®
HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE EST. 1991
COOL GETAWAYS TRUE GRIT
The Black Forest Fire Interview with
JUAN RUBIO MARTÍNEZ CLOSE CONTACT Celebrating Equestrian Women
July 2013 Volume XII Issue 6 horseconnection.com
At A Glance: • 25 Acres / 24 Stalls • 4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms • 80’ x 175’ Indoor Arena with Viewing Lounge & Office • Outdoor Arena & Grass Jump Paddock • Fenced and Cross Fenced • Separate Apartment & Manufactured Home • Large Heated Garage/Shop • 1⁄4 Mile to the Samish River • Invisible Fence • RV Connection
Tenhulzen Real Estate Proudly Offers for Sale, the HTH Farm. Incredible Opportunity to Purchase HTH Farm! This World Renown Equestrian Facility is Perfectly Located One Hour From Seattle, Langley B.C., and the Monroe Fairgrounds. 24 Stalls, 8 Loafing Sheds, a Gorgeous Tack Room, and Several Grooming Areas Grace the Facility with a True
Contact Kimberly Tenhulzen
Horseman in Mind. The 25 Acres Expand Across Your
Tenhulzen Real Estate
Private Street for Great summer Riding and Turnout.
206.409.0771 Kimberly@TenhulzenRE.com www.TenhulzenRealEstate.com
The 80’ x 175’ Indoor Arena Boasts 1 3⁄4 Baths, an Upscale Lounge and Viewing Area Above with a Kitchenette, a New Office, State of the Art footing and Stadium Lighting. The Large Outdoor Arena, and Front Grass Pasture with Natural Jumps Complete the Package.
MLS# 510429 18244 Sam Bell Road, Bow, WA 98232
The Gorgeous and Updated Main Home Boasts Hardwood Floors, a Main Floor Office, and
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$1,198,000
Contact Kimberly Tenhulzen Tenhulzen Real Estate 206.409.0771 Kimberly@TenhulzenRE.com www.TenhulzenRealEstate.com
Exceptional Equestrian Propert PRIVATE AND SECLUDED EQUINE ESTATE IN ELIZABETH 2800 Polo Circle, Elizabeth, CO
Just minutes from the Colorado Horse Park
N
estled in the trees, this 4-bedroom, 5-bath beautiful home includes 40 well-kept acres that provide panoramic views of Pikes Peak. The property offers a barn, paddocks, loafing sheds with water as well as an apartment above the garage for your guests or on-site barn manager. Privacy is yours on this one-of-akind property.
WILLOW CREEK POLO FIELD 2893 Running Brook Road, Elizabeth, CO
T
Just minutes from the Colorado Horse Park
urnkey polo field operation available for purchase just 35 miles from downtown Denver. 2 active fields are located on this 60 acre parcel which borders a year-round creek. White vinyl fencing surrounds this well-manicured property and a water system supports multiple corrals and loafing shed.
ties Proudly Offered For Sale BEAUTIFUL 35 ACRE FRANKTOWN EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY 4100 South Russellville Road, Franktown, CO
A
horse enthusiast’s paradise! 35+ acres of spectacular views of the front range and Pikes Peak offered in picturesque Franktown, only 25 minutes from downtown Denver.
Open-floored house plan with 5 bedroom, 4 baths and a walk-out basement. Horse facilities include a 5 stall barn, outdoor arena and white-vinyl fenced paddocks as well as a hay storage barn with water and RV hook-up.
Just minutes from the Colorado Horse Park
Ed Robinson
Re/Max Professionals Team Town and Country
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E
for sale As Good As It Gets In Denver, Colorado Banbury Cross
Minutes to light rail Yet a Million Miles away from Busy
An incredible historic paradise nestled between the grassland rolling hills and the water lands. Create the country lifestyle of your dreams. 14 to 21 acre custom home building sites. Prices range from the mid $300’s to the high $500’s. Gated community. Fantastic grassland horse property. Only 5 remain. http://www.spotlighthometours.com/tours/tour. php?&tourid=22703&reloaded=true www.banburycross-farm.com
The Klein Ranch
own a Piece of Colorado History
95 Acre 1800’s Historic Estate overlooking the Plum Creek Valley 3450 Big Bear Drive Fantasic 6391 sq. ft home. 5 Bedrooms, 6 baths. 4 pastures, 2 stocked ponds, 8 stall barn, Workshop/storage building $3,500,000 A one-of-a-kind offering. Virtual tour: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pC4VFshhido
Jayne Cordes Move With Confidence...
Coldwell Banker residential Brokerage southeast Metro/DTC cell 720-936-6691 email: jayne.cordes@coloradohomes.com
If you Dream it…I will find it Serving Sellers and Buyers of Equestrian and Town Property
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Please go online to view our Stallions, Sales Horses and the Farm. Ph: 303.621.8512 Fax: 303.621.8511 info@HarmonySporthorses.net www.HarmonySporthorses.net
Table of Contents
JULY 2013
FEATURES 32
HC Close Contact—Celebrating Equestrian Women
48
True Grit: Lessons of the Black Forest Fire
64
HC’s Cool Summer Getaways
32
MONTHLY
48
10
Publisher’s Page
12
HC’s Travel Connection
14
Behind the Barn
16
Adds & Scratches
22
HC Sport
54
Definitely Dressage
70
The Horse Connection
Dr. Clinton Unruh. Photo by Kris Garrett
64
About the cover
Chacal, owned by Sam Kirkeby. Photographed in central California by Julie Patton, CPP www.juliepattonphotography.com Get to know Julie on page 34. 8 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Publisher’s Page
T
his summer is off to a horrific beginning in Colorado, New Mexico, and other western states, as devastating wildfires have destroyed homes, horses, pets and wildlife as well as taking lives. This ominous start to summer can only portend more fires to come. Be sure to read Kris Garrett’s article on the Black Forest Fire on page 48. You’ll see firsthand the destruction caused by this fire—the most destructive fire in Colorado history. Following the article we have provided ten important tips on preparing for and evacuating from a wildfire. With more fires expected this summer, it is paramount that you are prepared and ready to save yourself and your animals. In this issue we continue to celebrate women in equestrian business with several more revealing and entertaining interviews. The response to last month’s Close Contact feature showcasing equestrian businesswomen was very positive and we plan on continuing this popular feature. We’ve got an exclusive interview with Señor Juan Rubio Martínez, a Professor, and Senior Rider & Trainer at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez, Spain. Thanks to Kip Mistral for this interesting interview that you can find in our Definitely Dressage section. This summer is going to be hot so we’ve searched far and wide to find you the coolest vacation destinations to visit, along with where you can get a horse fix while on one of these trips. Check out HC’s Cool Summer Getaways on page 64. Finding the right mate if you are single and in the horse scene is hard enough without Butte Dawson’s help. Check out the funny guy with his solutions to find the perfect mate on Page 14. Speaking of Butte, he is in big trouble with us, here at HC Magazine. Since returning to the scene, Butte has been approached by many publishers to feature his column in THEIR magazines. Well, Butte…we give you our blessing as we love sharing the laughter around. With over 100 columns featured in HC…Butte will be sharing the love in other popular magazines. If you are interested give us a shout out. We will be the point of contact to share this hilarious man’s perspective of our crazy world of horses and horse people. Congrats, Butte! Keep making us laugh, it's the best medicine. Summer is the best time of year to be out with your horses. Long daylight hours provide ample time to ride in the early evening, and the summer horseshows are a chance to get together and party and reconnect over our collective love of riding and showing horses. Grab your friends and your favorite equine and hit the trails. Good luck to all of the competitors and horses that are showing this summer. Have fun and watch out for each other and your horses. We are the horse community and we are one big family that comes together in times of crisis to help fellow horsemen, and rejoices together when experiencing the joy that comes from the perfect ride, the perfect movement, and the awesome moment when you are one with your horse. Those are the times that make the equestrian lifestyle worth protecting and holding on to. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Summer is the best time of year to be out with your horses.
Geoff Young, Publisher 10 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Publishers
Geoff & Valerie L. Young GYoung@horseconnection.com VYoung@horseconnection.com Editor
Geoff Young
GYoung@horseconnection.com V.P. Sales & Marketing
Valerie L. Young
VYoung@horseconnection.com Art Director
Kathy Bone Copy Editor
T. J. Forrest Contributing Writers
Evalyn Bemis Kip Mistral Marc Patoile CuChullaine O’Reilly Butte Dawson BDawson@horseconnection.com Photography
Geoff Young Evalyn Bemis Sharon McElvain Meghann Norris Advertising & Rates
getresults@horseconnection.com General questions, advertising, and comments can be made to:
vyoung@horseconnection.com or call 303.663.1300 Sorry, but Horse Connection cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited materials Horse Connection © 2013, Volume XII, Edition 6. Published monthly by Horse Connection, LLC., PO Box 775, Redmond, WA 98073, and is provided to its readers free of charge. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs, artwork and ad designs printed in the Horse Connection are copyright and the sole property of HC and may not be duplicated or reprinted without express written permission from HC. Horse Connection is not responsible for typographical or production errors or the accuracy of information provided by advertisers. Readers should confirm any advertised information with advertisers. HC reserves the right to refuse any advertising. We will not knowingly accept any advertising or print any material which is offensive or in violation of the law.
303.663.1300
www.horseconnection.com
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Travel
Connection Bahamas
If anyone knows how to stay connected to animals, it would be renowned animal communicator, Joan Ranquet. Joan took HC along with her on both of the trips she organizes to the Bahamas to swim and interact with the dolphins. Joan made national news a few weeks back when a Redmond, WA pony that had been missing for more than a day was rescued, and the searchers credited Joan for saving her. The Fjord pony, named Gemma, was grazing when it went too close to the edge of a ravine and fell in. Searchers had looked for hours down a logging road and alerting neighbors. Later that night, someone with the search party contacted Joan. “I just got some pictures and words and feelings—I got a sense of where she was,” Ranquet said. “It’s the process of telepathy, which is something that we all do.
Send Us Your Photos
But I got good at it.” Ranquet said she had a sense the pony was in a small, enclosed place—somewhere with the strong sound of rushing water. “I didn’t hear a lot of words,” Ranquet said. “It was more just a sense of those pictures and the sounds.” With those parameters, Barbara Linstedt, who owns Saddle Rock Stables and the neighboring pasture where the pony went missing from, thought of an area where they hadn’t looked. The search party drove into the property and looked over the ledge and saw Gemma. Rescue workers determined the best way to bring the horse to safety was to tie it in a harness and pull her 70 feet up the steep embankment. Workers with the State Animal Response Team reached the horse Tuesday morning and she was rescued unhurt. Without the horse communicator, Linstedt said, “I don’t know that we would have ever found the horse.” Now that’s a real Horse Connection!
