Cassidy Issue 6 Winter 2014 by CassidyMagazine

Cassidy TM

living life the cowgirl way

Terri Clark

Winter 2014

country singer

Driven, passionate, spirited and every bit her own woman

wild horse photographer

Kimerlee Curyl

TRENDS FOR 2015

www.OriginalCowgirlClothingCo.com

FEATURES 10

Singer Terri Clark

Trends for 2015

Wild horse photographer Kimerlee Curyl

Vest and Jeans by Ariat www.ariat.com, thermal hoodie by Original Cowgirl Clothing Co www.originalcowgirlclothingco.com

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18 8

Importance of the Helmet

Cowboy Winery

Winter Trailer Maintenance

Significance of the Setting

Winter Fashion Editorial

Winter Essentials

In Every Issue 6 Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter 7 Contributors

Editor-in-Chief Abigail Miles editor@cassidymagazine.com

Advertising Sales Aly Padrnos (951) 283-6753 aly@cassidymagazine.com

Art Director Michael Satterfield mike@cassidymagazine.com

5 ways to dress up jeans

Beautiful Boots

Connect with us!

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editor’s letter

G ABIGAIL MILES

Editor-in-Chief

oodbye 2014! I still cannot believe that the year is over and 2015 is just around the corner. This year has been wonderful for myself and the magazine and I am so grateful. With the new year comes new and exciting changes for CASSIDY! I will be stepping down as editor and handing things over to the capable Michael Satterfield. Michael, grew up on a farm in southern California and is the designer behind the popular brand Original Cowgirl Clothing Co. He is incredibly talented and I cannot wait to see what he brings to CASSIDY magazine’s future issues. With that I would like to

thank the readers of CASSIDY and the love and support the magazine has received.

Abigail Miles

Abigail Miles Editor-in-Chief

From our Readers Going Shopping... “The Fall issue was amazing! The styling for the photoshoot at the winery was gorgous and the outfits were all to die for. I think I need to go shopping!” Pam Peterson Chicago, IL

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Fashion Week

Wild Horses

“Loved the Santa Fe Fashion Week spotlight! I may just have to take a trip out that way next year!”

“The Wild Horse Advocate’s featuer really touched me. I have been wanting to put time in to help wild horses ever since i was in high school but never have. This article PUSHED me to finally do it! I just started volunteering at a local wild horse santuary and love it. Thank you!” Beth McDowell Reno, NV

Morgan Lawerence Seattle, WA

Contributors Featured

Interested in contributing to Cassidy Magazine? Contact editor@cassidymagazine today!

Amy Witt When Amy Witt isn’t team roping, blogging or writing she eats, sleeps and breaths fashion. Not only does she have a strong knowledge and education in the fashion industry, she has been active in the western and rodeo world her entire life; winning national and state championship titles. As an entrepreneur, she is currently designing her own clothing line, California Dreamin’. Her blog, with the same name, fuels her self-journey as she shares her crazy beautiful life, loves, style, writing and inspiration with her readers. She truly aspires to inspire people as she strives to change the world. www.caliidreamin.com

Kathy Satterfield Kathy Satterfield grew up on a Southern California café ranch outside of Norco, known as Horse Town USA. Kathy, a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and former barrel racer has been active in the western community her whole life. In addition to owning a successful business, she currently serves on a local private school board and is the founder of Cowgirls United by Pink which is dedicated to breast cancer awareness and education.

On the cover Western Vintage Revival turquoise necklace www.westernvr.com, with Bullet Blues USA made top www. bulletbluesca.com

