at Chantilly, France. Photo ©SportFot

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President and General Manager of General Dynamics, he is revered in the world of business and politics, as was Crown’s maternal grandfather, Bertram Podell, a three-term New York congressman. She credits Lester and his mandate to “find a passion and use it to give back to the world” as her inspiration to become a JustWorld International Ambassador. All JustWorld Ambassadors donate a portion of their prize money back to the organization to assist causes in developing counties around the world.

FITNESS BEYOND THE BARN According to Crown, her family was never a very “horsey” family. The Manhattan resident was introduced to riding at a lesson barn in Easton, CT, only showing for fun in schooling shows. Her first “show”trainer, Suzanne Fisher at Tashua Farms, provided a great introduction into the world of competitive riding and built up Crown’s confidence. Later, Crown trained at Rivers Edge Farm with Scott Stewart and Ken Berkley. To make her a stronger rider, Berkley emphasized personal fitness and Crown rarely saw her stirrups, which would later benefit her greatly in the ring. Fitness is an ongoing theme with the ever-nimble Farrington. It was humorously revealed that he entertains the children of well-known grand prix rider Jimmy Torano by walking up and down the stairs on his hands. As a trainer, Farrington is very tough and demands excellence, but in a very subdued manner. In December 2013, Crown purchased Zafira, one of Kent’s top show jumpers, with whom he won the 2013 $250,000 FTI Consulting Hampton Classic Grand Prix WCQ. It’s with this nine-year-old Belgian mare by Nassau that Crown hopes to move-up to the grand prix level. After riding Zafira for three years, Farrington knew that she would be an ideal match for Crown, and her experience in the bigger classes would be very helpful to Crown as she moves up.

Above: Alex’s grandfather, Lester Crown is one of her biggest fans and supporters. Photo @The Book, LLC

If her parents ever doubted her dedication to show jumping, Crown has assuaged them with her enthusiasm for the sport, and focus on continuously reaching for higher goals. It doesn’t hurt that her grandfather Lester Crown, part owner of the Chicago Bulls and a great sports enthusiast, as well as a venerated industrialist and philanthropist, is one of her biggest supporters. As

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Zafira was actually the first horse Crown ever rode at Farrington’s stable. During her first day training with him last May, her horses hadn’t arrived yet, so he let Crown flat the mare. She remembers feeling so excited to be able to ride one of his top horses – little did she know that she would one day own Zafira. Crown is truly blessed -and she knows it- to not only have the opportunity to own a mare like Zafira, but to have a full string of top quality show jumpers behind her. With half a dozen horses that range from competitive jumpers in the lows, mediums and highs to a younger prospect currently showing with Farrington, each of Crown’s horses teach her something, and improve her skills in the saddle.

“I have had Star, a 10-year-old Hanoverian by Stakkato, the longest,” says Crown. “We purchased him during WEF in 2012, when he was doing the young horse classes with Margie Engle. He is truly a freak of nature, I don’t think I will ever ride a more careful horse. I was fairly new to the jumpers when I got him, but he took great care of me!”

STICKING TO THE PLAN Currently a senior in high school, Crown attends the Professional Children’s School in New York City, which is designed for students who need to have a flexible schedule. PCS’ guided study program accommodates extended absences, and works hand-in-hand with Private Tutoring Services in Wellington, Florida during the winter season. PCS sends Private Tutoring Services Crown’s course work and exams so the Crown never falls behind in her schoolwork. Altogether, it is a lot of work, and it took a while for Crown to learn how to balance both school and riding. Crown has a schedule that is enviable for any rider, her age or otherwise; on weekdays she rides her horses in the morning and then goes to school in the evenings. With seven horses to ride per day, and gym sessions three to four days a week, Crown’s days are very active, but that’s the way she likes it. She’s always prepared for the rigorous schedule of back-toback showing and riding on the weekends.

She usually flats her horses in the morning and heads to the show for the rest of the day. Depending on that day’s schedule, she may go back and forth to the barn to ride some others. When she finishes riding, she tries to watch as many of the professional classes she can. Farrington is helping to make her goal of competing internationally at five-star shows a reality, and she takes all of his advice to heart. She is working on trusting her eye more, and Farrington has stressed the importance of making a plan and sticking to it. “I watch all of the professional classes that I can, I go to the schooling ring and watch the riders warm up or watch live feeds of big grand prix classes if I can’t be somewhere in person. You can learn so much from just watching,” she explains, and astutely adds, “competing in the jumpers has been the most beneficial to my riding. It forces me to make quick and definite decisions.” That winning playbook of fitness, focus, and fearlessness is payingoff for Crown. With the solid support of the Crown dynasty, and the stellar coaching skills of Farrington, her decisions will continue to payoff. Poised for a successful debut in the grand prix ring, the odds are high that Crown will be making a return trip to Chantilly one day – tackling greater heights all the while.

Le Passionn茅 Saut

路 april/may

HermĂ¨s

The world as seen through orange-colored glasses Story by Erin Gilmore Photos by Asa Mathat

In the midst of pure equestrian elegance at the Grand Palais, you can find the deepest passion in the eyes of one person. It’s not that passion is in short supply during the Saut Hermès Jumping International CSI5*, held annually each spring at the Grand Palais in Paris, France. As the only show jumping event entirely conceived and put together by a luxury fashion house, there is nothing ordinary about this FEIrated five star event. At its core, Hermès identifies closely with equestrian sport. Long before it was a house that offered handbags, ties, housewares and diamond necklaces, Hermès was simply a sellier – a saddlemaker in the purest sense. Although the brand now encompasses 16 product families with outposts around the globe, the sellier is still its genesis, and no one person holds that genesis in higher regard than Laurent Goblet, Master Saddler of Hermès. Speaking with Goblet, a slight man with finely-tuned hands and piercing blue eyes, emphasized the nexus of the event more than any other single experience throughout the three days of the show. Goblet, who has been with the house for nearly 40 years, is Hermès, through and through. “Hermès is so well known in fashion, now, it could have given-up making saddles,” Goblet said, gesturing as he stood at a table displaying the tools of his trade. “But it’s the identity. Saddles were the first thing. And Hermès has always wanted to be close to the horse, close to the performance.”

Wide Open Spaces

Hermès does nothing halfway, and so it comes as no surprise that the Saut Hermès is a real life palace for show jumping sport. When the sky filtered down to the arena under the stunning, glass-roof of the Grand Palais, it felt close enough to touch. If there’s anything more beautiful than horses cast in dramatic shadow and light as they gallop over show jumps, we haven’t found it yet.

This page: Louise Saywell (foreground) and Jessie Drea of Great Britain gallop in victory after winning the Les Talents Hermès pairs competition Opposite page, clockwise from top: Hermès Master Saddler Laurent Goblet; Silk twill Hermès ties are worth a second look; the tools of a saddlemaker; Hermès branded saddle soaps on display; Goblet discusses the spine of the Hermès Talaris saddle

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the midst of pure equestrian elegance at the Grand Palais, you can find the deepest passion in the eyes of one person.â&#x20AC;?

“...with Hermès, elegance has never felt more natural.”

The venue sits on the River Seine in the heart of Paris, and attracts the top riders in the world to compete in the prestigious €400,000 Grand Prix Hermès on the final day of the show. This year, Germany’s Marcus Ehning finished first over France’s Patrice Delaveau in a four-horse jumpoff that had the packed house on the edge of their seats. Three days of competitions led to the dénouement event, all of which took place in the single, main arena of the show. While the competition is considered an indoor show, its wide-open spaces under the Grand Palais give it an airy, elegant atmosphere, which of course is underscored by a touch of Hermès everywhere one looks. The Hermès colors hang from the ceiling, in motionless ribbons, hundreds of feet long. The seating and walls are wrapped in gold felt and bordered by Hermès orange. Stroll along the sides of the venue and in addition to Goblet’s working saddlery pop-up station, one could discover finished Hermès goods that ranged from the iconic scarves to bridles hanging flawlessly on the wall. On Saturday and Sunday, the ghostly, striking creative performance “Metamorphosis” impressed all. “Yes, it’s always been the desire of Hermès to go forward and do everything as best as possible,” Goblet added. “When you want to do things well, when the company has that will and desire, they never give up.”

Sellier Comes Before Luxury From where does Hermès draw its inspiration? Naturally, the brand cultivates close relationships with its partner riders, who range from juniors such as Lillie Keenan, to established professionals Rodrigo Pessoa, Daniel Bluman and Nick Dello Joio.

Grand prix rider Dan Neilson of Great Britain, a Hermès partner rider since 2011, competed at the Saut Hermès this year, and explained, “For me, it’s more than a partnership. It’s more personal than other people who just want to give you a load of products. We work together.” Goblet and his team seek out the opinions of the partner riders for feedback on prototype saddles, and use it in the development of their equestrian lines.

