S P E C I A L
I S S U E
Douglas Elliman
EQUESTRIAN
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The List: Residences in Horse Country
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Longines Global Champions Tour: The Place to Be
Hamptons • Connecticut • Florida • Long Island • Westchester
A NOTE FROM DOTTIE Beautiful horses take your breath away—the same way beautiful homes do. We talk about them in similar terms: gorgeous lines, expressive colors, great bones, a certain provenance. That’s why, wherever it lies, horse country is always so lovely. At Douglas Elliman Equestrian, we’re horse people, too. We understand that the partnership of horse and rider is not that different than the relationship between how you live and where you live. They’re both deeply powerful and subtly personal. That’s why we’re presenting this diverse collection of equestrian homes. These properties were built for horses to stretch their legs—and for riders to grow the bonds they feel with their animals and their families. When you’re ready to search for this kind of home, visit our dedicated equestrian web page at www.elliman.com/equestrian. Or, come in and talk to fellow equestrians in our offices—we serve the equine communities of the Hamptons, Long Island, Aspen, Connecticut, Los Angeles, South Florida including Wellington, and Westchester, New York. Enjoy this collection of homes for horses and the people who love them. Happy riding!
DOTTIE HERMAN PRESIDENT & CEO
inside
the list:
HAMPTONS • 9 CONNECTICUT • 13 FLORIDA • 17 LONG ISLAND & NORTH FORK • 21 WESTCHESTER • 25
A NOTE FROM DOTTIE
DOUGLAS ELLIMAN EQUESTRIAN
31
LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR
5 FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH
“I ride. Therefore I am.” — Anonymous
2015 HAMPTON CLASSIC
2015 HAMPTON CLASSIC
2016 OLD SALEM HORSE SHOW
DOUGLAS ELLIMAN
EQUESTRIAN We are a proud sponsor of some of the country’s most prestigious equestrian events. 2016 WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL
the List Residences in Horse Country P 9-12 Hamptons P 13-16 Connecticut
P 17-20 Florida
P 21-24 Long Island & North Fork
elliman.com/equestrian
P 25-30 Westchester
Hamptons
8
Old Montauk Highway/ Montauk
Details 4 Beds 3 Baths 1 Half Bath Air Conditioning Garage Traditional 5,000± Sq Ft Price $14,750,000 Yearly Real Estate Tax $4,129 Neighborhood Montauk Lot Size 24.70 Acres Listing ID H44928
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elliman.com/equestrian
THE RANCH AT INDIAN FIELDS
10
Few locations in the world afford an unparalleled 24-acre historic equestrian farm surrounded by miles of riding trails and hundreds of acres of adjoining oceanfront reserve. This property provides the ultimate privacy while being located in the hottest market on the east end: Montauk. Horses graze on the vast equestrian facility, which boasts two restored barns—a combined 29 stalls, a legal 3-bedroom residence and various other outbuildings and paddocks. The property is currently operating as a cattle, sheep, and horse ranch with boarding facilities, riding lessons and livestock sales. A new 5,000 sf farmhouse consists of 4 bedrooms, a den/office, and 3.5 baths, with central air conditioning, a gourmet kitchen, wide plank flooring throughout, original barn beams, 2 fireplaces, a 2-car garage and full basement. This serene and peaceful setting is truly a one-of-a-kind property.
Paul Brennan | Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker c 631.235.9611 | o 631.537.4144 | paul.brennan@elliman.com
Hamptons
11
elliman.com/equestrian
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181 M I DD L E H I G H WAY Discover this 5-acre pastoral oasis down a meandering driveway surrounded by forest and privacy. This property has endless possibilities including a horse barn and horses (permits already in place), a small vineyard, orchards and gardens. The views of the pastures are stunning and evoke an era of long ago. The 4,700 sf house has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, living room, dining room, den with fireplace, two-story library, finished basement and two-car garage. Permits in place for a 6-stall barn with tack room, shower stall, grain room and bathroom. Located minutes from East Hampton Village.