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opinion

IMPORTANCE OF THE HELMET by Lydia K Kelly

hile people are becoming more aware of the need for head safety, somehow the equestrian world has missed the boat. Cyclists are wearing helmets, worrying about the potential impact should they fall or be hit by a car. And yet, riders on living, thinking animals seem to forget the risks. Horseback riding has one of the highest accident rates for minor injuries. When entering the Emergency room with a broken collar bone or other injury, most doctors and nurses just sigh when you tell them you ride horses. It is an every-day kind of occurrence. Lots of people think of riding motorcycles as being highly dangerous, but in fact, riding horses ranks at about the same level! Imagine, on a motorcycle, you are traveling very quickly with nothing much between you and the ground. On a horse, you are traveling very quickly with nothing much between you and the ground. The only difference is that motorcycles are controlled by the driver. Horses have a mind of their own. It is easy to forget how quickly things can go wrong. If your horse is a quiet animal who rarely startles, you might not think that anything could happen. But all it takes is a sudden noise, or something that catches his eye and he could be off and running, leaving you in the dirt. Even the quietest horse in the world has the potential to spook. When training a performance horse the risk is even greater. The more fit the horse is, the more likely he is to have the athleticism to unseat his rider. Besides being fit, he is also more alert and has a higher chance of pulling something stupid in response to good spirits, or even having a temper tantrum over a movement he does not want to do.

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World class dressage riders have been known to lose control of their horses, and dressage is the sport where control is of the essence. Jumper riders get ditched by their horses when they refuse a jump. An overexcited gaming horse can slip and fall in the middle of a pattern, and even a champion pleasure horse can stumble, catching his rider unaware. And yet, thousands of adult riders refuse to wear helmets. They are hot, they are uncomfortable, and they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look cool. You name it, and the excuse is used. So many riders feel that they would never fall off, or that their horse would never pull anything stupid on them. And yet, as a rider becomes more experienced, the risk of injury during a fall tends to go up. This is because it generally takes something a lot bigger to get them off, and the potential for landing badly increases with the explosiveness of the situation. All it takes is once, and you could suffer from a serious concussion, or worse. It is a fact that riders die every year from head impacts that would have caused little more than a serious headache if they had been wearing a helmet. Additionally, as adults, we need to set a good example to young riders. How many kids feel that it is perfectly safe to hop on a horse without anything on their head? How many others canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait until they are 18 and no longer need to wear a helmet in the ring? If adults were more responsible about wearing helmets, perhaps the young riders would feel more comfortable about protecting their heads. You only get one head. It is worth protecting.

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Terri Clark Hailing from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Terri got her start playing for tips at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a honky-tonk bar across the alley from Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. She signed with Mercury Records and emerged as a distinctive voice on the country music landscape – driven, passionate, spirited – and every bit her own woman.

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photo by Krsitin Barlowe

“driven, passionate, spirited – and every bit her own woman...” The 8-time CCMA Entertainer of the Year has also taken home the CCMA Female Vocalist of the Year award five times. She has made her mark on radio with more than twenty singles, including six Number Ones in Canada and the USA – hits such as such as “Better Things To Do,” “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” “Girls Lie Too,” and “I Just Wanna Be Mad.” Terri has sold over five million albums and achieved Gold, Platinum, Double Platinum, and Triple Platinum status as certified by the CRIA and RIAA. She also has the honor of being the only Canadian female artist to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Terri is a dynamic, no-holds-barred live per-

former and one of the rare female country artists capable of throwing down some impressive guitar work. Terri has toured with such superstars as Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, and George Strait. In addition, she continues to headline sold-out tours throughout Canada. Recently Terri ventured into an exciting new chapter of her career as radio co-host of “America’s Morning Show” with Blair Garner. They can currently be heard across the country on Cumulus Radio NASH-FM stations. She is well on her way to establishing her position as an allaround entertainer in the country music industry. www.terriclark.com

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SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SETTINGS Native American Jewelry

N by Double Dee

ative American jewelry is worn by men, women, and children all around the world. The Native American jewelry is appealing for a number of reasons. You wouldn’t found so much jewelry pieces that can be considered as a stylish and strange in the terms of pricing. One of the many mysteries surrounding Native American jewelry is meaning behind each piece. A large number of stones and other materials are used to make Native American jewelry. The types of materials used all depend on the type of jewelry piece being made and the preference of the jewelry maker. A large number of Native American necklaces, Native American bracelets, Native American earring, Native American pendants, and rings have been made using amethyst, amber, turquoise, coral, opal, jasper, quartz, pearl, and more. Almost all of the materials used to make Native American jewelry have significance, in one way or another. This significance may only come from old wise tales or it may be a belief that still exists today. Below is a summary of three Native American jewelry settings and the meanings behind each. Native American jewelry is made from a wide variety of different materials and stones, but turquoise is one of the most popular materials used. Turquoise received it name, not because it was developed in Turkey, but because it was transported through Turkey. In today’s society, most of the turquoise comes from the Untied States and Mexico. Ancient beliefs state that turquoise made up Native American jewelry has powers that protect those who wear it. This protection is believed to be in the form of physical and emotional harm. It has been said that turquoise stones are powerful all on their own. However, many believe that the powers of turquoise can be great-