Get a free subscription
Send us your photo holding up Horse Connection and get published in our next issue. Those chosen each edition will receive a free subscription to Horse Connection. Be sure to email a picture and a brief paragraph about who you are, where you are, and why you are there. It can be anywhere in the world. The more unique the place, and of course, the more “horsey” the place, the better chance you have of getting your picture in Horse Connection. Email your travel connection to gyoung@horseconnection.com. 12 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
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Behind the Barn By Butte Dawson
I
t’s tough for horse people to find love these days. Especially when your “significant other” takes up all of your time caring for them. Cleaning, feeding, grooming, exercising—your partner demands a lot; but wouldn’t it be nice for a change, to have a roll in the hay that doesn’t require gloves or a bale hook? Horse sweat and horsehair aren’t the best aphrodisiac, but there is always someone out there that shares the same passions and interests that you do. It’s just that there really isn’t much time at the end of a long day to find that someone. That’s where on-line dating sites come in. There are sites for every kind of person, including horse people, so what are you waiting for? It’s time to try to find that special someone who shares your passion for horses and nothing else. I found several dating sites for horse people that may interest you. This one— Bareback & Barefoot—caters to the natural rider among us. I mean what could be more natural than going for a bareback ride naked? Yes, this site seeks to match up nude riders for romance and maybe a trip to the breeding shed. And what could be more romantic that sharing time with each other treating blisters and raw, rubbed off skin from your ride in the buff. The couple that puts on salve together stays together. The next dating site I found is called Horsing Around. This site pairs up horse folks who travel from show to show and only have time for fun in-between classes. Call it speed dating for equestrians; you have to be ready to go in and out of the gate quickly and not be distracted by the steward calling for the final horses to enter the arena. Whether your chaps are half on or half off, the phrase, “have you got a minute?” explains this dating site in a nutshell. 14 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
For the alternative lifestyle there is a site called The Hitching Post that caters to people who are proficient at tying up their horse and others. This is primarily a dating site for trainers who know how to cinch up a girth strap, tighten a noseband and change behavior by giving and releasing pressure. Whether you are dominant or submissive, or just enjoy getting whacked with a carrot stick, this site is for you. Now many of these equestrian dating sites have their own jargon to help narrow down the kind of person you are hoping to meet. You’ll need to know what it means when someone posts—SWM seeks GWM for moonlight rides and mucking adventures. SWM means Sweet Warmblood Mare and GWM means Gelding, Working, and Manageable— basically a guy that has a job and will do what he’s told. There are others; HWP (Holsteiner With Pasture—someone has their own house) seeks PDA (Pony Driver,
Attentive) with interest in BDSM (Boots, D-ring bit, Saddle, Martingale) for fun and TLC (Thoroughbred Learning to Canter— likes to dance). Now that you know the jargon, you’re ready to post and hopefully get on the bit with someone. The last dating site for equestrians that I discovered is called, Unicorns and Rainbows. This site seemed to be the most realistic of all of the dating sites because it just had one front page to the website that said, “There is a place where men understand that a horse comes first in a woman’s life.” That dinner dates have to be during the “early bird special” so she can get home to feed the horses. In this special place, men will forgo buying a new car, playing golf, or hanging with their buddies just so she can buy a new horse, new boots and riding clothes. After all, you want her to look good during her ride while you’re mucking the stalls.” And where is this special place? It’s in a land filled with unicorns and rainbows— in other words, it doesn’t exist! The fact of the matter is, people do have luck with dating sites, but if you have horses, you don’t have a lot of time to be scouring the Internet looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right. Usually when two horse people meet and fall in love, it’s not on a dating site but a bulletin board at the horse show.
She had two horses, and his barn happened to have two empty stalls. They got married this past summer.
Join Us for the Soirée of the Summer
2013
SaddleUp! and Pack Your Bags A Denver Suitcase Party Friday, August 2nd • 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mayo Aviation Hangar, Centennial Airport Dance, dine, see and be seen… Join Denver’s finest as we raise funds for SaddleUp! Foundation, a group providing equine therapy to those facing physical, mental and emotional challenges.
Two lucky couples will leave directly from the event on a private jet to California wine country for the trip of a lifetime! Tickets & Info SaddleUpFoundation.org Graciously Sponsored By
AAA Building Maintenance • Beringer Wines • Bianchi Wines • Borlino • Brio Tuscan Grille Brown Forman • Caricature Art, Inc. • Chinook Tavern • Chuck Latham Associates • Colorado Expression Colorado Golf Club • Epicurean • Equine Oasis • EXDO • Ferrari of Denver • Four Seasons Hotel Denver Freedom Press Gallo Wines • Groove Automotive • Horse Connection • Image Audio Visuals Jackson National Life Insurance • Majest International • Mangia Bevi • Mayo Aviation • McCormick & Schmicts Red Lion Vail • Reign Magazine • Restaurant Kelly Liken • Search Parker • Sonnenalp Hotel • Sugarlicious The Golden Bear • The Moderators • Towne & Country Transportation
Adds & Scratches
Get Ready for The Evergreen Classic Benefit Horse Show The Evergreen Classic Benefit Horse Show is returning for a historic 37th year, August 7–11th at the Remlinger Farms Equestrian Park, alongside the Snoqualmie River in Carnation, WA. This event is the Northwest’s premier equestrian competition, featuring the region’s top hunter-jumper horses and riders, great food and family entertainment, and several special events throughout the week. The Evergreen Classic features six all-grass show rings, the 14 Hands VIP Patron’s tent, and a Vendor Row that includes a wide variety of food, shopping, and entertainment for the entire family. The show’s combination of top-notch horses and riders, beautiful setting and views, and variety of family entertainment make it the perfect weekend destination. Brought to you by the Washington State Hunter Jumper Association, special events include the Evergreen Classic Grand Prix and the International Hunter Derby. This is an “AA” Hunter and Jumper 3 rated USEF horse show and a World Champion Hunter Rider event.
Here are the dates/times of the main events: • $25,000 Grand Prix—Saturday at 5:30pm in the Grand Prix ring • $10,000 International Hunter Derby—Sunday at 8:00am in the Grand Hunter Field For more information visit www.evergreenclassic.com
extraordiNary equeStriaN eState in evergreeN, co This Classic Colorado style equestrian estate sits on 11 acres of green pasture with lush landscaping, waterfalls and a pond. An extraordinary property that gazes west to snowcapped mountain views. The equine facilities include a five-stall heated barn, indoor and outdoor riding arenas and miles of trails that begin from the barn door. The eight-car plus garage and an executive office suite is perfect for the car collector as well. Located in North Evergreen and 25 minutes to downtown Denver, this estate is an incredible value at $3,999,000. 32300 Woodland Drive For more information, please visit www.evergreenequestrianestate.com
NaNcy SilvermaN 303.506.1640 nancy.silverman@sothebysrealty.com
16 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
aNdrea maNcuSo Webber 970.376.0570 andrea.webber@sothebysrealty.com
Adds & Scratches
Senate Appropriations Committee Blocks Domestic Horse Slaughter The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee voted in favor of a provision that, if enacted into law, could halt any efforts to resume slaughtering horses for human consumption on U.S. soil. The amendment to the agriculture appropriations bill, which was offered by Sens. Mary Landrieu, D–La., and Lindsay Graham, R–S.C. and approved by the committee by voice vote, disallows spending by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on inspections at prospective horse slaughter plants in FY 2014, effectively preventing any from opening. The House Appropriations Committee passed an identical amendment last week. A similar spending prohibition that was put in place in 2005 was not renewed in 2011, allowing for horse slaughter plants to reopen in the U.S. There are no horse slaughter facilities currently operating in the U.S. but USDA confirms it had received at least six applications from prospective abattoirs, and several are close to being approved. Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of
The Humane Society of the United States, issued the following response: “The idea of slaughtering horses for human consumption will never gain traction here—Americans’ abiding appreciation for horses, and our debt to these animals for their service, will triumph over the idea of making
a profit on these animals by the pound. The House and Senate appropriations committees have spoken, and we look forward to seeing this spending prohibition on horse slaughter inspections adopted into law.” But, until it is enacted into law, we’ll have to deal with this. [see next page]
HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 17
Adds & Scratches
Fed Officials Approve Horse Slaughterhouse in New Mexico Federal officials have granted a southeastern New Mexico company’s request to open a horse slaughterhouse, adding Friday that they plan to grant similar permits to operations in Iowa and Missouri. With the action, Valley Meat Co. of Roswell is set to become the first operation in the nation licensed to process horses into meat since Congress effectively banned the practice seven years ago. The company has been fighting for approval from the Department of Agriculture for more than a year with a request that ignited an emotional debate over whether horses are livestock or domestic companions. The decision comes more than six months after Valley Meat Co. sued the USDA, accusing it of intentionally delaying the process because the Obama Administration opposes horse slaughter. Valley Meat Co. wants to ship horsemeat to countries where people cook with it or feed it to animals. Although the USDA granted the company’s certification, it was unclear when it would actually be able to begin slaughtering horses. Valley Meat Co. attorney Blair Dunn says the USDA has to send inspectors to the plant before it can begin operation. The plant would become the first horse slaughterhouse to operate in the country since Congress banned the practice by eliminating funding for inspections at the plants. Congress reinstated the funding in 2011, but the USDA has resisted approving Valley Meat Co.’s application, prompting the lawsuit. The USDA also is lobbying for an outright ban on horse slaughter, and the Obama administration’s budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year eliminates funding for inspections of horse slaughterhouses, which would effectively reinstate a ban on the industry. Both the House and Senate agriculture committees have endorsed proposals that would cut the funding. But it is unclear when and if an agriculture appropriations bill will pass this year. “Since Congress has not yet acted to ban horse slaughter inspection, (the 18 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
agriculture department) is legally required to issue a grant of inspection today to Valley Meats in Roswell, N.M., for equine slaughter,” said USDA spokeswoman Courtney Rowe.
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Adds & Scratches
Oregon Votes to Ban Horse Tripping The Oregon legislature has passed a law, sponsored by Senators Mark Hass, Bill Hansell, and Representative David Gomberg, to ban a cruel rodeo event called horse tripping, which involves roping the front legs of a galloping horse. Horse tripping in Oregon occurs in “Big Loop” rodeos in which two mounted horsemen chase a horse, usually a small
yearling, into the arena and rope its front legs as it travels at a fast gallop. It also happens in clandestine charreada rodeos, where a single roper on foot ropes the front legs of a horse as it gallops past him in the arena. When the front legs of a galloping horse are roped, the animal trips and falls violently.
Serving The Equestrian Community Nationwide
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Witnesses to horse tripping events in Oregon reported young horses being so severely injured that they were unable to stand, and were therefore dragged from the arena so the practice could resume. Scott Beckstead, senior Oregon State director for the humane society, said: “Horse tripping events are traumatizing for the animals and can cause catastrophic injuries such as broken legs, necks and backs.” “Watching a horse fall to the ground and suffer is not entertainment—it’s inhumane and has no place in Oregon.” Horse tripping has been banned in 11 other states, including states with strong rodeo traditions, such as Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Horse tripping is not sanctioned by mainstream rodeo.