East Hampton
Details 5 Beds 4 Baths 1 Half Bath 4,700 ± Sq Ft Air Conditioning Garage Traditional Price $3,100,000 Yearly Real Estate Tax $10,116 Neighborhood East Hampton NW Lot Size 5.15 Acres Listing ID H20326
Lori Macgarva | Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker c 516.242.9633 | o 631.329.9400 | lori.macgarva@elliman.com
Connecticut
9-11
Old Stagecoach Road/ Ridgefield
13
DOUBLE H FARM
Details Main House 6 Beds 6 Baths 2 Half Baths 14,400Âą Sq Ft Price $49,950,000 Neighborhood Ridgefield Lot Size 87 acres Listing ID CT99120161
Sally Slater | Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker c 914.584.0137 | o 203.622.4900 | sally.slater@elliman.com
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Double H Farm, an Olympic level equestrian compound, encompasses 87 acres of luxurious living. The main house, sited high with 100 mile westerly views, overlooks the compound. Every possible amenity is found in this beautiful, six-bedroom home. Two additional impeccable homes, as well as two barns with a total of over 40 stalls, are beautifully
sited on the manicured property. 12 paddocks, an indoor and outdoor riding ring, a jumping derby field, pool, tennis court, party barn, bucolic pond and additional garage are just a sampling of this world class farm. This is a one-of-a-kind compound with no detail left undone.
Connecticut
15
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STEEPLE CHASE FARM
429
Taconic Road/ Greenwich
Details 6 Beds 7 Baths 3 Half Baths 10,000± sq. ft. Price $21,000,000 Neighborhood Greenwich Lot Size 12.9 acres Listing ID CT95781
Live the ‘Equestrian Lifestyle’ in this professionally designed, private horse farm featuring an impeccable 10,000 sf, five-bedroom, shingle-style home overlooking 8 fenced grass paddocks. This is the only all-encompassing horse farm in Greenwich—includes indoor and outdoor riding rings, an 8-stall barn, separate garage and staff quarters and an amazing home with every possible amenity including a gorgeous pool with stone terracing. Built in 2012, the entire property shows like new.
Sally Slater | Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker c 914.584.0137 | o 203.622.4900 | sally.slater@elliman.com
Florida
2 648
Appaloosa Trail/ Wellington
Details 10 Beds 7 Baths 3 Half Bath 7,473Âą Sq Ft Price $8,580,000 Yearly Real Estate Tax $28,025 for 2015
elliman.com/equestrian
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LA HACIENDA Enjoying a fabulous location, this one of a kind equestrian property sits on 4.7 acres of lushly landscaped and secluded grounds. The property offers a main house with 6 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, a Modulnova Italian kitchen with Wolf appliances, generator and wine cellar. The luxury amenities include a 2-bedroom/1-bath guest house, infinity pool with cabana bath, and tiki hut with outdoor
summer kitchen. The 19-stall barn is outfitted with a rider’s lounge with full bathroom, upstairs loft used as an office, feed room with a mezzanine feature allowing hay to drop directly to the storage area, plus a 2-bedroom grooms quarters. Add in the 4 wash stalls, tack room, 5 paddocks, jumping ring, and dressage arena, and you are literally in an equestrian paradise!
Neighborhood Saddle Trail Park Lot Size 4.7 Acres Listing ID RX-10178570
Maria Mendelsohn | Realtor Associate o 561.798.7110 | c 561.758.1605 | maria.mendelsohn@elliman.com
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Florida
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2488 APPALOOSA TR AIL
Wellington Details 6 Bedrooms 7 Full Baths Pool 9,189± Sq Ft
Neighborhood Saddle Trail Park
Price $7,300,000
Listing ID RX-10235308
Lot Size 3.19 acres
Yearly Real Estate Tax $32,989 for 2015
This beautiful and intimate turnkey horse retreat is just steps away from the Winter Equestrian Festival. You immediately feel the tranquility of the property upon entering the 3 plus acres of lush landscaping. The property consists of a 12-stall barn and a 9,000± sf home totally renovated in 2011. The equestrian features include 10 paddocks, a four-horse walker, oversize arena and 2 groom’s quarters consisting of a 2-bedroom apartment and a separate studio with bath and kitchenette. The residence features a heated pool, gym, office, large family room, gourmet kitchen, 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a media room and outdoor BBQ. The village will soon be paving the road and providing public water and improved bridle paths.
