Horse & Style Magazine April/May 2013

O U T & A B O U T: W I N T E R C I R C U I T H O T S P O T S

Best of the West IN THIS ISSUE

From Indoors to Fashion Week Katharine Polk

Horse Corner Jubilee d’Ouilly & Laura Kraut

Trend Report Simply Charming

Join the growing group of professionals who are using GastroEase EQ in their daily maintenance program:

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For horses in distress try GastroEase Rescue

Congratulations Barca Van Het Eikelbos!

On her Circuit Champion at HITS Desert Circuit 2013 Special thanks to Harley and Olivia Brown, Kira Koehler and John Couch

HITS DESERT CIRCUIT 2013 CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! Introducing Gail Horrigan on Maldini & Crescendo Top placings A/A Hunters

Kira Zelman & Vitoria Reserve Champion: Junior Jumper Low, Week V 11th: M & S Junior Jumper Low Classic, Week VI

Sydney Hutchins & Sorcerer Reserve Champion: Ronnie Mutch Equitation Championships, Week VII

Kira Zelman & Valentina B 4th, 7th, 12th: M & S Children’s Jumper Classics, Weeks V and VI

Sydney Hutchins & Gaudi 1st : USEF Medal, ASPCA Maclay, CPHA Junior Medal, Week V

Lauren Franco & Ben CZ Champion: Equitation 18-35, Week V

Stella Buckingham & Mini Me Reserve Champion: Pony Hunter Prix Reserve Champion: Small Pony Hunters, Week VI LeeLee Buckingham & Cappuccino Champion: Modified Child Hunters, Week III Kristen Buckingham & Sicerto B 2nd, 6th, 6th, 8th: Low Adult Jumper Classic, Weeks II, III, V, VI Paris Sommerfeld & Vermeer 1st: CPHA Child/Adult Medal, Week VI

Jim Hagman

Katie Gardner

Henley Adkins & Barolo W 1st: USEF Talent Search, Week V Sara Ryan & Apologize IV 7th & 10th: M & S Adult Jumper Classic, Weeks II and III Steven Scheck & Rembert Reserve Champion: Thermal Child Hunters, Week V Abby Friedman & Sociable 7th: M & S Adult Hunter Classic 11th: HITS 3’ Hunter Prix, Week VI

Kay Altheuser

Rachel Kummer

Photos by Flying Horse Photography | EquestriSol Ad Design

Moorpark, CA

Elvenstar.com

Huntington Beach, CA

APRIL | MAY

46

80

BEST OF THE WEST

This year the West Coast has produced five top-level riders who will head to Sweden at the end of April to contest the 2013 Rolex FEI World Cup Final. Get familiar with each of them in our exclusive preview.

KATHARINE POLK

Fashion designer and equestrian Katharine Polk possesses the kind of driven talent that helped her succeed in the ring as a junior and amateur rider. By applying that drive to her fashion line Houghton, she’s rising to the top in her professional life, as well.

| WHAT TO EXPECT 86 Have you ever watched a breathtaking stallion, and dreamt up breeding goals of your own? Jeanette Gilbert has, and ten years later she’s ever closer to achieving them.

| BEHIND THE SEAMS 34 The designs of luxury accessories maker Rebecca Ray are quintessentially equestrian, and uniquely home made.

72

HORSE CORNER

Jubilee d’Ouilly may be getting up there in years, but as rider Laura Kraut knows, age ain’t nothing but a number for this incredible mare.

| POLO PINUP 60 H&S profiles polo player Nic Roldan, who in addition to ranking as one of the top polo talents in the United States, has cultivated a successful career as a model and fashion symbol.

| 10 THINGS 14 Peter Doubleday’s voice is immediately familiar to millions of show jumping fans.

He shares a few fun facts that the horse show world might not know about him.

| TREND REPORT 65 30 | NEW PRODUCT ALERT Spring is a time to charm, be charmed, and charm up When is a box delivered to your doorstep in March akin your wrists! We get you started with this charming edition of Trend Report

to unwrapping a Christmas present? When it’s A Horse Box!

Find us online at www.horseandstylemag.com Like us on facebook /horseandstylemag

4

APRIL | MAY

CONTENTS

11 | FROM THE PUBLISHER 16 | OUT AND ABOUT

2013 Thermal HITS Desert Circuit 18 | BETWEEN THE LINES 28 | PROFESSIONAL POP QUIZ 29 | STYLE RIDER Sean Leckie

38 | TRAINER SPOTLIGHT Garrett Warner

40 | LIFE OF PESSOA Pop Up Life

44 | QUEST FOR SUCCESS The Art of Balance

57 | A RIDER’S TOTE 58 | STYLE PROFILES Nautical by Nature

71 | BIT OF BLISS 76 | VENDOR SPOTLIGHT Soleá Equestrian

78 | TRAINER SPOTLIGHT Lisè Michele Gregory

88 | CLINIC SPOTLIGHT

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Markus Beerbaum

90 | OUT AND ABOUT

2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington, FL

© 2013 HORSE&STYLE MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sarah Appel

sarah@horseandstylemag.com EDITOR

Erin Gilmore CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ryan Anne Polli

ADVERTISING & SALES

Alesandra Leckie

advertising@horseandstylemag.com

COPYEDITOR

Laura Danowski PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cheval Photos, Tyler Isenmann Robert and Klara Swiderski, Jeannie Sucre, Molly Sorge-Kirk, Amy McCool, Erin Gilmore, Ken Tachman, Elena Luseti, Lila Photos, Alesandra Leckie, Christina Gray CONTRIBUTORS

Katie Shoultz, Erin Gilmore, Ashley Cline, Alexa Pessoa, Jeanette Gilbert, Winter Hoffman, Saer Coulter, Carrie Wicks, Ph.D.

92 | OUT AND ABOUT

$50,000 Hermès Jumper Derby, WEF

94 | OUT AND ABOUT

Houghton Trunk Show

97 | ASK CARRIE 98 | BEHIND THE LENS

ON THE COVER: Nayel Nassar and Raging Bull Vangelis compete in the AIG Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix on March 17th, 2013. Photo ©Cheval Photos

Tyler Isenmann

101 | DEAR FASHIONISTA Gaga for Gucci

103 | OUT AND ABOUT

International Polo Club, Wellington, FL

104 | CYSI

Horse & Style Magazine is a Hunter Jumper publication published bi-monthly and distributed FREE by Horse & Style Magazine LLC at Northern California hunter jumper horse shows, large training centers and participating tack shops. The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is legally prohibited. Copyright © 2013 Horse & Style Magazine LLC. TM

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CONTRIBUTORS Erin Gilmore

Katie Shoultz

Carrie Wicks, Ph.D.

Erin Gilmore is a freelance

Katie Shoultz is a freelance

Dr. Carrie Wicks divides

Alexa is an American rider

writer and equestrian

writer and photographer

her time between her private

from Connecticut who married

journalist based in

based in Lexington, Kentucky.

sport psychology consulting

Olympic Gold Medalist and

Wellington, Florida. She has

The business savvy writer

and family therapy practice,

Three Time FEI Rolex World Cup

worked in equestrian media

is also the founder of

traveling with athletes,

Finals Champion Rodrigo Pessoa

since 2002, and is a frequent

Isidore Farm, a premier

and writing. She recently

in 2009. Her monthly column for

contributor to regional

hunter/jumper facility in

completed her doctorate in

H&S charts her life as a mother

and national equestrian

beautiful Kentucky. Katie is

psychology while researching

to their daughter Sophia, as a

magazines. A lifelong

involved with several equine

the mental practices of

rider on her way back to top

horseperson, she trained

organizations and is active in

equestrian athletes. Dr.

competition, and as a wife to

hunter/jumpers, spent time

the industry she most enjoys

Carrie’s passions include

one of the world’s most high

on the international show

writing about.

horses, yoga, mountain

profile show jumpers. For more

jumping circuit, and worked

biking, skiing, and time in

stories on Alexa’s travels, follow

in a variety of disciplines,

nature with animals.

her blog www.mousemakesthree.

from polo to dressage.

wordpress.com.

Ashley Cline

Saer Coulter

Winter Hoffman

Jeanette Gilbert-Gnazida

Ashley grew up riding and

San Francisco, CA native Saer

With a background in

Jeanette owns and operates Jaz Creek Farm in Petaluma,

competing on the East Coast

Coulter chronicles her quest to be

filmmaking, fashion and

A circuit with Jennifer Bieling.

competitive as an international

While attending Florida State

show jumper and balance her

University for her B.S. degree

life in academia, as a senior

contemporary art, Winter Hoffman brings a unique perspective to the equestrian world. A lifelong horsewoman, she helped her daughter, Zazou Hoffman, navigate her way to a successful Junior career, including the 2009 ASPCA Maclay Equitation Championship at the National Horse Show and second in the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final with East Coast trainers Missy Clark and John Brennan.

in Fashion Merchandising,

at Stanford University in Palo

she competed on the

Alto, CA. With the support of

Intercollegiate riding team.

her family’s Copernicus Stables

Ashley then completed her

and the invaluable guidance of

M.B.A. at Nova Southeastern

German training team Meredith

University and in 2011,

Michaels-Beerbaum and Markus

founded EquestrianStylist.

Beerbaum, Coulter is poised to

com to accomplish her goals

make a name for herself at the top

in promoting equestrian style

levels of the sport.

and the horse industry.

8

Alexa Pessoa

APRIL | MAY

California. With breeding, rehabilitation and retirement services, Jeanette is intimately familiar with working through late nights and early mornings. In the first of a three-part installment, she shares her perspective of life during those hours, when brand new foals choose to come into the world.

McCool

Look for Toni with FBW Coneli and Lexito in the Grand Prix arena in 2013.

Give your prospect the edge on the competition. McIntosh Stables is committed to your success as well as your horse’s from the Young Jumpers to the Grand Prix.

Toni & Colin McIntosh Menlo Park, California www.mcintosh-stables.com 650.683.0469

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In the Blink of An Eye Like every year the winter circuits came and went in a flash! And once again, riders were victorious, new partnerships came together and old ones had their final rounds. On that final Sunday after the last ribbon is won, riders go home, trainers pack up their barns and everyone heads home to decompress and prepare for the rest of the show year.

This year, H&S spent time at the best winter circuits on both coasts, looking for the latest in equestrian fashion, covering the news in our own unique way and hearing from all of you how much you love H&S! And we love you back. This issue is graced by the impressive 20-year-old who led the West Coast World Cup Qualifying League for most of the season, and now heads to the World Cup Finals in Gothenburg, Sweden along with an exceptional group of West Coast riders. Check out more on Nayel Nasser and the other four top riders who call the West Coast home on page 46.

Although I didn’t compete myself this year, Ella and I got to spend some time in Thermal visiting with horse and human friends! Photo ©Cheval Photos

That is the great thing about horse shows, there is always another one right around the corner!

From the East, we’ve got you covered with glamorous photo spreads from the fashionable winter events in Florida. And we go behind the runway to chat with life long equestrian Katharine Polk about her successful quest to become a fashion powerhouse in New York (page 78).

Lastly, we are thrilled to introduce new columnist Saer Coulter. After a terrific grand prix season in Thermal, this up-and-coming grand prix superstar is off to Europe to compete on the Global Champions Tour this summer. She’ll be keeping us updated on her life as she balances riding at the top level with her impeding graduation from Stanford University.

As for me, I didn’t have a horse to show this winter but that is the great thing about horse shows, there is always another one right around the corner!

photo ©Deb Dawson APRIL | MAY

11

Introducing the

10 THINGS Even if you’ve never met him, if you’ve spent any time at all watching show jumping over the past 30 years, odds are that you know the sound of Peter Doubleday’s voice very well.

The horse show announcer known as the voice of American show jumping was first indoctrinated to the horse show world as a young boy, when he tagged along with his father, who announced at shows on the weekend. His fascination with horses led to a short riding career before a full-fledged career as an announcer took-off. Doubleday also manages several storied horse shows, including the Devon Horse Show (with co-manager David Distler), The Royal Winter Fair and the Pennsylvania National. Doubleday has announced at the World Equestrian Games, Olympic Games, World Cup Finals, and countless top-level horse shows over the years. His always smooth, never less than insightful commentary infuses show jumping with pitch-perfect drama and excitement, making him an indispensable voice in our world.

1. Since high school, he has had the same waist size (32”).

2. His great-great uncle Abner is credited

with inventing the game of baseball.

3. He was the house manager and had the best room

in the frat house for three years as an ATO member at the University of Miami, FL.

4. The best day of the year comes on December

25th. He loves Christmas and everything that goes along with the magical holiday, and still has trouble going to sleep on Christmas Eve.

5. His favorite food in the world is popcorn, he could eat it everyday.

10 things you might not know about...

Peter Doubleday 6. PBR is his favorite domestic beer, for its retro feel and taste. But his favorite draft beer is Stella.