Opposite page: Patrice Delaveau and Lacrimoso HDC This page from top: Marcus Ehning and Cornado FRW; the Champs-Élysées was lined with banners announcing Saut Hermès april/may ·

It’s that focus on the sellier that inspired, in part, the new partnership between the United States Equestrian Federation and Hermès. This past February, it was announced that Hermès will be the title sponsor of the United States Show Jumping Team for the foreseeable future. “We were very happy when USEF came to see us, because they didn’t come to see a luxury house, they came to see a saddler,” said Marion Bardet, Director Hermès Equestrian Department. “We’re a brand that’s always been making equestrian apparel of a very high quality, and that’s why they came to us.”

A Living Hermès History

It was a natural meeting between Hermès and USEF; the two organizations have a shared history in the Steinkraus saddle, which was designed in the 1960s and popularized throughout the ‘70s by legendary USET rider Bill Steinkraus. The Steinkraus saddle remains one of the cornerstone pieces by Hermès, although its own history began many decades before. Visit the Hermès flagship store in downtown Paris, and if you’re very lucky, you may be gifted with an invitation to the private offices of Emile Hermès, which are tucked away above the store. Those offices are now a museum and shrine to all things Hermès, a virtual treasure trove of history, both Hermès and equestrian. Emile’s grandfather Theirry Hermès founded Hermès in 1837, and both men were avid collectors of equestrian-related antiques ranging from decorative spurs to riding outfits, and of course, all manner of tack. Altogether, experiencing the Saut Hermès as it’s held in the city where the brand was born and still thrives should be overwhelming. However, it’s anything but. For with Hermès, elegance has never felt more natural.

In Goblet’s blue eyes, passion has never found a more fitting home. And in the soft Hermès leather, in the sparkling green glass roof of the Grand Palais, and in the elegance of the horses themselves, equestrian sport has never been more beautifully appreciated than at Le Saut Hermès.

Clockwise from top: This book on the desk of Emile Hermès contains the inspiration for the original Hermès logo; Antique rocking horse in the Emile Hermès Museum; Notice the horse and carriage in this illustration - it inspired the Hermès logo

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Hermès from Head to Toe Hermès apparel and equipment embody the notion of elegance that is the underlying factor in all products that bear the brand’s name. Hermès partner rider Dan Neilson and his horse Coco Bongo express that style naturally, and with grace.

 Hermès helmet with calfskin harness  Tailored Hermès competition jacket  Hermès mens breeches  Hermès Cavale jumping saddle with calfskin covered flaps

 Hermès fly veil ear net  Hermès Soft Up Pro stirrups  Hermès thick general purpose saddle pad

 Hermès

elasticated stud girth guard

 Hermès

hunter/ jumper bridle

BEHINDthescenes

Horse & Style in Paris When Hermès invites you to Paris, the answer is always “yes!” H&S was thrilled to accept Hermès’ invitation to experience Saut Hermès during an unforgettable, whirlwind weekend. Here are a few highlights:

Attending Friday’s press brunch, held inside the Grand Palais in the shadow of a brass Pegasus

Watching future grand prix riders go all out in a stirrupless Shetland Pony Race

A private tour of the incredible Emile Hermès museum, where we discovered the original inspiration for the iconic Hermès logo

The draw party for the next day’s pairs competition, a champagne affair held in the flagship Hermès store, and attended by all of the riders

Dining at Bread and Roses, an intimate café next door to the Hermès flagship store

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Our seats - right next to the ingate!

Picking up a couple of exclusive Studio Des Fleurs scarves by Virginie Jamin

The view from anywhere along the Champs-Élysées. Magnifique!

A dramatic equestrian performance “Metamorphosis” choreographed by Bartabas for the Versailles Academy of Equestrian Arts

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CONGRATULATIONS Grand CirCuit Champions Elli Yeager–Equitation, 11 & u Ransome Rombauer–Equitation, 14-15 (co-trainer Daniel Ighani)

Grand CirCuit reserve Champions Morgan Dickerson & Chapel Hill–Large Junior Hunter, 16-17 Alexandra Ladove–Equitation, 16-17

Weekly Champions & reserve Champions Morgan Dickerson–Large Junior Hunter, 16-17 Elli Yeager–Children’s Hunter, 13 & u Elli Yeager–Equitation, 11 & u Ransome Rombauer–Equitation, 14-15 Alexandra Ladove–Equitation, 16-17 Mackenzie Drazan–Equitation, 18-35 Stephanie Fanning–Equitation, 46 & o

medal Winners Ellie Yeager PCHA wk 1, Onondarka wks 1, 2, 4 Savannah Dukes WIHS wks 1, 6, 7, ASPCA wk 1, CPHA wk 1 Ransome Rombauer USET wk 4,WIHS-J wk 4,WIHS-H wk 7, THIS wk 6, CPHA Fdn. wk 7, M&S Jr./Am. wk 4 Alexandra Ladove USET wks 2, 4, 5, USEF wks 4, 5, 7, M&S Jr./Am. wk 4 Rachel Van Allen CPHA wk 2, 7,WCE wk 3 Skylar Nelson USEF wk 5, ASPCA wk 5, M&S Jr./Am. wk 5 Shelby Drazan M&S Jr./Am. wk 7 Mackenzie Drazan CPHA Adult wk 2, M&S Adult wk 5

ClassiCs

Morgan Dickerson & Chapel Hill–Junior Hunter Two wins, two 2nds & two 3rds Elli Yeager & Aspen–2nd Low Junior Hunter, wk 7 Morgan Dickerson & Capital One–6th High Junior Jumper, wk 5 Mackenzie Drazan & Champ X–9th High A/O Jumper, wk 6 Lauren Kay & O’Hara St. Clair–7th High A/O Jumper, wk 7

Best Child rideR Elli Yeager–wk 1 Morgan Dickerson–wk 4

Big thanks to our guys led by Hector, for all the great care. To Emily, Kilian, and Carolyn, thanks for all your help and hard work. And most of all, to our clients, for being the nicest group of people we could ever ask for. Here’s to a great year!

LOCATED AT WHITETHORNE RANCH EquestriSol Ad Design

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805.517.1364 | 805.517.1368 | KHSTABLES.COM Photos By Flying Horse Photography | EquestriSol Ad Design

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LIFEofpessoa by Alexa Pessoa

Becoming a

Better Athlete As I will be turning 30 this year, January marked the beginning of a new chapter of my life. I have always been relatively lucky regarding staying fit, but over the past few years there has definitely been a marked change in the way I can eat, versus how I feel and look. Long gone are those days in college when nothing really seemed to stick. We are very lucky to have such an active, outdoor lifestyle, but it was starting to feel like we needed more to stay healthy. As riders we have all probably been presented with the line, “the horse is the real athlete though, right?” That’s enough to cause any rider to launch into a long diatribe about the challenges of show jumping for both horse and rider! The truth is, there are two athletes in the ring working together to clear the course. With that being said, the horse is treated as the primary athlete in almost any stable. We like to argue our athletic prowess but many of us aren’t treating ourselves as athletes at all. Nowadays, it is becoming standard for our horses to be supported by an entire team of professionals to keep them at their fittest. From the veterinarian and farrier, to chiropractors, acupuncturists, lasers and water treadmills, every year brings new gadgets and products to help us try to prolong the careers of our beloved equine partners.

THE NEGLECTED HALF The second half of the horse/ rider combination is typically the neglected one. We, as riders, tend to put ourselves second when it comes to physical training and care. This dawned on me after a (seriously) indulgent holiday season at the end of last year. I was heading into a new year and I wanted to feel better. Wellington, FL is the perfect place to get into a better wellness routine because we are actually in one place enough to benefit from a bevy of experts.

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My inspiration for this effort was seeing several, top-level grand prix riders that have invested in their own fitness. Kent Farrington in particular stands out as someone who has always stayed incredibly fit (handstand push-ups anyone?) Ludger Beerbaum is also an incredible example of physical health. He runs daily and treats his body like a finely tuned machine. These are the kind of people that had me wondering about what more we could be doing. Rodrigo and I started working out three days a week with a personal trainer; in addition to that I have been doing yoga and working with a trigger point massage therapist once a week.

BOUNCING BACK On the first day our trainer explained to us that although riding horses qualifies as physical activity, it is not enough to sustain the body at a high level of fitness. No matter how many horses a day you ride in whatever temperature, it may be taxing on your body, but you’re not necessarily training your body to its full potential. On top of that, after our day at the barn or show we dash home to dinners or parties, not spas or magnetic therapies the way our horses do. Over the past few months I have been hit with a few small injuries that have made me appreciate my health and fitness even more. Bouncing back from a sprained neck or a hard landing on my tailbone just isn’t as easy as it used to be. But having the right people in my life to help me feel good again has really made all the difference. I can honestly say that I feel more secure in the saddle having developed more lean muscle. In addition to that, the focus, balance and core strength that yoga emphasizes translates beautifully to riding a horse. Making ourselves a priority in our daily routine is the first step towards overall wellness and maybe even better results.

Writer Alexa Pessoa, an amateur rider and business owner, is profiled on page 6. Lots of factors have inspired columnist Alexa Pessoa to take fitness outside the barn more seriously.