4591 SOUTH ROAD
Maria Mendelsohn Realtor Associate o 561.798.7110 c 561.758.1605 maria.mendelsohn@elliman.com
Wellington Details 5 Beds 6 Baths 10,749± Sq Ft Price $6,575,000 Yearly Real Estate Tax $15,377 for 2015
This beautiful property situated on over 5 acres is ideally located in Palm Beach Point East within hacking distance to the renowned Winter Equestrian Festival. The courtyard barn design makes it very efficient to work in and easy to maintain. The property features 5 paddocks, an all weather footing ring, lunging circle, tack room, office, garage and lots of storage. Accommodations include 2 one-bedroom groom’s apartments and upstairs a 3-bedroom, 3-bath owner’s or manager’s apartment.
Neighborhood Palm Beach Point East Lot Size 5.01 Acres Listing ID RX-10207206
Maria Mendelsohn Realtor Associate o 561.798.7110 c 561.758.1605 maria.mendelsohn@elliman.com
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2 954
Hurlingham Drive/ Wellington
BRIDLE PATH ESTATE
Details 6 Beds 7 Baths 12,633Âą Sq Ft Price $8,950,000 Yearly Real Estate Tax $74,217 Neighborhood Bridle Path/ Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Lot Size .89 Acres Listing ID RX-10194619
Elegant style, sought after location, and neutral dĂŠcor, make this fine property a classic. Rarely does an exquisite home of this magnitude become available in the gated Bridle Path neighborhood. This estate home features limestone and wormy chestnut floors with formal living and dining rooms, opening to a beautiful cherry paneled library. The well-equipped kitchen features two dishwashers, a 6-burner gas stove with a commercial dual fuel range, and double wall ovens. Guests will enjoy the quaint guest cottage overlooking the infinity pool and the 12th hole of Cypress Golf course. Don't miss this rare offering, just a stones throw away from the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Martha Wachtel Jolicoeur, PA | Broker Associate o 561.798.7110 | c 561.797.8040 | marthawachtel.jolicoeurpa@elliman.com
Long Island / North Fork
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11OO ROUTE 48
Mattituck Details 4 Beds 2 Baths Sun-room Patio Washer & Dryer 2,600Âą Sq Ft Price $995,000
Neighborhood Mattituck Lot Size 11.44 acres Listing ID 2789646
Yearly Real Estate Tax $14,400
There are ,any options with this listing which was previously an equestrian facility. The property features a 36' x 50', 9-stall horse barn, a renovated 4-bedroom, 2-bath, two-story 1921 farmhouse with an attached studio/cottage. The large renovated barn is perfect for a car collector and many of the outbuildings date to the turn of the last century. The property is fully paddocked and ready for your horses.
Baiting Hollow Details 5 Beds 4 Baths 2 Half Bath Air Conditioning Horse Property Patio Pool 3,600Âą Sq Ft
Thomas Uhlinger Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker o 631.298.6120 | c: 516.319.0323 thomas.uhlinger@elliman.com
1535 MIDDLE ROAD
Price $1,999,999 Yearly Real Estate Tax $25,671 Neighborhood Baiting Hollow Lot Size 19.9 Acres Listing ID 2852491
Amanda Kelly Lic. R.E. Salesperson o 631.298.6169 amanda.kelly@elliman.com
Scott Bennett Lic. R.E. Salesperson o 631.298.6143 scott.bennett@elliman.com
Completely private shy 20-acre North Fork estate in beautiful horse and wine country. 3,600 sf home with open floor plan. The residence features five bedrooms, a huge backyard with heated pool and room for tennis. Mature landscaping and established grass pastures with fencing and irrigation in a tranquil horse farm setting.
22
BROOKVILLE FARM
1494/ 1472
Cedar Swamp Road Brookville
Details 7 Beds 7 Baths 1 Half Bath
6,891Âą Sq Ft Price $4,990,000 Yearly Real Estate Tax $93,507 Neighborhood Brookville Lot Size 9.6 Acres Listing ID 2838510
Brookville Farms is a 9-acre estate with a turnkey equestrian operation. The property includes a full staff, grand prix fields with paddocks, jumps, and riding rings. It houses two barns with 45 stalls, wash stall, and tack area and also features housing for both grooms and trainers. The custom main house is a 7,000 sf colonial with 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and a 4-car garage. This is an equestrian delight for both professionals and private families.
