Horse & Style Magazine 2025 Vol. 1

SPR/SUM

BEHIND THE SEAMS: RÖNNER

Saut Hermès Returns to the Grand Palais

ST YLE RIDER: ASHLEY BAKER • FEATURES: EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY C HROME HORSE TEQUIL A • AT HOME WITH C ALLIE COLES

n o i t a l l e t the Cons n o i t c e l l o C AVA IL A BLE AT DA PPLE B AY.CO M

Horse Shoe Elastic Belt

Silicone Grip Detail

RIDE IN STYLE without compromise hayloequestrian.com

TACK DESIGNED BY EQUESTRIANS FOR EQUESTRIANS

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96

5 | FROM THE PUBLISHER

Paris is Always a Good Idea

6 | OUT & ABOUT

Kentucky Horse Park

Sarah Appel

10 | BET WEEN THE LINES 12 | TREND REPORT

sarah@horseandstylemag.com

14 | PARK CIT Y FOR ALL SEASONS 17 | GRAZE & SIP

Helen Abrams helen@horseandstylemag.com

J.R. Liggett

E D I TO R

Wines for All Seasons

18 | FROM SADDLE TO ST YLE

Exploring the Equestrian Legacy of Hermès

22 | FEATURE

Hermès Selle Faubourg Saddle

24 | BEHIND THE SEAMS

Rönner

30 | FEATURE

A RT D I R E C TOR

Lauren Allen A DV E RT I S I N G & SA LE S helen@horseandstylemag.com

CO P Y E D I TOR

At Home with Callie Coles

Pam Maley

36 | F EATURE

Balsalm Mountain Preserve

42 | FEATURE

An Interview with Archibald Cox III

60 | DARTMOUTH EQUESTRIAN TEAM 68 | ON THE COVER

The Saut Hermès 2025

CO N T R I B U TO R S

Helen Abrams, Lauren Allen, Pam Maley, Laurie Berglie, Lindsay Brock,Terri Roberson, Allison Troyan, Catie Staszak, Kristin Lee, Anne Sherwood, Terri Roberson, Psy. D., Carrie Wicks, Ph. D., Susan Friedland

76 | BEHIND THE SEAMS

Hannah Childs

82 | FEATURE

B&D Builders

86 | EQUESTRIAN TASTEMAKER

Glow On

87 | ASK DR. CARRIE 88 | ST YLE RIDER

Ashley Baker

92 | EQUANIMIT Y

P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Kristin Lee Photography, Tori Bilas, Lindsay Brock, Kristin Lee, Anne Sherwood, Alden Corrigan Media, Andrew Ryback, James Berglie, Sarah Appel, Ashley Neuhof, Jump Media, Grand Pix Photography, Catie Staszak, Jessica Rodrigues, Helen Watts, Ellen Lynch, Christie Tarleton

The Training Style of Steinar Sigurbjornsson

96 | FEATURE

Rediscovering Misty and Marguerite Henry

102 | WORKING ON WELLNESS

Horse Crazy

104 | FEATURE

ADT Tack

108 | FEATURE

Chrome Horse Society

114 | FEATURE

Equine Elixirs

ON THE COVER: 2025 Saut Hermès in Paris, France; photo © Hermès

118 | VIVA L AS RODEO!

Milton Menasco

124 | FEATURE

Meadow View Farms

130 | CATIE'S COMMENTARY

Storytelling and Stewardship

Horse & Style Magazine is an equestrian lifestyle publication that is published three times per year and available at participating tack shops nationwide for $10, and while supplies last at large training centers and hunter jumper horse shows. 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 © 2025 Horse & Style Magazine LLC. TM

132 | PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURE

Equine Photography Around the World AH

143 | BUSINESS LISTINGS 144 | CAN YOU STAND IT? 2025 volume 1 ·

2013

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Irene Neuwirth

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2025 volume 1

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8 | 10 THINGS

U.S. Pony Club

© 2022 HORSE & STYLE MAGAZINE

AR D WIN

3

contributors

Helen Abrams

Lauren Allen

Pam Maley

Helen Abrams lives in Los Angeles where she works as a marketing executive in the television industry. In her spare time, she competes as an amateur at California's A-Circuit shows.

Helen is also the founder and CEO of Life Equestrian, a marketing company for riders and equestrian enthusiasts. With Life Equestrian, Helen brings together her business expertise with her lifelong passion for equine trends, products and safety.

Lauren Allen is a graphic designer and a lifelong equestrian who lives on a small ranch in Oklahoma with her husband and daughter. Her passion for horses and painting began at an early age and inspired her to create a company where she could combine both. She specializes in helping clients find unique and creative ways to grow their businesses.

Learn more at seehorsedesign.com.

An avid former foxhunter, Pam knows well that special bond between horse and rider. With her husband she was co-owner of Dunford Farm, a Thoroughbred farm in Lexington, Kentucky, where she was involved in every aspect of the horses’ lives. Her journey with horses continues as a as Copyeditor and Contributing Writer for H&S. She has a BA in English and History from Vanderbilt University.

Laurie Berglie lives in the Maryland countryside where she enjoys renovating her fixer-upper farm, reading horse books, and competing in the hunters.

Laurie is also an author of equestrian fiction and maintains her lifestyle blog and Instagram, “Maryland Equestrian.”

She has a BA in English from Stevenson University and an MA in Humanities from Towson University.

Lila Gendal

Jessica Singer Alexander

Kristin Lee

Terri Roberson, Psy.D.