7. He is a part time triathlete. He competes in three

triathlons per year, up to the Olympic distance. Why? “I love to torture myself,” says Peter.

8. He is 62 years old.

9. His most exciting moment as an announcer came in late July, 1996, when he spoke to 33,000 show jumping fans in Atlanta and said

“Welcome to the Equestrian events of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.”

10. He is a total sports addict, and

follows everything from major sports, to skiing and NASCAR. Naturally, he loves to watch live sports!

14

GU

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D

ANTEE AR

MONEY BACK

TO

WOR

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OUT AND ABOUT THE 2013 HITS THERMAL DESERT CIRCUIT, THERMAL, CA

1. “This way, then that way,” says trainer Chance Arakelian to his student 2. Jesse Holycross of Italian Equestrian and his feathered friend 3. Helen McNaught makes sure the jumps aren’t getting any taller 4. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum is congratulated by course designer Conrad Homfeld after winning the Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix 5. The HITS back gate crew holding it down 6. Lauren Hester and Joie Gatlin 7. Sunshiny smiles on a nice day at the show 8. Eduardo Menezes 9. The winner’s cooler 10. Francie Steinwedell-Carvin rocking her JustWorld International hunt coat 11. Course designer Olaf Petersen Jr.

Photos ©Cheval Photos

16

APRIL | MAY

SHIP FREE

SMARTPAKS 12. John Pearce plots his next move 13. Susie Hutchinson takes a call in a trainer’s office - the golf cart!

14. Everardo Hegewisch and Mei Mei Zhu 15. Palm trees make the mood 16. This future rider gets in some course walking practice with mom 17. Candice King and Campbell VDL traveled all the way West to jump the AIG Thermal $1 Million 18. Harley Brown, Alec Lawler, Lauren Hester (back to camera) and John Pearce hanging out 19. Chance Arakelian’s students demonstrate that H is for Hermes

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BETWEEN THE LINES Off Course

By Georgina Bloomberg and Catherine Hapka Bloomsbury Publishing, 256 pp $9.99 (Amazon) Ms. Bloomberg is at it again with this, the third novel in her A Circuit series.

Addictive?

Yes. Relatable?

Ehhh, sometimes. If you’ve read the first two A Circuit novels, you are familiar with the daily woes of Kate, Zara and Tommi. The books lean heavily on teen problems and horse show drama that is believable most of the time, but then again, for its target audience it’s a perfect fit. And no matter how trite the characters problems may seem at first glance, you’ll find yourself turning the pages to find out more.

A Stallion to Die For

By Judith Stanton Cat Crossing Press, 350 pp $8.95 (Amazon for Kindle) You don’t have to be an eventer to enjoy this book, which focuses on the life of aspiring three day event rider Lexi Imbriani. After her mother’s recent passing, the Britishborn Lexi moves to the U.S. hoping to start over and keep chasing her Olympic dreams. Naturally, her first day on American soil , she becomes involved with a barn fraught with high drama, old money and one very troubled horse. Someone is trying to sabotage her, and after her stepfather took her horses away when her mother died, Lexi’s got some serious trust issues. Parts of this book were a bit unrealistic (nobody gets handed a four-star event horse right out of the gate, no matter how special or talented they are), but most of the story will ring true with equestrians of all disciplines.

Congratulations on a great Circuit

ALLEY OOP

WOODSTOCK

Circuit Champion Med A/O Jumpers

Circuit Champion Low A/O Hunters

& Eleanor Hellman

Winner $5000 Animo Medium Jr/AO Classic

& Eleanor Hellman Classic Winner Week 1, 3 and 7

Best A/O Rider

Thank you Mom & Dad for all of your support!

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

1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos by Flying Horse Photography | created by Applehead Design

CAMPARI

RIO ULTIMO

Winner HITS Hunter Prix

First Half, Second Half & Circuit Champion Low Hunter

owner Helen McEvoy Week 1

Champion Performance Hunters Thank you to the McEvoy family for their amazing support of my riding, their horses, and this sport.

HITS Hunter Prix

Reserve Champion Week 2, Four top 10 finishes Congratulations to Kim Narlinger and trainer Mary Morrison on the purchase of Rio Ultimo

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

1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos by Flying Horse Photography | created by Applehead Design

Congratulations to Emma Waldfogel

MAXIMILIAN

CONSTANTIN

Winner Performance Hunters

Presented with the Grooms award for Best Turned Out Horse

Circuit Champion Jr/Am Modified Hunters

Qualified for $500,000 HITS Hunter Prix Finals

Top 12 R.W. Mutch Equitation Classic

R.W. Mutch Eq Classic Thermal 2013

Qualified for Maclay, USEF, WCE and CPHA.

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

1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos by Flying Horse Photography | created by Applehead Design

Congratulations to Emma Waldfogel

on the purchase of

KINGS PEAK

Thank you to Alison Kroff

on the lease of

ADAGIO

winner ASPCA Maclay thermal Thank you to Chance Arkalien

Watch for them in the Junior Hunters and Hunter Derbies!

Best of luck with these two great new horses!

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

1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos by Flying Horse Photography | created by Applehead Design

Congratulations to Emma Townsend

CR HARIBO

ELTON

Qualified for $500,000 HITS Hunter Prix Finals

Circuit Champion Adequan Hunters Top Ribbons Low A/O Hunters

Champion Low A/O Hunters week 5

Reserve Circuit Champion Performance Hunters

Offered for Sale

HARLEM

Circuit Champion Training Hunters Champion Adult Equitation 18-35

Offered for Sale

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

1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos by Flying Horse Photography | created by Applehead Design

Thank you clients, friends and staff for a great Winter Circuit!

Sonoma Valley Stables is proudly sponsored by

HELMETS

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

1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos by Flying Horse Photography | created by Applehead Design

Courtney Sibert & Charmant

Res. 2nd Half and Res. Circuit Champion Pre-Green Hunters Champion Pre-Green Hunters - Week 6 Res. Champion Pre-Green Hunters - Week 7 Champion Pre-Adult Hunters - Week 7

Congratulations to Dede Heldfond and her new horse Agat.

Winner Level 6 Jumpers Thank you Leone Equestrians

Akimba & Ned Glynn Ribbons Level 4 & 5

Luxedo & Erin Bland

Top ribbons Low and Medium AO Jumpers

Farmore Royal Design & Sarah Ryan Champion Large Green Pony Hunter - Weeks 2 and 3 Mid-Circuit Champion Large Green Pony Hunters

Sarah Ryan & Gabriel

Mid Circuit Champion Children’s Hunters 14-17 Winner HITS Hunter Prix - Week 2 Best Child Rider - Week 2

Dede Heldfond & Fitzsimmonds

Crusader & Paige Pastorino

Winner Children’s Hunters 14-17

Winner Performance 3’3” and Small Junior Hunters

Lucy Sogard & Eurocommerce San Francisco

Avery Glynn & Small Gift Owner Augusta Iwasaki

Top Ribbons Equitation and Medals Winner in the Low Hunters with Heather Roades

Winner Pre-Child/Adult Hunter Classic - Week 2

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

1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos by Flying Horse Photography | created by Applehead Design

Erin Bland & Weatherly

Mid Circuit Reserve Champion A/O Hunters Champion $1,000 A/O Hunter Classic Week 1

Telstar’s Anastasia & Jackie Skavril

Winner Mod Child/Adult Jumpers

Clivall & Erin Bland

SVS Caramunde Z

Circuit Champion and Mid Circuit Champion Equitation 18-35

Owner Shelley Gambardella Circuit Champion and Mid Circuit Champion High Performance Hunters

2nd $10,000 HITS Hunter Prix

Impossiblu & Avery Glynn Reserve Ch. Short Stirrup Hunter Reserve Ch. Short Stirrup Eq-Wk 3

Laokoon

owner Kristen Lowenthal Champion Level 5 - Week 7

Winter Rose

owner Georgy Maskrey Top 10 finisher in every Hits Hunter Prix competed Top Large Junior Hunter

Offered for sale

Vivaldi & Sarah Draxton

Owner Emma Townsend Winner - Children’s Jumpers 1617 and Level 3 Jumpers - HITS Week 2

Argiste & Eleanor Hellman

Champion Low Hunters Week 7

Nigel & Eleanor Hellman

Winner - Ariat, Farnam & Foxfield Medals

Top ribbons A/O Hunters and Regular Conformation

Thank you Ivan Rakowsky

Apostador & Lucy Sogard

Top ribbons Hunters, Equitation, and Medals

Offered for sale

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

1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos by Flying Horse Photography | created by Applehead Design

PROFESSIONAL POP QUIZ This month’s question: “If you were to pick up any other riding discipline, which would it be and why?”

“I would pick reining because I love quarter horses! They are smart, have great dispositions generally, and love to work. It would be a fun change of pace and quite exciting I think!”

Lauren Crooks, Crooks Show Jumping, LLC “Cutting horses. I would do it because it is so different than what I do for a living now. It looks like it would be so much fun.”

Wendy Carter, Oak Haven “For sure it would be reining. If you break it down, it is very similar to what we do, horsemanship wise.”

Guy Thomas, Willow Tree Farm

Every issue, a new question will be answered from hunter/jumper professionals.

Have a question you want answered? Send it to sarah@horseandstylemag.com

“Probably stunt horse rider/trainer for the movies and TV. That way I could still be a part of bringing out what each horse has to offer to their job and still get to ride maybe even jump at times while still getting paid for what I love to do!”

Heather Whitney, Heather Whitney Training

STYLE RIDER

by Sarah Appel

Sean Leckie Sean Leckie is just 17 years old, but the accomplished young rider is singularly focused on one thing: a successful career as a professional and a life with horses. A West Coast rider from Reno, Nevada, Leckie sets his goals and then sets out to accomplish them.

He cut his teeth in the Northern California equitation ranks, winning both the Hudson & Company Medal, and the Cloverleaf Medal finals in 2012. In 2011 he was invited by George Morris to train in Wellington for the winter season, a life changing experience that opened his eyes to show jumping on the East Coast, and served as an entrée to Ivan and Arly Rakowsky.

This winter, Leckie has returned to Wellington, where he’s spent the winter training with the Rakowskys, and competing in the low junior jumpers while attending online school. He ended a successful winter circuit at WEF by beating a class of 73 to win the $1,500 Maria Mendelsohn Low Junior Jumpers with his horse Monte Carlo. He hopes to qualify for Young Riders later this season, and is well aware of how hard he has to work to achieve his next set of goals. “I think most people go their entire life without even knowing their passion, so I feel fortunate to have found my passion,” he says.

Horse & Style: Describe your in the saddle, riding apparel style: Robert Sean Leckie: I’m conservative in my riding fashion; I like tradition and not a lot of flash.

H&S: What is your head to toe riding outfit?

SL: I always wear a navy hunt coat, Animo for jumpers, Ariat for

equitation, tan Pikeur breeches because they fit, Equiline collared shirt, black Ariat boots, and an Animo white tie.

H&S: Do you wear anything for good luck?

SL: Yes, I always have my cross around my neck.

H&S: What are your favorite equestrian brands?

SL: CWD for saddle and tack, Animo, Equiline and Pikeur for clothes and my MDC Stirrups.

H&S: How would you describe your non-horse show style?

SL: I really like clothes, but I would say that I’m probably still on the conservative side for style. I like a fitted European look that comes off casual.

H&S: What have been

your biggest riding accomplishments as a rider?

SL: Winning my first two medal finals last year. It was a goal that I set for myself and I obtained it.

H&S: What are your riding goals for the future?

SL: I would like to make the Young Riders team next year, and

someday, ride for the United States in a World Cup Final, and make the Olympic team. I know I will be a professional trainer at some point in my riding career.

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

SL: I would be an entrepreneur and own several companies. I would

have a high-end equestrian clothing line, a realty brokerage firm that specialized in equestrian properties worldwide, and a small winery.

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

SL: I’ve been really fortunate to have great trainers over the past

eight years, but I would have to say it has definitely been my parents. They have taught me how to work hard, be kind to animals and people, be honest, and always give back. They also have told me to never give up on my dreams, even when other people around you might. You get to the top by believing in yourself, and I am thankful for everything that they do to help me succeed in my goals.

H&S: What is the one thing you never go in the ring without?

SL: My horse! Just kidding, I always bring the ability to stay focused and calm. This is something that I work on every single time I enter the ring.

Photos ©Alesandra Leckie

NEW PRODUCT ALERT

by Ashley Cline

A Horse Box Wouldn’t it be nice if it felt like Christmas every month? Well, it may just might seem like it now when one signs up to receive the boxed monthly subscription service “A Horse Box.” Think: Bark Box, but for the horse and rider. Each month members will receive 5-7 handpicked items—from high quality grooming products to gourmet treats and more, sent to their doorstep in a box. “You never know what you’re going to get,” explains Alexandra De Armas, founder of A Horse Box. Subscriptions range from $25-$30 dollars based on the package selected. The boxes range from $50-$100 in value.