Joan Gordon | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson o 516.759.0400 | c 516.835.2290 | joan.gordon@elliman.com
Long Island / North Fork
55
23
ROYALTON
Cox Neck Road/ North Fork
Details 3 Beds 3 Baths 1 Half Bath 3,500 ± Sq Ft Air Conditioning Garage Pool Price $1,800,000 Yearly Real Estate Tax $8,000 Neighborhood Mattituck Lot Size .66 Acres Listing ID 2863310
At Royalton Farms, we have realized the vision of an equestrian community unlike any other. World-class amenities, trainers for the highest caliber, and show-quality fields all centered around the Estate—a breathtaking luxury estate home with amenities for the entire family. To fully embrace the equestrian lifestyle, we offer the Estates at Royalton. With the utmost in exclusivity, the Estates are lavish homes located on the grounds, and offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those who live and breathe their passions. This is an equestrian village complex. There are three models with prices ranging from $1.8 million to $2.9 million. Each property has a house, pool, 2-stall barn and paddock
Robert Kohr Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker c 631.871.8774 | o 631.267.7375 robert.kohr@elliman.com
Lori Macgarva Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker c 516.242.9633 | o 631.329.9400 lori.macgarva@elliman.com
elliman.com/equestrian
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WILLOW TREE FARM
2224
Roanoke Avenue/ North Fork
Details 3 Beds 3 Baths 1 Half Bath 740,520 ± Sq Ft Prized Horse Farm Top of the Line Equestrian Facilities Price $3,650,000 Yearly Real Estate Tax $10,116 Neighborhood Riverhead Lot Size 21.5 Acres Listing ID H42016
One of the North Fork’s most prized horse farms is now on the market. With 360 degree farm views, this is a very special piece of real estate. Willow Tree Farm has views which take you back in time. The farmland vistas stretch for miles wherever you venture on this world class farm. The property totals 21.5 acres, which includes a 17-acre horse farm and separate 4.5-acre residential building lot with a 3,000 sq. ft. renovated farmhouse. The farmhouse features 10 ft. ceilings, 3 bedrooms with septic available for 5 bedrooms if needed, radiant heat in the kitchen, a large master bedroom with beautiful 4-season porch, jacuzzi tub, and large walk in closet. The property also showcases smart home technology allowing music to be played throughout the house, central air, heat, and vacuum. Additional features include fireplace, exterior Viking BBQ grill, and lower level with 8 ft. ceilings, laundry shoots, and large laundry room. Along with the attached 2-car garage, it features a separate
3,000 sq. ft. detached garage, and a large potato barn. The horse farm is 17 acres in total and has top of the line equestrian facilities which include indoor and outdoor riding rinks, 24 stalls, 2 indoor wash stalls with hot and cold water, 2 outdoor wash stalls with hot and cold water, separate viewing room, private tack room, boarder tack room, separate feed room, laundry room, bathroom, office, and hay loft. The indoor riding rink includes mirror, insulated ceiling, TravelRight dust free footing, a plethora of windows, and three large doors which provide fantastic ventilation. Outside the main equestrian building is a 220' x 160' outdoor rink, 60' round pen, 25 turn outs on grass, one potential hunt field, and one run in the shed. The property includes 3 separate wells and a generator hook up. Willow Tree is surrounded by farm land on all sides and takes you back in time. There is truly no other property like it.
Matthew Breitenbach Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker o 631.537.6590 | c 631.255.6221 matthew.breitenbach@elliman.com
Maria Mendelsohn Realtor Associate o 561.798.7110 | c 561.758.1605 maria.mendelsohn@elliman.com
Westchester
25
elliman.com/equestrian
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JT FARM A storybook setting high on a hill overlooking huge fenced meadows, a pond and stables for more than 25 horses. JT Farm includes a gorgeous pool with jacuzzi, stone walls and a built-in grill. With over 25 stalls, four grass meadows with run-in sheds, eight acre riding/turn-out field with shed, all weather paddocks, outdoor riding ring, impeccable staff apartments this property has every amenity. The farm borders the 4,500-acre Pound Ridge Reservation with miles of spectacular riding trails and it’s only one hour to Manhattan.