Lila Gendal is a 3* event rider based in New England and Ocala, FL. She trains and competes her own Irish conn x TB gelding, Rollo who only stands at 15.3 and has taken her to some of the biggest competitions of her life. Lila rides and trains event horses for a living and if she’s not on a horse she’s either by the ocean or writing! Lila graduated from the University of Vermont in 2010 with a degree in political science.

Jessica Singer Alexander is a higher education professional and avid equestrian. She has been competing on the A circuit for two decades.

She earned her B.S. in Business and Management from Skidmore College, while also serving as a member and captain of their IHSA team. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Education at USC in addition to working to better herself as a horsewoman in and out of the saddle.

Kristin Lee, owner and founder of Kristin Lee Photography LLC, has your typical horse girl story. Her love for horses has helped transition her to a leading photographer in the equestrian community. She earned her B.F.A. in Photography from the Brooks Institute for Photography in 2012. She has photographed covers for Sidelines Magazine, Special Olympics 2015, and many more.

A licensed clinical psychologist, Terri Roberson combines her passion for horses with her clinical work in equine-assisted psychotherapy. She currently sits on the board of Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

Over 25 years on the show circuit has given her an eye for equestrian style and provides constant inspiration for her frequent contributions to H&S.

Dr. Carrie Wicks

Anne Sherwood

Lindsay Brock

Catie Staszak

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

Anne Sherwood is a freelance photojournalist based in Los Angeles, California and Bozeman, Montana.

Covering stories that range from the civil war in Liberia to the bison cull in Yellowstone National Park, Sherwood has traveled to all 50 states, and more than 50 countries on six continents. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, National Geographic Adventure, and Smithsonian. Her corporate clients include Getty Images and Altria.

Lindsay, owner of Lindsay Brock LLC, is a writer, photographer, and social media guru from Saugerties, NY. A Houghton College graduate, Lindsay studied Writing and Communications, while riding on the hunter/jumper and eventing teams. When not at a horse show, behind a camera lens or fervently Instagramming, you can find her astride her Zangersheide gelding, Justice Z.

Catie Staszak is the CEO of Catie Staszak Media, Inc. and the color commentator and journalist for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ NAL. Catie has announced at showjumping events across the globe and represented some of the sport's top athletes and operations. When she's not working, she's enjoying time with her superhero horse Zantos, whom she shows in the jumpers, and her dog/sidekick, Omaha.

photo © JXB

Laurie Berglie

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F R O M the

publisher

PARIS

IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA

in 2025 Hermès at Saut s, m ra b Helen A Editor, Publisher and Ed itor-in-Chief, Sarah Appel, at Saut Hermès

in 2019

Dear Readers, There’s something magical about returning to a city that lives in your soul—and for me, that place is Paris. After a brief pause, Horse & Style is once again back under the vaulted glass roof of the Grand Palais Éphémère for the spectacular Saut Hermès.

The blend of elite sport, timeless style, and Parisian elegance reminds us why this event remains one of the crown jewels of the show jumping calendar. H&S Editor, Helen Abrams, attended the Saut Hermès this year, read about their maiden trip to the Saut on page 70.

This sason, contributor Allison Troyan took us to a different kind of scene—Park City, Utah—where she attended the Park City Wine Festival. Set against the stunning

Wasatch Mountains, the festival brought together fine wine, local flavor, and mountain-town charm. Allison’s journey blends the refined with the rustic, showing how equestrian style and spirit find a home even beyond the showgrounds.

We’re also spotlighting Rönner, the Colombian equestrian fashion brand that continues to redefine classic riding style.

Family-owned and inspired by a deep love of horses, Rönner’s latest collection is a beautiful blend of function, heritage, and refined femininity.

On the sport side, we caught up with the man, the myth, the legend, the iconic Archie Cox, a horseman whose career is as impressive as his eye for talent. Archie’s thoughtful approach to training and his

commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on the hunter-jumper world, and we’re thrilled to share his perspective in this issue.

And when it’s time to unwind, we’ve discovered a new favorite—Chrome Horse Tequila. Crafted with the equestrian lifestyle in mind, it’s elegant, bold, and the perfect sip to celebrate a clear round or a day well spent in the saddle.

From the streets of Paris to the peaks of Utah, this issue is a toast to travel, taste, style, and the horses that inspire it all. As always, thank you for riding along with us.

K E N T U C K Y H O R S E PA R K LEXINGTON , KY

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OUT&

about

PHOTOS © C HRIS TIE TARLETON

10

things

by Lauren Allen photos courtesy of Pony Club

1. The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) is the largest equine educational organization in North America.

2. Pony Club celebrates its 70th

anniversary this year! The organization started in 1954 and originally based on Great Britain’s The Pony Club, the curriculum teaches riding skills and the care of horses through mounted and unmounted lessons. Through Pony Club, members have fun with horses and make lifelong friends while they develop skills, habits, and values that extend well beyond the barn and last a lifetime.

…you might not know about …

Pony Club is an international organization that promotes equestrian sports and horse care for young riders. It focuses on teaching children and young adults about riding, horse management, and responsibility through tructured programs and activities. Members can participate in various disciplines, including show jumping, dressage, eventing, and more.

The club offers educational resources, certifications, and competitions, encouraging teamwork and a love for horses. It operate through local branches, allowing members to connect with peers and experienced instructors in their area. Overall, Pony Club aims to develop riding skills and promote good horsemanship in a fun, supportive environment.

3. The most active level—Participating

Membership—offers educational standards to strive for as children work to earn certifications, as well as the chance to participate in hands-on horse activities, such as lessons; clinics; rallies and other competitions; and Pony Club’s biggest event, the USPC Festival.