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Santo Domingo Turquoise Statement Necklace $850 www.etsy.com/shop/swijewelry

ly increased when combined with copper. Amber, which is often used in Native American jewelry, is not actually a stone. Despite the fact that it is not scientifically considered a stone, there are a large number of individuals who classify it as a gemstone. Throughout the past and in different areas of the world, amber developed a wide variety of uses and meanings. It was said that amber cured a wide variety of medical illness including headaches, kidney troubles, and heart problems. In the Middle East, this stone was thought to symbolize the presence of the lord, keep one’s body whole, and symbolize courage. Native American jewelry containing a beautiful purple setting most likely contains amethyst. Amethyst was once considered a valuable stone; however, the value has diminished over the years. Since a large supply of amethyst was discovered in Brazil, a large number of individuals are now able to afford beautiful pieces of Native American jewelry with an amethyst setting. In the past, an old wise tale stated that Native American jewelry made up by amethyst prevented individuals from becoming overly intoxicated. This wise tale stated that those who drank alcohol from a cup made of amethyst would not become drunk. Amethyst is most commonly known for the ability to provide spiritual insight and promote good behavior. It is believed that individuals wearing amethyst are more likely to be honest and keep a quiet and peaceful mind. Many individuals purchase a piece of Native American jewelry without even considering the meaning behind that piece. On the other hand, there are some individuals who shop for American Indian jewelry solely based on the significance of each setting. Whatever reason you choose to shop for, it is possible to purchase Native American jewelry that may benefit you in more ways than one.

Fashion

Top 10 Trends

for 2015 by Amy Witt

Happy 2015! ‘Tis the time of the year to celebrate and embrace the New Year which also means stepping up your fashion game and revamping that wardrobe. To kick 2015 off in the rear, I’ve compiled a list in no particular order of some of my favorite top trends of the season; everything from over the knee boots to scarlet lips. It’s time to turn heads and challenge not only yourself but your style. Live in the moment and step out of your comfort zone! May I suggest kicking the year off stepping out with some sky high blue suede booties? 1. Blue Suede Booties – we will be observing an abundance of blue hues along with suede booties…the collaboration of both is even better! 2. Sequin – Sequins is all over the catwalks and streets this year. What better way to wear sequins than with some sequin trousers paired with cowboy boots! 3. Fur vest – You can never go wrong pairing a fur vest with any outfit. It jibes well with heels, boots, your cowboy hat…whatever you choose it’ll turn up that outfit! 4. Bomber – Bomber jackets are so classy and edgy not to mention the endless amount of options there are available. 5. Statement Coats – My favorite statement coat is cheetah! 6. Oversized Sunglasses – Oversized sunnies and especially in Cali is a must! Target and Forever21 offer super fun and fabulous sunnies that are so affordable! 7. Scarlet lips – Red lips are always in season, however try darkening the shade. My go-to lip color, Mac Viva La Glam. 8. Knee High Boots – I am dying over the new Freebird boot collection by Steve Madden. 9. Capes – The options for capes this season makes my mind go bananas! They are not only fun and stylish but come in so many different patterns and textures. 10. Statement necklaces – The beautiful thing about statement necklaces are that you can have a plain black outfit and put some jewels around your neck and take your outfit to a whole ‘notha level.