How it Began

De Armas, a resident of Wellington, Florida, has been immersed in horse country her entire life. She grew up with many friends in the equestrian community, many of whom played polo. “I would always go to the different equestrian events, and I liked to ride, but for me it was never in the budget,” she says.

The idea behind A Horse Box was a quick thought in the beginning of this year, and De Armas decided to run with the idea in time to launch this spring. She quickly gathered the first products in order to send out the first boxes, which were shipped on March 15th, 2013.

De Armas attended Palm Beach Community College and earned a degree in marketing. With a love for brands and relationships, she worked her way through various positions in marketing and public relations. By opening her own public relations company, Simply Smiling PR, she learned that creating brand awareness and exposure to the market is critical. De Armas has worked with industries including financial, insurance, fitness, retail, beauty and real estate for over ten years. By combining her business development, marketing, and planning experience, Alexandra is excited about now growing her own unique business.

“In starting a Horse Box, I quickly became a middle man for companies,” explains De Armas. “I’m a PR person, so I’m all about the brands.”

A New Marketing Concept

With A Horse Box, equestrian brands now have a new way to reach their target audience at very little cost. In providing samples, featured brands get exposure from consumers that are willing to try them, and if they are satisfied, will give them a reason to purchase once the samples run out.

Horsey Brands

One will find anything from horse products such as fly spy samples, horse treats, and even accessories in A Horse Box. Absorbine, Polo Girls Society, Pinklette, Vettec, Cowgirl Creations International, and other brands both big and small jumped on board with A Horse Box. Now that every month can feel like a horsey Christmas, what’s not to love?

Full disclosure: the Feb/Mar issue of H&S was one of the items in the first boxes sent out in March!

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BEHIND THE SEAMS

by Ashley Cline

Rebecca Ray Designs Classic. Authentic. All-American Luxury.

It all started when Rebecca Yuhasz Smith entered a Country Living contest for women entrepreneurs. By sewing just one handbag at a time, Rebecca Yuhasz Smith’s hobby turned into a business quite rapidly with Rebecca Ray Designs.

The Rebecca Ray line is comprised of sporting-inspired handbags, leather goods, jewelry, belts, key fobs, and recently a line of stationary affiliated with her brother Chris Yuhasz’ company Seven Barks.

Whether it’s her bubbly personality, equestrian accomplishments and sporting habits, or enthusiastic entrepreneur traits, Yuhasz Smith has nailed down what it takes to design authentic made-in-America equestrian accessories. Her passion for all things sporting is reflected in each one of her designs. For example, Rebecca uses vintage rosette images on some of the accessories and utilizes real antique feed sacks in many of her designs.

“Ray” stands for her maiden initials, and is also her dad’s first name, as Yuhasz Smith’s father inspired both she and her brother to start their own companies. Today, Rebecca Ray designs are featured in more than 300 fine retailers across the United States.

As a third generation English Setter fancier, she still raises top quality show dogs. Some of her other hobbies include riding and driving her Percheron horses and keeping up with her daughter Elizabeth’s hunter jumper competitions.

Smart as a Whip

Basically, she was born in a barn. Raised in a household of 3-day eventers, both of Yuhasz Smith’s parents were professional horsemen.

Taking a strong liking to show jumping, she became an accomplished rider, later competing on the Miami Ohio University equestrian team.

After studying English in undergrad, Rebecca went on to complete

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her masters in Education. Post graduation, she specialized in working with non-profits and creating programs for those who needed employment.

Authentic American Couture

It all began in 1998, with a hobby of creating and simple philosophy of “doing good.” In 2001, Yuhasz Smith followed her husband Derek to San Francisco for his job. While he worked long hours, Yuhasz Smith began creating her line, at first just as a hobby. But soon, locals were stopping her at the grocery store to ask where she got her bag.

She realized she was onto something, and Rebecca Ray Designs began to grow. By 2004, she and her husband had moved back to Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Yuhasz Smith wanted to be sure to keep Americans employed by sustaining the economy locally, and when the business started to grow to more than what she could handle alone, she hired local Amish sewing masters and harness makers to mass-manufacture Rebecca Ray Designs in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Each item is created one-by-one on traditional, bench-made kettle sewing machines, without electricity.

S H OW YO U R COLOURS “It’s the real deal: it’s all solid brass and nickel,” she remarks on the workshop.

“I start with authentic things, like an antique feed sac, and twist them into wearable, relevant products.”

Yuhasz Smith insists on supporting the community and establishing relationships with her manufacturers.

“We stay on their farm and they host us, feed us, and we participate in their Amish family events.

We get to work side-by-side at their studio, and then everything is delivered by horse and buggy,” she explains.

In all, a team of 13 Amish women sewing soft goods and six, male harness makers work full time for Rebecca Ray. Her eldest lead seamstress, Maryann, has been working for Rebecca Ray Designs for 10 years since Yuhasz Smith stopped sewing herself! Her office team consists of “serious horse people,” according to Yuhasz Smith. Many spend their weekends at the short stirrup ring watching their children compete in guarder straps and braids. “We are doing all the things that we talk about and we make. This makes us the most authentic brand: you get what you see.”

New For Spring ’13

The magnificent color scheme for Rebecca Ray Designs Spring ’13 collection ranges from black, bone, and cobalt blue, to lime, orange, and yellow. The new pebble leather accessories are both functional and fashionable. For example, the “Marie” can be worn three different ways as a wristlet, cross-body, or clutch. Along with creating new styles, Rebecca Ray has also partnered with The Devon National Horse Show, The Racehorse Museum, and Lake Placid Horse Show for co-branded accessories.

Seven Barks Stationary line is also a new addition to the Rebecca Ray collection. Vintage postcards are iconic: they make perfect thank-you notes, or can be dropped in a brass frame for the perfect wall accessory.

Classic, Nostalgic Luxury

Her love of designing doesn’t stop with accessories: Yuhasz Smith also dabbles in interior decorating. Recently, she and her husband bought a historic, 35-acre farm just outside of Cleveland in Chagrin Falls. After spending the whole summer moving, she and her family are now experiencing a complete historic restoration project.

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“We inherited all of the old tractors on the farm, and moved our Percherons to begin a breeding program,” Yuhasz Smith describes. “We are working with the historical society to restore the house and barn, which had not been lived in for over 10 years!” Previously, Yuhasz Smith’s home inspired decorators with her French country chic style and color palettes.

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Rebecca’s energy emanates that of a talented entrepreneur, which many aspire to become. She and her family are looking forward to building their new farm, raising Percheron horses, expanding the Rebecca Ray collection, and living a lifestyle that reflects the true American equestrian dream.

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Opposite page from top: Each Rebecca Ray item is handcrafted in the U.S.A. Large and small cufflinks and the Marie Green Clutch This page: Rebecca, her husband Derek and daughter Elizabeth

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TRAINER SPOTLIGHT

by Katie Shoultz

Garrett Warner

Garrett Warner is a teacher’s dream. Rising-up the ranks from Pony Club to working alongside top professionals, Garrett knew a long time ago that he was going to learn everything he could about the industry he loves. Although he’s traveled the world in this pursuit, spending time working in Europe and around the United States, life has a funny way of coming full circle, as Garrett once again calls the West Coast home. Hailing from Northern California, his new training operation is based out of Silver Spring Farm in Ashland, Oregon.

With a wry sense of humor, Garrett doesn’t take himself too seriously, but he embraces the sport with all earnestness.

Getting a program up and running is no easy task, but Garrett and his business partner Lara Schleining are looking forward to the challenge. With great appreciation for his mentors and a humble gratitude for his horses and clients – it sounds like a recipe for success.

Horse&Style: How did you get started in the horse world?

Garrett Warner: Well, both my parents are vets, and my mom had

horses her whole life. We had a little place growing up – a little barn and some acres, just enough. There were horses and ponies at the house, and I grew up riding around on ponies with my brother, playing cowboys and Indians, riding bareback. It was so much fun. My interest just sort of kept going. And then, from there, I decided that I wanted to jump and was able to get into Pony Club.

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H&S: What was your biggest takeaway as a young, aspiring

professional when you were in Europe?

GW: Growing up, my family really didn’t have the resources for me to go out and be competitive on the A-circuit. I graduated high school a year early and had actually bought a horse in Germany a couple of years prior. Through that sales contact, I found a job in Germany and was able to work at a couple of places. I was young, so I didn’t get to do much, but it was an experience that really opened my eyes to how good people could really be. At Gilbert Bockmann’s, he and his team produce Olympic, world-class horses, and before I went there I literally didn’t know horses could be managed like that.

H&S: You’ve been able to work with some greats in the industry. How

has that shaped your career?

GW: After working abroad, I came back up to the Monterey area and worked for Tracy Cotchett (she is a wealth of knowledge and fantastic teacher, and I was there for a few years. She’s just an all around knowledgeable horse person). My next job was with John French – it was great. John has been a real mentor for me. He’s an amazing horse person and just a really generous, cool person. He’s been really influential in my career so far. I was also with Aaron Vale in Florida for about a year, and, you know, it just started getting a little too warm there in July! But, Aaron has a very individual style; it works for him.

With him, I got the chance to sit on every different kind of horse while seeing the East Coast and how they do it. I just think it’s been amazing that I’ve been able to have that spectrum.

looking forward to getting the barn in full-swing. This is a beginning year for us (for myself and my business partner Lara Schleining), and we’re excited to have things running really well with a great program in place for both the clients and horses. The West Coast is really putting on some great shows, and it’s just such a great atmosphere.

H&S: Any new horses in your string?

GW: They might be coming after my spring trip to Europe; so, be on the lookout!

H&S: Who would you want to trade jobs with for a day?

GW: I would say probably Marcus Ehning or Richard Spooner. How cool would that be?

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H&S: What are you looking forward to this year?

GW: I’m looking forward to shopping for some horses in Europe this spring, and I’m also

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H&S: What’s your favorite place to travel to?

GW: Actually, anywhere there’s a big horse show. Well, and I’d have to say Nicaragua. That was my last big trip, and it was a great time.

H&S: What’s something that most people don’t know about you?

GW: I am working with amazing, up-and-coming kids; I am passionate about teaching and hope to make a big mark in the industry via this avenue. I’m also really thin; people think I must not eat at all, but I actually eat a lot!

H&S: Do you spend time on other (non-horse) activities or other interests?

GW: Well, the horses and the business keep me pretty busy. This part of Oregon has a great ski mountain, and I went skiing, once. Come to think of it, I don’t get out that much!

H&S: What keeps you in the Pacific Northwest?

GW: I was kind of ready for a bit of a change, and Lara was looking for somebody to work for her in Oregon. I really saw myself working for a top pro for a while longer but then saw the farm and the opportunity. We have great clients and an unbelievable facility. Plus, where we are has a small ,cool-town feel, and I knew I had to take this rare opportunity.

H&S: How would you describe your teaching philosophy?

GW: I would say that I want my students to have a really thorough understanding of how a horse operates both mentally and physically so that they can start to be horsemen and women themselves who start to think independently. It’s a process, but I want my students to really gain that understanding and confidence.

H&S: What are some important things to keep in mind as a young professional?

GW: Watch who’s winning and try to do it like them (with a laugh). But seriously, it’s

important to watch and learn and just absorb. I’ve learned a lot from Lara, and she’s been a big influence as my career develops. Lara has trained with (3-time Olympic gold medalist), Anky Van Grunsven and I’ve just learned a ton. It’s a much deeper level of dressage and flatwork than I have had before.

Photo by Anne Abbott

Opposite page: Warner, with student Kaylee Cannon and her horse Jovial, takes in the view of the farm and the Mt. Ashland ski area in the background.

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LIFE OF PESSOA

by Alexa Pessoa

Pop Up Life When I last wrote to the readers of Horse & Style, I was about to open my children’s boutique at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Since then Mouse Makes Three has opened and has been a great success so far! The Wellington showgrounds are the perfect place for me to get a feel for what our community is looking for in a children’s store. Naturally, all of my horse-themed items sold out first!

Being able to have the store at the horse show has had its pros and cons.

Of course I love being able to just pop out of the store to watch Rodrigo or one of my friends show. But for my own riding it has been slightly distracting. When I’m out at the ring with my horse, I need to remind myself to disconnect from the store to focus on my class. There have been many days where I find myself gift wrapping in full show attire.

One thing that definitely doesn’t mix with being a shop girl is having a two-year-old child on the loose! Everyone who comes into the store

wants to know where Mouse is. But the reality is that it would be almost impossible for her to spend more than 20 minutes in a 15 x 15 pop-up store. As much as I would love her to be in there with me, it just is not possible at this age!