4. As Pony Club members progress in the program, additional opportunities open up, such as international exchanges; scholarships; leadership experiences, such as the National Youth Board and National Youth Congress; and much more.

.

5. Pony Club isn’t just for youth

anymore. Pony Club membership is open to all ages, and many adults are either returning to Pony Club or finding it for the first time and taking advantage of all it has to offer.

Pony Club allows you to become a well-rounded and knowledgeable horse person at any age, while you learn transferable skills for all areas of life. From age 5 to equestrians in their 80s, Pony Club truly is for everyone.

6. When you join Pony Club,

you become part of a national organization that’s also part of an international community of Pony Club organizations around the world. With instruction and competition in more than 11 different English and

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Western equestrian disciplines, Pony Club lets you explore and try new things.

Whether you want to experience the thrill of eventing, the beauty and grace of dressage, the fast-paced fun of mounted games, the challenge of a show jumping or hunter equitation course, Pony Club offers activities you won’t find anywhere else.

7. Members of Pony Club attend mounted

and unmounted meetings facilitated by their local club or center. These meetings are often held monthly and may be entirely mounted, where members of similar skill levels work on improving their riding abilities. They could also be unmounted, allowing members to gain knowledge and skills for horse care and cover topics such as feeding, veterinary care, lunging, or equine anatomy. Meetings may also be a combination of both with a mounted portion followed by unmounted educational session.

8. Everyone begins Pony Club at the same level. As members learn new riding skills and gain more horse management knowledge, they have the opportunity to progress through the Pony Club Certification system.

9. Throughout the year, Pony Club

regions also host rallies. Rallies are team competitions centered around members showcasing their knowledge of both a chosen equestrian sport and their horse management skills. Team competition is a fun and important part of Pony Club education; members of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to compete.

10. Pony Club isn’t just about learning to

ride. Pony Club teaches participants a multitude of skills through a team atmosphere and develops them into well-rounded individuals who can set and reach their goals and who make a difference within their communities, all with a focus on safety and inclusivity.

Learn more at PonyClub.com.

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B E T W E E N the lines

what we’re reading now THE HORSE: A GALLOPING HIS TORY OF HUMANIT Y Timothy C. Winegard’s The Horse is an epic history unlike any other. Its story begins more than 5,500 years ago on the windswept grasslands of the Eurasian Steppe. When one human tamed one horse, an unbreakable bond was forged and the future of humanity was instantly rewritten, placing the reins of destiny firmly in human hands.

THE TRUTH ABOUT HORSES In this novel by Christy Cashman, fourteen-year-old Reese’s dream of winning the Black Elk race is shattered when her beloved horse, Trusted Treasure, falls at the last jump and the vet suggests they put him down. While still reeling from that loss, her family suffers a second tragedy—one that results in the end of their family business, the sale of Trusted Treasure, and irreparable damage to Reese’s relationship with her father. Through heartaches and triumphs, Reese must prove her worth if she wants to heal her family.

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H O O F B E AT S : H OW H O R S E S SHAPED HUMAN HIS TORY From the Rockies to the Himalayas, the bond between horses and humans has spanned across time and civilizations. In this archaeological journey, William T. Taylor explores how momentous events in the story of humans and horses helped create the world we live in today. Tracing the horse’s origins and spread from the western Eurasian steppes to the invention of horse-drawn transportation and the explosive shift to mounted riding, Taylor offers a revolutionary new account of how horses altered the course of human history.

WILD HORSES Photographer and activist Alfie Bowen spent two years capturing the majestic horses that roam freely in Britain’s countryside. Wild Horses is all about connection: Bowen’s personal connection to the animals he photographs; his connection to photography as an art form; the horses’ connection to one another; and our collective connection to the land and our planet.

UNTAMED SPIRITS For many people, horses are among the most fascinating creatures on earth. Capturing this elegance and grace requires a special feeling for these sensitive creatures, which Drew Doggett, one of the world’s best-known horse photographers, clearly possesses. Now, for the first time, the award-winning artist’s most beautiful photographs can be admired in the top-class coffee table book “Untamed Spirits: Horses from Around the World”.

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TTRR E N D

report

Success with Natural Ingredients

I

n the realm of personal care, the use of natural ingredients is more than just a passing trend—it’s a proven path to healthier, more sustainable solutions for both people and their pets. J.R.LIGGETT’S® “Legacy Brand” pioneered the path in natural personal care over 40 years ago; the journey started with one all natural bar shampoo that has grown to over 35 all natural personal care products.

Using all-natural plant based oils and essential oils, J.R.LIGGETT’S products are specially designed and formulated to be gentle and effective. Customers consistently praise our shampoos’ ability to address various hair and scalp concerns without the use of harsh additives. Success

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stories include individuals with sensitive skin who have found relief from irritation, dryness and dandruff; often raving about healthier, shinier and thicker hair, thanks to J.R.LIGGETT’S all-natural formulas.

Equally concerned for animals and their wellbeing, J.R.LIGGETT’S applies these same principles and practices, offering gentle, mild, and effective ingredients, without the use of potentially harmful chemicals for animals’ sensitive skin. This is especially important for pets who may lick their fur or come into contact with the shampoo residue.

Pet owners have shared positive feedback about their horses, dogs and pets of all sizes, experiencing fewer

· 2025 2024 volume 1

skin issues and improved coat health after switching to J.R.LIGGETT’S natural pet products. For instance, a customer noted a significant reduction in their horse’s “scratches” and better overall coat condition, underscoring the efficacy of natural ingredients in animal care.