1125 Route 35 / South Salem
Details 5 Beds 3 Baths 1 Half Bath 4,222Âą Sq Ft Price $8,995,000 Yearly Real Estate Tax $120,422 Neighborhood South Salem Lot Size 32 acres Listing ID 4552772
Sally Slater | Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker c 914.584.0137 | o 914.234.4590 | sally.slater@elliman.com
Westchester
27
114 5
JT FARM ANNEX
Route 35 / Cross River
Details 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,671Âą Sq Ft 1st Floor Bedroom Close to Park Cottage Riding Ring Price $5,100,000 Neighborhood Cross River Lot Size 20 Acres Listing ID 4552773
JT Farm Annex is a turn-key equestrian property with heated indoor and outdoor riding rings. Keep your home nearby and use this as your private horse farm. Grand Prix field with natural jumps and 8 grass paddocks as well as a 4-bedroom home with attached apartment for grooms or trainer and two barns with a total of 16 stalls, wash stalls, tack rooms and laundry plus additional stalls. The property borders the 4,500-acre Pound Ridge Reservation trails. Less than one hour to New York City, the location is convenient to the Old Salem Farm shows and HITS events, as well as nearby New Canaan, Ridgefield and Bedford.
Sally Slater | Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker c 914.584.0137 | o 914.234.4590 | sally.slater@elliman.com
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Westchester
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48 DAVID’S WAY
Bedford Details 4 Beds 5 Baths 1 Half Bath 4,970± Sq Ft 1st Fl. Master Bedroom Guest Quarters Hardwood Floors Out Building
Neighborhood Bedford Hills Lot Size 4.07 acres Listing ID 4630459
Price $2,995,000
This rare gentleman’s farm with direct access to the Bedford Riding Lanes offers the perfect country lifestyle, just 50 minutes from New York City. Convenient to schools, trains and major highways, the impeccably maintained residence includes a formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room, country kitchen, family room with barn beams and stone fireplace and an all-season sun room. Outside, the deer
fenced property features mature trees, perennial gardens, a stunning pool and outdoor kitchen, perfect for entertaining. Equestrians will enjoy the four-stall barn with a tack room, half bath and indoor/outdoor wash stalls; a riding ring and six paddocks. A happy lifestyle and easy layout for residents and horses alike.
FPO Sally Slater Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker c 914.584.0137 | o 914.234.4590 sally.slater@elliman.com
168 FINCH ROAD
North Salem Details 4 Beds 3 Baths 1 Half Bath 3,431± Sq Ft Price $1,100,000
Neighborhood North Salem Lot Size 12.32 Acres Listing ID 4543062
Yearly Real Estate Tax $32,775
Enjoying a fabulous location for the equestrian with direct access to the North Salem Bridle Trails, this charming country property offers views and tranquility in the heart of horse country. A spacious Contemporary, with a potential in-law suite, shares the setting
Camille Branca Lic. R.E. Salesperson c 914.403.3754 | o 914.234.4590 camille.branca@elliman.com
with a 5-stall barn with tack room, detached 2-bedroom apartment, separate office, regulation dressage ring and turnout paddocks. A great opportunity to have horses at home with caretaking staff on site.
Lia Grasso Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker c 914.584.8440 | o 914.584.8440 lia.grasso@elliman.com
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30 BISBEE LANE
Bedford Details 4 Beds 4 Baths 1 Half Bath 3,952± Sq Ft
Neighborhood Bedford Hills
Price $1,995,000
Listing ID 4545244
Lot Size 4.61 acres
Yearly Real Estate Tax $27,557
This picturesque, 4.61 acre property sits in the heart of Bedford’s horse country on sought after Bisbee Lane. This charming 3,900 sf home has a spacious eat-in kitchen and family room with stone fireplace and picture windows, living room with fireplace, master suite with fireplace and a private deck, 4 bedrooms, 4.5
Elizabeth Audet Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker c 914.494.5921 | o 914.234.4590 elizabeth.audet@elliman.com
354 HAWLEY ROAD
North Salem Details 5 Beds 4 Baths 3,876± Sq Ft Air Conditioning Barn(s) Cathedral/Vaulted/High Ceiling Close to Park Colonial Formal Dining Room Garage Guest Quarters Horse Property In-Ground Pool Master Bath
James (JB) Avery Lic. R.E. Salesperson c 914.646.3557 | o 914.234.4590 jamesjb.avery@elliman.com
baths, finished basement with additional family room, full bath and ample storage. Front and back porches, paddocks and state-of-the-art four-stall barn. Potential to convert barn into a cottage, additional garage or accessory structure.