For that exact reason, Sophia has been spending more quality time with daddy on the weekends (the busiest time for the store). They go to the barn and feed the horses carrots (Sophia usually ends up eating most of them), or she hangs out by the ice machine eating ice chips. Daddy lets her get a lot messier so she absolutely loves their time together. Even though I know that she is always in great hands and having a great time when I am not with her, I can’t help but feel guilty about working; up until this point I’ve been a full time mom.

It has not been easy to juggle everything, but I keep reminding myself that it is temporary. Even though I want to keep expanding the store, the rest of the year will not be as intense as the 12 weeks of WEF. No matter what your job may be, these winter circuits are a lot of work. The hours can be grueling but it is the place to be!

It has not been easy to juggle everything, but I keep reminding myself that it is temporary.

The next chapter takes us to the Old Salem Farm Charity Horse Shows in North Salem, NY in May. We have decided to stay in the States a little bit longer this year because we have more young horses than usual. Not to worry, we will be back to Europe by the beginning of the summer season (hopefully just in time for nice weather)! Stay tuned!

Alexa Pessoa is an American rider from Connecticut who married Olympic Gold Medalist and Three Time FEI Rolex World Cup Finals Champion Rodrigo Pessoa in 2009. This column charts her life as a mother to their three-year-old daughter Sophia, as a rider on her way back to top competition, and as a wife to one of the world’s most high-profile show jumpers. For more stories on Alexa’s travels, follow her blog www.mousemakesthree.wordpress.com

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Photo ©Elena Luseti APRIL | MAY

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All prize money awarded in division classes, classics, derbies and Grand Prix from each of the five spring horse shows will count towards the final tally. At each of the five shows, all professional, amateur and junior riders will have their total prize money won tallied and on Sunday of June Classic, the top three money earning riders from the five shows will be awarded the following bonuses:

Leading Jumper Rider: 1st: $7,500, 2nd: $5,000, 3rd: $2,500 sponsored by GGT FootingTM

Leading Hunter Rider: 1st: $7,500, 2nd: $5,000, 3rd: $2,500 sponsored by Paddock Cakes All prize money won on any hunter or jumper will count towards the Leading Hunter or Jumper Rider Challenge. The Leading Jumper and Hunter Rider bonuses will be awarded to the rider.

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QUEST FOR SUCCESS

by Saer Coulter

Art of Balance I have always loved that in riding you have the opportunity to meet people from all different backgrounds, who each bring their own unique and diverse experiences to the sport.

From the pony ring to the Nations Cups there is always something new to learn and always someone new to learn it from. For the past few years I have been experiencing something which many junior riders and some grand prix riders grapple with: pursuing an intensely competitive riding career as well as a high-level education, and attempting to learn as much as one can in both areas.

Balance is critical to riding, and my parents always stressed that the achievement of balance is also an important life lesson. Managing riding and school can be a constant juggling act and sometimes very stressful, but that is often what keeps it interesting. In many ways, riding has made me a much better student.

I once said I would stop riding when I went to college, but after competing in my first grand prix the spring of my senior year of high school, I saw a whole new world of opportunities open up to me. I realized how much more there was to learn in both aspects of my life.

These lessons have helped me transition into my current roles as a senior at Stanford University and a professional show jumper.

1.40 to the 1.50. I will never forget waiting in the stands for my round at medal finals while Mary and Peter quizzed me on paintings in my art history textbook so that I would be ready for my test on Monday.

I’m now an art history major at Stanford.

During my sophomore year of college I started training with Markus and Meredith Beerbaum. Their ability to manage, train and compete at the top level while raising a three-year old daughter involves an acute horse sense and a fantastic ability to balance. Working with them has improved my riding in so many ways. They provide instruction and confidence; they instill independence while always being supportive.

Together they have helped me smoothly make what I believe to be the most difficult jump in my riding career: moving from the 1.50 to the 1.60. The subtlety that is required to jump 1.60 is something one gains through experience. I am lucky to have such a great relationship with both of them and I constantly benefit from their expanse of knowledge.

Developing a balanced riding style is helped by another form of teachers: the horses I have been privileged to ride. From my first children’s jumper who taught me how to be fearless to my junior jumper who took me from chipping around the highs to my first 1.60 meter class, each horse has instilled me with level of confidence that has gotten me to In many ways, riding has made awhere I am today.

The challenge of academics and grand prix riding sometimes plays out in being able to quickly shift gears. For example, last me a much better student.

My current top horses are Springtime, fall I found myself celebrating my first and Don VHP Z, Graciella 50 and Carmena Z. second place finish in the Welcome Grand Springtime is a 14-year-old gelding and I have had him the longest Prix in Las Vegas, with three hours in the hotel business center doing of my current group of horses. He was the first horse to help me gain a Statistics take-home test. This March on the Friday of the AIG experience and success consistently at the 1.60 level. Graciella 50 is an Thermal Million I spent four hours working on an art history essay 11-year-old mare that just joined the team in September. She is feisty before heading to the horse show for the grand prix. Graciella and I and speedy. Carmena Z is a 13-year-old stallion that I have had for a won that particular grand prix but other times the transitions do not year now. He is incredibly versatile between the larger grand prixs and happen quite as smoothly. the speed classes. Don VHP Z is a nine-year-old stallion that joined Balance requires support. Support you can give yourself through me last September. I am excited about the connection that we have careful planning and support of trainers who believe in balance. developed and I am looking forward to moving through the next steps From seventh grade until my freshman year of college I was fortunate as a team. enough to train with Mary Manfredi and Peter Lutz, who constantly My quest for balance is greatly supported by the community at pushed me to become the rider that they knew I could be. Through my Stanford. I travel weekly between Stanford and various horse shows junior and amateur years they supported me as I struggled through from California to the East Coast to Europe. This intense travel college applications while learning how to move from the 1.30 to the

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schedule would not be possible without my friends and professors who are a fantastic support system. Stanford is a unique and special place. I am surrounded by motivated people who work hard to accomplish their goals. One of my best friends played soccer for the women’s soccer team at Stanford (one of the best women’s soccer programs in the country) and is now becoming a professional soccer player. Although the sports are different, it is amazing to be surrounded by people who value the college experience while being motivated to reach their dreams in other aspects of life. Valuing the friends I have both in and out of riding is maybe the strongest lesson I have learned about balance.

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I am truly lucky to be supported by friends, professors, the Beerbaums and an amazing string of horses in my quest for excellence and balance.

Each aspect of my life has been instrumental in helping me succeed in the other. While there is often tension between school and riding, it is exactly this tension that has pushed me to work harder and taught me that there is always more to learn. This column will follow me as I finish up my career at Stanford and continue to gain experience at the international level of show jumping.

Saer Coulter and Don VHP Z competed in the AIG Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix on March 17th. Photos ©Cheval Photos

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ON THE COVER

by Erin Gilmore photos by Cheval Photo

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It seems like just yesterday that I sat among a packed crowd in an indoor stadium in Holland, holding my breath as Rich Fellers and Flexible speed-raced over the jumps at the 2012 World Cup Final. It seemed, and had proven nearly impossible for an American to win this prestigious individual championship, and yet, on that day last April, Fellers and Flexible’s thrilling victory unfolded before my eyes like a perfectly written script.

By winning the 2012 Rolex FEI World Cup Final, Fellers broke a quarter-century long drought for the United States at the World Cup, and his win infused new energy in show jumping all across the West Coast. While the East Coast gets more qualifying spots (seven to the West’s three) to send American riders to the World Cup Final, last year Fellers proved that the West was home to the best of them.

This year, an even bigger field will travel from their home bases in California and Oregon to contest the 2013 Final. As last year’s winners, Fellers and Flexible receive an automatic bye. Because he qualified under the banner of his home country of Egypt, FEI World Cup Western League leader Nayel Nassar will attend as well. That leaves space for three U.S. riders who qualified based on their points throughout the season.

And that makes it a very exciting year for West Coast riders, who send five of their own to the 2013 World Cup Final, to be held on April 24 – 27 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Get familiar with them now and be ready to cheer them on from afar. As proven possible last year, one of them just might return home with the win.

Best of the West

by Erin Gilmore

Nayel Nassar

22 years old Palo Alto, CA

The Next Big Thing

Just one year ago, Nayel Nassar was a relative unknown. He was first introduced to horses while growing up in Kuwait and gravitated towards show jumping early on. Taking advantage of its on-campus stables, the 22-year-old rider brought horses with him when he moved to California to attend Stanford University in 2009. After last season, when he swapped coasts in the wintertime to compete in Wellington, Florida (winning the 2012 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series for his efforts), Nassar made the West Coast his full time base this winter. In the past he trained with Olympian Laura Kraut, and still picks up tips from Markus Beerbaum, who was on the ground all season long at HITS Thermal if Nassar needed him. But for the most part, Nassar runs his own show, operating his own program with his two top horses, the 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion Raging Bull Vangelis and Lordan, a 9-year-old Hanoverian gelding. Vangelis

is his top horse, and played a crucial part in helping him rise to the top of the FEI Western League World Cup Qualifying Rankings.

Nassar, who won the $50,000 Grand Prix of Los Angeles World Cup Qualifier last November, and has notched steady results since, will head to the World Cup Final representing Egypt, and taking with him a laid back, quiet confidence that has served him well in his quest to become one of the best.

I hope to represent Egypt in the Mediterranean Games (to be held in Turkey in June), and the World Cup Final will be good preparation for that.

What’s next for Nayel this summer?

APRIL | MAY

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Stanford University

Thanks Meredith & Markus Beerbaum and the Coulter Family for their support of student athletes

Thanks to the Harts for Kountry Boy

Thanks to the Tyrrells for Fresno

Stanford Equestrian Team 2013 IHSA Regional Champions Good Luck at the Zone Finals!

Top-Ten IHSA National Finals 2006-2012

Photos: D. Marhefka

100 Electioneer Road, Stanford, CA (650)327-2990 www.stanford.edu/group/set/ Accepting quality show horses of all levels. Contact: Vanessa Bartsch, Head Coach vbartsch@stanford.edu

Lucy Davis

20 years old Los Angeles, CA

The Rookie

She was only 17 when she won her first grand prix, and ever since then, Lucy Davis has shown that she has what it takes to focus and succeed in the ring. The Stanford University student has come to be known for sitting the impressive bucks of her top horse, Nemo 119, who never fails to throw in a couple of teethrattling maneuvers before squaring up to the first fence on course.

Nemo has been with her for two years now, and Davis works hard to keep her partner in top form. “The most important part of our daily training routine is flatwork,” she shares.

With her quirky, 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding, she’s competed all over the world since winning that first grand prix (the 2010 $25,000 Memorial Day Classic) close to home in Los Angeles. She also trains with Markus Beerbaum, and as her skill in the saddle has developed, she’s nearly always in the hunt for a top placing in tough grand prix classes.

With her petite build and aquiline features, one wouldn’t take the 20-year-old for a skilled bronc rider. But for everything Nemo throws her way, she answers with a quiet, reassuring seat and a fire to win. She may be a World Cup Final rookie, but she’s already got the worldly experience to make her a contender on one of show jumping’s biggest stages.

If he is responsive and strong on the flat then the jumps will be no problem, so we spend a lot of time making sure all the gears are working.

APRIL | MAY

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The Dark

Horse Karl Cook

California law requires commission disclosure by agent.

Failure results in triple damages and payment of attorney fees.

21 years old Woodside, CA

Before big classes, Karl Cook has a habit of sitting in the busy VIP area of a show, putting his head in his arms on the table in front of him, and napping. One might think that he’s unenthusiastically dreading the task ahead, but that’s not the case; he’s simply resting up before heading out to meet his horses, and more often than not, kicking butt in the ring.

Cook rides with a determined focus, and his ingate ritual before he rides through the ingate to jump a big class is simple: “I think of nothing,” he says.

I clear everything from my mind so when the tone sounds I can focus on the one thing I need to do. And that’s ride.

Cook, who was a NAYRJC team and individual gold medalist in 2009 and 2010, has moved on up to become a top amateur rider with his two stallions, Jonhkeer Z and ASB Conquistador.

After many years training with the team at Willow Tree Farm in his hometown of Woodside, Cook spent time in Europe last year with legendary French show jumper Eric Navet, and came back to the states a whole different rider last fall. He took the Las Vegas National by storm in November, winning the Friday night speed and then taking first and second place in the $50,000 Fisker Automotive World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix. That capped a fall season where Conquistador jumped clear in three of four WCQ grand prix classes, and this winter, Cook’s horses seemed to just be coming on form again in time for the World Cup Final. He and Jonkheer Z jumped clear with one time fault over the supremely difficult AIG Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix in March, and Cook is now heading to his first World Cup Final in the best possible frame of mind. Naps and all.

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It’s a bit unusual to have a renaissance period when you haven’t yet reached your 30s, but for Ashlee Bond, her return to the spotlight could be described as such. After an amazing breakout year in 2009 with Cadett 7, when she took the HITS Thermal Desert Circuit and then the world by storm with an unrivaled string of grand prix victories, Bond bounced between coasts and for a time, seemed to still be finding her way.