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Faux Fur Vest $49.95 www.masonbelle.com, Faux Fur Jacket $99 www.hm.com, Dalton Suede Booties $325 www.shopbop.com, Gold Sequin Pants $79.99 www.boutiquetoyou.com, Camouflage and Leather Bomber Jacket $349 www.orvis.com, Rhinestone Sunglasses $16.95 www.sunglasswarehouse.com, ColorBurst Lipstick $7.99 www.beautyencounter.com, Old Gringo Mayra Boots Volcano Black $499,99 www. allensboots.com, Blanket Cape $459.90 www.nordstrom.com, Bib Necklace $58 www.baublebar.com

COWBOY CANYON WINERY T

ucked away in historic Silverado, in the enchanted eastern hills of Orange County, lies one of Southern California’s newest wineries. Under a restful canopy of giant oak trees and smack dab in the middle of working horse stables, this is a truly special place. All converging with 30 years of award winning wine making excellence and a wine tasting bar with country charm to spare. Cowboy Canyon Winery is a place you won’t want to leave. But when you do, it will be with an armload of wine. Open for tastings most weekend afternoons, new wines and expansion plans are already on the way. COWBOY CANYON WINERY 16162 Jackson Ranch Road, Silverado, CA 92676 (714) 202-0212 cowboycanyonwinery.com

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Silver Spurs 2010 Chardonnay

Folks come for the country charm, but stay for the wine.

$24 Just ask any Cowboy and he’ll tell you that his Silver Spurs are his most prized possession…Something of both beauty and functionality…a source of pride and accomplishment. Silver Spurs Chardonnay is much the same; non-oaked, crisp, clean and full flavored on the palate, beautiful in color and aroma. Silver Spurs functions perfectly when paired with fish, chicken or just for sipping at the end of a long prideful day of accomplishments. So giddy-up Cowboy… not without your Silver Spurs. ALC. 14.1% BY VOL Winery images provided by Nixie Agency

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r e t n i W shion a F 20

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n Ride shirt by Original Cowgirl Clothing Co www. originalcowgirlclothingco.com, Purse by HD West www. HD-west.com, Jeans by Ariat www.ariat.com, Bracelet and Earrings by Cowboys Daughter www.cowboysdaughter.com

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Dress by Bullet Blues www.bulletbluesca.com, Indian chief necklace and beaded necklace by Western Vintage Revival www.westernvr.com, , Red braided necklace by Misfit Tack misfittack@yahoo.com, Belt by HD West www.HD-West.com, Wrap by Cowboyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Daughter www.cowboysdaughter.com, Boots by Lane Boots www.laneboots.com

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Vest and Jeans by Ariat www.ariat.com, Thermal hoodie by Original Cowgirl Clothing Co www.originalcowgirlclothingco.com, Belt by HD West www.HD-West.com

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Turquoise Long Sleeve by Ariat www. ariat.com, Clutch and Necklace by HD West HD-west.com, Jeans by Bullet Blues www. bulletbluesca.com

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Ariat

Cassidy Boots by Ariat www.ariat.com Fringe Boots by Twisted X Boots www.twistedxboots.com

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Winter Trailer

Maintenance by Kathy Satterfield

Most of us who haul our horses a lot have a regular routine we go through when hooking up the trailer. However, it’s important every now and then to stop, take a little time and check the condition of your rig. Setting aside time at least twice a year to give your rig a good check up will increase your safety, keep your horse comfortable and extend the life of your trailer. If you’re not mechanical enough to do any repairs that may needed, a qualified professional can do the work for you. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone, make sure you have a specific list of what needs to be done so nothing gets overlooked. Routine maintenance will prolong the life of your trailer, keep you safer and save you money by taking care of repairs before they become a safety issue or, if left unattended, a more costly repair. Your tow vehicle and trailer owner’s manuals have manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and repairs that can answer questions about your rig. Here are a few guidelines to help maintain optimum performance, reliability and safety when towing.