J.R.LIGGETT’S success stories are a testament to the power of natural ingredients.

By prioritizing health and sustainability, thoughtful, natural solutions can make a difference in the lives of both people and their beloved pets.

Fun Fact: J.R.LIGGETT’S Old-Fashioned Bar Shampoo® started out with an old handwritten formula for “hair soap” on a tattered 19th century recipe card.

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feature

by Allison Troyan

Park City for all Seasons Beyond the Slopes

P

ark City, Utah is worldrenowned as a premier winter destination, with its 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, picturesque mountain views, and the iconic Sundance Film Festival drawing visitors from across the globe. But there’s much more to Park City than just skiing, and I discovered that firsthand while exploring the area’s luxurious resorts, fine dining, and outdoor adventures.

While the allure of hot-toddies and world-class skiing is undeniable, Park City deserves some recognition for all the city has to offer in the warmer months.

Surrounded by the most incredible view of changing leaves, I spent the week exploring the area and sipping and savoring at the Park City Wine Festival.

C ANYONS VILL AGE Park City is split into three main areas,

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Historic Old Town, Mountain Village, and Canyons Village. I stayed in Canyons Village at Pendry Park City, a boutique luxury hotel just steps from incredible dining, shopping, resorts, and the site of The Park City Wine Festival.

The service and amenities at Pendry were incredible, my personal favorite being the inside and outside fireplaces, sitting and connecting in cozy seating over great drinks and fireside s’mores, complimentary for hotel guests. Incredible restaurants are just steps from the hotel, which is surround by housing, resorts, and retail. KITA, a Japanese grill-style restaurant is located inside Pendry Park City.

E X P LO R I N G PA R K C I T Y What struck me most during my trip is that Park City has so much to offer year-round.

While skiing remains its most famous attraction, the city is a vibrant destination

for outdoor enthusiasts and relaxation seekers no matter the season.

In the summer and fall, hiking and mountain biking trails crisscross the mountains, offering endless exploration opportunities. Meanwhile, the city’s spas provide luxurious retreats where visitors can unwind after a day outdoors. Events such as the Park City Wine Festival keep the cultural calendar packed, bringing people together in celebration of the finer things in life.

Historic Park City, the “downtown” area features local dining, unique shopping, arts and culture. Riverhorse on Main, Park City’s top-rated restaurant on Main Street is a must-do.

Park City also shines during its annual Sundance Film Festival, which transforms the town into a bustling hub for filmmakers

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and movie lovers. And when winter comes, the ski slopes beckon, but there’s always something new to discover off the snow.

Park City is nestled in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains, providing the ideal backdrop for hiking. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll in nature, there’s a trail for everyone. My outdoor adventure began with a guided hike organized by White Pine Touring, a local outfitter specializing in instruction and rentals for mountain biking, road biking, hiking, and rock climbing.

Whether you’re interested in spotting local wildlife, enjoying scenic overlooks, or challenging yourself with elevation gains, hiking in Park City is a must-do for outdoor lovers.

After a morning spent hiking, there was some down time at the Serenity Spa, one of the area’s top rated spas, located in the luxurious Westgate Park City Resort & Spa.

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The 30,000 square foot, full-service spa features a waterfall and incredible amenities, including salon services, massages, facial and body treatments and more.

S I P P I N G A N D S AVO R I N G The highlight of my trip was the Park City Wine Festival, an annual celebration of wine, food, and mountain culture.

This festival, set against the stunning fall foliage of Park City, brings together wine connoisseurs, gourmet chefs, and craft spirits in a unique tasting experience.

The festival offered a range of events over several days, from intimate wine pairing dinners, the “Wine is Blind” event, a blind taste test of twenty-six concealed wines set to the sounds of a DJ, culminating in the grand tasting, featuring hundreds of wines from around the world. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to meet local and international winemakers, learn about the art of pairing wine with food, and sample

some truly exquisite vintages.

Each tasting was complemented by friendly sommeliers and the welcoming vibe that Park City is known for. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a casual sipper, this event offers something for everyone.

FINAL THOUGHTS My trip to Park City showed me a side of this mountain town that goes beyond its reputation as a ski resort. From the rugged beauty of its hiking trails to the luxurious pampering of its spas and the sophisticated offerings at its wine festival, Park City truly is a destination for all seasons. Whether you visit in the heart of winter or the bloom of summer, you’ll find yourself immersed in nature, relaxation, and culture—all with the breathtaking backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains.

For this year’s schedule and tickets, visit parkcitywinefest.com.

GRAZE&

sip

by Amanda Mactas

Wines to Enjoy All Season

S

haken or stirred? Red or white?

These are the classic questions one hears when deciding on the perfect drink for the occasion. When opting for wine, there’s an array of options that work no matter the time of year, or the festivity. Whether a glass of bubbly is more your speed or you prefer a bold, dark red to satiate your palate, these are some of the best options to try when the leaves begin to turn.

C H A M PAG N E BOLLINGER PN A Y C 1 8 ( $ 17 0 ) This bubbly champagne hails from the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, France. Using Pinot Noir grapes, the resulting rare champagne displays notes of candied citrus and honey, with a full finish. The special cuvee has delicate bubbles that dance along your tongue, resulting in a truly exceptional sip. Pair it with: A special occasion.

J BRUT ROSÉ ($50) This sparkling Russian River Valley rosé is as palatable as it is vibrant. Made with a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes, this fruit-forward wine combines the taste of fresh strawberries with a fresh minerality. Pair it with: Your most decadent charcuterie board.