And when Cadett sustained a minor injury, she did some major strategizing to not only ensure that he would come back better than ever, but that she would, too.

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It worked. With the now 15-year-old Cadett jumping in top form again, and her new grand prix horse Wistful showing shades of brilliance, Bond jumped to the top American spot in World Cup rankings this season, and is looking forward to taking on the World Cup Final in Sweden this April.

“All the horses got a week of just turnout and treadmill after Thermal,” says Ashlee. To prepare for

Sweden I schooled in the indoor arena at Blenheim EquiSports, at night under the lights.

Robert (Ridland) opened it up to the people who qualified to help us prepare.

The 2013 HITS Thermal Desert Circuit also marked the debut of Ashlee Bond Show Jumping. By stepping out on her own for the first time, Bond is welcoming clients of all levels and having a blast. And late last year, she became engaged to farrier Sage Clarke, proving that sometimes, everything does come together just as you dreamed.

APRIL | MAY

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The

Champion Rich Fellers 54 years old Wilsonville, OR

Rich Fellers and Flexible hardly need an introduction; the 2012 Rolex FEI World Cup Champions quickly shot to legend status last year after riding a wave that for awhile there seemed like it would never end. The 2012 USEF Horseman of the Year and 2012 USEF International Horse of the Year earned those distinctions by winning the World Cup Final, winning every Olympic Qualifier on the West Coast, finishing as the top placed American show jumper at the London Olympic Games, and winning, winning, winning.

Horse and rider have been together for nearly ten years, so long that Fellers doesn’t have to think twice when asked what Flexible’d be doing for a living if he were human. He’d be a

professional athlete. But not just any athlete. He’d be in the X-Games.

This year, Flexible and Fellers are at it again, heading to the World Cup Final on an automatic bye to defend their title. The West Coast loves to claim Fellers, who is based outside of Portland in Oregon, as one of their own, and after last year’ epic win streak, you can almost feel the fervent prayers of show jumpers all over California and Oregon, hoping for a repeat performance.

Win or lose, the 17 year old Irish Sport Horse stallion and the silver haired family man are heroes to West Coast riders, and having inspired so many by proving that the impossible was possible, they’ll always be welcomed home with open arms.

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Polo Comes Naturally to

Nic Roldan

by Erin Gilmore

People perceive polo as such an elite sport,” says 30-year-old polo player Nic Roldan. “They see it on Pretty Woman, and they see the princes playing, and they think of it as something that’s only played by the rich and famous.

And it soon became apparent that “natural talent” was an understatement when it came to Roldan’s grasp of polo. Roldan was so freakishly skilled that he had reached polo’s upper echelons by the time he was a teenager, a very rare feat. He still holds the record for being the youngest winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship, an honor he earned at 15, while playing against and with grown men who were easily twice his age.

To look at him, a person might think that it’s only played by the beautiful, as well.

Polo arguably requires more raw strength and muscle than any other equestrian sport. Not to battle the horse with, mind you, but to hit a ball up to 300 yards downfield, to match the opposing team at full gallop, and to switch horses on the sidelines without touching the ground.

But misconceptions abound in Roldan’s world, and not only towards the rough and ready sport of polo.

The tall, green-eyed rider lives and breathes polo. His father, Argentine professional player Raul Roldan, raised him on the back of a horse and put a mallet in his hand almost before he learned how to walk. His hometown of Wellington, Florida, where he’s constantly surrounded by the great figures of the sport, was the best possible environment to nurture a natural talent for polo.

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High-goal polo takes place on the largest field in organized sports, a wide-open space that is equal to almost nine football fields. Riders wear thick knee and elbow pads, chasing and galloping at full speed alongside each other, reaching out to “hook” the opposing player with their mallet in an effort to steal the ball.

As far as equestrian sports go, it’s as full contact as it gets.

“We’re athletes,” Roldan emphasizes. “We put our lives on the line every moment that we step onto a field, that we play, that we ride.”

For Roldan, polo is a full-time job. His life as a professional player is marked by the seasons; as with most equestrian sports, the top competitions follow warm weather. He spends the winters in Wellington, where the international circuit gathers each November through April, and then is on the move to sun-drenched fields in Santa Barbara, California, The Hamptons in New York, England, and Argentina.

His 15 horses have a twice-daily exercise regimen that rivals most horses in other disciplines, and he manages a full time staff of four. His winter barn in Wellington is workmanlike and clean, with shavings piled high in every stall, and plastic chairs outside the tackroom doorway. When Roldan settles comfortably in one of them, his Jack Russells gather obligingly at his feet.

“My horses are my life. I’m here every day, hours and hours on end,” he says. “Each horse is meticulously taken care of in the way that they need. Having the best vet, the best farrier, and the best hands-on groom is key.”

In polo, riders are ranked on a -2 to 10 goals handicap system, with less than ten in the world currently ranked at 10 goals. Roldan is rated an 8, has reached 9, and aspires to be a 10 goaler. This season in Wellington, he was hired to play for no less than three high-goal teams, all of which are owned by “patrons” who can foot the bill, and often attach a glittery sponsorship to the deal.

Audi, luxury watchmaker Piaget, and even CocaCola all sponsor polo teams each year.

It was while Roldan was first playing for Piaget in 2010 that he was asked to be their brand ambassador at events and appear in their advertisements. One thing led to another, and modeling agency Wilhelmina signed Roldan later that year. He has since appeared in Vanity Fair as one of its “10 Hottest Horsemen”, in GQ Magazine, and on the cover of The Hamptons Magazine, among others.

Opposite and following pages: Roldan played for Mt. Brilliant in the 26-goal USPA Piaget Gold Cup during the month of March in Wellington. Photos ©Erin Gilmore

APRIL | MAY

at

Roldan takes the limelight in stride, even though most of the time, the glossy magazine spreads that feature him cast his sport in what he believes to be a falsely elite light.

Still, all the attention is good for polo, and Roldan has high hopes that it will one day experience the transition from fringe to mainstream that tennis, and golf have enjoyed.

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“When they take a picture of me, they’re thinking Nic the polo player, not Nic the model,” Roldan explains. “It’s all a part of polo getting more attention, becoming more mainstream. I think polo will get there, we just need to change the whole perspective on it. We have to make it more accessible.”

And he’s glad to be a conduit. There’s an upside to hitting the genetics jackpot, and Roldan’s been able to use those assets to shine a brighter light on polo.

But while sitting in the barn aisle near his horses, it’s clear that he’s more comfortable in a white t-shirt than a suit, and is more at home in his tackroom than at a photoshoot.

He’ll train hard and play hard during the intense spring polo season in Florida before hitting the road for the rest of the year. And while his looks might play right into the hand of polo’s glamorous image, it’s his true passion for the sport that, for him, makes polo a way of life.

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BIT OF BLISS Photography by Robert and Klara Swiderski

In so many ways, the union of Maggie Jayne and Patrick Bracco symbolized the coming together of two worlds. Jayne hails from a family with deep connections to the hunter/jumper world, and is a well-known professional rider herself. Patrick is involved in the golf industry, and details that played homage to both their passions decorated their urban wedding, held at The Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago, Illinois on September 1st, 2012.

Half of the tables were named after notable horse shows, and the other half; famous golf courses. A custom ice sculpture with the couple’s signature MP monogram featured a design of a barn complete with an arena of jumps, as well as a golf hole. And unsurprisingly, the 240-strong guest list was dotted with top Midwest trainers, as well as California trainer Archie Cox, grand prix rider Saer Coulter, Cayce Harrison and Quentin Judge of Double H Farm, Freddie and Jodi Vasquez, and others.

It was a magical fairy tale day that we were able to spend with our family and friends!

Maggie described. “It

was so great to have my brother Charlie as one of Patrick’s groomsmen and my sister Haylie as my matron of honor, and Patrick’s sister’s Erin and Eileen as two of my bridesmaids.”

Maggie currently runs Our Day Farm alongside her siblings Charlie (who was the alternate member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Team) and Haylie Jayne Rolfe, a professional known for her success in the high performance hunters. The trio is currently bringing along their young hunters and jumpers, as well as those owned by Kelsey and Maddy Thatcher of Pony Lane Farm. Our Day Farm is based out of Elgin, IL and winters in Wellington, FL.

Top: For the reception (and cake cutting!) Maggie changed into a dress by Aidan Mattox, and slipped into a pair of Prada shoes.

Above: Maggie wore a Lazaro gown, and Jimmy Choo heels. In her hair, she wore a gorgeous Maria Elena Headpiece.

The couple was married in Ascension Church in Oak Park, IL; a beautiful, gothic style Catholic church where Patrick’s grandparents were also married.

APRIL | MAY

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HORSE CORNER

by Katie Shoultz

Jubilee d’Ouilly Laura Kraut loves a hot ride. After years of watching Jubilee d’Ouilly in the ring, the international competitor and Olympic gold-medalist had a feeling the two of them would get along. “I’ve known the mare for years and without ever having sat on her, I felt she would be suited to me. She’s a very hot, Thoroughbred-type mare, which I like,” Kraut explains.

“Jubi,” a 16-year-old Selle Francais mare (Palestro II x Gardenia) came into the world as a feisty foal, and she hasn’t lost her edge.

Although she’s still spooky by nature (especially during turnout), Jubilee’s raw talent is commanding, and she knows when she’s up against the clock.

When she comes into the arena, she

turns her ears straight up and she starts the fight, her owner proudly shares.

International Superstar

Troubled Talent

The owners (and breeders) of Jubilee are husband and wife duo, Alexandra and François-Xavier Lebon of France. The couple always believed in the little mare, even if she wasn’t the easiest to bring along.

“Jub as a young horse was really hard to manage. She was spooky and full of blood,” recalls Alexandra, who is a veterinarian by trade.

After several years of lackluster showing, it was even suggested that perhaps Jubilee retire from competition to become a broodmare. But, the Lebons felt that their mare had more to show the world. After a rocky start, Jubilee’s innate abilities began to take shape, catapulting her to new heights. “She kept on surprising us and always did the job,” says Lebon. “She won her first grand prix as an 8-year-old,

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beating the famous Diamant de Semilly. She just had this incredible hock power, willingness, and speed!”

APRIL | MAY

Aymeric de Ponnat, Penelope Leprevost, and Trevor Coyle are all distinguished world riders who have had incredible stints with the mare throughout her career. De Ponnat, in 2007, won the prestigious Longines King George V Gold Cup Grand Prix of Hickstead in a dazzling performance with the lively mare.

In 2009, during the FEI Nations Cup in Aachen, Jubilee produced two clear rounds with Leprovost in the irons (helping France claim victory as the winning Nations Cup team that year).

In similar fashion, Coyle and Jubilee left their mark on the European show circuit with numerous grand prix placings and wins. But

after an injury sidelined Coyle late last year, Kraut was approached about taking over the ride. She knew to answer when opportunity knocked and couldn’t wait to hop on.

Kraut and Jubilee’s competitive debut was this past November at the Gucci Masters in Paris; as the horse and rider have gotten to know each other, excitement builds for what may come. “She’s been great for pretty much anyone who’s ridden her. And that says something about a horse,” Kraut remarks.

Such versatility and untapped potential for the duo bodes well for their future endeavors.

“She’s so funny. When we got her, she was very finicky about any kind of treats and now, well, she’s really taken to the American way,” Kraut jokes. She does hate having her girth tightened and will even kick at stirrups being pulled up.” True to herself, Jubilee is sassy and opinionated. “She really likes attention when she wants it. It’s on Jub’s terms,” Kraut says with a laugh.

What’s To Come?

Jubilee also has three foals on the ground (via embryo transfer), and the Lebons are reliving a bit of Jubilee’s young days at the farm. “The quality of her offspring is really outstanding. The same qualities of Jub are seen: carefulness, blood, and intelligence,” Lebon says. And while her progeny are under

the expert guidance of the Lebons, Jubilee will be headed to the European circuit with Kraut. Paris is on the map for April. “We’re looking to pinpoint some big shows and let her go and try to win what she can without overtaxing her,” Kraut shares.

During this year’s Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, the pair won the $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2, and placed well in several grand prix classes.

Despite her age, those closest to Jubilee feel that she hasn’t lost her edge. And she really doesn’t require a whole lot of maintenance.

“She has a young brain and is really enthusiastic about her work and jumping,” Kraut attests. And, with the perk of having an owner who is a veterinarian, when Lebon can, she’ll personally do acupuncture on Jubi to help with any stiffness. With diligent individuals focused on Jubilee’s welfare as she enters this phase of her career, it can only build upon her already outstanding achievements.

Sacramento International Horse Show Sept. 24 - Oct. 6, 2013 Part of GGT Grand Prix Series

“What I love most about her is that she really wants to win. She’s as brave as can be and always tries,” says Kraut. “She’s a dream come true; I only wish she was 10 and not 16.