RIDERspotlight by Winter Hoffman

There’s a cool young Texan who has been blazing his way up the grand prix ranks in Wellington, Florida this season. At age 19, Wilton Porter has systematically gained experience in the show ring, both in the U.S and Europe, and his hard work is paying off. Porter trains privately with Irishman John Roche, and amongst his latest accolades is a win in the $25,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup, Round 1 and an impressive 3rd place in the $280,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix, both at the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival with his mount Paloubet. The pair has steadily moved-up the ranks since winning their first grand prix together in Kentucky last summer. They were highly visible in the Artisan Farm Young Rider Grand Prix Series at WEF, and Porter gained some valuable nations cup experience midway through circuit when he won the Hollow Creek Farm FEI Young Rider Nations Cup (along with teammates Frances Land, Michael Hughes, and Lillie Keenan). Porter is a freshman at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, majoring in economics, and commutes on weekends during the winter season to ride and compete at WEF.

Wilton

Porter

Horse & Style: With your Texas roots and your Dallas base, how is

that that you didn’t end-up in cutting or reining? Wilton Porter: I initially began riding Western when I was about 10-years-old. We had a few horses at a ranch outside of Dallas, and I began taking roping lessons. One day, just messing around with my friends, we set up a plank resting on two buckets and jumped it for fun. I thought it was pretty fun, decided to switch to jumpers, and the rest is history.

H&S: You seem to have very supportive parents. What can you tell us about your family?

WP: My father is the CEO of Studer Group, a healthcare organization

consulting company. My mother used to work for Mckenzie, and later Tenet Healthcare but now runs the Sleepy P Ranch, LLC operation from home. She grew up in England and was a top pony jumper competitor.

H&S: Have the equitation divisions influenced your riding at all? WP: Equitation has never played a big role in my riding career. I really

only competed in the equitation divisions one year in Wellington. It has never appealed to me, nor have the hunters. They are just too slow for me, I love the rush of the jumpers!

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H&S: You trained in Europe. Where were you and how did that come to be?

WP: I spent two summers training and competing in Europe with

Katie and Henri Prudent. Mostly we went to shows in France like Chantilly, Dinard and Macon. The training in Europe was much more independent. I did a lot of the flatwork with my horses myself.

I would say the main difference about competing in Europe is that the limited number of classes makes everything you do important. In the U.S., sometimes we do so many classes that some are just warm-ups for bigger events, but in Europe every competition feels special.

H&S: Do you speak a foreign language? Was that important to your experience?

WP: I have spoken Spanish since I was very young so I am quite

fluent. It has certainly proved to be useful in this sport, especially in the United States. Though I obviously didn’t use Spanish very much in Europe, I was certainly able to understand some French based on my knowledge of the Spanish language.

H&S: You are well situated to comment on the differences between the Eurostyle vesus U.S. style in riders on and off the horse. WP: In the U.S. I feel there is almost too much of an emphasis on equitation rather than simply riding the horse in a way that will make you jump clear. Personally, I have tried to establish a sort of hybrid between the Eurostyle and U.S. style. I try not to overanalyze my position because I feel that it takes away from my ability to naturally ride a course. H&S: You have Paloubet, who you have said is, “a quirky horse with a funny mouth.” What other horses do you currently own and compete on? WP: Paloubet, a 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Baloubet Du Rouet, is my top grand prix horse. I have owned him for about two years now. Radio City is primarily my Young Rider and FEI

speed horse. Diamonte Darco and Poker Face are two newly acquired horses that I hope to move-up to the grand prix level with.

H&S: What are your long-term goals?

WP: I would love to represent

my country on some of the major nations cup teams, and hopefully compete in some championship competitions like the World Cup, WEG, and the Olympics.

H&S: What are your near term goals?

WP: I have been asked to

represent the U.S. on two smaller nations cup teams in Europe this summer, and I hope to do well in those competitions. I am trying to develop a solid string of grand prix horses so that I can break the top 15 in the U.S. rider rankings (I’m number 26 right now).

H&S: What advice do you have for riders who are starting to compete?

WP: The best advice I can think of for new competitors

is never to be disheartened by the bad rounds - they will always get better. I’ve certainly had my fair share of ups and downs. Just when you think you are starting to get somewhere, a new obstacle emerges.

H&S: Can you recount any humorous horse show experiences? WP: I’m not sure this is really humorous, but last year my bridle broke on Paloubet during a young rider team event at WEF, but we still managed to jump the only clean round of the day and our team won. H&S: Who is the rider you revere the most and why? WP: At the moment I think Ben Maher is an

incredible rider and has done an unbelievable job being consistent and winning everything at WEF.

This page: Porter celebrates a clear round aboard Paloubet Above: : Porter and Radio City compete in the $95,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series at WEF Photos ©Erin Gilmore

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Grand Prix Village

Fourteen acres of equestrian paradise in Grand Prix Village adjacent to the Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds complete with every amenity for the well being of horse and rider. This equestrian masterpiece houses twenty 14’ x 14’ stalls, eight grass paddocks, a grass Grand Prix arena, an expansive 215’ x 105’ covered arena and a 216’ x 88’ outdoor arena, both with mirrors and excellent footing. The luxurious owner’s apartment has 3 bedrooms, two and a half baths, spacious living areas and a beautifully appointed kitchen. The farm also has an 1 bedroom manager’s apartment and a two bedroom groom’s apartment. This exclusive equestrian estate with its premier location is truly one of the world’s most desirable equestrian properties. Carol A. Sollak, P.A. • Phone +1 561-818-9476 • Fax +1 561-791-2221 www.carolsollak.evusa.com • Wellington, Florida • Carol.Sollak@evusa.com

INFO@ASMAREQUESTRIAN.COM 1 800 772 1408 NOEL ASMAR BRAND DIVISIONS: ASMAR EQUESTRIAN. UNIFORMS. BOWLS AND ACCESSORIES. RESORT. FITNESS. ASMAREQUESTRIAN.COM INFO@ASMAREQUESTRIAN.COM 1 800 772 1408 ASMAREQUESTRIAN.COM

TRENDreport 1.

Make Your

Mark

Monogramming isn’t just for show collars and tack trunks. Enhance your equestrian lifestyle by adding personal, monogrammed touches –all with a decidedly equine flairto your wardrobe, accessories or home.

1. Middleburg Monogram Charm Bracelet, SwellCaroline, $125 2. Monogrammed VIP Wallet, Tuckernuck, $112 3. Personalized Monogram Equestrian Stationary, SeeHorseDesign, $15 4. Personalized Horse Art, Sweet Peony Press, $24 5. The Chester Bag, iomoi shop, $148 6. Needlepoint Monogram Belt, Needle You, $40

april/may ·

Thank you Lynn Mullins for the opportunity to ride Poldi! ~Payton

Poldi 41 and Payton Potter Lynn Mullins, Owner

Reserve Champion - 2nd Half Circuit Pre Child Hunters Champion Pre Child Hunters - Week 6 Winners Bit Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Straw Hunter Classic - Week 6 Champion 11 and under Equitation - Weeks 6 and 7 HITS Thermal

Champion 11 & U Equitation - Week 3 Northern Winter Classic

Sue Lightner, Lori Clark - Trainers

Marisa Metzger - Assistant Trainer

May Day Diamond and Carly Swank Grand Circuit Champion - Modified Child/Adult Jumpers Reserve Champion 2nd Half Circuit Modified Child/Adult Jumpers Reserve Champions Low Child Jumpers - Week 2 Champions Modified Child/Adult Jumpers - Week 6 Reserve Champions Modified Child/Adult Jumpers - Week 7 HITS Thermal

Sue Lightner, Lori Clark - Trainers

Marisa Metzger - Assistant Trainer

photo by Tass Jones | ad by applehead design

Diana Rose and Marisa Metzger Owned by Melissa Brandley Ridden by Marisa Metzger

Champion Green Conformation Hunter - Week 2 Mid Circuit Reserve Champion Green Conformation Hunter HITS Thermal

Sue Lightner, Lori Clark - Trainers

Marisa Metzger - Assistant Trainer

Lightacres Offers for Sale::

Raggedy Music:

Reserve Champion PreGreen Hunters - Week 7

Winner Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hunter Stake - Week 2

Marisa Metzger, Rider

Alivia Hart, Rider

HITS Thermal

Sue Lightner, Lori Clark - Trainers

HITS Thermal

Marisa Metzger - Assistant Trainer

Congratulations to Laura Strasburg and Brooke Morin

Congratulations to Rubicon Farms, LesAnn and Lydia Rose LeClaire

Madeline

Silver Lining

Reserve Champion Medium Pony Weeks 1 & 2

Champion Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pony Hunter Week 6

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Winner of the Pony Hunter Classic Week 2

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Special Thanks to Alivia Hart for the great rides on both ponies!

Sue Lightner, Lori Clark - Trainers

Marisa Metzger - Assistant Trainer

Maillisko

Owned by Bailey Campbell Winners of $7,500 Fox Farms Derby ridden by Marisa Metzger

Northern Winter Classic - Week 3

5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby

ridden by Marisa Metzger

8th - Week 1

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4th A/O Hunter Classic ridden by Bailey Campbell

HITS Thermal - Week 6

Valentine

and Bailey Campbell

Reserve Champions Low A/O Hunters Winners A/O Hunters HITS Thermal - Week 6

Winners A/O Hunters Northern Winter Classic Week 3

Sue Lightner, Lori Clark - Trainers

Marisa Metzger - Assistant Trainer

Congratulations to Lightacres IEA High School and Middle School Teams! Both teams are Region 3 Champions their first year!