BELLA SIRENA ($28) Hailing from the Campania region of Italy, Bella Sirena, made of Falanghina grapes, is a great option for those looking for a crisp, dry white. Thanks to the volcanic soil surrounding the region, the resulting wine has a snappy minerality with delicate notes of apple and pear. Pair it with: The Feast of Seven Fishes.

J V I N E Y A R D S 2 0 21 R U S S I A N R I V E R VA L L E Y PINOT NOIR ($47) If you’re looking for a medium-bodied red to sip this season, you can’t go wrong with the rich and toasty notes of this classic Pinot Noir. Layered with the zip of dark plum and cherry, along with hints of rose and spice, this wine is a decadent glass to

enjoy with dinner. Pair it with: Your holiday dinner.

WÖ L F F E R E S TAT E D I O SA L AT E H A RV E S T 2022 ($40) Make sure to enjoy this unique ice wine slightly chilled to bring out the sweet apricot and honey flavors of the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Vignoles grapes used to make it. Like all ice wines, this one should be savored after dinner when you can enjoy its syrupy nuances. Pair it with: Dark chocolate or full-bodied cheese.

LOUIS M. MARTINI 2 0 21 C A B E R N E T SAUVIGNON ($55) With warm notes of blackberry, toasted oak, and baking spices, this heady cabernet is just the ticket for a chill Fall evening.

Made from Napa Valley grapes by the famed Martini brand that dates back over a century, this is one full-bodied red you won’t want to miss. Pair it with: A good book and a cozy blanket.

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feature

by Helen Abrams photos by Kristin Lee Photography and Hermès

From Saddle to Style Exploring the Equestrian Legacy of Hermès

H

ermès’ rich history in the creation of equestrian leather goods dates back to its origins as a harness and saddle maker in19th century France. The brand has since evolved into a global leader specializing in high-end fashion, fragrances, and the finest of leather goods. Its no surprise that Hermès was the preferred choice of equestrians and aristocrats given their commitment to excellence. This remains true of their clientele today.

Leather saddles date back to the European Middle Ages when riders sat on a “war saddle” designed not for luxury but for stability and security during battle. The English saddle evolved from the “hunting saddle,” primarily used by fox hunters.

These saddles were lightweight and

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designed to allow riders to navigate rough terrain while maintaining control and balance over their horse.

20th Century saddle innovation resulted in refinements in both materials and design.

Saddles evolved in all areas of riding from show jumping to dressage, and eventing.

Today, Hermès saddles continue to be highly sought after by equestrians around the world. Each saddle, handcrafted by artisans, provides a perfect fit and balance to allow for optimal communication between horse and rider.

Following the widespread use of Henry Ford’s Model T car, Hermès pivoted away from exclusively producing equestrian gear and into a broader market to keep up

with the times. The brand began creating leather bags, including the iconic Hermès Kelly bag, named after the actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. The Kelly bag, with its timeless design and exquisite craftsmanship, quickly became a symbol of elegance and luxury.

While Hermès has expanded its product range beyond saddles to include luxury accessories, clothing, and home goods, the brand’s heritage in equestrian craftsmanship remains a significant part of its identity.

Today, Hermès manufactures their saddles in one of two locations based out of Normandy or the iconic Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré location. It is here that one artesian is assigned to making each saddle, employing traditional techniques passed

down over many generations to handcraft these saddles to perfection.

Starting off with the fitting measurements specific for horse and rider, the design process takes into consideration factors such as the rider’s position, horse anatomy, and riding discipline. Once the design is finalized, skilled pattern makers create the patterns for each component of the saddle.

These patterns serve as a blueprint for cutting and assembling the leather pieces.

Next Hermès aligns their saddle with leather needs, using only the finest quality leathers for their saddles.

The leather selection process involves careful inspection and grading to ensure that only the best hides are used. Hermès uses a variety of leathers to make their saddles, with some of the most popular being the Epsom, Taurillon, and Swift. The Epsom leather has a grainy texture and is highly resistant to scratches and moisture.

The Taurillon leather is a thick and supple leather that is known for its natural grain and strength. Lastly, the Swift leather has a soft and smooth texture, making it a comfortable choice for saddles. It is also known for its vibrant colors and ability to age gracefully.

After selecting the leathers, using a pattern as a guide, the leather pieces are cut with precision to ensure the perfect fit and alignment. Skilled artisans then stitch the leather pieces together using traditional saddle-stitching techniques. This handstitching method involves two needles and a single thread, resulting in a durable and aesthetically pleasing stitch. The next step of the process is assembling and then fitting the various components of the saddle, including panels, flaps, seat, and billets.

Once the saddle is fully assembled, it undergoes a series of finishing touches.

This includes smoothing and burnishing the edges of the leather, polishing the metal hardware, and applying any desired decorative elements, such as embossing or stamping. Hermès maintains strict quality control measures to ensure that each saddle meets their exacting standards. Only saddles that pass these quality control checks are deemed ready for sale.

Riders are required to work with an Hermès fitter in order to create the perfect saddle for their size, shape and riding ability.

It is essential to have your horse at the fitting as the saddle needs to be bespoke

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to its rider and equine partner. The saddle fitter will assess your horse’s conformation, back shape, and movement. The fitter will also assess your riding position, leg length, and seat size. The last step before purchasing your custom saddle is finalizing the the adjustments and customizations, such as making panel adjustments using proprietary foam or adjusting the tree width.

Hermès’ reputation for exceptional quality and timeless designs ensure these products not only retain their value, but in some cases, such as limited edition pieces or rare color combinations, they can even drastically appreciate in value.