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HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 19
Adds & Scratches
visit one of our three facilities We offer full service lesson, training and sale programs to horses and families at all levels. For over 30 years we have been sharing our passion with fellow horse lovers and look forward to having you as a part of the family. 303.791.7656 comments@cottonwoodridingclub.com
cottonwood 10415 Roxborough Park Road Littleton CO 80125
denver Polo club 6359 Airport Road Sedalia CO 80135
5280 equestrian inc. 6000 Main Street Littleton CO 80125
Join Us For
The Rocky MounTain ibeRian hoRse club Regional championship show for andalusians and lusitanos
plus Open Breed Dressage show and Open Breed Working Equitation Competition
castle Rock, Douglas county Fairgrounds
september 6, 7, and 8, 2013 RMIHC.org
20 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
速
a REAL ESTATE division
connecting horse people to horse properties nationwide coming soon
sport
Colorado John Pearce and Chianto Win Two of the First Three Grand Prix to Kick off the Summer Series at Colorado Horse Park The Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena was christened on the first week of the Colorado Horse Park’s Summer in the Rockies in a ceremony during the $30,000 Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix. A field of 12 horseand-rider combinations accepted the challenge of Hector Loyola’s technical track, but it was Canadian John Pearce who expertly navigated the jump-off round, besting the rest with long-time partner Chianto, owned by Forest View Farm and Allison Moore. The Colorado fans got a chance to root for one of their own when local rider Susan Griffis and Palmer Divide Ranch’s Udine pushed Pearce hard through the jump off and finished in a strong second place. Two weeks later Pearce was at it again with his veteran mount Chianto, as the pair bested the field to win the $30,000 Summer in the Rockies Grand Prix
John Pearce and Chianto. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge
presented by Nutrena, during week three of Summer in the Rockies. Said Pearce about his showing in Colorado, “I am looking forward to going
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22 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, going golfing and all the things that I enjoy here. It’s a great place to be in the summertime.”
sport
VanderVeen Delivers Best Fathers Day Gift Winning Summer in the Rockies II $30,000 Grand Prix Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Eternal held off the always dangerous John Pearce to take the blue ribbon in the Summer in the Rockies II $30,000 Grand Prix presented by Littleton Equine Medical Center and Platinum Performance. “He’s been money for me,” Kristen said of Bull Run’s Eternal. “We imported him this winter and right away he was second in a class at WEF in Wellington. He jumped the night classes. I’ve never really gotten to do that before. He’s only 10 years old. I have high hopes for him.” “She had to beat three great horses with John Pearce and he is a super rider,” said Keith VanderVeen, who flew in to watch and be with his daughter for Fathers Day. “This is the best Fathers Day present!” “Kristen was really good,” Pearce said. “Her horse has a huge stride. That was definitely what got me. It was a great day. It was a lot of fun. The horses all finished sound and happy and that is what is important. In
any sport you just never know what’s going to happen. That’s why you can never get too big an ego.” “It was a beautiful day. It is a beautiful horse show,” said course designer Danny Foster. “I think that people should know they have a good thing goKristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Eternal. Photo by Carrie Wirth ing here and they’re growing. Of all the years I’ve been involved with better all the time. The footing is great and it the show, it seems to be on the uptick. The supports it. They stage very good sport and level of the sport here is getting better and that is what people want.”
Get out of the ring and onto the range Offering Ranch Horsemanship Clinics
U
se cattle to improve your horsemanship skills on the 87,000 acre Chico Basin Ranch. Cam Schryver, life long educator and horseman, supported by Chico Basin Ranch staff, will help you sharpen your skills in a ranch setting, working cattle as a medium for learning natural horsemanship principles. Bring your own horse or use one of ours; camping available. All levels and ages welcome and encouraged.
( check
website for more information )
c hico b asin r anch . com 719.683.7960 info @ chicobasinranch . com HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 23
sport
McConnell Wins the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall Of Fame High Junior/ Amateur Jumper Classic International course designer Alan Wade created a course that tested horse and riders in the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall Of Fame High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic. Out of 17 entries, only four completed the first course without a fault. Amanda McConnell, who was second in the Welcome Stake and second in a 1.30m class, rode brilliantly and laid down an unbeatable time with a fast 40.365-second faultless round. In the end, McConnell and Leon D’Or earned the victory gallop. Her father, lifelong horseman Jim McConnell, trains McConnell. The family hails from Littleton, CO, where their Coventry Farms has been in business for 24 years. In 2008, McConnell’s family started The Right Step, a nonprofit therapeutic riding center. Amanda McConnell and Leon D’Or. Photo by Carrie Wirth
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sport
California Eduardo Menezes Wins Blenheim EquiSports $30,000 June Classic I Grand Prix
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estern Lands is a full service land enhancement firm specializing in helping landowners maximize the value of their ranch or large acreage property Eduardo Menezes and Le Fleur 4. Photo by McCool Photos
On yet another great day in Southern California, a small but stellar group of international competitors took on the challenge presented by world-renowned course designer Linda Allen in the $30,000 June Classic I Grand Prix, sponsored by St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort. Brazilian Menezes entered the arena first on the eight-year-old dappled grey, Le Fleur 4. The pair jumped around beautifully and paved the way for a clean round. Menezes and the graceful grey mare then galloped around the jump-off course fault-free for the win. After having won on his experienced thirteenyear-old mount Calavda in May, Menezes was equally pleased with his young horse. “This was actually her first grand prix. She is only eight years old but she has a big future ahead of her.”
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HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 25
sport
Hometown Heroes Rusty Stewart and Bristol Victorious at Blenheim It was another picture-perfect weekend for high performance sports in San Juan Capistrano. Twenty-one entries galloped on to the grass field today but only three could clear the track set by course designer Catalina Cruz in the $30,000 June Classic II Grand Prix. After the first three attempts on course ended in multiple faults, Rusty Stewart and Grey Fox Farm’s Bristol sailed smoothly around for the first clean effort. When asked whether the challenge of the course was a concern for Bristol, Stewart replied, “I wasn’t worried about the course. He’s getting so confident and he’s so secure the 1.50m grand prix level. He’s getting more mature and stronger each season.” Now in his fourth high performance season, Bristol knows his job. “He does like the jump-offs. He starts to get excited, and moves his legs faster. He’s really just turning out to be a great horse,” Stewart said of his homebred star.
D Rusty Stewart and Bristol. Photo by McCool Photos
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Contact: Alison Ashbaugh 425-241-3701 alisonashbaugh@hotmail.com 26 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
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Josephina Nor-Lantzman & Chello Z Triumph in the $30,000 June Classic III Grand Prix On another gorgeous breezy Southern California afternoon, sixteen horse and rider combinations attempted the track set by internationally renowned course designer Guilherme Jorge in the $30,000 June Classic III Grand Prix, presented by The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel. The challenges on course resulted in only three fault-free rounds
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Josephina Nor-Lantzman and Chello Z. Photo by McCool Photos
with the victory going to the only double clear of the day, Brazilian Josephina Nor-Lantzman and Chello Z. It was an exciting three gray horse jump-off with two Brazilians and an American battling it out over a Brazilian course designer’s track. The gorgeous gray Chello Z, with Nor-Lantzman in the irons, was flawless in the jump-off in a time of 38.67. Nor-Lantzman was pleased with her win. “I knew that the time would be an issue and I just went for it. It’s my last week of showing; we’ve been here for three weeks, so you just give it your all at that point. It was great to have the Brazilians in the jump-off and as the course designer; it’s more fuel for the fire.” Josephina Nor-Lantzman. Photo by McCool Photos
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HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 27
sport
New York Fifteen-Year-Old Lillie Keenan and Pumped Up Kicks, Jump to First Grand Prix Win in $125,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix, Presented by Zoetis Lillie Keenan and Pumped Up Kicks were pumped up just enough to win the $125,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis. The 15-yearold rider and Chansonette Farm, LLC’s Pumped Up Kicks closed out three weeks of spring shows at HITS-on-the-Hudson with the only double clear of the day, cracking the code to Canadian designer Danny Foster’s track. The pair started competing together at the start of the winter circuits in Florida this year and this marked the first grand prix victory for both. “My horse does better the bigger and harder the course,” said Keenan, who hails from New York, New York. “The scope he has is unbelievable—I have yet to jump a fence where I feel like he is actually trying.”
Lillie Kennan and Pumped Up Kicks. Photo by ESI Photography
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sport
Canada Leslie Howard and Lennox Lewis 2 Victorious in $175,000 Nexen Cup Derby at Spruce Meadows The final day of the Spruce Meadows ‘National’ Tournament featured speed and stamina, and that’s just what Leslie Howard (USA) and Lennox Lewis 2 had as they took their second victory in the $175,000 Nexen Cup 1.60m Derby, equaling their 2011 finish. Howard described Lennox Lewis as the quintessential derby horse. “He’s been in the top of the derbies every year since I’ve been doing them, probably four or five years,” she said. “He’s just a great derby horse. He’s easy to ride, he’s very brave. He’s not hard on himself. He never jumps too exuberantly; he doesn’t get too excited about anything. He’s just very steady Eddie. That’s a great attribute in a derby horse.”
1 Leslie Howard and Lenox Lewis 2. Photo by Spruce Meadows Media Services
Kyle is King at Purica Recovery EQ World Cup Qualifier at Thunderbird Kyle King’s young team delivered under pressure at the FEI World Cup qualifier at Thunderbird Show Park. In a field representing five nations, only three riders advanced to the jump off, with King and his 10 year-old Oldenburg, Quigley, taking the day. “I was pretty happy when I saw the course,” noted King. “It’s one of Quigley’s first times at this level, but he has tremendous scope so I thought the track was a really good set up for him.” King headed east to Spruce Meadows following the WC Qualifier, with plans to return to Thunderbird later this summer. “I like riding in this big field,” King notes. “I’ll be back in July with some horses that I’m riding for Spruce and then in August I’ll have the full team back together and here for the World Cup.” Kyle King and Quigley. Photo by Totem Photographics
HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 31
HC’s Close Contact Celebrating Women in Equestrian Business
T
he connection between women and horses has been
documented as far back as the Victorian Era. And any venture to a horse show will confirm this, as horse show participants are over 80% women. So, it is no surprise that a majority of equestrian related businesses are run by women. You need passion to start-up, run, and be successful in owning your own business—and when it comes to the horse, there is no shortage of passion, or inspiration for that matter. One could say that horses indeed, inspire us to achieve many things, including owning your own business. HC’s Close Contact is a showcase that highlights women in equestrian business with questions that reveal their character, their humor, and their humanity. So, enjoy your contact with these equestrian women, who epitomize the phrase—who says you can’t have it all?
Julie Patton �����������������������������������������������������������������34 Carol Austin ��������������������������������������������������������������� 36 Jennifer Rhodes ������������������������������������������������������� 38 Kimberly Tenhulzen �����������������������������������������������40 Victoria Shaw �������������������������������������������������������������42 Heather Lindsey �������������������������������������������������������44 Tami Sorley �����������������������������������������������������������������46
HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 33
Julie Patton Photography, LLC
When did you start? I became a full time certified professional photographer in 2009. First business? This is my first business that I’ve owned after a long career in the horse breeding industry.
Other businesses? Nope. I’m all in. Tell us about you. I’m a fine art portrait photographer based in Loveland, Colorado, specializing in photographing the horse/ human connection. I am deeply passionate about taking women who feel ordinary and showing them the extraordinary while capturing their special relationship with their equine companions.
Besides your business, what is your involvement or connection with horses? I’ve been breeding and owning and showing horses my whole life. I grew up across the street from (and literally in) a veterinary practice and had been doing equine reproduction for 15 years before changing gears to photography.
What encouraged you to create an equestrian business? It occurred to me one day when my kids were little, that breeding season coincides with summer vacation with my boys. I didn’t want my kids to get the short end of the stick while I worked all summer, so I needed to find something to do that would be more flexible than breeding horses. Photography sort of fell in my lap and it’s been the perfect challenging creative outlet for me.
What is the most fulfilling part of your business? Being able to combine my knowledge of horses with artistic creativity is second only to showing women how beautiful they really are. If you had told me five years ago that I would be a professional photographer, I’d have looked at you like you were an alien. It wasn’t even on my radar. I’m incredibly fortunate to have had some great mentors and one special friend who put the bug in my ear to pursue this crazy dream.
What is the least fulfilling? Bookkeeping!
34 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Is there anything that horses have taught you that translates into your business model? Absolutely. Knowing horses—being
What is your favorite country that you have visited? My home country, England.
a horsewoman myself—provides a unique perspective and ability to use the horse’s conformation, personality and breed to his best advantage. My subjects remain happy and safe during a shoot, while I’m getting those amazing, artful images that beg to be hung on a wall.