High School Team

Joelle Hylton, Bailey Campbell, Flor de Maria Rizo, Carly Swank, Teâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a Cormier and Riley McGrath

Good Luck at Zone Finals! Middle School Team

Anna Gorman, Raegan Gould, Mia Hargrave, Grace Mathias, Samantha Finnegan, Hailey May

Lori Clark, Coach

feature For the

Good of the Horse

At the end of February, these three down to earth horsewomen gathered in a land that is anything but. Ellie Phipps Price, Elisa Wallace, and Suzanne Roy traveled to the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida for the Palm Beach premiere of the new 3D film American Mustang the Movie, and to raise awareness for the plight of wild mustangs. American Mustang aims to start a constructive dialogue about the current management of wild horses, and ignite a passion for the preservation of wild horses on the western range.

Many Americans are unaware that there are more wild horses languishing in holding pens across the Western United States than running free in the wild. The 1971 government act that was meant to protect them, has instead resulted in the excessive roundups of more than 270,000 wild horses and burros. It’s an issue that pulls on the heartstrings of horse people everywhere – and this season at WEF, wild horses attracted much-needed attention that was thanks in no small part to this trio of horsewomen. Separately, they are incredible advocates for wild horses. Together, they can move mountains.

E L I S A WA L L A C E In 2012, three day eventer Elisa Wallace and her mustang Fledge, won the South Carolina Extreme Mustang Makeover. Tasked with training a wild mustang in just 120 days, Elisa and Fledge won the hearts of horse enthusiasts around the country with their bridleless freestyle performance that showed the amazing bond between horse and human. With Fledge and her second mustang Rune (pictured, adopted in 2013), Elisa has become a fantastic ambassador for wild horses. Her impressive demonstrations with Fledge and Rune before the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at the Winter Equestrian Festival, and during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W turned heads and attracted nationwide attention for wild horses.

ELLIE PHIPPS PRICE Ellie Phipps Price is a California winemaker and amateur jumper rider who in 2006 learned of the plight of wild horses and ever since she’s been a fierce advocate. Her visit to a long-term holding facility in 2009, where she saw over 3,000 mustangs languishing in dusty corrals, inspired her to produce the film American Mustang, which premiered last November, and is currently screening across the U.S. Phipps Price owns a wild horse sanctuary in Northern California, created for the 172 wild horses that she singlehandedly rescued from an auction floor in 2010, and continues to work closely with advocates and key players to find a compromising solution to protect America’s wild horses.

SUZANNE ROY As Director of the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign, Suzanne Roy steers a very powerful ship, while working tirelessly for the benefit of wild horses. She is a 20-year animal welfare professional who has worked to improve the plight of elephants, chimpanzees and other animals in captivity and in the wild. In 2009, she turned her attention to the fight to save America’s wild horses. Under her leadership the AWHPC has grown to include over 50 coalition partners, representing over 10 million American citizens, and a wide and influential reach on social media. Suzanne lives in Chapel Hill, NC, and has a rescue Thoroughbred named Wesley.

april/may ·

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april/may ·

feature by Erin Gilmore

The

Masters

Are Coming

LOS ANGELES MASTERS WILL BRING CSI5* INDOOR SHOW JUMPING TO CALIFORNIA THIS FALL

I’ll never forget the moment I walked through the entrance of my first Masters CSI5* show. Stepping onto the red carpet was a tangible experience. It unfolded in grand style, leading the way to a stage-like centerpiece with white footing and strategic lighting that reflected flawlessly off the horses circling the area. That was just the warm-up ring. Riders I’d only seen on my television casually passed-by, and vendor booths displaying designer brands beckoned from all sides. The red carpet continued, leading to a beautiful main competition ring under an arched ceiling with skylights on all sides. From beginning to end, every detail came together to create an atmosphere of pure elegance.

COMING TO AMERICA

This fall, EEM World and West Palms Management are bringing that same Masters show jumping experience to the United States, for the first time ever. To be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California this September 25th – 28th, it’s an exciting development for American show jumping, and a thrilling addition to the West Coast calendar. The Masters Grand Slam Indoor is one of the most prestigious indoor show jumping events in the world. The Los Angeles Masters will complete a trio of Masters Grand Slam competitions that already include the Longines Hong Kong Masters and Gucci Paris Masters. Modeled after the Grand

Slam of tennis and recognized by the FEI and United States Equestrian Federation as a CSI 5* event, the LA Masters will bring an incredible show jumping experience to California. The 2005 and 2007 FEI World Cup Finals that were held in Las Vegas, NV are somewhat comparable, but the Masters stands in a league of its own compared to those competitions. Dale Harvey of West Palms Management, which produces top California show jumping competitions such as the Sacramento International and Del Mar National, is thrilled to be part of the LA Masters team. “I was approached in December 2013 during the Paris Masters,” Harvey explained. “Christophe Ammeuw, founder of EEM World, asked me if I’d be interested in helping him with it and of course I jumped at the chance.”

A F I V E S TA R O N S T E R O I D S

Harvey had the enviable task of visiting the recent Hong Kong Masters, held February 12th – 15th at the Asia-World Expo in Hong Kong for “research.” It was his first visit to the Hong Kong Masters, and served as fantastic inspiration for the up-coming American leg. “It’s not just a five star show, it’s a five star on steroids,” Harvey said. “If the LA Masters is half the show of Paris and Hong Kong, we’ll be very proud to have it here in the United States.” Left: Henrik Von Eckermann and Gotha FRM enter the arena for the prize giving ceremony at Hong Kong Masters 2014 april/may ·

The Los Angeles Convention Center was chosen as the location for this American leg of the Masters not only for its accessibility (most horses flying in from Europe arrive at LAX), but also for its similarity to the venues hosting the Paris and Hong Kong Masters. The entire infrastructure of the show is built from scratch, and the LA Convention center offers the space needed for the main competition ring, warm-up and additional exercise ring. Grandstands for 5,000 – 6,000 spectators will be built around the arena, and show stabling, vendors, et. al. will all be housed under the same roof. For Harvey, it’s a big step-up from the competitions that he normally organizes, but he’s excited for the challenge.

Harvey’s passion for creating new and innovative events is demonstrated by the annual Sacramento International Horse Show, which is constructed under a covered arena in Murieta, CA to mimic a European indoor show. “I was so impressed with the events in Paris and Hong Kong, and I’m hoping to learn a lot about doing it the right way,” Harvey expressed. “This is a horse show that people dream about. It’s first class, there’s no dust, it’s taking every aspect of the show to a new level.” The top 25 riders in the Longines FEI World Ranking List will be invited, and top West Coast grand prix riders will receive special invitations to compete as well.

At press time, tickets had not yet been released, and the final riders’ list was still being determined. Follow mastersgrandslam.com for updates and news as the date of the competition grows closer. This is one competition that I will not miss, and if you’re anywhere near Los Angeles this fall, you won’t want to miss it either. Above: A red carpet leads through the vendor village at Hong Kong Masters

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QUESTforsuccess by Saer Coulter

The

Horse Show

Sisterhood At WEF this season you could often see two, tall California girls standing side by side in their whites, laughing and joking with one another while waiting for the course walk. Over the past few years, my sister Audrey and I have been on different coasts attending school, and seeing us together around the showgrounds was not a common sight. However, we started this routine when she was jumping around in the small pony hunters on her pony Smarty Pants, and I was showing my pony Snowquarter Looking Glass in the mediums. The jumps these days might be a little bigger, and the courses slightly more difficult, but having my sister around has always made the horse shows that much more fun for me.

A COMMON GROUND

With a family that had nothing to do with horses, it often seemed a mystery how, at a fairly young age, both of us grew to have such a passion for riding and everything it entails. Growing-up we would often fight, as sisters tend to do – especially those who are only 18 months apart in age! But with the horses, the two of us seemed to find a common ground. At home we each had our own friends and our own social lives, but at the shows we leant on each other for support and entertainment. Audrey and I have very different personalities, but we have a tendency to balance one another. I am extroverted where she often comes off more reserved. She enjoys math and chemistry equations, but I would much prefer to write a 15-page paper. Audrey rides mainly mares and I ride mainly stallions (we have yet to discover exactly what this says about our personalities, but it is an obvious difference when you walk into our barn).

gives me confidence because of her belief in me. I am often more excited about her best rounds than my own. I will never forget when Audrey went to compete in the Young Rider events at the Leipzig World Cup Finals three years ago. I was at school and could not go to watch her so I woke-up every morning around five to watch online. On the second day of competition she won, beating out a very strong field of European and American young riders. Rather than falling back asleep I stayed awake to watch the victory gallop as she cantered around the ring on Rodenburgh’s California. Sitting there in my dorm room, I got teary eyed because I was so unbelievably proud of her. This year at WEF, she had the same effect on me, except this time I was there to watch when on February 28th she won the $280,000 Adequan Grand Prix CSIO4* and the $84,000 1.50m Suncast Championship Jumper Classic in the same day, a truly remarkable achievement.