photo By Peter Besser

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General Structure

When hooking up your trailer, stop for a minute and take a good look at the hitch, safety chains, chest bars, tail bars, dividers, doors and windows, and don’t forget the floor mats and floor. Check the safety chains for worn links, any cracked welds and wheel lug nuts are tight. At least twice a year, take an hour or more to give your tow vehicle and trailer a good once over. The more you tow, the more often you should check your rig. Basics: Every time you tow do the basics—check the tail lights, running lights, turn signals, and brake lights. Replace any bulbs as necessary or repair the wiring so they work properly. Look in and around the trailer to see if everything works properly and check for potential problems. Do all the parts, doors, latches, clips and straps work? Does it squeak? Lubricate it. Is the bulb burnt out? Replace it. Does the mat have holes in it? Repair or replace it. Butt strap missing? Replace it (not with hay string). Before loading your horse check the inside of the trailer for wasps, bees or other creatures that may have made the trailer there new home. A cornered raccoon is not a fun surprise when you open the door with your horse in hand. Hitch: Two types of bumper hitches: weight-carrying and weight-distributing. Weight-carrying hitch supports the weight of the tongue as it presses down on the hitch. A weight-distributing hitch distributes the tongue weight to all the wheels of the tow vehicle and trailer. Gooseneck hitches are less complicated. Usually the ball is stationary in the bed of your truck. There are also, fold down balls which fold out of the way when not in use. Having a fold down ball allows you to have full use of the bed of your truck when the trailer is not in tow. Safety chains or cables are required in 29 states. If you have safety chains or cables on your Gooseneck, the rings should be properly rated and attached to the frame of the vehicle or to the hitch itself. Gooseneck hitches are weight-carrying hitches. The tongue weight of the trailer must be considered in the payload capacity and also in the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Whichever hitch you have, be sure the hitch is not cracked or rusted and does not have loose parts. Also check that the trailer coupler can be securely seated over the ball and the locking mechanism engages correctly. Examine the coupler for excess wear inside. Some goosenecks have adjustable couplers so that the trailer hauls level. Check the ball size to make sure it matches your coupler otherwise you could have a serious problem. The trailer could bounce off the ball if you go through a dip which could cause injury to your horse, your vehicle, trailer and others. Always make sure your safety chains are attached. The intersection by our ranch has a pretty good dip, we saw a trailer detach one Saturday afternoon. It causes a lot of panic when the truck turned and continues on while the trailer and horses went a different direction; having their safety chain attached would have at least kept the trailer and vehicle together. Your hitch is only rated as strong as the weakest link. The rating on the ball, the slide-in ball mount, and the hitch should meet or exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your horse trailer, check your owner’s manual. The coupler should be repaired or replaced if it is not working properly. Check the welds and or bolts where the hitch is attached to the tow vehicle. Check the plate in your truck bed if you pull a gooseneck trailer, make sure all blots are in place and tight. Missing bolts could put stress on the plate and cause damage. Make sure your safety chains are in good condition, not cracked and without stressed or stretched links. Please remember to connect the safety chains to your bumper, crossing them under the trailer tongue attaching them properly to your bumper. Suspension: Worn spring-eye bushings, sagging springs, or broken springs should be replaced. Visually inspect for signs of excess wear, loose fasteners, and elongation of bolts or metal stress. Brakes and Turn Signal Lights: Brake lights must work; in order to do so you must plug into the tow vehicle to have power to work the brakes and lights. A turn-signal and marker lamp on the trailer fender lets you see the trailer at night clearer with a quick glance in your mirror. It also makes the trailer more visible to other drivers helping to avoid possible collision. The trailer brakes are designed to work with your tow vehicle brakes. Never use your tow vehicle or trailer brakes alone to stop the combined load. Proper synchronization of the tow vehicle to trailer braking can be accomplished by road testing. Brake lockup is often due to the lack of synchronization between the tow vehicle and the trailer or under adjusted brakes. Refer to your owner’s manual to read the manufacturer’s suggestions.