Favorite book? Memoirs of a Geisha. Not only is this book a riveting novel, it holds special meaning for me because the movie based on this book was filmed at Ventura Farms in Thousand Oaks, CA, during my time there as Breeding Manager.
Who inspires you? I’m inspired all the time
Every woman should own (and wear!) a great pair of heels.
by people around me. People who exhibit humility, grace, courage and strength. I meet these women all the time in my photo sessions and they inspire me.
What do you consider your toughest challenge? My toughest challenge is always that work/life balance. The consummate pile of laundry that never gets smaller and a house that doesn’t clean itself.
What movie title best describes your life? The Pursuit of Happyness.
What is your favorite charity? Right up the road from me here in Loveland, CO is Hearts and Horses—an incredible equine assisted therapy facility that does therapeutic/adaptive riding, hippotherapy, therapy for wounded servicemen and veterans and works with at risk youth.
Favorite shoes? My Jimmy Choo pumps!
Who is your favorite stud? I have two favorites, both big grey beauties. The first is the Warlander stallion, Hummer. He’s a ham and such a Fabio. The other is KM Bugatti, an Arabian stallion with personality, athletic ability and siring ability galore. Bugatti is so human like in his ability to read people and I love his sweet, playful nature.
Favorite saddle? Any that’s on the back of a good horse.
What is your guilty pleasure? Time alone, cell phone off, with a glass of chardonnay and a good book.
Were you a wild or mild child growing up? From my parents’ perspective or mine? Probably a healthy blend of both.
Julie Patton Where do you live in your dreams? Central California without political and fiscal issues.
the
Your partner “must love horses.” What else must they love besides you? Great food! I am such a foodie; I absolutely adore and appreciate great food. I could never be married to someone who doesn’t appreciate fine dining.
Dogs or children? For road trips, dogs. To make me laugh, children. Greatest regret? Life is too short for regrets. Living with regret only invites sadness.
Number one on your bucket list? To go on a photography-driven trip to Morocco, Italy, Greece, beautiful places with absolutely no agenda, seeking only perfect light, beautiful horses and sublime culinary experiences.
fear?
Who would you most like to have dinner with? My parents. They are in their mid-
Something awful happening to one of my kids.
seventies and I know my opportunities to spend time with them are limited. Plus, my dad is the best chef I know.
Greatest
What is your motto? If you can’t fix it, forget it. What's on the horizon for Julie? On the horizon for me is an expansion of my fine art gallery listings, hiking four more 14’ers (14,000' mountains) this summer and finding new horses and beautiful women to photograph, both in this country and abroad. I’ll be traveling to Europe in 2014 to photograph horses in Belgium and surrounding countries.
Contact Information: Julie Patton Photography, LLC, 970 231 4784 www.juliepattonphotography.com
HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 35
Close Contact When did you start? 1999. First business? No. I’ve been self-employed in the horse business my entire life. My exhusband and I were in the Thoroughbred business together for many years. We bred, raised, owned, broke, trained, raced, bought, sold, traded, hauled and did layups. He was a farrier and equine dentist to boot. We sold a lot off track Thoroughbreds for every discipline. In short, we did just about anything you could do with a horse to make our living. Other businesses? I have two divisions of Superior Equine Sires: a display advertising website called Superior Equine Sales that I started to give my clients a place to sell their horses. I was inspired by them telling me they would purchase more semen if they could just sell a horse! I started my equine travel business last year, Superior Equine Sights. That came about because of clients telling me they’d love to go along on my next European trip.
Tell us about you. As a child, my family lived many places around the West, following my dad’s career. Because of our frequent moves, I was never allowed to have a horse, but one of the first things I did everywhere we moved was to find the nearest horse. I became a resourceful, if unsupervised, “catch rider.” After I finished a couple years of college I moved to the country and bought my first horse. After I married, my husband and I settled in eastern Washington to raise a family. When my children had left home and I divorced, I relocated first to Wyoming and then to western Washington to be nearer to my extended family. After many years living
Carol
way out in the country I also wanted to be more involved in the arts and cultural events. I especially enjoy writing, and one of my ongoing projects is a series of essays about my lifetime of experiences with horses. Instead of “A River Ran Through It,” it’s more like “A Horse Ran Through It.” I hope to publish it someday.
passion.
Besides your business, what is your involvement or connection with horses?
What do you consider your toughest challenge? Maintaining the balance between
I trained racehorses for many years, and recycled a lot of Thoroughbreds for their second careers. I love packing in the high country and used to have a little pack string of two mules and a good mountain horse. Since I relocated to an urban area, I no longer own a horse, but I am able to ride when I visit friends.
work and leisure while running a home-based business.
Superior Equine Sires
What encouraged you to create an equestrian business? I bred horses for the track for many years, but became disillusioned with the racing business. Still, I had some beautiful mares I wanted to breed to sport horses. It seemed more logical to breed to foreign sires, rather than their unproven sons or grandsons here, so a group of friends and I cooperated on a semen importation from Germany. It grew from there.
Who inspires you? People who follow their
What movie title best describes your life? From Here to Eternity.
What is your favorite charity? Defenders of Wildlife.
What is your favorite country that you have visited? Germany. Favorite book? Passage to Juneau by Jonathan Raban.
Favorite shoes? Keen.
What is the most fulfilling part of your business? Talking to my clients and prospective
Who is your favorite stud? De Niro, who just happens to be the world’s current number one sire of dressage horses.
clients about stallions, broodmares, bloodlines and their breeding goals. I’m a vicarious breeder now.
Favorite saddle? My pre-Civil War Morganbrand plantation saddle.
What is the least fulfilling? Finding out that
What is your guilty pleasure? Tilting my
someone’s mare did not get in foal.
head back and squirting canned whipped cream into my mouth.
Is there anything that horses have taught you that translates into your business model? Patience and
Were you a wild or mild child growing up?
perseverance.
Carol Austin
Wild, a tomboy through and through.
Where do you live in your dreams? Everywhere.
Austin Your partner “must love horses.” What else must they love besides you? Travel and adventure. Food, books and music.
Dogs or children? Dogs, since my kids are raised.
Greatest regret? Regret is the negativity of the past brought to the present. I try to avoid it. Greatest fear? That something dreadful might happen to one of my children.
Number one on your bucket list? To finish writing three books and a screenplay.
Who would you most like to have dinner with? Brad Pitt. What is your motto? Live each day as if it was your last, for one day it will be. What’s on the horizon for Carol Austin? I hope to expand my European equine tours to include more events and more countries. I would also love to organize wilderness pack trips for American and European equine enthusiasts.
Contact Information: Carol Austin 360 758 2808 307 587 5105 info@superiorequinesires.com www.superiorequinesires.com
caprimond
Close Contact
Jennifer Rhodes
Up & Over Inc.
When did you start? 1991. Other businesses? I ran an advertising agency for 17 years prior to turning professional. I dealt with print media primarily servicing the commercial real estate market. I also had a business that repaired leather goods. I would replace the elastics on girths or custom fit
a breast plate, whatever needed to be done, while I watched TV at night. I did anything to be able to afford lessons.
Tell us about you. I’m 60 years old and live on a small farm in Sedalia, CO with my wonderful husband, a couple of barn cats, a border collie puppy named Lucy (short for Lucifer), some fish, and two retired show horses. We’re also anxiously expecting a new foal in the next couple of weeks. Besides your business, what is your involvement or connection with horses? I’ve had a connection with horses since I was four years old. My parents were divorced, which was not the norm in 1956. Mom had a wonderful friend, Capt. Bitler, a retired Calvary officer, who had taught her to ride as a teen. Capt. used to pick me up after school and take me to the Flying J & J livery stable with him. The stable was located at Monaco and Hampden in Denver. In those days, it was way out in the country. The horses gave me stability in my life that was otherwise lacking. And they gave me love.
What encouraged you to create an equestrian business? I had been riding with Suzy Balensiefen for about ten years as an amateur. 38 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
She took me from rough stock to Grand Prix. One evening at dinner she looked at me and said, “You’re a frustrated professional.” It dawned on me that I could maybe ride as a professional. I went to work for her the next month and have never looked back.
What is the most fulfilling part of your business? I love teaching people about horses, and about riding horses. I believe that we should strive to be better riders, not to win more ribbons (although who doesn’t love to do that?) but to ultimately improve the lives of our partners—our horses.
What is the least fulfilling? Repeating myself over and over and over and…
Is there anything that horses have taught you that translates into your business model? Anything? Everything. The horses we ride and compete on have their own lives, their own agenda. I see my role in this “business” as a facilitator. I’m here to educate people, at whatever level they are at, to seeing the world from the horses’ point of view. To help them understand how to forge a partnership with their horse based on trust.
Who inspires you? Joe Fargis, for his love of the horse. Gene Lewis for his understanding of the unexplainable desire of a horse to jump.
What do you consider your toughest challenge? There are parts of this job no one told me about that I had no training for— family counselor, conflict management, social director…
What movie title best describes your life? It’s a Good Life.
What is your favorite charity? Wounded Warriors. We owe so much to our veterans.
What is your favorite country that you have visited? It’s a toss-up between Italy and France. Both have good wine.
What is your guilty pleasure? I used to love a good cigar. Now I settle for a pedicure.
Greatest fear? Alzheimer’s disease. I watched
Were you a wild or mild child growing up?
Number one on your bucket list? Sleeping in.
Wild with a capital W!
Where do you live in your dreams? On a small
Favorite book? Atlas Shrugged.
farm in Sedalia, Colorado.
Favorite shoes? Flip-flops.
Your partner “must love horses.” What else must they love besides you? I’m not sure my
Who is your favorite stud? Other than my husband? Love my four-year-old’s daddy, “Coconut Grove.” This year’s Baby Daddy is “Cunningham.”
husband loves horses, but he tolerates them because he loves me. He has his own passions, some of them overlap with mine, but some are just his. It’s all good.
Favorite saddle? Any saddle I’m still sitting in on the back side of a big oxer.
Dogs or children? Is that an either/or choice? Greatest regret? That I had to be 60 years old before I got a clue.
my mother’s slow death and was mortified.
Who would you most like to have dinner with? Stephen Stills. What is your motto? Follow your Bliss. Go with the Flow. No Drama.
What’s on the horizon for Jennifer Rhodes? After the summer series at Colorado Horse Park, we’ll make our annual journey to California in August to enjoy showing on the West Coast.
Contact Information: Jennifer Rhodes 303 929 7856 Upandoverinc@gmail.com
HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 39
Close Contact
Kimberly Crou When did you start? 2003
First business? True North, Inc. Other businesses? Deerwood Farm Training Tell us about you. I grew up riding Hunters and Jumpers in NC, and knew at nine years old that I wanted to do it forever. Before horses I did everything from dance to playing instruments, and my parents were not about to add a horse to the list! I cleaned 10 stalls a day for one lesson a week, and they co-signed a loan when I was 13 to purchase my first horse. My family could not support me to travel to many horse shows as a Junior, so I started training and competing professionally at 18 in order to work my way towards success. I was fortunate to grow a lesson barn into an “A” show barn where I took my first job at Deerwood Farm with Jane Smith. Moving to Southern Pines, NC to work for the Lenehan family in search of more knowledge, I learned the art of a successful sales barn by the best in the
industry. Being in the company of so many great horsemen and women taught me the true essence of what a Hunter should be.