Owning an Hermès saddle or a carefully fitted piece of equipment is not only a symbol of luxury but an investment in craftsmanship. Each saddle is created to ensure both horse and rider are able to compete and perform at the top of their capability within the sport, whether it is a hobby, or at the top levels in the world.

This speaks to the almost 200 year old brand's consistent dedication to exquisite craftsmanship since its inception.

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Crafted by a single artisan in the workshop, each saddle requires nearly 30 hours of work and care.

Since 1900, the saddles have all been numbered so they will never be forgotten. They combine the excellence of saddlery know-how, passed down from generation to generation, with the modernity of a sports accessory crafted with the finest leathers.

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feature

by Helen Abrams photos courtesy of Hermès

Hermès’s latest saddle, the Selle Faubourg, is a remarkable blend of tradition, innovation, and luxury craftsmanship. Here are some fascinating facts about this exceptional equestrian creation.

M

ee t

S

g

r e ll Faubou

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e

The Selle Faubourg saddle exemplifies Hermès’ dedication to blending heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation, catering to the needs of contemporary equestrians while honoring its storied past.

1. A Tribute to Heritage The Selle Faubourg saddle takes its name from Hermès’s iconic address at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris—a nod to the house’s origins as a harness maker in 1837 and its enduring legacy in the equestrian world.

2. Artisanal Craftsmanship Each Selle Faubourg saddle is meticulously handcrafted by a single artisan over the course of 30 hours, ensuring it upholds Hermès’s uncompromising standards for precision, quality, and lasting durability.

3. Precision Fitting with Equiscan To ensure an impeccable fit for both horse and rider, Hermès uses the Equiscan system—an advanced digital technology that captures over 100 precise measurements, delivering customized comfort and enhanced performance.

4. Innovative Use of Beech Wood Breaking from traditional materials, the saddle’s internal tree is crafted from beech wood—offering greater flexibility and responsiveness to move in harmony with the horse’s natural motion.

5. Collaboration with Champion Riders The Selle Faubourg was designed in close collaboration with renowned show jumper Jérôme Guéry, whose expertise helped shape a saddle that meets the high-performance demands of professional equestrian sport.

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B E H I N D the

seams

by Lauren Allen photos courtesy of Rönner

Functionality meets Style with Rönner

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old colors and beautiful, handdrawn patterns have become synonymous with Rönner.

Their unique designs, highend fabrics and carefully coordinated color palettes have long been a favorite of both equestrians and those who want to add something special to their wardrobes.

Most equestrians associate Rönner with beautifully designed riding tops and clothing, but Rönner actually began as a tack shop in Colombia in 1995.

Ines Rönner’s daughter, Carin, shared that “Rönner traces its roots back to our childhood, surrounded by horses and the inspiring presence of our mother, Ines.

Watching her ride, train, and later breed horses, we were captivated not only by the beauty of the equestrian world but also by her passion and dedication to her dreams. This was an incredibly inspiring environment to grow up in, showing us the power of pursuing one’s passions.”

When Ines later started the tack store in Bogotá, she specialized in importing brands from her native Germany. Carin and her sister, Jessi, were inspired by their mother’s creativity and ingenuity. She shared that working in her mother’s tack shop sparked the idea to create their own clothing label.

“We saw a unique opportunity to bring something different to the equestrian

apparel market, combining our love for the equestrian lifestyle with our desire to innovate and inspire”, Carin explains.

Much like our own executive team here at Horse & Style, Rönner is predominantly made up of women. Many of their team members are mothers, and some are the heads of their households. Carin shares, “We cherish the feminine energy they bring to our company. Women are persistent, patient, and resourceful, which are qualities we greatly value and rely on. This is why our team is mostly comprised of incredible women who continuously drive Rönner forward.”

As Creative Director, Carin oversees all creative aspects, product development, and marketing at Rönner, while Jessi leads the sales strategies and growth initiatives, with a strong focus on the financial side of the business. While Ines has transitioned to a board member role, Carin assures that she remains actively involved in making core decisions, even though she has stepped back from daily activities. Together, Carin and Jessi are deeply committed to driving growth and taking the company to the next level.

“Jessi and I are both mothers”, Carin says.

“I have three wonderful girls, and Jessi has two. In total, we have eight Rönner girls!

(laughs) Balancing life as entrepreneurs while growing the company has definitely been a challenge, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding to work together and watch Rönner evolve. The riding sport has been our main inspiration in creating the brand. This lifelong connection has driven us to design pieces not only for riding but also for the lifestyle surrounding this beautiful sport. Jessi and I don’t ride at the moment, but our five girls do. We remain very active in the barn, trotting alongside them and taking them to their first riding lessons and competitions.”

They’ve also reached out to women in the larger equestrian community, seeking feedback from everyday equestrians who wear their products, and even professionals in order to learn how to grow and improve their products. Their collaboration with Meredith Michaels Beerbaum two years ago was a great success. More collaborations are on the horizon, which will allow them to connect with the equestrian community and gain insight from other riders on how to enhance their designs.

All of this feedback is taken into consideration when working with artists and manufacturers. Each print is drawn by hand, expertly balancing their iconic motifs of equestrian elements, horses and florals.