they do not need to also be checked. Check for corrosion or pitting. Check all the welds for stress fractures or damage. If you see potential damage contact your trailer representative or manufacture. While you’re under the trailer inspecting the floor take a look at the overall condition of the undercarriage. Any type of rust or corrosion should be repaired immediately. Surface rust usually does not need to be addressed if it is not causing structural stress or weakness, but ask an expert for an assessment. With an aluminum trailer look for stress fractures at the welds and joints, this is where strain can occur. Another common point to check is where the axles are attached to the frame. Check bolt holes and fasteners for excess wear and loosening. Do the same where the coupler is attached to the frame of the trailer. Rust – Surface rust on steel beams should not be a huge concern. Rust is a problem if it goes unchecked and weakens the structure. To slow rust on the undercarriage or elsewhere on the trailer, clean the surface and repaint or re-undercoat the trailer to slow the rusting process. This is especially important if you live in snow or humid conditions. By not allowing rust to start, the trailer will maintain its appearance and strength for many years. Clean out any leftover hay, grain, urine, or manure after every use. Do not allow any of these things or any water to collect in seams or to sit under the floor mats. Wash the trailer out frequently, dry it, wax it and polish it just like you would your truck. You will add many years to the life of your trailer by keeping it dry, clean and maintained. Wheel Bearings—Have the wheel bearings cleaned and repacked with grease annually or every 3,000 miles. Replace the seals at the same time. Check your owner’s manual for your trailers exact maintenance schedule. Wheels and Tires—Your wheels are very important as are the tires. It is very important your tire pressure is correct when hauling a full load. It is essential that the wheels, tires and axle are properly matched. Your wheel should match the axle hub; many bolt circle dimensions are available and some vary by so little that it might be possible to attach an improper wheel that does not match the axle hub. Your wheel should have enough load carrying capacity and pressure rating to match the maximum load of the tire and trailer. Check your owner’s manual for the correct wheel pattern and load capacity. Check your wheels and tires before and during any road trip for tire inflation pressure. If your trailer has been sitting for a while check for dry rot. Sadly more horse trailers tires, wear out from dry rot rather than from road miles. If your trailer is swaying, check the trailer tire pressure for unequal tire pressure. Tire inflation pressure should be as recommend by the manufacturer for the road, with a full load. Check tire pressure weekly during use to insure maximum tire life, tread wear and safety. Don’t Go on the Road Without: Store these items in your trailer so you always have them with you...just in case items: Registration for vehicle and trailer, Proof of Insurance, Cell Phone, Jumper Cables, Tool kit, Tow Chain, Spare Tire, Jack, Tire Iron, Flares, Chocks, Emergency Triangle or Orange Cones, Flashlight, Electrical Tape, Duct Tape, Equine FirstAid Kit, Knife for Cutting Ropes (if needed), Several Gallons of Water (depending on how many horses you are hauling and distance) Buckets, Sponge, Extra Halter and Lead Rope, Spare Light Bulbs and Fuses, Fire Extinguisher (check expiration date), Cleaning Supplies, Broom, Shovel, Pitchfork, Trash Bags (for manure disposal), WD-40 or other lubricant, Insect Spray and Repellant, and Gloves. Depending on weather you should also carry: Red Flag (for antenna if stranded), Horse Blankets, Candle, Matches or Lighter and Tire Chains. Make sure someone else knows where you are going, the route you are taking and what your estimated arrival time is. Additional Resources: The Complete Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Servicing a Horse Trailer-- by Neva Kittrell Scheve Trailer Maintenance (Allen Photographic Guides) Paperback – by John Henderson (Author)

Trailer Floor and Undercarriage: It is vital that the floor is in perfect condition, especially if you have a wooden trailer floor. Pull your mats out and take a good hard look. Gently but firmly stick a knife or small screwdriver into the wooden surface and twist it. Do the same from underneath. Wood rot can be hidden under the surface; if the wood is soft and or crumbles easily there is a good chance the floor boards need to be replaced. Having aluminum floors does not mean CASSIDY MAGAZINE