Price $1,295,000 Yearly Real Estate Tax $26,164 Neighborhood North Salem Lot Size 6.3 acres Listing ID 4542383
Matthew Berger Lic. R.E. Salesperson c 914.582.0390 | o 914.234.4590 matthew.berger@elliman.com
Sited on a winding country road just one hour from Manhattan, yet close to shopping, schools and transportation, this beautifully updated and expanded Salt Box Colonial offers the perfect lifestyle. Features include a stunning master bedroom suite with fireplace, guest room with bath and fireplace, home office space, spacious family room with fireplace, hardwood floors throughout, large light-filled windows and French doors leading to the private outdoor spaces, front and rear staircases, and large mud-room with laundry. The well-planned
kitchen offers custom-made cherry cabinetry, wine cooler, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Viking stove with double ovens and a center island prep-sink. Property features include an in-ground saltwater pool with waterfall, outdoor fireplace and a 2-stall barn. Across the road is an entrance to Mountain Lakes Park, with miles of trails for hours of hiking enjoyment. There is also a whole-house back-up generator, heated 2-car garage, and above-ground oil tank.
LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR: THE PLACE TO BE Bringing the world’s best show jumpers to the planet’s most exciting destinations. By Steven Wilde
I
t was one of those extraordinary moments in my job as a show jumping commentator that really brought home to me the revolution that’s under way in the world of top-level show jumping. I was sitting in Shanghai, in the shadow of the imposing China Art Palace, watching American show jumping star Kent Farrington clinch a third victory. The Chinese fans were thrilled and captured everything on their smartphones. Thanks to the pioneering spirit of the Longines Global Champions Tour, it was only the second time in history that international sport horses had been flown to compete in mainland China and the sight of these beautiful, majestic creatures had the crowd captivated. Only weeks earlier, and thousands of miles away, I had been commentating on Kent and other leading riders who were experiencing another LGCT “first” on the sands of Miami Beach. Tourists passed by and stopped in amazement to see Olympic champions and their multimillion-dollar horses performing only meters from the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean in this hot destination. Even the classic lifeguard hut had become a viewing platform, with a glamorous bikini-clad beach crowd enjoying the sport for the first time. We’d never seen anything like it in the world of show jumping.
STEFANO GRASSO/LGCT
I asked Kent, currently the world’s third-ranked show jumper, what he made of the seismic transformation under way in this elegant equestrian sport. “It’s part of the modernization of the sport, going into more elite locations not seen before, and that helps bring in sponsors, luxury brands and the type of companies that want to be involved in our sport. I see that as the evolution of our sport, and it’s all good stuff. A lot is down to what Jan Tops (Tour Founder, President and Olympic Gold Medalist) and the team did; it brought a new level of prize money, inviting the best 30 to compete, similar to tennis. I think he took parts of other successful sport models and incorporated them in the GCT. It really revolutionized the sport.”
SAND STORM Kent Farrington in Miami Beach. Even the classic lifeguard hut had become a viewing platform, with a glamorous bikini-clad beach crowd enjoying the sport for the first time.
A
nd he’s right. The amazing show ground in Miami Beach reinforced the feeling of an exciting and premium sporting event. It’s not every day you walk through a VIP lounge and see Elle Macpherson, Bruce Springsteen and Michael Bloomberg enjoying an equestrian event as much as all the passionate fans lining the arena.
Somehow, the Tour events and horses bring together diverse and unique groups of people in these incredible environments. Whether I’m at a show in Shanghai, Doha, Madrid, Paris, Chantilly or Rome, I see families of dedicated equestrian enthusiasts, alongside the world’s super wealthy, including Bill Gates, the Qatari Royal Family, Athina Onassis and Prince Albert of Monaco.