I am often more excited about her best rounds than my own.

While much of our relationship over the years has been based on support and mutual pride in one another’s accomplishments, there were those times during our junior years when we were happy to beat each other in the ring. One story we continue to laugh about is one time at The Oaks in Southern California, Audrey and I were competing in the junior hunter derby. After the first round I was in the lead and Audrey was in second. In the second round Audrey went before me and put in a very good round that put her into the lead. I proceeded to trot in the ring after her and fall off at the third fence. Audrey turned to our trainer Mary Manfredi and asked, “Is Saer ok?” After hearing yes she quickly followed up that question by joyfully declaring, “I won!”

SHARING THE VICTORIES

These days, when I do well in the ring Audrey is often the first one to text me congratulations. At times, if I am especially nervous, Audrey

· april/may

As we have grown-up and left the pony days far behind, riding has continuously brought us together and made us closer. Our goofiness and laughter at the ring or when walking around the show is evident of the bond that the horse shows helped us forge. At the end of the day, there is no one I would rather walk the course with, or have standing at the in-gate with me, making me laugh before I walk into the ring, whether it be in the pony hunters or a five star grand prix.

Writer Saer Coulter, an aspiring professional and Stanford University student, is profiled on page 6. Above: Saer (standing) with Audrey after a victory at The Oaks in San Juan Capistrano, CA

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UDONNA PRIMADONNA

by Erin Gilmore

Marilyn Little walked down her barn aisle in 2010, assessing her horses one by one. It wasn’t any ordinary wellness check that the established show jumping trainer and grand prix rider was performing. She’d just watched the cross-country portion of eventing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games on her television, and had had a very un-show jumping-like thought: she was going to give eventing a try. “So I walked down to the barn and looked down the aisle and thought, which horse wants to be the one?” Little remembers. “I looked at Udonna and said, you would do it.” And just like that, Little’s meteoric three day eventing career started right there, in that barn aisle, with Udonna. Little knew that the then 10-year-old KWPN chestnut mare by Madison x Cavalier was bold enough, and brave

GUIDAM ZWIGGY CAVALIER ADONNA

what they were looking for, so Marilyn was skeptical when she got a call telling her that she simply had to go look at a chestnut mare that was living in a riding school in the middle of Paris. Despite the fact that Paris was not on the itinerary, Marilyn and Lynn adjusted their plans and flew into the city late at night. “We arrived at the riding school almost at midnight and out came Udonna,” Marilyn recounts. “I rode her for 20 minutes because that’s all we were allowed in the indoor. After the second jump I knew I loved her.” Udonna flew right to the winter circuit in Wellington, Florida and started competing through the 1.40m jumpers. That spring, she and Little won the Bluegrass Stake at the Kentucky Horse Park, and at Spruce Meadows, Udonna shone in the jumper derbies.

Udonna

enough to jump anything. Little had recently returned from Spruce Meadows, where she competed Udonna in the open jumpers and jumper derbies, and she was preparing the mare for the fall indoor shows. After a few schooling sessions, her team folded the Maryland Horse Trials into that schedule, and off they went. The morning after Little’s former-husband, Ben Meredith, competed Udonna in the Washington International Horse Show Puissance, Little took her to her third event (a small, one-day competition outside of D.C.) When spring arrived, Little started training for eventing in earnest, and quickly attracted nationwide attention from show jumpers and eventers alike, none of whom could believe that a show jumper had transitioned so seamlessly to eventing. But Little quickly proved to be a quick study to eventing, casually commenting that a jump was just a jump if you had the right approach.

A RIDING SCHOOL HORSE

Little and her mother, trainer Lynn Little, found Udonna almost by chance while on a buying trip to Europe early in 2010. They weren’t having much luck in finding · april/may

So when Little and Udonna started tackling the three phases of eventing, much of it was a natural fit. By 2011, they had competed up to the two-star level, had been featured on the cover of Practical Horseman magazine and were training to step-up when Little came to a crossroads. “Udonna is such an expressive and exuberant horse, that the discipline required in dressage wasn’t exactly her cup of tea,” Little says. “Inside the dressage boards, she was like a bull in a china shop; they just weren’t enough to contain her.” As Little was eyeing four-star eventing, she had to admit to herself that Udonna was almost too brave for the top level of eventing. “No matter what is there, she believes that she can jump it, whether it’s a puissance wall, an eventing fence or a show jump. Four-star cross-country is basically a medal finals course on steroids. Her boldness may have gotten her into trouble at the upper levels,” Little explains.

THE NEXT PHASE

Still, Little wasn’t considering selling Udonna, but while in Germany that summer, the opportunity came up. Young show

No matter what is there, she believes that she can jump it, whether it’s a puissance wall, an eventing fence or a show jump.

Eighteen-year-old Mershad, of New Albany, OH, is on the fast track to a thriving career in show jumping. At 17, she competed in her first grand prix, and that same year she was invited to ride in the New Albany Classic Invitational, the prestigious annual grand prix held in her hometown. Udonna and Mershad were an instant fit, and after a year of leasing the mare from Little, Mershad became her owner. “It feels amazing to ride her,” 18-year-old Mershad says. “I’m always wanting to go clear, and I’m a big one on trusting the animal. With Udonna, I never feel nervous. No matter what happens I know she has my back.” In 2014, Udonna and Mershad stepped-up to compete in the $95,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. The mare’s charismatic boldness over every fence is eye catching, and when she gallops into the arena with her flaxen mane and tail flying, she is magnificent. “She’s just one of those super athletes that could have been anything,” Little says. “She’s just that talented. We always joked that when she was too old to jump we could call Chester Weber and give her a third career as a driving horse.” Mershad is lucky enough to have a string of jumpers to compete with, but with Udonna, Mershad has more fun than most riders her age.

When the opportunity arises, Mershad has been known to canter through water complexes with Udonna. “I never feel nervous like she’s going to spook or stop,” Mershad says. “She’s literally so trustworthy.” In the meantime Little has developed a string of four-star eventing horses, as well as the respect of the eventing community with her solid record of four-star results, and is now an established member of the United States Eventing Team. There’s a real chance that Little will be competing at the 2014 World Equestrian Games – on the eventing team - rather than watching it on her television this year. Her Raylyn Farm in Frederick, Maryland is busier than ever, with strings of top-level horses in both disciplines to train and compete. When she has the opportunity, Little checks in on Mershad and Udonna and always enjoys watches them in the ring together. “In the moments when Gabriela wasn’t as confident, Udonna’s confidence has carried her. And in the moments when Gabriela was ready to win, Udonna was there for her,” Little describes. “It’s a great partnership.”

SEPTEMBER 23 THRU OCTOBER 5, 2014 Land Rover World Cup Grand Prix of Sacramento CSI-W2*

Udonna was a horse that changed Little, not only in her riding, but in the direction of her career. One day, Little hopes that Mershad will look back and say that Udonna was a horse that changed her, too.

Opposite page: Gabriela Mershad and Udonna competed in the $95,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series this January. Photo ©Erin Gilmore Above: With Marilyn Little, Udonna competed up to the 2* level in three day eventing.

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jumping rider Gabriela Mershad came to try horses, and the decision was made to allow her to lease Udonna, as well as another of Little’s jumpers.

feature

Forward HOW EQUESTRIAN MENTAL SKILLS COACH TONYA JOHNSTON GAVE BACK BY PAYING IT FORWARD. It’s safe to say that Equestrian Mental Skills coach and rider Tonya Johnston, M.A., does a lot of thinking. Last holiday season, as she thought about the people who had helped her, given her opportunities, and encouraged her during her

THE IDEA

THE WINNERS

Tonya put out a request on her personal and business Facebook pages; “Do you know an equestrian who is an extremely hard-worker; rides and shows on a limited budget; gets to the barn early and stays late to help out; rides everything they are offered with a thank you and smile; has kind words to say about those around them, and deserves a boost of new mental skills and confidence for 2014?”

Ella Jensen is 15-years-old and lives in Santa Barbara, CA where she rides with Alanna Snowden at Gracelynd Hill. Her “horseshow mom” Lori Johnston -another rider at her barn who helps her attend shows and occasionally gives her horses to catch ride, nominated her to the Pay It Forward program. Ella’s wonderful family supports her desire to ride to the extent that they can, sometimes leasing her a horse to compete at local shows. Ella’s brother is autistic and is understandably the focus of the family’s energy and resources a lot of the time.

Trainers recommended dedicated students, barn friends nominated one another, motivated amateurs suggested themselves or their friends, and moms nominated their children. Every story was heartfelt, passionate and convincing. Everyone had terrific reasons why some added support and new mental skills would be a tremendous boost to their nominee’s riding and competing. With all of the terrific nominees, Tonya felt happier choosing two winners instead of one.

Ella was a national finalist in the USHJA 2013 Horsemanship Quiz Challenge and has won the annual Santa Barbara County Riding Club Sportsmanship Award. Ella is a big help at her barn and is interested in all of the things that go into creating a great ride in the show ring. “Ella comes to shows with us, sometimes to ride, sometimes to just watch, for a week or just a weekend, and she is always a joy to be around and the first to jump in and help without asking,” explained Lori. “I love that she is taking each and every opportunity that comes her way with grace and gratefulness. She is smart as a whip and on her way to being a great horseman.”