In 1997 I moved to the Pacific NW for a riding/ teaching job, and then purchased True North, Inc, which had a small base of wonderful full training clients. After a very fulfilling riding and training career I chose to take the lead in our real estate brokerage, and ride and judge horse shows every moment possible in between. It naturally occurred that Equestrian Properties would become one of my specialties, and I love blending the two worlds together.
Besides your business, what is your involvement or connection with horses? Riding, teaching, giving clinics, and judging shows.
What encouraged you to create an equestrian business? Love of the horse and riding, as well
What movie title best describes your life? Annie Hall.
What is your favorite charity? Little Bits and SAFE Horse.
What is your favorite country that you have visited? Australia. Favorite book? Siddhartha. Favorite shoes? Vogel and Parlanti Riding Boots. Who is your favorite stud? Secretariat. Favorite saddle? Tad Coffin and Devoucoux. What is your guilty pleasure? Coffee with the
as helping people.
hummingbirds.
What is the most fulfilling part of your business? Helping people make life
Were you a wild or mild child growing up?
transitions, and building or finding equestrian facilities from small to large. From the first time buyer or seller, to something expansive, I love helping people make that change.
40 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
horses that cannot speak for themselves, I tend to err on the side of over attending to clients.
Mild, Thanks to the horses and creativity!
Where do you live in your dreams? On a horse.
What is the least fulfilling? Data input.
Your partner “must love horses.” What else must they love besides you? My dog and art.
Is there anything that horses have taught you that translates into your business model?
children for now.
Not every horse or real estate client has had the same experience, so you must be flexible and address every situation individually.
Greatest regret? Not keeping in contact with people important to me.
Who inspires you? Claudia Cojocar, one of the most
Greatest fear? Walking on narrow, suspended
brilliant horsewomen that I know, and my Mom.
heights with no railings—I would love to jump them on a horse, just not walk across them.
Dogs or children? Dogs and “borrowing”
What do you consider your toughest challenge? Taking time for myself. Real estate
Number one on your bucket list? To visit Ireland.
can be quite demanding, and unlike the horses that need to end the day at a point, people do not think the same. Accustomed to taking care of
Who would you most like to have dinner with? D.P. Lenehan, who I was so lucky to have
ouse Tenhulzen Tenhulzen Real Estate
ridden with for a few times early in my career. He taught me the science of the 18' in and out for a young horse. Though soft spoken, I have never forgotten a word he said.
What is your motto? Do what you say you are going to do.
What’s on the horizon for Kimberly? I will continue to make Tenhulzen Real Estate the best of brokerages, and help people make crucial life moves. Horses, houses, and farms are what it is all about! Traveling, visiting with friends and family, and giving back to the community are what drive me. It has taken a while to process stepping out of the training business full time. My realization is that working with the horses has always been simple for me, and working for the client in real estate business absolutely mirrors that. It is the same as making sure your client has a great riding lesson or wins that blue ribbon—it just never gets old! My goal is to find the balance between my two passions, and luckily my husband Brian has been supportive of that my entire career.
Contact Information: Kimberly Crouse Tenhulzen Tenhulzen Real Estate 11000 151st Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052 206 409 0771 www.tenhulzenrealestate.com kimberly@tenhulzenre.com
Close Contact
When did you start? Opened the new facility July 19th of 2010.
First business? According to my mom, my first “business� would have been my education. Along with going to college and running Astoria, Ltd. I worked in the restaurant business as a waitress for three years as well. Nothing will teach you more about working with people than being a server. Tell us about you. I am 25 years old and I own my own equestrian facility where I am the head trainer, riding instructor and coach. I was born and raised in the one-stoplight town of Boonville, NC. I graduated salutatorian of my high school class and this earned me a full academic ride to the college of my dreams, Virginia Intermont College. I participated in the Presidential Classroom during the Inauguration in January of 2005 and a study abroad program in Germany and Austria where I studied and took Political Science classes through the University of Munich. I graduated with honors in 2010 with a BS in
Equine Studies, and Pre-Law with a minor in Political Science in four years while working two jobs to pay for my college experience.
being comfortable with the person that I am. He was always my number one fan and I miss being able to share my dream with him.
Besides your business, what is your involvement or connection with horses? In
What do you consider your toughest challenge? My age. People tend to underestimate
the horse world I grew up riding hunters. Because of the distance to my lessons my mom relocated me to a new farm that ran an Arabian breeding farm. I was hooked. While I still start and train open circuit sport horses, my love is in the breed circuit. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best Arabian and Paint trainers on the East Coast.
me because of my lack of age, but I am a firm believer in quality of quantity. And sometimes I have to stop and evaluate just how young I am compared to all of my peers, and be thankful for where I am. Rome was not built in a day.
What encouraged you to create an equestrian business? I originally had plans to become an attorney. However, my freshman year of college I lost my father to cancer. He always used to tell me to do what made me happy. So I decided the office life was not for me. Life is too short to not do what you love. I just happened to be blessed with enough talent and gumption to chase my dreams.
What is the most fulfilling part of your business? I love working with talented young horses and also kids. It is just great to see how happy the kids are and how much they love it.
What is the least fulfilling? The office work and paperwork that are involved. Is there anything that horses have taught you that translates into your business model? Integrity, to be fair and honest, to give my best in everything that I do, and to stop and smell the roses.
What is your favorite charity? I prefer to do my charity work hands on. I like to be able to see the lives I am changing. I do a lot of extra work with special needs children and adults. I also do a program through the Arabian Horse Association that helps to promote literacy through the love of horses. I get calls from parents all the time saying that I was the one who inspired their child to read. It truly warms my heart.
What is your favorite country that you have visited? The Bahamas. I love everything about it. It is such a beautiful country with beautiful people who really understand the meaning of enjoying life.
Favorite book? This is a tough question but I am a sucker for the Harry Potter series and The Hunger Games. Not the most mentally stimulating but sometimes it is nice to escape the world we live in.
Favorite shoes? My Tin Haul boots and my Sanuk sandals.
Who is your favorite stud? Channing Tatum,
Victoria Who inspires you? My mom. Every day. Also, my father. He taught me the importance of
um, I mean KM Bugatti.
Favorite saddle? My Dale Chavez work saddle.
Astoria, Ltd. Equestrian Center LLC
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What is your guilty pleasure? I have two— naps and fine dining. I am a closet epicurean. Were you a wild or mild child growing up? I was totally a mild child growing up. I can count the number of times I was scolded on one hand.
Where do you live in your dreams? I live on a beautiful sandy beach with a constant breeze and a slow roll of wave sets coming in. I love to surf. I would have my surfboard, my dog, and a bottomless glass of Bahama Mama. Dogs or children? Both. I grew up on a dirt road and people would drop off their unwanted dogs all the time. Growing up as an only child these castaways were my playmates. However I love my kids. I become attached to each one that walks through my barn doors. I want to be able to inspire them to be stronger, smarter, braver, and most importantly to follow their dreams. I want them to look back ten years from now and think, “Miss Victoria inspired me to do that.” Greatest regret? I wish at times that we did not have regrets, but I think it is those regrets that mold us into the people we are suppose to be. I realize that I am precisely where I am meant to be.
Greatest fear? Besides spiders and heights, my greatest fear would be failure.
Number one on your bucket list? Travel the world. Being in the horse business you can become so caught up in the daily grind of the horse world that we can forget that there is such a fantastic world outside of it to explore.
Who would you most like to have dinner with? My dad. I would love to catch up with him and let him know how I am living out all the plans we made.
What is your motto? Work Hard, Play Hard. What’s on the horizon for Victoria Shaw? I am looking forward to presenting a talented line-up of horses and clients in the near future. I would love to start putting on clinics involving my “out of the box” teaching style and I really want to go back to school. I think Dr. Victoria Shaw has a nice ring to it.
Contact Information:
a Shaw 3914 River Rd., Boonville, NC 27011 336 469 1246 www.astorialtd.com
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Close Contact
•
When did you start? 2012.
First business? I’ve worked in customer service and commercial construction in the past and have been in the insurance industry for the last two years, previously with State Farm.
Tell us about you. I’ve lived in Washington State my whole life and was riding horses before I could walk. Both my mom and my grandfather grew up with horses so it’s in my blood. I didn’t start showing until high school and haven’t stopped since. I’m lucky enough to have my horses at home so I’m a hands-on horse owner. I’m the stall cleaner, groom and exerciser and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Besides your business, what is your involvement or connection with horses? Horses are my passion and I can’t imagine my life without them. This year I am going a new direction with my Western Pleasure gelding and we’re competing in trail on the Arabian circuit. He’s much happier and I’m back showing in my favorite division. It’s a building year and my trainer Jackie Davenport and I are excited about his bright future!
What encouraged you to create an equestrian business? I always wanted to work in the horse industry and by pure accident found this job. I feel so lucky to have a job that I love and look forward to going to every day.
What is the most fulfilling part of your business? Talking and meeting horse people like me.
What is the least fulfilling? The mountain of paperwork.
Is there anything that horses have taught you that translates into your business model? Patience and the ability to listen and respect.
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Who inspires you? People who are driven and not afraid of hard work to accomplish great things. What do you consider your toughest challenge? There is never enough time in the day to spend with my horses.
What movie title best describes your life? My dog Cody is like Marley and Me.
What is your favorite charity? We sponsor shows like the Evergreen Classic that benefits Little Bit Therapuetic Riding Center. What is your favorite country that you have visited? Canada. Favorite book? I read a lot of books but The Black Stallion will always be my favorite.
Favorite shoes? My Ariats. Who is your favorite stud? Khemosabi.
Heather Lindsey Leavitt Equine Insurance
What is your guilty pleasure? Ice cream and chocolate.
Were you a wild or mild child growing up? Mild but always could entertain myself “playing horses” much to the dismay of my sister.
Where do you live in your dreams? I have some pretty weird dreams but hopefully somewhere in Montana with horses.
Your partner “must love horses.” What else must they love besides you? NFL football, Duke Blue Devil Basketball and my dog Cody.
Dogs or children? Dogs, cats and chickens.
Greatest regret? Not taking Mondavi+ to Nationals for trail before it was too late. Greatest fear? Getting too old to ride.
Number one on your bucket list? Win a National Championship in trail.
Who would you most like to have dinner with? Josh Duhamel—a girl’s gotta have a dream!
What is your motto? “Whatever you can do or dream you can - begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” —Goethe What’s on the horizon for Heather Lindsey? I’m looking forward to making new friends and connections in the industry and growing our business. This year I started my AFIS certification and hope to find the time to get that completed. On the horse side, keep moving forward with “Bear” in trail and get my Half Arab Boogies in the show ring next year.
Z
Favorite saddle? My Broken Horn show saddle—it’s like riding a couch, it’s so comfortable!
Contact Information: Heather Lindsey Leavitt Equine Insurance, Agent heather-lindsey@leavitt.com www.jogtrot.com
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Close Contact First business? Selling Irish Setter puppies in 1978. Other businesses? • DESTINATION EVERYTHING ITALIAN! INC. World Class Accommodation at Villa Ferraia and travel itinerary design • RIDING IN TUSCANY Equestrian Holidays in Tuscany
Tell us about you. From the time I can remember, I have had a deep love of animals and wanted to give back to these creatures as a veterinarian. Throughout my many years of school, I never lost sight of this goal and realized my dream when I graduated from veterinary school in 1989. In addition to practicing equine veterinary medicine, I avidly pursue my other passions of travel, gardening, cooking, fox hunting and reading. Besides your business, what is your involvement or connection with horses? I was the child
winter through Amish settlements, I was sure that that was where I belonged, in a community where the horse was a way of life. My grandfather nurtured this by taking me to the sale barn on Friday nights to see the tack, ponies and horses auctioned. I couldn’t get enough and finally had my own horse when I got my driver’s license and could escape the city I grew up in. I later showed horses for many years and am still involved with multiple hunt clubs, as an avid member and past board member.