Carin explains, “we also carefully

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“Traditional equestrian fashion has always been very classic and monotonous. We saw an opportunity to introduce unique prints and color palettes without compromising on classic and timeless style. Our vision is to help riders and horse enthusiasts look feminine and put-together, even at the barn or stables.”

decide which print goes with which line; for example, not every print is suitable for the Sport line. Our approach to design, manufacturing, and fabrics is always evolving, ensuring we stay at the forefront of the industry.” Their latest collection showcases those elements in both the “Sport” line and the “Lifestyle” line. Of this collection, Carin says “I personally love the linen dresses; I find them so easy, unique, and versatile. They can be styled in countless ways, making them perfect for any occasion.” The versatility of Rönner’s collection has always stood out to us, making their clothing an easy choice for a busy lifestyle.

“We are very aware of the hectic lives women lead these days”, says Carin. “Many of our customers are mothers who juggle children, hobbies, careers, homes, and social lives. As we experience this in our own lives, we understand that dressing needs to be easy and effortless. Choosing what to wear should be a joy, not an additional

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stress. It should add joy to your day and resonate with your lifestyle, making you feel unique and beautiful. For example, if you need to drop the children off at school, then run to your riding class, handle errands, and meet a friend for coffee, you want to look polished and unique while feeling comfortable and well-dressed. This is exactly what we aim to solve for you.”

When asked about her favorite transition pieces, Carin recommends the quarter-zips or polo shirts. “These pieces are versatile enough to look great at the barn and can easily transition to a casual outing. Paired with riding pants or jeans, they provide a stylish and practical solution for your busy day. Another versatile piece is our linen shirts. It’s perfect for a morning at the stable and can be dressed up with accessories for an evening out.”

“At Rönner, we are dedicated to creating pieces that resonate with a passion for horses, blending the art of design with the

tradition and beauty of the riding sport.

Our collections are where exquisite design and thoughtful details meet, resulting in clothing that speaks for itself. We introduce effortless, original, and one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out in a world of monotonous, everyday riding wear.

“Why settle for ordinary”, she continues, “when your attire can reflect the elegance and spirit of equestrian life?

Our combination of timeless style and practical details ensures that you always look put together, no matter where your day takes you. Our goal is to create clothing that seamlessly integrates into your life, embodying your love for horses and allowing you to move effortlessly from one activity to the next while always feeling stylish and confident.”

The ability to blend both style and functionality is Rönner’s specialty. Their collection is truly innovative and versatile, with something available for every occasion.

LIFESTYLE Inspired by the life around horses, our Lifestyle line includes blouses and dresses perfect for equestrian events or for those who love equestrian style. These pieces resonate with the passion and elegance of the equestrian world.

SPORT Our Sport line is designed with functionality and performance in mind. We use high-tech materials that allow athletes to perform in optimal conditions without compromising style. We incorporate details, prints, and feminine silhouettes to ensure that our pieces are both practical and beautiful.

SLEEPWEAR Our Sleepwear line, which came to life during the pandemic, features whimsical and unique equestrian prints. The idea behind this line is to add some horse love to the nights, bringing comfort and joy to our customers even as they sleep.

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There are three distinct lines: Sport, Lifestyle and Sleepwear; each one with unique fabrics and features. In their Sport line, each print is chosen to showcase the balance between feminine elements like florals with equestrian motifs, with added details such as ruffles and embroideries.

“Our main focus is the fabric, ensuring that the textiles used meet all the specific requirements athletes need for optimal performance. We also pay close attention to the fit, which should be flattering, feminine, and comfortable. This blend of style and functionality is what sets our clothing apart, allowing our customers to look great and perform at their best.”

Rönner has also embraced sustainable practices and values in every step of their process. “Our printing processes are done in factories that do not involve water, and the pigments we use are eco-friendly and nontoxic. Increasingly, we are incorporating natural fibers, and our high-tech performance fabrics are made from recycled plastic. All of our packaging is designed to be zero waste. We don’t use plastic, and our packaging pouches are reusable for other purposes.” Beyond the production itself, Rönner aims to create timeless collections that can be worn for multiple seasons and cherished for many years. “By focusing on quality and sustainability, we ensure that our products not only look good but also have a positive impact on the environment.

Looking ahead, you can expect to see more natural fibers in our collections as we continue to prioritize sustainability and comfort.”

All of their efforts have paid off, with the company experiencing tremendous growth since 2019. This is, in part, due to more focus on digital channels and their own website design. They’ve been able to expand their collections to offer a wider array of unique and stylish pieces. The development of their sleepwear line has been very successful, due in part to the utilization of digital marketing. This year, they have begun working with wholesalers and look forward to new partnerships to carry the brand forward. Reflecting on their future, Carin shares that there is an exciting collaboration on the horizon and an expansion of their home product range.

We cannot wait to see what is in store for this exceptional brand.

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“We are passionate about creating pieces that represent the love people have for riding and horses. Our goal is to blend functionality with style, offering apparel that is both practical for the barn and beautiful for everyday life.”

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feature

by Lauren Allen photos by Callie Coles, Nigel Gidney, Georgina Preston and Oli Tennant

At home with Callie Coles

photo © Nigel Gidney

C

hickens clucking, dogs scampering and a pony clipclops calmly into the kitchen to see what’s for breakfast.

The children giggle uncontrollably as the pony snuffles everything in sight, looking for something to nibble on. A young boy swings up onto the pony’s back and rides him through the house and back outdoors, where adventure awaits him and his two brothers.

Although this sounds very much like a fairy tale, this is real life for the Coles family of Devon, England. Toby, Callie and their three children, Jesse (13), Merlin (7) and Pippin (2) reside in a historic estate in the idyllic

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countryside. Riding ponies through the house is common practice, according to Callie “I think it started with Sparky letting himself in through the back door in search of cake! We all love him so much that we enjoy every moment in his company.“ Sparky is the smallest pony in the Coles’ herd and has certainly earned unicorn status. He taught both Merlin and Pippin to ride, stands calmly while being dressed up as a Hippogriff (a magical creature from Harry Potter), frequently carries an assortment of children, dogs and chickens on his back, and has never once made a mess in the house.