I’m so, so fortunate to have her.”

Opposite page: Jubilee and Kraut have had a successful first season together. Photo ©Erin Gilmore This page: Jubilee as a young foal on the farm in France. Photo courtesy Alexandra Lebon

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by Sarah Appel

Soleá Equestrian Alejandro Meeks’ mobile store Soleá Equestrian launched during the 2013 HITS Thermal Desert Circuit. While Soleá Equestrian may be new, Meeks has been involved with the equestrian industry for many years. In his first career as a pastry chef, he earned “Le Grand Diplome” from Le Cordon Bleu in London, and after working in Europe made his way to hunter/jumper shows in Southern California.

He took to the lifestyle of horse shows and ventured into retail. With Soleá, Meeks finds similarities between the creative aspects of his former work as a chef, and his current career in which seeking new and innovative products that are fresh and cutting edge is so important. Altogether, his dedication to his customers and eye for craftsmanship make his business stand out in the crowd.

Horse & Style: When and where did Soleá Equestrian start?

Alejandro Meeks: Soleá Equestrian started in December of 2012, in Southern California.

H&S: What inspired you to start your own business?

AM: I was inspired by trainers and riders who were in search of products that were not being represented on our circuit.

H&S: How do you choose what to carry in the store?

AM: I listen to my clients, as well as search for new and innovative products that are emerging on the market.

H&S: What is the most popular brand you carry?

AM: The most popular brand I carry is Kep Italia helmets. It is a helmet that combines optimum protection and technology with Italian elegance.

H&S: What makes your business different from other vendors at the horse shows?

AM: I believe that customer service is essential in building trust and a long lasting relationship with one’s clients. I design my business specifically with the rider in mind, and carry products that blend functionality with fashion.

H&S: How has your business changed since the beginning?

AM: As a new business, I’m constantly evolving. I listen to and learn from my clients everyday. I recognize that I’m amongst true horsemen, and have a great admiration for them, and the sport.

H&S: What are your goals for Soleá Equestrian in the future?

AM: My goal for Soleá is to carry products of quality and craftsmanship with respect to tradition in a modern-day market.

H&S: What would you say to someone who wanted to start their own equestrian

business?

AM: I would advise someone to know their products, and to know the needs of both horse and rider.

H&S: What inspired you to name your company Soleá?

AM: Soleá originates from the flamenco music of Southern Spain. A Soleá is a song

that allows the artist to be spontaneous while being respectful of tradition. I would like my business to embody a Soleá.

Photos ©Cheval Photos

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Comprehensive hunter/jumper training on a beautiful equestrian estate on 60 scenic acres with trails, nestled in the hills above Ashland. Spacious stables, grass turn-out paddocks plus indoor arena and outdoor arena featuring GGT Footing with clubroom to wind down after the day.

Garrett Warner, Trainer (707) 696-0077

WWW.SILVERSPRINGEQUESTRIAN.COM 1313 E. Nevada Street, Ashland, OR 97520 â&#x20AC;˘ silverspringequestrian@gmail.com

Lara Schleining, Owner (541) 601-9895

TRAINER SPOTLIGHT

by Erin Gilmore

Lisè Michele

Gregory

“Unconventional” doesn’t begin to describe how trainer Lisè Michele Gregory (née Quintero) first made her debut in show jumping. The same year that she began showing jumpers, she won the Western World Cup League, USPA Rookie of the Year, Horse of the Year and competed at the World Cup Final. That year was 1992, and it began a remarkable career in the jumpers for Gregory, who seems to enjoy the fact that these days, many people don’t realize the depth of her accomplishments.

The three-time World Cup Final veteran and her husband, New Zealand native Todd Gregory, run Quintero, LLC, a small, very busy string of sales and client horses that is loosely based in Northern California’s Bay Area. Loosely based, only because the couple maintain horses at three locations, and have a whopping daily commute of over 100 miles. However, with most of their time spent on the road at horse shows, they don’t mind the distance, and work seamlessly together to handle the many tasks that come with producing top horses and riders.

While standing ringside at HITS Thermal during the off-week, Gregory took the time to fill H&S in on her amazing history, the challenge of transitioning from hunters to jumpers, and the message that she and Todd try to instill in all their students.

Horse & Style: You didn’t come from a family of horse people, did you?

How did you encounter horses?

Lisè Michele Gregory: That’s right. I was an East L.A., California/ Mexican baby. They don’t usually show or ride, or ride at all in that part of town. So I was East L.A. born and raised, and my mom’s biggest dream was to be an actress, so of course she fantasized about her daughter becoming an actress. So as a small child my mom made me do everything. I can do ballet, sing, play chopsticks, pick up a guitar, ice skate. But I cannot be an actress.

The only thing that I somehow locked onto was being tied to the back of a pony on a pony ride. There was no history on either side of my family of anyone being into horses, and it was the most intangible thing for an East L.A. child to do. So of course that was the only thing I wanted in life.

H&S: So it’s not as if you were given a string of horses to show, then?

LG: Not at all. I took lessons. Pretty soon my obsession became too

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gave me their hunters to ride, and my last junior year I picked up and moved East. I took-off my last high school year and catch-rode for everyone in Florida.

H&S: Was that the beginning of your professional career?

LG: Yes, at that time you sort of had to go pro if you didn’t have your own horse. I spent two years in Virginia working for Bucky Reynolds and Walter J. Lee, and then I worked for Beacon Hill, which was Frank Madden and Bill Cooney at that time. As a pro, I felt that I needed to learn how to teach from the best, and teach the best! One of my students was Chris Kappler!

H&S: And ever since then, you’ve been full on training horses?

LG: Well, I did move back to California originally to go to college. But I

also needed a job, so I tried riding for Mike Edrick temporarily. But within 30 days he hired me full time, so once again college got thrown to the side!

H&S: How did you segue into the jumper ring?

LG: I was working for Linda Hough, riding her hunters. I taught

much for my mom, who spent every weekend driving me to lessons. In 1976 my parents purchased a small acre of land in the San Fernando Valley, Northridge area, so that we could keep a pony in the backyard.

For a short time I was at the Foxfield Riding Club, and I did a lot of equitation because I couldn’t afford the hunters. I met trainers Merle and Sheri Rose one day after happening upon her giving a lesson to Jenny Karazissis. Sheri was the one who gave me my foundation in riding, and we’re still friends today.

Lauren Hough and Megan Johnstone, and one day Lauren, who was 12 at the time, looked and me and said that she wanted to ride in the jumpers. I said ‘that’s fine, but I don’t know about anything to do with jumpers.’ So their solution was to get me a jumper lesson, and then a jumper horse so that I could learn jumpers and teach the kids. The horse they bought me was called Porter 007. He was my first real bigtime jumper, and I went straight to the grand prix ring.

I did all the eq in the area at that time and won every medal final that was available in California before the age of 14. From there people

take you long to be successful. Did you find it easy to transition from hunters to jumpers?

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H&S: And when you started riding in the jumpers in 1992, it didn’t

LG: I had incredible teachers and the

backing of an unbelievable sponsor. So for that part of it, I was given everything.

But no, the transition from being skilled at riding a hunter at a certain tempo to changing to riding a jumper at a different tempo, was a long process. Even today, the two are so technically difficult that I refuse to step back into the hunter ring because it changes my timing so much. Hats off to the people who can be fantastic at both, it’s pretty rare.

H&S: In your first year doing the jumpers,

you were unbelievably successful. What do you credit that success to?

LG: Well, if anything I was naïve, and that worked out in my favor. When I was qualifying for the World Cup Final I did not know what the World Cup Final was. I had never seen the grand prix on Sunday afternoons, that’s how naïve I was to the jumpers. I just went in the ring and rode to win. I got on to the Nations Cup team and I rode all over Europe. I even anchored the team at Aachen, Germany. In hindsight it was a miraculous thing, but at the time I did not know it.

H&S: What are some of the lessons that you brought back to the states with you?

LG: A great love for cheese and how to cross borders at night! No, I’m kidding. To appreciate the

foundation of the American system for equitation and hunters. The precision I learned as a young kid made it possible for me to ride anywhere in the world. I think the system we have here carries over better as you get older. You can always fall back on that because you started with it. In this country if you have the will, and the power to learn you can be taught to ride.

H&S: You work with your husband, New Zealander Todd Gregory in all aspects of your business,

correct? How do the two of you share the work?

LG: Unfortunately or fortunately, we share all aspects of the business! We really share the work depending on who is where and who can get there faster. Todd and I both jump in the grand prix, and we both have a very strong feel for choosing a quality horse. It is great fun to have an ally in all this.

H&S: And how did the two of you meet?

LG: In 2002, after many years of travel, I returned to California and started my own private business

in the Bay Area. I opened Skyline Farm with John Ducharme on Cypress Ridge in Woodside, and I did contract work for many local stables in the area. At one of those barns, I helped ride for a stable whose rider was away, working on his visa abroad. I later was introduced to the rider when he returned – it was Todd!

H&S: What are the most important lessons and goals that you pass on to your students?

LG: That anyone can do this; it’s up to the individual on how much they want it, and I’m happy to support them all the way. Anyone can be successful if they work hard and love their job. My husband and I live our goals. We have unbelievable, loyal clients, fantastic horses and longevity in our sport.

Opposite page: Standing ringside at HITS Thermal This page: Lise and Todd’s strong partnership carries over from their personal life, to running a successful business. Photos ©Cheval Photos

AUTHORIZED DEALER

From Indoors to Fashion Week Houghton Designer Katharine Polk Lives a Stylish Life With Horses and High Couture

by Winter Hoffman Those who lined the runway to view the Fall/ Winter line from Houghton during February’s esteemed Fashion Week were blissfully unaware that the designer behind the creations on display harbored another love, one that was a world away from the catwalk.

Designer Katharine Polk, who has recently and impressively broken through in the fashion industry, found her first passion in the equestrian world. The 29-year-old creative director and founder of Houghton was always drawn towards fashion, but as a young girl growing up in Malibu, California, horses commanded her full attention.

The Past

Riding and competing on the West Coast throughout her junior career gave Polk the fortitude to pursue a career in fashion. “Horses, horse showing and managing your own barn teach you responsibility and work ethic,” she notes. “I often look back and realize how lucky I

was to have those experiences and learn what I did. It definitely prepared me for the endless hours involved in fashion.”

Polk began riding at age 11, and was a regular in the show ring during her teenage years, working her way up through the hunter, eq and jumper divisions. With her jumper Wittinger Festival, she competed at Young Riders in Bromont, Canada, and won at Devon and Indoors, including the National Horse Show in New York, with her hunter Eminem.

After graduating from high school and moving on to study at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Southern California, Polk continued to keep one foot in the ring by showing Eminem as often as was possible, and staying active in the jumpers.

Opposite and top: Houghton Fall/Winter 2013 Runway looks. Photos ©Ken Tachman Inset: Katharine competing in the hunter ring with Eminem during her riding days.

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In fact, it was a happenstance ringside encounter that led to a leg up in the fashion industry. Mark Badgley, of fashion house Badgley Mischka, is a lifelong rider, and makes regular appearances on the East Coast A-circuit. At Indoors in 2006, Scott Evans and Badgley’s then trainer Tom Wright introduced Polk to the legendary designer. She later flew to NYC to interview for an assistant designer position. That same month, after graduating with a degree in fashion design, she moved to New York and began working for Badgley Mischka, a gig that lasted for two years.

Polk also took time to explore other aspects of fashion. She took on a gig as Fashion Editor for British fashion magazine Fiasco, and spent a year and a half styling musicians, actors and models for editorials. But she quickly found herself wanting more.

“I love styling, but I really yearned for the creative process and having something completely my own,” Polk explains. “I started looking at swatches and envisioned a simple gown. One gown became five and five became a whole collection!”

Things quickly snowballed from there, and Polk decided to go with it. She was invited to debut her collection at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in 2012. A debut at such a prestigious venue was an honor that humbled and thrilled her, and it marked the first official coming-out of Houghton.

The Reality

Alas, life as a fashion designer is not always “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” glamorous. There’s a lot of grit and heartbreak behind the sparkle, and Katie is forever sensitive to the critiques leveled at the designs that she invests many tireless hours in creating.

“When I’m stuck on a corner carrying five garment bags or rolls of fabric that are bigger than I am in the freezing cold NYC weather and can’t get a cab, life as a designer isn’t that glamorous,” Polk jokes.

“It’s a lot of hard work, 20-hour days and total dedication to creating something you believe in.”

In so many ways, it sounds like the horse world.

The Inspiration

She named her company after, her namesake, the very stylish screen actress Katharine Houghton Hepburn, and often looks to her for inspiration.

Polk’s ideas for her latest Fall/Winter Collection originated from “the chic, yet eccentric, Upper East Side woman that is draped in fur, silk and lace and probably hung out at the Carlyle Hotel in the 70’s.”