wild horse photographer

Kimerlee Curyl Loving everything “horse” from the moment she could breathe, the unfolding of Kimerlee’s life thus far makes perfect sense. The Hollywood dream moved her west from Minnesota but it was the heart of a horse that changed everything. Having worked on both sides of the camera Kimerlee has the natural ability of capturing emotion. She delivers imagery that is unique, dramatic and evocative. Emphasizing graceful lines, rich textures and a view of the horse not done before. The intimate connection she captures leaves the viewer imagining their very breath on your face. Her style is her own and it is that vision that has become increasingly recognizable. She has traveled the globe capturing the essence and spirit of stunning horses. Yet the allure of raw, wild, untouched beauty, rugged terrain and the elements along with the challenge of finding wild horses and the patience for them to trust her is the oxygen to her soul. Being mostly self taught, for many years Kimerlee’s work was captured with inexpensive equipment and very limited resources, working many jobs to keep a horse in her life and film in her camera. Her love of the horse and perseverance for what she believes in, a desire to learn, share and educate through art and awareness has been a driving force for over 10 years now. Her work reflects passion, purpose and is fused with environmental consciousness. Dedicated to the cause and these works since 2004, Kimerlee’s hope is to inspire others, not only to appreciate the beauty of these rich creatures, but to take an interest in helping preserve their place on this land. Her imagery has been donated many times over to organizations focusing on rescue and preservation efforts.

“Snow White” Great Divide Herd

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Much time, talent and ideas have influenced others to care, to photograph and get involved with the issue and current climate these American Icons are facing. Kimerlee lives in the beautiful valley of Santa Ynez, CA with two horses, a paint mare named Sequoia and a young newly adopted wild mustang el Regalo. She is represented by one of the country’s largest fine art publishers, man prestigious galleries, along with countless installations, private collections globally as well as celebrity collectors. Her work has been used in numerous advertising campaigns and product branding. Most importantly, it has become a small voice for those who don’t have one...our remaining wild horses. “Wild Mustangs. Without them the great west was not possible. We traveled, explored and built this land by holding onto their manes and riding the spirit of their hearts. We can honor that gift by being their voice. These beautiful legends, magnificent symbols of freedom and grace are being stripped from their homes, families torn apart and an icon will soon be lost forever. It is my hope to not only celebrate the beauty and magnificence of these creatures but to help them. They are a living breathing history museum, a vital element in our heritage, to our ecosystem and to our humanity. To lose them would be a tragically irresponsible disrespect to our past, present and future. ART...has a voice.” www.kimerleecuryl.com

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“Vanishing Grace” Salt Wells Herd

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What first drew you to photography and how did you discover it? I first fell in love with photography really young, my mother would get mad at me because I would blow through that lil 110 camera of hers in minutes. When the photos would FINALLY come back from the “drug store” I was enamored with the negatives more than the photographs. I couldn’t believe how all that information on the little tiny square of plastic was created. I remember when my father got his fancy 35mm camera one Christmas, I wasn’t allowed to touch it - at all, but I do remembering being fascinated by it. In high school, like anyone I took a class, my father let me use his camera then, and I loved it, still have the photos I created in the darkroom. My fathers wishes were that I go to art school, I loved to draw, pain, create my entire young life. But, I had my sights set on other things and off to Hollywood I went. In 2002 I picked up the camera again, for fun, on frequent road trips I would take with my acting coach down to an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico. I borrowed a friends 35mm camera and saved every dime I could to buy film and photographed those children every trip I took that year. The following year, for my birthday I held a small showing of those images in my pilates studio(one of the many jobs a starving actress has). I asked my friends to drop donations in a box in lieu of gifts. Enough money was raised to buy them a commercial refrigerator for the 100 children at this unbelievably run down orphanage. This really fueled me at my core. The idea that even thought I had no money, I could do something to make a difference. I had no idea what the universe was brewing for me, but I knew I was jumping without a net and was more exhilarated than I had been in a long while. The next year, I got my first horse and now... I was soaring. She truly has mapped and molded this ever changing journey I have been on with photography since the day she arrived, and I, am forever grateful.