This page: Ella appreciated the chance to connect and learn from someone who had a similar junior riding career; Tonya understood the minor setbacks that came up, and helped Ella accommodate for them. Opposite page: Wyatt’s sessions with Tonya played a vital role in getting his head in the game to qualify for IEA Zone 7 Finals.

· april/may

lifetime of riding and showing, she had a grand idea. She would “Pay it Forward” to another rider by offering them a package of mental skills sessions to improve their riding strategy and give them a strong start to their 2014.

THE PROCESS Tonya set up coaching sessions with each rider. Her goal with the winners, and with all of her clients, is to teach them how to help themselves be both psychologically prepared and resilient with their horses.

Both Wyatt and Ella have added tools to their toolboxes like focus skills, preparation planning, visualization, positive self-talk and energy management tools. These tools help them to be more equipped to cope with the unexpected, rebound quickly from mistakes, build confidence by tracking goal progress, and plan for success by building pre-ride preparation routines.

THE WINNERS Wyatt Armstrong is 13-years-old and was nominated by his mom and trainer, Lara Armstrong of LNJ Ranch in Lawton, OK. “I am a professional in a rural area and more often than not, I put Wyatt on the backburner when it comes to his coaching and horses,” said Lara. “He, on the other hand, is up every morning at 5am in the dark, even in the freezing temps, to do chores (feed, break ice, etc) so he can make the bus on time. He comes home and immediately starts chores while I am in lessons, hops on whatever horses I say need rode, regardless of their disposition, and makes sure his homework is done all before bedtime. He does all of this while maintaining a 4.0 in school with classes like Algebra 1 as an 8th grader! I couldn’t ask for a better son or helper! But, he needs some coaching to build his self-confidence in his abilities and learn that it is ok to not do well sometimes.... he is really hard on himself.” Wyatt is riding on the LNJ Ranch IEA Team for the first time this year, and aspires to be on the Culver Academies “Lancers” (a mounted honor unit drill team) in high school.

“In addition to being an experience of a lifetime, the Pay it Forward program helped me gain extensive mental skills. After meeting with Tonya numerous times, I gained a variety of skills including the use of ‘circle breaths,’ visualization, how to view rides positively, learning to focus on factors within my control, and focusing on the task at hand. Right off the bat I was able to apply the techniques, strategies, and preparation tools that Tonya suggested to me,” Ella explained. “One of the very first things Tonya pointed out to me was that the majority of riders think that mental skills are just as important as physical skills but that same majority focus most of their energy on their physical riding abilities, and almost none on their mental skills. It’s safe to say that I was in that majority... but not anymore! Since beginning the Pay it Forward program, I’ve directed more of my energy to the mental aspects of riding. After doing so, I became a more conscious equestrian and even a more self-aware human being.”

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“Ms. Johnston has taught me things such as visualization, which I think is super important,” says Wyatt. “I now deeply imagine the course after I have walked the course/arena. I also prepare earlier than I had been, like getting my show gear ready several days before a show—instead of the night before we leave! I feel that all of these skills have helped me qualify for IEA Zone Finals, and will hopefully get me to nationals.”

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Mark Watring 2003, Pan American Gold Medalist

Rode in the 1984 and 2004 Olympic Showjumping

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ASKdr.carrie

Most of the time I do well in the jumpers and the equitation rings. I jump the high junior jumpers and am not afraid of the heights. But before I enter the ring for any medal, my heart feels like it is going to bust through my chest. My mouth gets super dry too. I am not scared but it feels like I am having a panic attack. What do I do?

Success, and the associated adrenaline rush, can be misunderstood by the body as danger or something to fear. It is possible that with each success in the equitation ring, you are experiencing a misfire from your body to your brain. The body doesn’t always differentiate between good stress and negative stress or fear. Every emotional experience is preceded by a physical cue. Your body may be giving the cue for heightened and refined focus that is essential in the equitation ring, and your mind may be receiving the cue for fear or danger. The key to rewriting this script is to slow down the conversation, which is easier said than done when in the midst of multiple rides at a show. However, the conversation between the body and the mind takes place all day every day. So start engaging with it outside of horse show land. Notice when you get cues from your body that direct your thoughts or feelings. Start with noticing when your body tells you that you are hungry, thirsty, or tired—or any physiologically driven messages. Begin to look for these cues and address them mentally as well as physically. For example, if you feel your stomach grumble and it is approaching mid-day, make a plan with yourself right then and there to stop for lunch as soon as you

Q: A:

can. This solidifies the body-mind communication path. The more you hear your body’s requests and respond accordingly, the simpler the cues from the body become. After practicing this with basics, take it to your training program. When your body says you are tired or sore or out of breath, acknowledge the statement and respond accordingly. You can deepen your breath to let the body know that you actually have plenty more gas, or stretch your heals and legs deeply to release soreness. You get to choose how you respond to the physical cues that your body sends. You choose whether to translate your pounding heart into fear, or hear it as every cell in your body preparing for heightened focus and grace. Engage with your body and with your mind. Don’t take all of your thoughts seriously as they may be your mind misreading your body.

The more you hear your body’s requests and respond accordingly, the simpler the cues from the body become.

My pony needs to go really fast to make the strides, and even then it feels like she might not make it! How can I learn to do this better? Practice visualizing your pony and you re-riding courses that went well, so that you become more familiar with the rhythm, beat, speed, and energy it takes to get the course ridden well. Watch videos of your rounds and count the beats down the lines out loud. If there is a chip or a miss, replay it in your mind with the misstep corrected in your imagination. Train your brain to remember the pace that works for your pony to make it around the course. Also, remember that ponies are small but mighty athletes. Watch her

Carrie Wicks,Ph.D. (707) 529-8371 carrie@carriewicks.com www.carriewicks.com Contact Carrie for individual and phone sessions.

in the videos to see how capable she is over the jumps. Focus on building a solid friendship with her that is based on what you want to achieve. Train yourself to visualize exactly what you want to experience on course before you walk in the ring!

... remember that ponies are small but mighty athletes.

As a sport psychology consultant, I assist equestrian athletes to optimize their performance at all levels of competition. My varied background as an A-circuit Junior and Amateur competitor as well as mother of two daughters - a jumper rider and elite gymnast - has deepened my understanding of what a rider needs to grow and thrive. From medal finals to the grand prix ring, I support athletes to attain their goals while developing a mental practice that is useful both on and off the field. If you would like to meet with me to develop questions and comments for this column, please call or email. I am interested in learning about how riders of all levels prepare themselves for competition as well as how they connect with their horses.

april/may ·

BITof bliss

Lane Clarke

urrounded by their family and many, many members of the West Coast equestrian community, on December 1st, 2013, grand prix rider Lane Clarke and Jennifer Reese, D.V.M. exchanged vows in a joyous ceremony at The Grand Tradition Gardens & Estate, a peaceful, lush venue nestled in the hills outside the city of San Diego. Clarke, who serves as head trainer at Mickey Hayden Show Jumping in Laguna Hills, CA, met Reese at (where else) the barn, in 2008. Dr. Bettey of Equine Medical Associates introduced them shortly after Reese began working for the practice, and the rest is history. At the wedding, Clarke didn’t have to look far outside the horse world for his groomsmen; his cousin (and farrier) Sage Clarke, his brother, horseman Lyn Clarke, grand prix rider Vinton Karrasch, as well as Reese’s brother Brian stood beside him at the alter, while Reese looked to her close non-riding friends as bridesmaids.

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Jennifer Reese

During the reception, each of the 20 tables was marked by a framed photograph of a horse that had made an impact on Clarke or Reese’s lives, with the horse’s bio on the back. Reese put together a video montage of their lifetime with horses that was played during the reception. Clarke and Reese were engaged on August 26, 2012. After the wedding, they honeymooned in Moorea, an island near Tahiti. “Everything went amazingly smooth because Jen is an incredible planner,” Clarke said. “The friends and family that came together to support us from all over the world was fantastic. With the people who showed up and the privilege to marry a woman as amazing as Jen, the whole day was fantastic.” Left: Clarke wore a tuxedo by Vera Wang, and Reese’s dress was by Maggie Sottero. Photos ©www.robertpaetz.com

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VENDORspotlight

LA Saddlery “If you want to stand out in a crowd, you have to take risks, get out there and find new companies to get excited about,” says Renee Spurge, owner of boutique tack and apparel shop LA Saddlery. When Spurge opened LA Saddlery six years ago, one of the first things she did was say no to carrying mainstream brands, already well-known in the market.. She sought out specialty brands with big talent and quickly became the source for fashion forward, cutting edge riding apparel that was hard to find elsewhere. This winter, Spurge took LA Saddlery east, setting-up dual mobile units in Wellington, FL and Thermal, CA. “You have to take risks, make waves, say yes, and go with your instincts, even if they lead you to Florida!” Spurge jokes. All kidding aside, her store achieves its mission of pushing the envelope in equestrian fashion, and Spurge always has her eyes open for new brands and designs that push the sport forward, turn heads, and get people talking.