What encouraged you to create an equestrian business? The veterinary practice came naturally. The other two came quite by accident. I organized a riding vacation to Italy for myself and a number of friends in 2001. Our guide, Vittorio Cambria and I became fast friends and he encouraged me to be his US marketing liaison for his fabulous villa in Tuscany, Villa Ferraia. I resisted, he persisted and hence, the other two businesses. They have been challenging and presented a great learning curve, but have been very rewarding.
What is the most fulfilling part of your business? In the veterinary practice, I love educating my clients and witnessing the positive results, as well as mentoring young students pursuing the veterinary dream. My travel businesses have introduced me to some amazing people and a culture that I wholeheartedly embrace (I think I MUST have been an Italian in another lifetime!).
What is the least fulfilling? The mountains of paperwork. And I DETEST filling out forms.
that was relentless on my parents to stop at all the pony rides along the road. I loved their gentle eyes, their velvet noses, silky coats and smell of the barns! Traveling to the south with my family in the
Tami Sorl TAMARA V. SORLEY, MS, DVM, PC
Veterinary Practice Dedicated to the Horse
Is there anything that horses have taught you that translates into your business model? Patience, be consistent and read the body language.
Who inspires you? Anyone who is successful with a positive attitude, with an energetic and deep passion about what they do, no matter what that is.
stances dampen her fiery spirit and drive. After all, “tomorrow is another day.”
Were you a wild or mild child growing up?
What is your favorite charity? I give to many, but in particular Susan G Komen, as breast cancer has affected so many close to me, the AAEP Foundation and The Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, serving the health and wellbeing of the horse and Irish Setter, respectively.
Where do you live in your dreams? Right here.
What do you consider your toughest challenge? Time management: finding
What is your favorite country that you have visited? The great United States of America. I have
the time to balance my work, projects and hobbies.
traveled all over the world, met many wonderful people, appreciated other cultures and have seen amazing sights, but there is no place like home. The diversity and beauty of this country, coupled
What movie title best describes your life? Gone With The Wind: Scarlett O’Hara had an attitude, not always so nice, but she never let circum-
rley
WILD (but focused).
I have always said you create your own paradise, no matter where. I have created mine!
Your partner “must love horses.” What else must they love besides you? My lifestyle and the great outdoors.
Dogs or children? Dogs are my heart animal. As a kid, I was always bringing home neighborhood dogs and putting them in the backyard hoping my parents wouldn’t notice. Greatest regret? I have none. Circumstances that appeared sour at the time always had some silver lining in a lesson learned, making me a stronger and better person. Greatest fear? A recurring nightmare I have had for years: I attend class, the professor hands out a blank blue book and an exam, and I am totally unprepared because I did not know we were having an exam (I couldn’t even guess the answers since it wasn’t multiple choice!). I guess I spent too many years in college!
Number one on your bucket list?
with the freedoms we enjoy, are incomparable.
Favorite book? I can’t say I really have one. As an avid reader, I prefer nonfiction books involving biographies, history, other cultures and places. Favorite shoes? Flip flops. Who is your favorite stud? MAN O’WAR, “hard to break, hard to beat,” his photo sits atop my desk. His longtime groom called him “da mostest horse,” aptly summing up this magnificent animal.
Favorite saddle? County Conquest.
What is your guilty pleasure? Sneaking in a nap on Sunday afternoons.
I don’t have a bucket list as I have spoiled myself throughout life, indulging my wishes as they come along. I am very lucky to have been able to do that. In my dreams I would love to be a steeplechase jock—what a thrill! In real life, hunting suffices.
Who would you most like to have dinner with? My Father, who was a very wise and thoughtful man with a great sense of humor, and who I miss dearly.
What is your motto? Things always work out for the best in the end.
What’s on the horizon for Tami? I am considering expanding my veterinary practice, with the idea that I can then devote additional time to my other ventures and interests. Sound like an oxymoron? Yes, but I have a plan so stay tuned! Contact Information: 303 660 4600 tsorley@peoplepc.com www.destinationeverythingitalian.com www.ridingintuscany.com
True Grit
Lessons of the Black Forest Fire
Neighbors helped each other to try and save their properties. Photo by Mark Reis
Story & Photos by Kris Garrett he acrid smell of burnt hair hangs heavy in the quiet stall, quickly overridden by the sight of black and gray skin oozing off the dun gelding’s quivering chin. It looks like frozen liquid where bubbles of dead flesh try to detach from the living tissue underneath on their way to the stall floor. When tugged at by the attending Veterinarian, crispy skin makes the horse itch, inspiring him to push hard against Dr. Clinton Unruh’s gentle fingers. More, the beast begs by stretching his neck and leaning heavily into the man, obviously grateful for the careful ministrations of experienced hands. Sundance has become the proverbial equine poster child for the Black Forest fire that destroyed 511 Colorado homes, burned over 14,200 acres, killed an as yet unknown number of horses, cattle, sheep, and dogs, and ended the lives of two people. The stout, stoic mustang was severely burned over 40% of his body when his tree-shaded paddock caught fire. He and his equine pal, Monty, did not realize the gate had been opened for them to escape. The fire chased them to the other side of the enclosure where a fence held them to the flames. Monty died at the scene, his gruesome corpse a reminder that more had burned than just houses and trees. Sundance stayed by his fallen companion’s side until help arrived, too late for Monty, but just in time to save the frightened and horrifically wounded mustang. Ironically, last month’s Horse Connection featured one of the Black Forest residents who was affected by this fire, now known to be the most destructive blaze in Colorado’s history. At the first whiff of smoke, Kari Crawford-Clay and her team at Applecross Farms evacuated all the farm’s horses and then returned to fight the flames. Led by her dad, Rich Crawford, the entire extended family, along with several brave volunteers, worked tirelessly for days, building fire lines with the farm’s tractors, and smothering flames by hand with shovels and picks. Even when advised to prepare for evacuation, the courageous team took an all or nothing approach and stood firm, toe-to-toe with the burning trees and underbrush, refusing to give in to the inferno. Because of their efforts, Applecross Farms still stands today,
testament to the courage and spirit of this plucky three-day eventer. When the smoke first floated over the Colorado Equine Veterinary Services clinic in Peyton, Colorado, Dr. Unruh quickly realized many of the horses directly in the path of immediate danger were his own patients. The clinic itself is four miles east of the forest, well away from the threat of a tree-spread fire. A significant number of his clients work in Colorado Springs, a sprawling city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains’ towering snow-capped jewel, Pikes Peak. Knowing few who lived in the dense pine trees of Black Forest would be able to reach home in time to save their animals, Dr. Unruh instructed his staff to hook up the horse trailers and start making calls. It was time to begin the largest individual equine evacuation ever attempted in the State of Colorado. HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 49
Dr. Unruh’s daughter Maddie, The shell of a burned out truck is testament to the destructive power of the fire.
The clinic employees didn’t realize that this was just the beginning of what was about to become ten days of hell. The dense forest was crispy dry after years of drought. A deep bed of pine needles under the tightly packed trees had been waiting for this natural cleansing for decades, a looming threat that no one knew exactly how to alleviate. Add the hot June sun relentlessly beating down while erratic eddies of bone dry wind blew upward, and the result was a perfect mix of circumstances that only lacked the tiniest spark.
The staff, led by Dr. Unruh’s practice manager Janine Hartley, choked on the smoke as they sprang into action. Soon, the clinic was designated the eastern triage and staging facility, taking in equine patients from Rocky Mountain Equine Veterinary Services which was in the evacuation zone. Offers of help poured in as concerned neighbors loaded horses for absent owners, delivering them to safety either at the clinic or to one of the evacuation locations at the various fairgrounds quickly opened by emergency crews in the local and
This paddock fence melted from the intense heat of the fire.
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neighboring counties. Horses began to arrive by the trailer full, some bloody and all frightened. But, instead of the expected burn injuries, Dr. Unruh was surprised to find himself spending most of his medical efforts stitching facial and cranial lacerations caused by panicked horses refusing to get into unfamiliar trailers. Reps from the clinic’s medical supply companies responded quickly with donated supplies of medications, the most
comforts the injured Sundance. Untold numbers of wildlife were killed or displaced by the fire. This deer will have a hard time finding anything to eat in the burn area.
important being sedatives, painkillers, and long lasting antibiotics. This allowed the clinic to freely treat the injured horses based on need, without the worry of financial ramifications for the business. Zoetis, Abaxis Animal Health, MWI, Vital Animal Health, Animal Health Options, Falcon Feed, and the Front Range Equine Rescue were especially generous with supplies for the 200 or so horses who passed through
or were evacuated to the clinic. The longlasting antibiotic known as Excede was a special blessing because Dr. Unruh could treat an injury and send the horse on its way to another evacuation location, secure in the knowledge that the antibiotic would be effective for several days. The fire raged on out of control for over a week, swallowing entire neighborhoods as it jumped from tree to tree. From the air and from the ground, firefighters did what they could to save as many structures as possible. By the time it was over, one out of
seven homes in the forest were gone. It was ten days before anyone at CEVS dared take a day off to rest. By the time the fire was deemed fully contained, the exhausted crew was dazed but satisfied with the knowledge that the work they did had an invaluable impact on the equine community of Black Forest. Sundance is well on his way to healing and has begun to shed his itchy, burned skin. Visitors regularly stop by to donate to his care, while the Colorado Horse足 care Foodbank (www.horsefoodbank. org) continues to organize hay drops to
This home was completely destroyed in less than one hour.
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the various evacuation centers still teeming with a multitude of horses that have no home to which to return. In reviewing lessons learned, Dr. Unruh hopes equestrians everywhere will take the time to teach their horses to calmly load into trailers. Even if you don’t have a trailer of your own, he suggested borrowing one on occasion for training purposes. It’s vital that everyone have an emergency plan in place to get your horses moved. If you can’t get your horses out of harm’s way by trailer, be sure they are run out of the barn and the barn is closed up behind them. Horses will return to a place where they’ve felt safe in the past, including the barn, even if it’s on fire. Paddock fences also should be taken down or cut if the open gate is at an end closest to the approaching flames. Better yet, make sure your horses are out of the fenced-in areas and free to run from the fire, closing the gate behind you so they don’t try to return. If taking the time won’t put your own life at risk, mark their sides with spray paint, grease pencil, or make a loose collar out of duct tape and put your phone number on it in large print. To be especially proactive, have metal halter tags made with your name and phone number, and
put them on leather halters (not nylon, which won’t break if the horse is snagged and may even melt into the skin), one standing by ready for each horse. The best that human beings have to offer is well evident in the Black Forest and neighboring communities’ outpouring of support and generosity to those who lost so much. Makeshift signs painted on cardboard or bed sheets thanking the first responders were hung on nearly every roadway throughout the area. Homes still standing untouched among blackened forest are silent monuments to the courage of the men and women who fought the fiery beast and won. In contrast, burned-out cars and piles of gray rubble where a house or barn once stood speaks in monochrome grays and blacks to the tragedy of unfathomable loss. But time heals all and this solid community, while never quite the same, will eventually recover. Perhaps it was best said on the Black Forest Fire Facebook page, “Community Does Not Burn Down.”
Dr. Clinton Unruh tends to the burns su Grateful residents put up thank you signs all around the Black Forest area.
With over 500 homes lost, the Black Forest fire became the most destructive fire in Colorado history.