Yet, without losing an ounce of their unmistakable glamour, Polk’s designs are meant to be comfortable and wearable. There is continuity, yet she is always pushing herself to evolve as a designer. She is notorious for using novelty fabrics that can often be “interesting” to work with.

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I often look back and realize how lucky I was to have those experiences and learn what I did. It definitely prepared me for the endless hours involved in fashion.

Laminated laces, hand painted guipure lace and waxed twill can be a bit tricky to sew, but worth the effort. And silk charmeuse, four-ply silk and silk gazar are always present in her Collection as base fabrics.

In early February, The Fall/Winter 2013 Houghton collection debuted to high praise at New York’s Fashion Week, and Polk and Houghton were named “Designer to Watch” by Style.com, WWD and Paper Magazine; “Polk delivers what we want, wearable comfortable and powerfully elegant pieces. Quality, technique, and construction being the backbone, design and style the skin. All cocooned in an orb of soul,” wrote The Daily.

Katie’s current favorite designers are Stella McCartney and Raf Simmons (Dior), as well as past legends Halston and Yves Saint Laurent. Thom Browne and Sarah Burton (Alexander McQueen) deviate from her aesthetic, but she appreciates their ingenuity.

When asked her advice for aspiring designers, she says unequivocally, “be nice and work hard!”

The Future

“Trends are so ambiguous,” she says, when asked what trends she foresees in women’s wear, sportswear, and riding clothes. “I lean toward timeless pieces that you will keep in your wardrobe forever. Investment pieces! I showed a palette of jewel tones, colored fur and hunter-green leather for fall, which seemed to be a common thread throughout New York Fashion week with designers like Oscar De La Renta, Carolina Herrera and many others.

“Regarding riding clothes, I think the technology is super impressive,” Polk notes. “Riding clothes have become so much more comfortable which is always a great change!”

With her dual interests in all things horses and fashion, it’s no surprise that Polk would love to design an equestrian line one day.

“I think that riders are much more open to stylish items now, compared to when I was a junior and the uniform was Tailored Sportsman, Pytchley coats and Vogel boots,” she explains. “Options are good!”

The Process

For Polk, the design process is a long one, and it usually starts with a trip to Europe to source fabrics. She thinks long and hard about the direction of each new collection, while considering what sold, what

had good editorial response and what was most talked about in the last collection.

She readily admits that she works best after 4pm, and that she usually ends up designing her entire collection in one night. The process of fine-tuning, creating tech packs, importing fabrics, and starting to drape begins. The next step is fitting muslins, correcting them on the models and then soon after seeing the actual samples.

For Katie a dream day in dynamic Manhattan would be “to go to the New Museum downtown, walk around the city with Jonesy, her English Bulldog, and enjoy an amazing meal with my friends at a new restaurant. Sundays are my favorite day to go to my local cafe, read the New York Times and have brunch by myself. Pretty simple really...”

The Horses

She is wistful when it comes to the horse world, as she doesn’t really get to ride anymore but enjoys her retired show horses at her family farm in Malibu, including Eminem whom her mother still rides regularly. Polk hopes to get back in the ring as soon as work will allow. She is fortunate to have life long friends who ride, like Ashlee Bond, Lesley Bulechek and Nicole Shahinian-Simpson, but she sees them outside of the show ring more often than in it.

Polk and her mother, Carol Rosenstein and father Bruce Gowers, owned Shahinian-Simpson’s famous mount SRF Dragonfly during the exciting year of the 2008 Olympic Games, when Simpson finished at the top of the Olympic qualifying list and campaigned with Dragonfly throughout Europe. Before Dragonfly began her career with Simpson, Carol and Katie bred the mare to Quinar, a successful stallion son of Quidam d’ Revel.

The result of that endeavor were three offspring, all carried by different surrogates so Dragonfly could keep her figure and get back to work.

“Dragonfly was only pregnant for a few days, but now has triplets, Opposite page: Black Guipure Lace column gown with a cotton lace bikini beneath, Houghton NYC Spring Summer 2013 Runway Show.

Above: Polk with her mother, Carol Rosenstein, both in Houghton. Photos ©Ken Tachman

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which are from three completely separate eggs,” says Polk. “They are five this year and I still call them my babies. The “girls” are in training in with Nicole who has been involved from the start. They are three completely different types and personalities each having resemblances to their mom.

We are just enjoying the process of watching them come along. The mares are in Florida making their way up to the 5-Year-Old classes. It’s nice to have horses and be able to enjoy them without chasing points, a team or indoors. It’s purely for the love of horses and riding.”

The Present

Katie’s design aesthetic extends to her workspace and living quarters as well. She moved into her current loft space in West Chelsea, New York last July and it is truly her dream office, housed in a building that is split between art galleries and other fashion designers. It’s a creative and inspiring area to be in, and she found the challenge of decorating her blank canvas walls invigorating. With a couple of shabby chic style couches, a big shearling rug, large wood table with benches and a bright pink “HOUGHTON” neon sign, she transformed the space into her showroom.

She calls it “a simple yet eclectic look,” as all the clothes are suspended from the ceiling on industrial poles and wire. She also bought three different statement chandeliers / hanging fixtures for each workspace.

Her assistants and interns work on a large steel farm table mixed with comfy aged chairs.

Since she spends more time at the office than home she wanted her showroom to be comfortable, fun and relaxed. She can’t work when it’s quiet and constantly has music playing, and most importantly, her bulldog Jonesy is at the office everyday.

“She keeps me sane and makes everyone smile!” Polk exclaims. “I love my office. The tone and energy is very important to me. I want my team to feel relaxed and positive.”

That positive energy has contributed to so much success. Houghton has been embraced by celebrities and musicians, and Polk has dressed Lana Del Ray, Morgan Kibby of M83, Julliane Hough, Kelly Reilly, Kerry Washington and Adele, to name a few. Polk often makes up custom pieces for the red carpet and private clients. And in 2012, Polk launched Houghton Bride, a collection of “alternative” wedding dresses, gowns and suits for the woman that wants a fashion forward, chic and comfortable look on her wedding day. The collection has received praise from Town and Country, The Knot and Martha Stewart Weddings.

Being a designer was something that Polk always thought was an unattainable goal, and having broken through successfully only inspires her to work harder for her next dream. “I love that I get to create something that is completely my own vision,” she says. “It’s an amazing feeling.”

From top: Jonesy hard at work in the office.

Polk (back to camera) makes a last minute adjustment to a model, backstage at the Houghton Fall/Winter 2013 show. Photo ©Ken Tachman

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4th annual

Charity Classic 2013 July 31 - August 4

become a sponsor!

Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center offers life-changing therapy to children and adults with a wide range of physical, emotional and developmental challenges. Giant Steps also serves Veterans living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and children considered to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;at-risk.â&#x20AC;? The organization operates without State or Federal funding and relies on the generosity of donors like yourself to continue to serve our community.

Be a part of this amazing event. Contact Beth Porter today for information on sponsorship opportunities for you and your business.

(707) 769.8900 or beth@giantstepsriding.org For additional information visit www.GiantStepsRiding.org

Join us!

Individual Tickets $195 - Foursomes $750 To register please send checks to Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center

1 annual st

PO Box 4855, Petaluma, CA 94955.

or visit www.giantstepsriding.org/news-events/giant_steps_golf-a-thon/

charity golf tournament June 10th, 2013 - Sonoma Golf Club A Hole-In-One Competition

for your chance to win a

Mercedes Benz

courtesy of R.A.B. Motors

17700 Arnold Dr Sonoma, CA Registration at 11AM - Shotgun at Noon

For more information or to become a Sponsor, please contact Beth Porter, beth@giantstepsriding.org

Longest Drive Competition $

for your chance to win a

500 Shopping Experience courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Some of our great auction items include a

Keller Estates wine tasting and tour AND a Champagne Dinner at The French Laundry.

Benefitting the Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center

by Jeanette Gilbert-Gnazida

What to Expect When You’re... Selecting

The second of a three-part series exploring the many components of equine breeding, and the life of the breeder who must handle them all.

The first time I saw him jump my jaw dropped. I was at the World Cup Finals in Las Vegas in 2000, and this amazing chestnut stallion cantered in and changed everything. He was powerful, stunningly beautiful, and I immediately knew I wanted to have a part in the process it takes to create a horse like that!

a young American rider growing up in California, there were some quality warmbloods jumping around the winter circuit at Indio and bigger shows but I had not seen many of the quality shown at the World Cup before.

Goldfever went on to become a Hanoverian Verband Stallion of the Year in 2010. Ridden by the amazing Ludger Beerbaum, he is a winner of an Olympic Gold Medal, a German Championship, and two million Euros throughout his career. His offspring continue to compete at the highest levels of show jumping. He is a physical beauty who lands with perfect balance and has great rideability.

So Much to Learn

In Las Vegas I realized I had “goldfever”… or I wished I did, he was one of the most impressive horses I had seen up until that point. As

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American riders had spent many years honing their skills on the great American Thoroughbred and importing horses from Europe, while widely practiced at that point, was not as refined as it is now.

The quality was often questionable. Goldfever and many of the other stallions that competed that weekend, including Baloubet Du Rouet (who is now even more famous as a sire than Goldfever,) Tinka’s Boy and For Pleasure, showed me a world I knew I was destined to be involved in somehow. Our first filly was born the following year.

During the twelve years since that World Cup I have begun my own breeding program, selectively breeding two or three horses a year for myself and managing mares for clients as well. No one ever said breeding horses was easy (in any sense of the word,) but I truly feel there is always more to learn than I will ever possibly know. This learning process has not only influenced the stallions I use, but also how I manage foals and young horses. Whenever I am looking for a stallion for one of my mares I look to others who have been successful to figure out what I can do to improve my own mares and create horses that I want to own, ride, and enjoy.

I always want to learn from the best, and one of the best in the breeding industry in the United States is Kandi Stewart, owner of Grey Fox Farm in Camarillo, California.

Grey Fox and Stewart were named USEF’s Leading Jumper Breeder in 2011 and 2012 and have had a huge amount of success breeding their older mares after their careers in the big jumper divisions came to an end.

A Strong Mare Base

The mares they use in their program are “the total picture,” with a great attitude, a good jump, and correct conformation.

Due to the fact that Grey Fox had such a strong mare base they were able to come out of the box swinging with their first foal crops when Stewart acquired “Du Gateau,” her Selle Francais stallion by Laudanum out of a Night and Day mare.

Stewart actually bought Du Gateau to be a Grand Prix horse, but a Mexican rider who was familiar with the stallion asked her about breeding to him. She did some research and realized just how fantastic of a horse Du Gateau really was. Kandi has another young stallion she bred who is showing quite a bit of promise as well. Carbon, by Contefino is an example of the total package that is so important for breeding horses. He is a beauty, a fantastic jumper, and a very good

mover, he has perfect confirmation, and Kandi felt that from the very beginning that he would be a breeding stallion.

Homebred Stars

Beyond these great stallions the Grey Fox breeding program has created Bristol, by Tlaloc La Silla (ex. Dollar de La Pierre) and out of Kandi’s Grand Prix mare Kartouch, who has won Grand Prix classes and World Cup Qualifiers up and down the West Coast with her husband, rider Rusty Stewart, at the reins. Additionally, a mare Rusty used to ride, Power Lady, by Polydor, is the dam of both C-Scooter (by Contefino), 5-year-old of the year in 2010, and Wistful, Ashlee Bond’s up and coming grand prix horse by the Dutch stallion Be A Grand Star. With mares of that quality and stallions with so much talent and ability it seems Kandi and Rusty Stewart are well positioned to continue to dominate the breeding scene for many years to come.

My first foal was a step in the right direction… but I was a ways off from reaching any goals of producing quality jumping horses. Luckily, I have had many years since to keep learning, and I am always updating my breeding selections as more quality mares and stallions become available and I refine my tastes. I hope one day I can be somewhere on the list of leading breeders that Kandi Stewart and Grey Fox Farm have climbed to the top of.

And with luck, perhaps one day I’ll breed my own Goldfever!

Opposite page: Ludger Beerbaum and Goldfever, competing in Aachen, Germany in 2004. Photo courtesy Molly Sorge From top: Grey Fox Farm’s breeding stallion Carbon is an exciting example of the total package that breeders seek.

Selle Francis stallion Du Gateau in his competition days.

Rusty Stewart competes with his homebred Bristol in the grand prix ring, 2012. Photo ©McCool

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CLINIC SPOTLIGHT Photos by Jeannie Sucre

It is a common fault of riders to use too much hand and not enough leg.

–Markus

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Markus Beerbaum On February 4th, 2013, Stanford University Equestrian Team members were thrilled to participate in a special clinic given by international show jumping superstars Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Markus Beerbaum.

Held at the Stanford Red Barn on the Stanford University campus in Palo Alto, California, the famous couple taught two groups of riders over varying course heights. The Beerbaums embraced the principals of collegiate riding for the crowd of over 200 that included many collegiate (IHSA) and high school (IEA) riders, and spent time talking about ways to approach catch riding and starting a new partnership, as is required by both formats.