Horse & Style: When and where did LA Saddlery start? Renee Spurge: LA Saddlery took flight on February 14th, 2008 at the Los

Angeles Equestrian Center. We acquired the location, cleared out old inventory, and began to rebuild the market with a fresh and daring approach to the equestrian apparel industry.

H&S: What inspired you to go into business, and how have you grown? How do you measure success? RS: When I was in my late twenties, I dropped out of my clinical psychology masters program, credits away from graduation, and simultaneously quit my job as a high school college counselor, to go back to the one thing that I loved most as a child and young adult -- horses. I always say if you want to make a career around something you are passionate about then at least get a job in the vicinity of that passion. Luckily I found a home back at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center at the local tack store, where I was inspired by how much the sport had evolved since I competed in dressage a decade earlier, particularly with regards to equestrian fashion. LA Saddlery enabled me to combine my passion for horses, fashion, marketing, customer relations, even writing, and has given me the freedom to explore my entrepreneurial spirit. I have definitely grown more confident as a businesswoman over the past six years and have helped build several women-owned brands along the way. To me, being able to use my knowledge and skills to help other women succeed is a testament to my own success in this industry. H&S: What have you learned, both about the horse industry and the business world, since founding LA Saddlery?

RS: Honestly the first thing I learned is that this industry definitely attracts

a unique sort of crowd. I don’t want to say crazy, but there really isn’t a better word! It actually makes my background in psychology come in handy. All kidding aside, I believe you do have to be a little crazy in your approach to business in this industry, and perhaps any industry if you want to stand out in the crowd. But you also have to edit yourself, say no when it something goes against your ethical standards, and of course learn from your mistakes.

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H&S: Any standout adventures along the way? RS: Well I am actually on one right now! That whole

crazy mentality resulted in “let’s take LA Saddlery to Wellington, FL for a month and see what happens.” Come to think of it, the last two years of me figuring out LA Saddlery on the road has been a bit of an adventure. You kind of have to develop a gypsy lifestyle in order to survive on the horse show circuit. Last year I also had the opportunity to visit Tucci in Italy. This year I am

planning a trip to Bogota to visit Ronner and a repeat trip to Italy, this time to meet-up with my Tucci family in Verona for a horse show.

H&S: LA Saddlery has become known for discovering equestrian

is something very special about getting dressed for the barn. It is the promise of freedom from our everyday chores and the one thing we look forward to at the end of a long day or week. And if our asses look good at the same time -- even better!

apparel brands from afar and making them available in the USA. Tell us a little bit about that. H&S: Describe your greatest challenge, and how you’ve overcome it. RS: The first thing we did when we opened LA Saddlery was say RS: My greatest challenge has been not letting my emotions take no to a lot of big brands that have been on the market for years. over my decision making. This is a tricky one because I do think it is We didn’t want what everyone else had on their shelves or in their very important to feel your way through building your business. But catalog. We wanted something different, something we could build it’s also a balancing act and you have to consider the bigger picture and brand with our own vision of equestrian style. Modern, fashion before you jump all-in with what your heart wants. forward approaches to classic riding apparel H&S: What advice would you give to someone as well as cutting edge designs that would who wanted to create their own equestrian ruffle a little feathers … well, a lot of feathers If I find something business? if you are a hunter! I also love an underdog, spectacular I want to be the little guys in the big pond. The more RS: Don’t expect to make much money! someone says that I shouldn’t do it, or worse It is extremely hard to make money in the its champion and help can’t do it, the more I will do my best to prove equestrian business, so go into it because them wrong. The same is true for new brands. you have a love for it, not because you want to push the envelope in If I find something spectacular I want to be retire on it. In order to be successful you have its champion and help push the envelope in to find your specialty, your individual talent. equestrian fashion. equestrian fashion. Don’t just make horse treats; it’s been done. Do something different, something that’s H&S: What is your favorite part of outfitting going to push the sport forward. If you want riders and horses? to create your own business then be creative, don’t just take another’s RS: To this day one of my favorite parts of this career is when I get to idea and tweak it. I am tired of seeing the same things revamped over fully outfit a new rider. I think that riding apparel is the sexiest, most and over. I mean really, how many lightweight ventilated tech shirts sophisticated, and empowering clothing a woman can wear. There does one person really need!

Counter clockwise from top: Renee Spurge wearing Ronner; small but special details inside the LA Saddlery mobile unit; riders gather outside LA Saddlery at HITS Thermal. Photos ©Cheval Photos april/may ·

OUT&about

SAUT HERMÈS JUMPING INTERNATIONAL CSI5* - PARIS, FRANCE

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1. The lovely and talented Dan Neilson of Great Britain 2. Hermès illustrator Phillippe Dumas was present to create custom illustrations 3. France’s Patrice Deleveau performed well to the thrill of the audience 4. Laura Renwick of Great Britain walks the course 5. Counting off the strides 6. Penelope Leprovost of France won Saturday’s pairs competition with Marco Kutscher 7. Henri Louis Bauer, Executive Chairman of Hermès, stands out during an awards ceremony 8. Riders of all ages were welcomed at Le Saut

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9. Making a book come to life 10. Roger Yves-Bost 11. Planning their rides: Christian Ahlmann, Marco Kutscher and Janika Sprunger 12. Cameron Hanley of Ireland chats with Irish chef d’equipe Robert Splaine 13. Maikel van Der Vleuten 14. Steven Good celebrates after girlfriend Jessie Drea’s clear round 15. Caroline Nicolas of France 16. Scott Brash

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A DIFFERENT TAKE ON EQUESTRIAN DESIGN AND ADVERTISING

www.appleheaddesign.com

feature

story and photos by Denise Burks

Pilates in the

Barn

HOW BLENDING P I L AT E S A N D B A R N LIFE TRANSFORMED ONE HORSE SHOW MOM I have come to believe that behind every young, fit, successful equestrian athlete there is a slightly bloated, middle-aged, under-employed, suburban housewife with a mousy brown haircut and 125,000 miles on her odometer. Yes, there are horse show moms out there who look fresh and happy and fit, but that’s not what I was seeing in the mirror. After years of driving our youngest daughter to the barn every day (and still trying to keep the rest of the family fed and supplied with clean socks and underwear), I was worn out and looked it.

SOMETHING HAD TO CHANGE

For me, change came when my husband sat me down at the kitchen table and said, “I want my wife back.” I wasn’t sure if he was referring to the fact that I was never home or that I was

no longer the slender, funny and energetic girl he had married. Either way … ouch! Then he said, “If we are going to continue encouraging our daughter’s addiction to horse riding, we need to include the needs of you, me and the rest of the family. And we will do it before tax dollars which means we do it as a real business.”

A PLACE TO ENJOY

Since that day, I have learned that our conversation is not unique. It happens at kitchen tables and in the parking lots of horse barns all across the country. It usually starts with something like, “That horse cost how much? Who do you think I am, Michael Bloomberg?!” The MVe Peak Pilates Chair helps riders practice perfectly executed exercises that improve mindfulness, breathing, and stature april/may ·

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THE SIX PRINCIPLES OF PILATES Pilates is a series of controlled, thought-filled movements usually performed on specially designed spring-resistant exercise equipment. It is focused on improving flexibility, core strength and body awareness. In the book The Pilates Method of Physical and Mental Conditioning, six principles of Pilates are described. The following applies those principles to the unique challenges of the equestrian athlete:

The strategy we chose in order to meet the “before tax dollars” dictum was to purchase a small horse boarding facility near our home in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. Our trainer, Mariano Bedoya, helped guide us through the process and he recruited our barn manager, Jorge Viton, all the way from Wellington, FL. Owning a barn is a lot of work but it has also become a place that my husband and all six of my children can enjoy. Our daughter is enjoying her rides more than ever, the girls are promoting our facility by taking lots of photographs and posting them on Facebook, the boys are willing to do any chores that involve a tractor, ATV or power tool and my husband even has an “office” filled with an assortment of fishing poles, and a new drill press for making jumps.

CONCENTRATION

CONTROL

CENTERING

FLOW

PRECISION

BREATHING

But for me, the best part of our barn is the brand new Pilates Reformer Studio.

TRANSFORMED THROUGH PILATES

When we bought our barn, I insisted that we include space for a small Pilates Reformer Studio. I was initially seduced by Pilates years earlier, while recovering from a knee surgery. It looked elegant and safe and easy. Easy? Ha! As the trainer guided my every move, I learned the beautiful and challenging nuances of proper, effective Pilates work. There were many days when I told her, “There is absolutely no way that I can do that move correctly,” but I ended up blushing like a little girl in my first pony class when “I did it!”