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uffered by Sundance in the Black Forest fire.
10Rules to Live By
in Horse Evacuations from Wildfires or Natural Disasters 1. TEACH YOUR HORSES TO LOAD AND TIE!
They need to immediately step into a trailer. 2. Take at least one bale of hay and a BUCKET; you
never know where your horse is going to end up. 3. No matter if you take your horses or not, MAKE
SURE you take your proof of ownership/BRAND INSPECTIONS! This will help you prove the horses are yours later on! (Photos work in nonbrand inspection areas!) 4. If you cannot take your horses, TURN THEM
LOOSE! They have great survival instincts and it’s better than dying in a locked barn. 5. IF YOU TURN THEM LOOSE, write your phone
number on them in some way! Spay paint/shoe polish, whatever you can find. 6. If you turn them loose, TAKE THEIR HALTERS
OFF! Imagine all the debris your horse is going to encounter! You don’t want them to get caught on anything! 7. If you turn them loose, LOCK THEM OUT OF
THEIR BARN/PEN/STALL/YARD. They WILL go back! 8. If you take your horse to an evacuation center,
it is still a good idea to have your horse ID’d in some way. Sometimes evacuation centers have to evacuate! 9. If you take your horses in a trailer, please tie
them if you safely can! There are instances when evacuating, that you will come across a loose horse that needs to be loaded with yours. If the horses are loose in the trailer it’s a disaster waiting to happen. 10. If your horse is in a large pasture area, cut the
fence in corners and leave gates open! When horses can’t find their way in smoke, they will follow fence lines.
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D E F I N I T E LY D R E S S A G E
hc profile
Señor Juan Rubio Martínez By Kip Mistral
Juan Rubio warming up before Saturday performance at the Real Escuela. Photo by Kip Mistral
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S
eñor Juan Rubio Martínez is a Professor, Senior Rider & Trainer at the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre (Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art) in Jerez, Spain, which celebrates its 40th
D E F I N I T E LY D R E S S A G E
anniversary this year. Throughout his career he has trained horses of various breeds, bringing many to Grand Prix and the highest levels of Haute Ecole (High School) including airs above the ground. In great demand for clinics across Europe, Juan Rubio has performed and competed at many of the most prestigious European equestrian events. HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 55
D E F I N I T E LY D R E S S A G E
The “Picadero”; one of the riding arenas at the Real Escuela. Photo Courtesy of the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre
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We are settled in a beautifully appointed meeting room at the Real Escuela on a balmy Saturday afternoon in April, fitting in an interview before Juan Rubio has to make ready for his part in the upcoming performance. I’ve been given a center front row seat in the V.I.P. box and am eagerly awaiting this event. “I was about 15 years old on a Saturday night in 1980 at our home in Peñaflor, Spain, a small village between Sevilla and Cordoba…” Tall and slim, with smiling pine-green eyes, in excellent English, Juan Rubio Martínez begins to recall his horseman’s odyssey. His mother had called him to watch a TV program about the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, the equestrian school in Jerez founded by Don Álvaro Domecq Romero in 1973 for the purpose of preserving and promoting the equestrian arts of Spain. “She asked me if I wanted to visit this school and I told her ‘OK… why not?’ A strange question for her to ask me, perhaps, for at home we had no horses and I knew little about them. I had left
school, not liking to study. My father, a taxi driver, decided to put my brother and me to work and created for us a small glass and window company, the first one in our village. So at the time I watched this TV program, I was working putting up window glass. We were working hard and were very busy. “My mother and I wrote to the Real Escuela, explaining that one boy from Peñaflor wanted to know this school, perhaps to train there. But there was no reply, and I gave up on the idea. I figured that they were just not interested in this boy. “Three or four months later, we received a letter from Don Álvaro Domecq asking if I was still interested, and inviting me to visit the school in Jerez. I came here and met Álvaro, who told me it was not possible to stay at that time—I would have to wait until the next promotion of the students which would leave a space for a new apprentice. So I thought, OK, I will wait. I went home not very happy, because I didn’t know what would happen. Well, I waited…for one and a half years. By the time that I had forgotten about the prospect once more, we received another letter from Álvaro asking if I would visit again.
“And that was it. It was October 1983 when I came here… until now, thirty years later. “Understandably, my father was against the idea; he wanted me to stay at the glass and window company. He worried, telling me, ‘You are earning good money, to leave that and go where you don’t know what will happen…what is the future in horses?’ But he left it to me to decide. “He was right to ask this question, because we were paid by the school in addition to earning lessons by working, but the income amounted more or less to $70 per month in today’s money. The first place where I lived was an economical residence, like a hostel for students of all kinds. And this pay from the Real Escuela went straight to my rent because it cost the same. Obviously I was looking for another job because the workday here at the school is from 7 am to 2 pm, and after that you are free. I began training horses outside of the school, and in this way I got a little bit of money to eat.”
Up the Levels The highly organized sequence of progression at the Real Escuela ensures that all students acquire a rock-solid foundation in
Juan Rubio in Doma Vaquera canter pirouette Photo Courtesy of the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre
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D E F I N I T E LY D R E S S A G E
One Boy from Peñaflor
D E F I N I T E LY D R E S S A G E Juan Rubio and stallion in exhibition Levade. Photo Courtesy of the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre
horsemanship and discipline before gradually achieving higher levels of equitation. “At the time I began, the system was similar to what it is now, although then we apprentices also had to work very hard in the stable, cleaning the boxes, grooming the horses, cleaning the tack, everything that needed to be done. By working in the stable we paid for our lessons, more or less. We worked in the stable after breakfast, had a
lesson, and after lunch had another lesson. And if we were in a lesson, if the chief groom needed one of us, he would go to the picadero (training arena), tell us to cut the lesson and go back to the stable to work!” The traditional system of mentoring and teaching is unchanged through the past 40 years, however. Each beginning student is assigned a teacher, and the student at first rides only the experienced horses of his teacher.
“The new student is longed on the horse to confirm a correct seat, then begins learning to ride the basic exercises. Stepby-step you get more experience, begin lateral work, and eventually build up to high school exercises such as piaffe and passage. Two or three years after I came to the Real Escuela, Álvaro Domecq entrusted one young horse to each pupil, to start training them from the beginning, under supervision of our teachers. “Again, step by step, after eight years of working in the stable and learning, riding and training our horses, Álvaro Domecq, wanting the presence of the young riders, gave us the very important opportunity to ride in the school show. This was a wonderful way to get more experience. “Eventually I passed the test for the level Aspirante a Jinete, which is a gateway after the student level before the level of Rider can be achieved. I stayed for five years at the Aspirante level. In 1991, I had the opportunity to take the test for one open place for a Rider, and in passing the test for Rider, from that time on, I became a professional. “All along I was trying to master all of the work rather than wishing to specialize. In my head was the idea ‘get everything,’ because in doing that you gain more and
Juan Rubio and stallion performing a Capriole jump in-hand. Photo Courtesy of Juan Rubio Martínez
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The Stallions of the Real Escuela… With time before the performance still, Juan cheerfully gives me a tour of the beautiful stable adjunct to the main performance arena via a small warm-up area lit by skylights. The ring in turn connects to a breezeway circling the two-story tack room that offers access to five wings where the stallions are stabled. Juan takes me to each of his stallions to introduce us. Mostly grey, they are tall, massive, the largest Pura Raza Española horses I have ever seen, though perfect in their morphology and type. I stand star-struck, gazing up at them in their sheer magnificence. Of course these stallions are among the finest in Spain. Who provides these school stallions and who chooses them? “The school has a small yeguada (stud farm), which means we can produce our own horses, but sometimes it is
not enough. So we have also a contract with the Yeguada Militar de Jerez de la Frontera, meaning that every year we go there to review their many horses and can select up to five or so individuals. And we also acquire horses from other breeders. But now with the economic crisis in Spain, from time to time a breeder might provide an excellent horse to the school, rather than try to sell it cheaply. “We start all the stallions the same, in basic dressage work, but when we begin the upper level exercises we watch for certain talent. For instance, when we start the piaffe we see if they have the desire or the particular facility for impulsion. From there we can see if the horse may have potential to become ‘specialists’ in high school or airs above the ground exercises.”
Vision for the Future… At this point, it seems natural to ask Juan about his plans for the future. “I will continue here as a rider and professor. I have a student who helps me with my horses every day. I try to let him ride my horses every day—young horses, medium horses, and high-level horses—to feel the difference between them. In this way, he is learning to feel how to start with
the young, and how to go forward with the medium and high level exercises. Like I did, all the students have to practice all the steps. “When I arrived here at the Real Escuela I was very confused because I saw this rider doing this, and another rider doing that, perhaps a minimal detail but it could mean so much. And I learned to develop my own philosophy, and keep my eyes and mind open most of the time. And now, 30 years later, sometimes I have problems with the horses but obviously now I can get the right way more or less sooner. I don’t know if I am a good rider or not, but I remember that I am working now with this horse in this moment, trying to get the best of him, studying each detail, being present with the horse. I enjoy it a lot when I ‘get’ the horse, who may not be the very best individual, but the communication and the trust that grows is the best part for me. “The beginning students are here for four years. During this time, they have the opportunity to learn so much. After they arrive and I have the chance to speak with them, I tell them, make good use of this time. Get ideas from me, from Ignacio Ramblas, from Rafael Soto, from all of us riders. Why? Because any of the riders
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more experience. I learned the piaffe, levade, capriole…I learned the courbette in-hand but also learned to ride it. I learned to prepare horses for Doma Vaquera dressage, not just for the shows but for Vaquera competition, and of course Doma Classica (classical dressage) is a major focus at the school.”
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have a lot of good things to give you. That is the way to get your feeling, and make it…your style. “And I always tell young riders, of course you have to care about the discipline of equitation, but before you get the discipline you have to be clear that you want to care about the horses. Remember that every horse is different, and doing very well on some exercise with one horse doesn’t mean that with another horse you will have success. This means that you have to study very carefully the strength, the balance, the talent, everything about each individual horse. “In the end, what separates the rider and the artist? The rider can ride the best horse for him. The artist can understand and ride every horse.” From the U.S. I’ve been researching the pure Spanish horse and reading about the Real Escuela for 10 years, and to be here in the flesh seems almost unbelievable. Juan and one of his stallions perform for a packed house in the last act of the performance today. It is a complicated quadrille in which this man from Peñaflor and this horse shine for their artistic demonstration of exquisite harmony and balance. And when the riders end this finale by saluting the high box always held for the King and Queen of Spain—beneath which the V.I.P section is located—Señor Juan Rubio Martínez smiles a greeting from atop his fine Spanish stallion. For a moment time stops. Just the way it is supposed to at the Real Escuela Andaluza
del Arte Ecuestre, where the traditional equestrian arts of Spain are kept alive.