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What are some of the unique challenges involved in photographing wild horses? A number of things are challenging but the biggest is, you can’t “make” anything happen, there is no posing of the horses, you can’t always be where you want to be to get the best light, the best angle, best expression etc. I have seen many amazing, brilliant shots vanish before my eyes because if you make one, even small, wrong move they are vanished themselves. Often times, those fleeting magical moments are only a glimpse in time, a memory etched on my heart. Your dealing with a very sensitive wild, prey animal, with varying degrees of reactionary responses the the environment around them. So many things make a difference, time of year, weather, location, recent round ups and removals all play a part in what your going to encounter while out there. Its also personally a challenge just due to logistics, I don’t live near any HMAs(herd management areas) so there are costly details in getting to the horses for me. But I can think of worse and more costly things to be addicted too.

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“Together we stand” Steens Mt

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“Bed Head” Onaqui Herd

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What do you want viewers to take away from your work? I wish to inspire other to care about our natural and wild world. I’ve always said “Art has a voice...” We are getting so far away from Mother Nature, her essential needs and natural rhythms. These horses are fighting for their chance at survival, the issue is heated, current and the core of it all is a large amount of greed. Mother Nature does not fair well with greed, she sees it for what it is and acts. My images are moments, real captured moments of raw, wild beauty. I hope through their beauty others will care enough to get involved, in whatever way works for them. Once they are gone, that is it...the magical horses created by the laws of nature, not man, will disappear forever. There would be no turning back. In our ever growing and chaotic world, they bring a sense of balance and peace.The freedom and spirit these animals represent strikes a cord in many of us, wether your a city dweller or effected by the horse daily...these wild, untouched, untamed animals reach down deep into our souls, pulling at that part of us that yearns for complete unbridled, independent freedom. These magnificent creatures are dwindling from our public lands. I truly feel that the time is now to pay attention to what we have left of wildness. Not only do we have the capacity and power to do so, it is our obligation, to do so.

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“ It is my hope to not only celebrate the beauty and magnificence of these creatures but to help them.”

Kimerlee Curyl

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“On the horizon” Cerbat Stallion

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Do you have a favorite image that you’ve taken? If yes, then why? So hard! I have a few, for sure, and it always boils down to the emotion and story behind the image. Regardless of technical perfection. A moment in time shared with a stallion or mare and her foal reveals to me all that is right in the world.

“Rumble Fish” Salt Wells Herd

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What advice would you give to someone who is interested in Wild Horse photography? You have to connect, understand where they are coming from, and realize your going to miss a ton of shots, if that bothers you, do not photograph wild horses. It is often times not about the photograph you capture at all. Its about being captured with beauty and goodness yourself. A wonderful woman once said this to me and I would love to quote her here. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With art, what you are, is what your work will be.â&#x20AC;? Melanie Willhide.

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Winter Essentials

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1. All Natural Beeswax Lip Balm, One Lavender Basil Lip Balm and one Lemon Ginger Lip Balm come in a reusable cotton drawstring bag, $9.95 www.countryoutfitter.com, 2. Plaid Cuff Knee High Sock, Fashion meets function in this plaid cuff knee-high sock, $11.95 www.countryoutfitter.com, 3. Red Check Knit Scarf, $20 www.nordstrom.com, 4. Faux Fur Vest, $60 www.nordstrom.com, 5. Jean Jacket, A perfect-fitting jean jacket will never ever go out of style, $118 www.madewell.com, 6. Bomber Insulated Jacket, $189 www.peterglenn.com

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5 ways to dress JEANS

Wear a lace top

Add a fitted blazer

Lace crop top $68 www.topshop.com

Tuxe Blazer $55 www.topshop.com

Statement Necklace beaded drape collar $70 ww.topshop.com

‘Bombshell de Minuit’ $175 www.bulletbluesca.com

Add some sparkle

Foldover Sequin Clutch Bag $52.68 www.asos.com

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Rock Tall Boots

Old Gringo Rebeca Boots $559.99 www.allensboots.com

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Photographer: April Kroenke Model: Lindsay Boggs Dress and Boots: Cavenderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewelry: Compass Hair and Makeup: Johnele Krise

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Beautiful boots

Old Gringo Leopardito Boots $399.99 www.allensboots.com

Old Gringo Tyler Boots Galaxia $449.99 www/allensboots.com

Old Gringo Abby Rose Boots $609.99 www.allensboots.com

Ariat Murrieta Boots $299.99 www.allensboots.com

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