I was transformed through Pilates and believe that I can be transformed, again. I was transformed through Pilates and believe that I can be transformed, again. I also know it is the perfect on-site exercise program for my daughter and the other serious equestrian athletes in our barn. With the proper instruction and supervision, it is possible to experience strengthening, lengthening and balance without pain. Pilates teaches you how to quiet down and listen to your body and respect the movement of the equipment. Can you imagine a more perfect training for riders? Our Pilates trainer does not have specific experience in training equestrian athletes, so we are counting on dressage rider and trainer Betsy Steiner to host regular clinics, throughout the year, at our barn. Betsy helped coin the term “Equilates,” and is the author of the book entitled A Gymnastic Riding System – Using Mind, Body, & Spirit. I will always love sitting in the viewing room, watching our daughter train. It gives me true joy. But with a Pilates Studio on site, I look forward to a more balanced and fit life for this horse show mom, too.

Contributor Denise Burks is profiled on page 6.

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Pilates trains the body and the mind. Just like riding, one must be habitually “ever present” in mind and body, to be successful and safe.

The original name for the Pilates exercise method was “Contrology.” The exercises are all about staying collected. In Pilates, and riding, one perfectly executed exercise is better than 100 poorly executed ones.

All physical moves spring from our core. When the core is engaged, posture is better, the rider’s seat is deepened and the chance of injury is reduced.

Pilates and riding are all about fluidity, grace and ease. Pilates equipment, and a horse, are very good mirrors of flow and concentration. If the flow is lost, the Pilates equipment begins banging around. The rider must marry their moves with their horse to avoid collapsing, twisting or bouncing in the saddle.

Correct Pilates training requires an intense attention to detail that quickly becomes second nature. Adult students of Pilates find that their new mindfulness changes their daily posture and some have a measurable increase in stature. Better posture results in a more elegant ride.

Deep, controlled, cleansing breaths are part of the maximization of the Pilates moves. Deeper stretches, more elongated muscles and oxygenated blood means fewer cramps and tightening muscles while in and out of the saddle.

Palm Beach Point: Ultimate equestr ian estate with pr ivate cul-de-sac location. The main house is a 5 Br, 6 Ba masterpiece in the final stages of construction. It will be finished and landscaped with state of the art amenities, soaring ceilings, and spectacular architecture. The 11-acre compound boasts a first class equestrian facility designed by renowned equestrian. It includes a magnificent barn with grooms quarters, sub-irrigated ring with top all-weather footing, and 10 oversized paddocks. The newly remodeled 4 Br, 4 Ba guest house with heated pool is ready to be moved into today! Offered at $9,900,000. (This home and barn are also available on a 5.5 acre lot without the guest house, Offered at $6,900,000)

Palm Beach Point: 2 lots, one is Construction ready! All permits and

dirt fill already in place, saving you time and money. Only a few available lots in this prestigious gated equestrian community. Build your dream home and barn. Short hack to WEF. Price upon request.

Mallet Hill: 4.15 acr es in exclusive gated community touching the horse show. The totally remodeled home includes 4Br 4.5Ba, and custom wood paneled office. There is a 16 stall barn, ring, guest house, and grooms quarters to be completed in 2014. Offered at $12,500,000

Palm Beach Point East: 10 acres with additional land available. 3Br, 2.5Ba owner’s residence with office and attached 1Br, 1Ba in-law apartment with kitchen. High ceilings, 2 fireplaces, granite counter-tops, marble floors, cypress ceilings, amazing restaurant grade kitchen with pizza oven. The newly upgraded 20 stall barn has a 2Br groom’s quarters with kitchen above. Fully irrigated 220’ x 120’ ring with new Martin Collins CLOPF footing, 1 acre grass jump field, a 4 horse walker, 13 irrigated paddocks. Offered at $2,950,000

Palm Beach Little Ranches: This 11.25 - acre farm has a covered ring and 2 additional arenas with professional all-weather footing. The estate is complete with 4 barns for a total of 62 stalls and grooms quarters. This is an excellent investment property because of its size and great location. Facility has rented out all of its stalls seasonally season by established, loyal, international clientele. Offered at $ 1,795,000

Palm Beach Point: This home is situated on 6.5 acres close to the show grounds. The 4Br, 4Ba home has custom cabinetry, outdoor kitchen, high ceilings, hardwood floors and walk-in closets. The 12 stall barn features a huge tack room, an apartment, 4 wash stalls, 3 grooming stalls, separate grain, hay and storage rooms. Offered at $4,950,000

Palm Beach Point: Hacking distance through Grand Prix Village. 4Br, 4Ba plantation style masterpiece with 1Br pool home and top of the line equestrian stable. Outdoor living area has a summer kitchen, fire pit, infinity pool and spa. The 5 acre farm includes a 12 stall barn with large grooms quarters and an oversized all-weather ring. Offered at $6,000,000

Travis Laas, DVM • Phone +1-561-906 7007 • Fax +1-561-791 2221 www.travislaas.evusa.com • Wellington, Florida • Travis.Laas@evusa.com

Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the horizon?

www.riding-iceland.com

Riding Iceland tours are designed to follow the ancient riding trails that have served people to travel across the country ever since the first settlement of Iceland. We will come across perfect riding tracks that allow you to enjoy your horse tölting at full speed – a cheering and overwhelming feeling on its own. After a day of utter solitude in the wilderness we will find our way to one of the remote mountain huts in the Icelandic highlands. Every one of these cottages has it’s own story, being built or even inhabited by the hidden people or the ghosts of old heroes. At some places there are natural hot water pools, where you can warm up again, relax stiff muscles and listen to the stories about the local ghosts, elves and outlaws.

On the dinner table, you will find fresh local food that has been prepared with a passion for natural ingredients. You will eat delicious seafood from Iceland’s lonely fjords that you have explored on horseback, salmon from the rivers you crossed and lamb that has been roaming free in the heath land areas we have been riding through. With all dishes, we serve fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms. A Riding Iceland tour into the Icelandic mountains is a spirit cleaning natural experience, which aims to take you out of your daily routine and put you into intimate touch with nature. You will find yourself having left all daily routines and duties far behind and leave this country with memories that will last a lifetime.

Dear Horse & Style Fashionista, In my non-horse show life, I am a bona fide, eco-friendly, green-living hippie chick. But as we know with any lifelong hippie, who also happens to be a rider, there are certain concessions I’ve been forced to come to terms with, such as leather for saddles and tack, and yard after yard of the green sod from show setups that is left to die after each horse show.

©Katie Sroka

DEARfashionista

But I digress. With all the new technologies in equestrian clothing, I’m sure that eco-friendly riding apparel is out there. Please advise, and help bring my inner chakra some green peace!

- Green is the New Black

Dear Green is the New Black, Fashionista appreciates your enthusiasm towards being more eco-friendly and we support your efforts 100%. When it comes to sustainability and green-living, the equestrian world is slowly but surely moving forward. However, progress is slow when it comes to sustainability, and the support of like-minded equestrians is crucial! It took some research, but Fashionista did find several equestrian companies who are striving to develop more eco-friendly apparel options. Luckily for everyone, the brands that have designed some eco-friendly items also happen to be stylish ones. Hats off to these brands that all have one sustainable resource in common – bamboo! Bamboo is a fast growing, perennial evergreen that removes C02 from the atmosphere, and produces over 30% more oxygen than a stand of trees. By growing and using more bamboo, we can help combat global warning. And bamboo fabric is soft, smooth and comfortable, perfect for sensitive skin and for wicking away moisture. Be sure to shop the brands we found that are smartly “weaving” bamboo into their equestrian apparel. We hope they help ease some of your green-living guilt and make you look eco-fabulous!

Love, Fashionista

From top to bottom: Bamboo Henley, Asmar $88 Ladies Highland Bamboo Euro Seat Plaid Breeches, Tuffrider $69.95 Perwinkle Plaid Open Placket Show Shirt, Le Fash, $195 Ladies Bamboo Boot Socks, Lettia $10.99 Do you have an equestrian fashion question for the H&S Fashionista? Send your questions to fashionista@horseandstylemag.com

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BEHINDthelens

Dorte Tuladhar A passionate equestrian photographer, Dorte Tuladhar has always been fascinated by horses and the lifestyle connected to it. She photographs a wide variety of equestrian disciplines and events, and notes that, “Depending on which event I am covering, there is a whole world of difference from racing, to polo, or for that matter, dressage or jumping.” Tuladhar is based in Copenhagen, Denmark. After working on the account side in international advertising for many years, she gave-in to the urge to go into business for herself and seek new adventures as a photographer. Her understanding of client needs, and many years working together with a creative team have given her a solid understanding of what makes a good photographer. Tuladhar’s work as a freelance photographer for many international horse magazines has taken her around the world. She has captured a unique hotel in Morocco, beautiful Arabian horses running in the paddock in Selman-Marrakech, the World Cup Carnival Race at the Meydan, and Desert Palm Polo Club in Dubai. In the future she hopes to travel to the United States and China. See more of her work at equinephotography.dk

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CANyoustandit?

True to form in equestrian fashion, helmets keep evolving in function and in style. Options abound for you to trade in your classic black helmet for one with some extra edge. Samshield’s Premium Flower Swarovski helmet in dark grey sports an embellished floral pattern that is nothing short of fabulous. Premium Flower Swarovski helmet by Samshield $989

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LI VE LIFE TO THE HA PPIEST

A Bay Club membership is the perfect complement to your active lifestyle. See for yourself with a complimentary three-day guest pass, now through April 30!