Coming to America…
Juan’s demand as a clinician in Europe grows, and he has also instructed at clinics and seminars in the Eastern United States, sponsored by his colleagues Tina Cristiani Veder and Señor Bruno Gonzalez. Tina (owner) and Bruno (head trainer) are partners at Caballos de los Cristiani (based in Wilton, New York and Ocala, Florida). Together Tina and Bruno have founded The Baroque Equestrian Games & Institute, which is dedicated to promoting the classical qualities of lightness, relaxation, suppleness, self-carriage, balance, and brilliance in equitation for all horses and all riders. Tina comments, “Juan is such an engaging, warm, approachable and gentle person. We always look forward to his visits. Beyond his charming demeanor with people, all horses respond to his kind, transparent, frank, and honest approach. He is one of the most beautiful riders to watch. All the horses that he has trained, and we’ve seen a number of them, reflect a relaxed, calm, fluid, and seemingly effortless ability to execute even the highest form of the art, including the airs, both in lightness and in brilliance. This is a difficult combination to achieve. Of all the riders at the Royal School in Jerez, Juan represents to us the qualities of a true Classical Master in the elegance of his riding, the consistency of his training, and the patient and positive approach that he brings to everyone Juan Rubio and Sharon Madere at training session at the Real he teaches. We look Escuela. Photo Courtesy of Sharon Madere. forward to organizing future clinics for Juan and having him judge one of the Baroque Equestrian Games shows in the future.” One of the Baroque Equestrian event organizers and a dedicated student of Tina and Bruno is Sharon Madere of Virginia. “I was told about Juan Rubio by Bruno Gonzales; they are very good friends. Tina and 60 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Bruno had hosted Juan in the States for clinics, but I had not had the good fortune to ride with him when he was here. So Bruno encouraged me to enroll in one of the twoweek intensive technical courses held at the Real Escuela for outside students early this year, and I was luckily able to have Juan as my teacher for the course.” Having a background in eventing competition, Sharon explains that in her early teens she studied with an instructor trained in the classical French school. “All of her horses were light and balanced; she had no use or tolerance for artificial devices. To bring a horse to any degree behind the vertical position was the ultimate sin, unlike the typical competitive dressage philosophy. My first experiences with piaffe, passage, and pirouette were in an uphill, soft way of riding. At the time I did not know how unique and special it was…I assumed it was how everyone rode. So all my life I have been longing and looking for a way to return to that feel. “Training with Juan in the technical course at the Real Escuela was such a valuable experience. He is a wonderful teacher. I was riding different horses with superb upper level training and did a lot of lateral work, flying changes, one tempis, and pirouettes. Some of these things you can intellectually understand, but it is so much better to ride horses that really know it, so you can concentrate on yourself and the feel for upper level exercises. “My passion and goal is to ride in the elegant, soft and historic Classical method,” Sharon explained. “I will definitely make it a priority to attend clinics with Juan when he comes to the United States in the future. And for those who are more interested in competitive dressage, I know Juan will be of great value to them as well.” For more information about the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre see www.realescuela.org. Contact Caballos de la Cristiani at info@ BaroqueGames.com for information about upcoming clinics with Juan Rubio Martínez. For more information about the Baroque Equestrian Games see www.baroquegames.net. Contact Sharon Madere at Equilightenment@ gmail.com 804-677-7046. Contact Kip Mistral at newhorsearts@ hotmail.com.
D E F I N I T E LY D R E S S A G E Doma Vaquera Riders at the Real Escuela. Photo Courtesy of the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 61
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JOIN US FOR THE FIRST ANNUAL LIgHTNESS TOURNAmENT DO NOT MISS THIS SPECIAL TOURNAMENT
August 31–Sept 1 Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Golden, CO Classes to include: Lightness, Doma Vaquera, Alta Escuela, Garrocha, Spanish Walk, Piaffe/Passage Visit our website to find the rules and the test for each level. Go to LightnessFoundation.com for more information. 62 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
T
HE “QUEST” IN EQUESTRIAN.
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HC’s
Cool Summer Getaways The summer days are hot and long and the horse show is wrapping up. Your horse is getting a break for a few weeks but what about you? After you’ve cooled down your horse and loaded up the trailer to head home, how are you going to cool down? It’s HC to the rescue, with our annual cool summer getaways guide. We’ve found some cool places to relax, recharge and reignite. And, if you have to have a horse fix while on vacation, we’ve got that covered as well.
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Azores, Portugal For dramatic scenery and Portuguese flair, skip the long flight to Lisbon and head to the Azores islands off the coast instead. This archipelago of nine volcanic islands is ripe for relaxation, but São Miguel—the largest and most populated atoll—is the easiest to visit for a summer getaway, given the closest flights from the U.S. land here. Nicknamed the Green Island, São Miguel’s glistening lakes, lush mountainsides, hot springs and geysers are just as enticing as its sandy beaches, so you can spend your days exploring—there’s hiking, diving, whale-watching, sailing, and swimming with dolphins to keep you busy—or simply lazing away on Atlantic shores. When evening falls, head to Ponta Delgada, the island’s most cosmopolitan town, where turn-of-the-century architecture, cobblestone streets, restaurants, and bars await. With secluded black and white sand beaches, and natural steam vent ovens at Furnas Lake where Portuguese cozido (stew) is cooked in earthen pots buried along the volcanic shoreline, the Azores offer an uncrowded and unforgettable experience. Your Horse Fix: One of the best ways to explore and discover the island is by horseback tours at Quinta da Terça, a beautiful farm in the south of the island close to the main town of Ponta Delgada, where you not only can expect fantastic riding, but exceptional food that is a highlight on this trip featuring delicious fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood a plenty! From a couple of days to weeklong rides, the farm has well-trained schoolmasters to take care of every riding level. They offer forest and coastal tours that take you through small towns and hidden natural gems on the backs of beautiful Lusitano horses. Need we say more? www.quintadaterca.com HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 65
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Cardiff, Wales Historically a city of castles and coal, Wales’s capital is emerging as a modern sports-entertainment destination. Summer action centers on Cardiff Bay, once the world’s largest coal-exporting port, now a 500-acre freshwater lake with eight miles of waterfront. Part of Europe’s largest waterfront development, this area includes shopping and dining at Mermaid Quay, rafting and kayaking at Cardiff International White Water, and windsurfing and powerboating on the bay. Celebrate the August bank holiday weekend (August 27–29) at the Cardiff Harbour Festival, featuring tall ships, free activities, and the Breitling Wingwalkers aerobatic formation team. From Mermaid Quay, take an Aquabus or water taxi up the River Taff or bike along the Taff Trail to Cardiff’s compact city center. Signature sites here include the free National Museum Cardiff (closed Mondays), iconic Cardiff Castle (host of the Grand Medieval Melee, August 13–14), the 150-store St. David’s (named Global Retail Leisure International’s 2010 international shopping center of the year), and Millennium Stadium, site of several London 2012 Olympic Games soccer matches. Your Horse Fix: The beautiful Victorian hunting lodge, Parc-LeBreos, is a family run guest lodge and pony trekking center in Gower. They offer wonderful pony trekking from half-day rides to a local pub with marvelous food, to six-day rides at a leisurely pace (mainly walking and trotting) with the emphasis on experiencing this beautiful landscape, sweeping sandy beaches, magnificent limestone cliffs, salt and freshwater marshes and open moorland that Gower is famous for. The horses are definitely trail horses (if you ride you will know what that means) but are still responsive to actual riding. www.parc-le-breos.co.uk 66 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Roatan, Honduras Located about 30 miles north of the Honduran mainland, this divers’ dream destination is encircled by a living coral reef, extending directly from the shore. The shallow-water, reef eco-system is teeming with tropical marine life, making the underwater pageantry easily accessible to snorkelers and novice divers. No longer a best-kept Caribbean secret, the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands is working—through the grassroots Roatan Marine Park—to promote sustainable growth by fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among locals and visitors. At the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences, located on the grounds of the all-inclusive Anthony’s Key Resort, guests can participate in government-sanctioned recreational and educational dolphin programs. Options include snorkeling with more than a dozen bottlenose dolphins; unstructured, small-group dolphin dives 60 feet below the surface; and a six-day Dolphin Scuba Camp for kids ages 5–14. For the ultimate Roatan retreat, book an over-the-water, thatchedroof cabana at the secluded Mango Creek Lodge in Port Royal harbor on the island’s less-traveled East End. Spend the morning fishing on the saltwater flats or kayaking through the mangrove canals, then float back to your cabana’s private deck for some afternoon hammock time. www.anthonyskey.com Your Horse Fix: Really? Did you read that you can swim and dive with dolphins? Forget the saddle and grab the snorkel!
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San Juan Islands, Washington Summer in Washington’s San Juan Islands is all about the weather, whales, and water. The Olympic Peninsula’s rain shadow effect (basically, the mountains block rainproducing weather systems) produces dry, clear, comfortable days on the archipelago’s four named islands—San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw. Hike in Lime Kiln Point State Park on the west side of San Juan for shore-based orca whale watching or join a Sea Quest kayak tour for a porpoise-level view. Ferry hop to Lopez for leisurely biking, then spend the night on Orcas at Turtleback Farm Inn, a bucolic working farm bordering the 1,576acre Turtleback Mountain Preserve. The islands are accessible via direct 30-to-45-minute flight from Seattle, or choose the drive-on Washington State Ferry to travel along the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway. The route follows traditional Coast Salish tribal canoe channels via the marine highway from Anacortes to San Juan, then continues as two separate driving tours on San Juan and Orcas. Ferries are packed in summer, so arrive early and stay patient, especially on the eastbound ride back to reality. Your Horse Fix: Experience the hidden backcountry of Orcas Island on horseback. Explore an enchanting old-growth forest as you meander through grassy meadows and climb a mountain trail to the top of Mt. Pickett for a breathtaking view of the San Juan Islands. Orcas Island Trail Rides offers a wide range of authentic guided horseback adventures through Moran State Park. www.orcastrailrides.com 68 | JULY 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Istria, Croatia More than 40 beaches on Istria’s 333-mile coast have earned a coveted Blue Flag for superior water quality and environmental management standards. While not as familiar to North Americans as Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, this densely forested peninsula at the top right-hand corner of the Adriatic Sea has been a popular summer hot spot since Austro-Hungarian Empire days. Head west and south for crystalline blue bays, tranquil coves, and white pebble and sandy shores bordered by fragrant pines. The Medulin Riviera, located near Istria’s southern tip, offers 49 miles of coastline, plus hilltop medieval villages and ancient ruins to explore. Just south of Medulin is rugged Cape Kamenjak, an edge-of-the-world nature reserve featuring sheer 70-foot cliffs, hidden coves, and flat stone outcroppings nature-made for sunbathing. The current is powerful here, so you may want to play it safe and watch the windsurfing and cliffjumping action from the safety of the rocky shore. Make time to visit the regional capital Pula, home of the Pula Arena. This remarkably intact first-century Roman amphitheatre hosts numerous summer concerts and events, including the July 16–23 portion of the 58th Pula Film Festival. Your Horse Fix: Riding from the west coast through the inner land of Istria is a special experience that every true nature and horse lover will be delighted with. This beautiful trail is for riders of an intermediate level and above. You will experience stunning countryside as the trail takes you through medieval towns, valleys, open expanses, and over rolling hills whilst enjoying comfortable accommodation and mouth-watering local dishes. Your luggage and personal belongings will be transported in the support van. www.farandride.com HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JULY 2013 | 69
The Horse Connection
Temple Grandin was in Santa Fe for a lecture and visited Pinon Farm with a group of disabled kids, including some who are autistic. This little boy, David Hernandez, suffers from acute sensory overload and has to be fed through a tube because food is too intense for him. He was so enthralled with a Lipizzaner gelding named Halo that he ended up feeding him carrots. His mom said that was an extraordinary breakthrough for him. Photo by Evalyn Bemis
Send in your photo showing the human – horse connection and win a free subscription. Email it in high resolution (the largest size) to gyoung@horseconnection.com
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Interagro Lusitanos International Horse Auction Aug 31, 2013 Interagro Lusitanos Itapira, Brazil
Call for Registration Details, Ticket, and Travel Information
917-363-0383 info@lusitano-interagro.com
www.lusitano-interagro.com