“
WHEN GCT FIRST S TA RT E D, P E O P L E S A I D IT WOULD NEVER WORK, A N D, 1 0 Y E A R S L AT E R , IT’S A HUGE SUCCESS.
literally to nanoseconds. It’s especially intriguing that men and women compete on equal terms, which is rare for a top or Olympic sport. As Kent said to me about GCT and the forthcoming GCL team competitions: “It takes high-level riders, top support from sponsors and owners, and it takes elite-level equine athletes—all of those things combined—to win at that level. To compete against the best and hold your own against that group is always going to be a back-and-forth, as there are a lot of factors we can’t control in terms of the horse’s health, experience and the particular horse we have at that time.” I feel so lucky on my walks around the show grounds, talking to riders and grooms and finding those little bits of extra info for our coverage. It’s a magical place behind the scenes, which I’m sure is the same in all sports, whether it’s the pit lane at the Formula One or the stables in Cannes. It’s a peek behind the curtain. Whenever I’m “backstage” in the stables chatting with the riders about their form, the horses or what they think of a venue or competition, it gives me a great feeling of privilege to be able to be part of this very special family. And it is a family. CANNES
”
As Kent explained to me: “I think it’s easy to knock ideas in their infancy before they get off the ground, and praise them after the fact when they go great. When GCT first started, people said it would never work, and, 10 years later, it’s a huge success. When you have strong people behind an idea who believe in it, and you have the support of top riders using good horses and competing at the venues where GCT has had great success, it’s very difficult to count that out, and I’m very excited to see what it turns into and how it evolves over time.” As I go from show to show with this circuit, it’s a privilege to watch the incredible logistics of transporting top sport horses around the world, and to see the athletes in such incredible locations, with such a huge contrast in arenas—from the small sand arena next to the yacht harbor in Monte-Carlo, Monaco to the vast grass arenas of Valkenswaard, Hamburg and Madrid. It’s a true test of star quality, as the champions have to perform on sand and grass, day and night, and in small and large spaces. The atmosphere is really special; it’s a fixture on the social calendar in so many places now. This Tour is renowned for the ultra-high caliber of competition, and every season I marvel at the precision and skill of both rider and horse, as scores come down
LONGINES G LO BA L C H A M P I O N S TO U R schedule
MIAMI BEACH April 7-9 MEXICO CITY April 14-16 ANTWERP April 20-23 SHANGHAI April 29- May 1 HAMBURG May 4-7 MADRID May 20-22 CHANTILLY May 26-29 CANNES June 9-11 MONACO June 23-25 PARIS July 1-3 CASCAIS, ESTORIL July 7-9 VALKENSWAARD August 4-7 ROME September 9-11 VIENNA September 15-18 DOHA November 3-5
THIERRY BILLET (Paris); ALL STEFANO GRASSO/LGCT (all others)
And this year, I feel, will be a game changer. Everyone is looking forward to the launch of the new team-based Global Champions League, created by Tour Founder, President and Olympic Gold Medalist Jan Tops and Frank H. McCourt, Jr., Chairman and CEO of McCourt Global, and former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. It’s going to be fantastic to see top riders from different countries doing battle together in teams for the first time—normally it’s only teams of riders from the same nation. I know it will energize the sport and be great for the future and for young talent. And of course most of all, for our fans, as they’ll be able to identify with teams and favorite riders.
HAMBURG HAMBURG
MONACO
ROME
VALKENSWAARD
MIAMI BEACH
MADRID
LONDON
ANTWERP
CASCAIS, ESTORIL
CHANTILLY
VIENNA
DOHA
SHANGHAI
PARIS
CANNES
575 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022. 212.891.7000 Š 2016 Douglas Elliman real estate. All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. While, this information is believed to be correct, it is represented subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. All property information, including, but not limited to square footage, room count, number of bedrooms and the school district in property listings are deemed reliable, but should be verified by your own attorney, architect or zoning expert. If your property is currently listed with another real estate broker, please disregard this offer. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We cooperate with them fully. Equal housing opportunity.
Photograph by Stefan Neary
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