Later that evening, the Coulter family hosted an intimate dinner for riders and other area equestrians, who were treated to a speech by Michaels-Beerbaum about her various international experiences, capping a memorable day for the Stanford equestrian community.

Adrienne Dixon

Daniel Zilla

A healthy crowd!

Don’t be afraid to school what is most difficult. And if you don’t get the response you want from your horse, don’t be afraid to be firm and ask more.

- Meredith 88

The Beerbaums pose with riders from the Monte Vista High School IEA Equestrian Team

Partnerships have their ups and downs, but no matter what you have to take care of your partner. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Meredith

Rather than trying to keep a short rein and have your body pulled forward, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sometimes ok to give a little so you can sit up and keep the hands light and following.

-Markus

Stanford Equestrian Team rider Macey Sanchez

U.C. Berkeley Equestrian Team rider Taylor Harris

Nicole Bloom (right)

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Markus Beerbaum

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OUT AND ABOUT THE 2013 FTI CONSULTING WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL, WELLINGTON, FL

1. Missy Clark, George Morris, Norman Dello Joio, Chrystine Tauber, Reed Kessler and many others behind them pause for a photo after Morris’ retirement ceremony 2. Henri Prudent and Katie Monahan Prudent 3. Beezie Madden, representing her sponsor Ariat 4. The Budweiser Clydesdale carriage drivers, with requisite Dalmation co-piloting 5. U.S. Chef d’ Equipe Robert Ridland and John Madden 6. Athina Onassis 7. The wind gets creative with Todd Minikus’ hair 8. Eric Lamaze, on a mission as per usual 9. Debbie Stephens handling some television commentary on Nations Cup night 10. Multiple Saturday night lights grand prix winner, and Olympic gold medalist Ben Maher 11. Mark Bellissimo 12. Jane Clark 13. Christine McCrea 14. Colombian show jumping star Daniel Bluman Photos ©Erin Gilmore

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15. Team USA on Nations Cup night 16. Pablo Barrios strolling down the International Arena path 17. The man, the myth, the legend: Ian Millar 18. Darragh Kenny of Ireland 19. Japanese Olympic veteran Taizo Sugitani 20. Irish Chef dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Equipe Robert Splaine 21. Cynthia Hankins, Peter Wylde, Nicole Simpson, John Brennan 22. Georgina Bloomberg and George Morris

JUMPDELMAR

OUT AND ABOUT $50,000 HERMÈS JUMPER DERBY AT THE STADIUM, WELLINGTON, FL

A Gathering by Hermès to Celebrate the Cavale Saddle

1. Andrew Bourns and Gatsby won the grueling $50,000 Hermès Jumper Derby 2. Hermès representatives traveled to Florida for the party 3. A little live music to enhance the atmosphere of the event 4. A 19-horse field competed in the derby 5. On the field with Fabrice Crespel and Robert Chavez of Hermès with Katherine Bellissimo (center) and Mark Bellissimo (behind Katherine) 6. Shannon McLean and Joy Johnson 7. The view from the Hermès cabana was stunning 8. Kevin Crosby and Keean White 9. High style was on display 10. Tim Gredley, Tricia Boone, Emilie Martinsen and Laura De Gunzberg 11. Nicholas Dello Joio clears the water jump during the competition 12. Hermès President Robert Chavel 13. Signature equestrian equipment by Hermès Photos ©Elena Luseti

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Spring

2013 ESP Circuit to be held at PBIEC in Wellington, Florida New for Spring 2013 $10,000 Rider Bonus for Grand Prix and Open Stake Class (Spring 1-3) Rider Bonus for Hunter Circuit Champions for A/O, Jr, Adult, Children’s and Pony Hunters (Spring 1-3)

Spring 1 April 3-7, 2013 “AA” & Jumper Rated 4 Spring 2 April 10-14, 2013 “AA” & Jumper Rated 4 Spring 3 April 17-21, 2013 “AA” & Jumper Rated 4 Spring 4 May 3-5, 2013 “A” & Jumper Rated 3 Spring 4 May 11-12, 2013 “C” Rated & Jumper Rated 3 Spring 1-3 Featuring Rolex/USEF Ranking Grand Prix Each Week Pony Derby Style Classics Spring 1 Evening Spring 2 Featuring FEI Group IV Challenge for riders 14-18 USHJA Hunter Classic Spring 3 Evening All shows offer M & S and NAL classes.

561.793.JUMP (5867) www.equestriansport.com

OUT AND ABOUT HOUGHTON PRIVATE TRUNK SHOW, WELLINGTON, FL

presented by Horse & Style Magazine and Marshall & Sterling to benefit the Pediatric AIDS Foundation 1

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On Friday, March 29th, a select group of Wellington riders and horse people gathered at Triple Bar Bistro to celebrate the launch of Katharine Polk’s Houghton Fall/Winter, and Bridal collections. Polk, a lifelong rider from Southern California, has made a splash in the fashion word since launching Houghton in 2011 (read more about Katharine on page 80.)

The effortless luxury in her designs lends itself well to a rider’s lifestyle, and attendees were thrilled to browse the garments, admire a pair of models who showed off several styles, and in some cases try on the styles themselves. A portion of all proceeds went to benefit the Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Horse & Style was proud to support this fabulous event!

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Photos ©Christina Gray

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1. Katharine Polkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Houghton Bridal Collection was on display 2. Kendall Sharkey, Orysia Bezpalko, PJ McGinnis, Ashley Hotz and Bonnie Laurich 3. Linda Shahinian, Will Simpson, Joe Norick 4. Sophie Simpson models a Houghton gown 5. Laura Burke, Liz Davoll and Alicia Sable-Hunt 6. Houghton pieces are effortlessly chic 7. Laura Hanson and H&S copyeditor Laura Danowski 8. West Coast riders: Rene Rios and Sean Leckie 9. H&S editor Erin Gilmore, Siobhan Gallagher and Ruben Gracida 10. Steve and Phyllis Sommers 11. A model doing her thing in Houghton 12. Nicole Shahinian-Simpson and Katharine Polk 13. Sydney Norick and trainer Christa Endicott 14. Erin and Whitney Stewart 15. H&S columnist Alexa Pessoa and Natalie Macken 16. New H&S columnist Saer Coulter browses the racks.

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ASK DR. CARRIE Q: When I notice people that I know at the ring when I am about to show I get very nervous because I want to show them my best and then I mess up! My riding is going downhill. Help!

horses is like being a performer. Consider the ring A: Showing as your stage and focus on your script, not your audience.

The difference between training at home and showing is the variety of people watching, and of course the judge. One of the only things you can control on this green earth are your thoughts. So you have a choice: to focus on the audience and the outcome of your performance OR to focus on your connection to the horse, ability to stay present in the ring regardless of distractions, and on executing the skills your body has repeatedly rehearsed. I encourage competitors to

get into their pre-designed performance zone before they get to the show grounds. This process can be done in layers but the first step is to put on proverbial blinders. Focus on your own energy and begin to heighten your concentration through breath or visualization exercises (my clients develop customized practices and recordings to use at this time). If you notice yourself slipping into the compare mentality, reorient onto your attention. Repeat this process as needed until you are ready to ride. Shine your light on what you want to see, rather than on lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges!

Q: I am considering a career as a professional rider and trainer but my parents insist that I go to college first. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to lose their respect or support. What should I do?

line, the horse industry is a business. No matter A: Bottom how talented a rider you might be, if you are choosing to work with horses, you are choosing to be in business.

Additionally, you are choosing to work with educated people in their recreational pursuit. I strongly encourage you to map a five-year plan that includes continued education so that you create options for yourself down the road.

Understanding business practices, legal aspects of business, communication, and human nature are all essentials in any form of business. If your family values education, perhaps you can strike a compromise that includes a year off between

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

high school and college to work as a working student for a well established trainer, and perhaps have the opportunity to continue showing on a reduced schedule while going to school. There are many education models these days that include minimum residential requirements and the rest in a distance format, which also might support both of your goals. Regardless of the specifics, I encourage you to find a middle path with becoming a professional and getting an education, as the combination will make you into a much more desirable commodity in the long run.

As a sport psychology consultant, I assist equestrian athletes to optimize their performance at all levels of competition. My varied background as an A-circuit Junior and Amateur competitor as well as mother of two daughters - a jumper rider and elite gymnast - has deepened my understanding of what a rider needs to grow and thrive. From medal finals to the grand prix ring, I support athletes to attain their goals while developing a mental practice that is useful both on and off the field.

If you would like to meet with me to develop questions and comments for this column, please call or email. I am interested in learning about how riders of all levels prepare themselves for competition as well as how they connect with their horses.

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BEHIND THE LENS

Tyler Isenmann As a former athlete herself, Tyler Isenmann knows the dedication it takes to win, and the ups and downs that come with getting there.

And that makes it easy for her to connect with the athletes she photographs, both human and animal. Her love for horses and sports in general steered her photography in the direction it has taken. She strives to capture not only the emotion of the athletes, but also their story, be it a jockey, a cowboy, or an equestrian. When you grow up immersed with horses, there is a connection that is made. That connection brings two living things together to become one; you cannot have one without the other. When people look at her photographs, her goal is that they feel that same connection and know the story that moment expresses.

Isenmann is currently working with a filmmaker on a documentary as well as continuing to photograph humans and horses around the country, as she gathers photographs for her first book. Although these projects keep her on a hectic schedule, she is grateful for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and share in their passions. www.TylerIsenmannPhotography.com

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©Katie Foster

Dear Horse & Style Fashionista, After reading last year’s article about the Gucci Masters in your Feb/March 2012 issue, I was inspired to make a plan and go to the Gucci Masters this past winter. It was everything you described and MORE! I am now absolutely obsessed with the new Gucci riding collection. However, the entire ensemble is quite a bit out of my budget. How can I get the Gucci equestrian look without going bankrupt?

~Gaga for Gucci

Dear Gaga for Gucci,

Gucci 2013 Equestrian Collection, Complete Outfit $3,150

Like many fashionistas before you, we too got all sparkly-eyed when we saw the Gucci equestrian collection. And why wouldn’t we? The classic silhouettes with a modern Gucci twist makes for the head-totoe outfit of a rider’s dream! Alas, we all can’t be decked out in Gucci everyday. Not to worry Fashionista did her research and found you a look just as fabulous for half the price. Just remember, you don’t have to completely go sans-Gucci, if you can budget it, try adding a touch of Gucci with a Gucci belt or pair of shades!

Love,

For a Touch of Gucci

Fashionista

Top this look off with a great pair of off the rack tall boots from Tredstep Ireland and you’ll still be under budget!

Style for less $1,546

Horsebit Sunglasses, $345 Thin Belt with Horsebit Buckle, $265

Black Women’s Triumph Show Coat, Ariat, $499 Elegant White Stretch with “Tie,” Cheval, $179 Linette Breeches, Pikeur, $228 Classic Show Gloves, SSG, $29 Tyler Skinny Belt, Linea Pelle, $121 Raphael Tall Boots, Tredstep Ireland, $490

Black Leather Gloves with Crest, $490

Do you have an equestrian fashion question for the H&S Fashionista? Send your questions to Fashionista@horseandstylemag.com

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BUSINESS LISTINGS Taking Real Estate to New Heights!

Amanda Thompson Real Estate Professional

Alain Pinel Realtors Walnut Creek cell: 925-260-7405 athompson@apr.com

luxuryhomesandhorses.com

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(877) 254-5112

VISA & Mastercard Accepted

OUT AND ABOUT SUNDAYS AT THE INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB, WELLINGTON FL

1. Polo player Julio Arellano 2. NFL free agent (tight end) Jeremy Shockey helps Baker Ballew of Veuve Clicquot out with some “heavy lifting” 3. IPC President John Wash and actress Bo Derek 4. In polo, you not only sign autographs, you sign polo balls! 5. American polo player Jeff Hall 6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (catcher for Boston Red Sox), Tommy Hutton (color analyst for Miami Marlins), and Sean Burnett (pitcher for Los Angeles Angels) 7. Felipe Viana contemplates the game from the players’ fieldside tent 8. Miss Virginia USA 2013 Shannon McAnally makes an appearance 9. Does Jonathon Goldsmith look familiar? He should, he’s “the most interesting man in the world” of Dos Equis fame 10. Rocking the red: Afriana de Moura of Real Housewives of Miami 11. Polo player Mariano Aguerre Photos © PHOTOS BY LILA

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CAN YOU STAND IT?

Boho Boots These over the knee boots are certainly over the top fabulous! Look polo posh, whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re attending a match or stepping out in the city. Who knows who might take notice?

Serafina Polo Boot, Rinaldi Designs $400

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ANTARÈS proudly sponsors Tommy Hern of Kingsway Farm

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