When asked about how they came to find such a lovely, perfect pony, Callie explained

“We have just been incredibly lucky. The unicorns seem to somehow, miraculously, find us. I telephoned the number on an advert I saw for Sparky. It was miles away up in Scotland but the photograph was one of the pony suited up for a fancy dress competition as Postman Pat. He had a huge cardboard car made around him. I thought that he must be unflappable! The woman asked me if I was related to Toby Coles, I said he was my husband and she told me that his Aunt had brought Sparky over from Ireland for her. Such a small world. She sold him to us for £400. Best money we have EVER spent. My tip would be - don’t go for the prettiest pony but the kindest.

Every time.”

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photo © Georgina Preston for Glaze & Gordon

Callie and her husband, Toby, were both raised by equestrians. “Toby very much grew up in the heart of a horse orientated family,” she says. “He could ride before he could walk. He spent most of his early years being led about his parents’ hill farm in a basket saddle on his pony Hugbug. He then spent as much of the week as school would tolerate, hunting with his parents.

He famously jumped a gate and a quad bike aged 6. Nerves of steel. Toby’s father was in the Lifeguards - in the household cavalry.

His mother was a lovely rider and show jumped up to a high standard but mostly enjoyed her hunting.”

Of her own equestrian upbringing, she tells us, “I had a lot of horses in my family history. My grandparents were extremely good at riding. Granny went very well and

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my grandfather was a beautiful horseman.

Mum rode as a child and teenager but I picked up the horse mad mantle properly and hopefully have passed it on to a few of our children!” She continues, “My great uncle rode around the Grand National and my great grandfather was a Master Huntsman. My grandfather was in the Metropolitan Mounted Police.”

It’s clear that both Toby and Callie were meant to live a life with horses, and share that love for them with their own children.

They often bring the kids along on hunts as Callie shares, “We love hunting. We both grew up on the hunting field. We go as much as possible now. It’s the best way to see the beautiful Moor, and the children learn so much about nature. We have an adventure every time we go out.”

Callie’s heart horse, Warrior, a Trakhener Warmblood, belonged to her husband, Toby, before they met. Callie explained that Toby was trying to sell Warrior (“Woz”), but she put a stop to that very quickly. Her first ride on Woz didn’t quite go as planned, though she doesn’t hold that against him.

“The first time I rode him Toby was riding with me and he said, ‘Just pop over that little hedge.You’ve got to sit back though, he has got a real pop.’ I was riding with no hat, Plimsolls sneakers, and shorts - really showing off how cool I thought I was. I aimed Woz at the hedge and stupidly gave him a bit of a kick. He doesn’t really need much encouragement. He took off a few strides out and jumped big. I fell straight off out the side door. Wounding only my pride, Toby laughed at me and cantered off to catch him.” Despite their rocky start, Callie

calls Woz her “horse of a lifetime”. He sadly passed on in December 2024, but his big heart will never be forgotten.

If you look closely at some of Callie’s hunting photos you might notice that she sometimes rides side-saddle. Her love of riding side saddle began in prep school, and has continued to this day. “When you get it right it feels as though you’re flying”, she says. “It’s not hard to learn but it was hard to jump Warrior as he was so scopey- hard to sit to!”

Beyond hunting, the family loves to trailer out to the beach nearby and let the children and their ponies splash in the sea. They often trot along the country roads near their property to exercise their horses and ponies. Sometimes, they bring the entire family to the nearby fields for a canter or to practice jumping over hedges or gates. It’s all very magical and picturesque.

Even the Cole’s home seems to be in on the magic. The family moved into a 300 year old estate near Devon a few years ago and quickly began the long process of restoration. The home needed a lot of work, but the family was up for the challenge.

They moved into a small guest house on the property as they worked on the construction and remodel themselves. They moved into the main house last year, and have been enjoying the property immensely.

Callie speaks of the home with love as if she’s also a member of the family, explaining “The walls are mostly made of cob. She’s about 300 years old. It’s an ongoing project - always something new to do here. It’s a magical house and she always helps us. If we need a new water trough we will find an ancient granite one under a hedge. If we need a large beam one will appear in a barn somewhere- and everything always fits. The measurements always work perfectly first time when Toby is building something here - it’s been quite extraordinary. So special.” Toby has worked hard to rebuild it from the ground up, customizing it to fit their family’s needs along the way. One of Callie’s favorite additions is a window in the kitchen, allowing her to look out and see her horses.

Along with their many horses, the family also raises dogs, sheep, chickens and ducks.

The children all help care for the animals, who patiently allow themselves to be picked up for hugs and the occasional ride on a pony. Family picnics on the property

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are often shared with a variety of animal friends, reminiscent of a Beatrix Potter story.

As a stay-at-home mom, Callie clearly has her hands full with just the daily care of the household and its menagerie of inhabitants.

Despite all of this, she is currently writing a novel, which we cannot wait to read. And as if that wasn’t enough, the family has started a new business. The Coles’ latest project, Iggywick Willow Baskets, has been years in the making. The name, Iggywick, was a family nickname for Toby’s late mother, who spent many hours leading the children around as they rode ponies in the special basket saddle. Even the logo was carefully drawn by Toby, in keeping with the brand’s handmade charm.

Like his own children, Toby grew up learning to ride in a willow basket, crafted by a family member. This basket was handed down to his boys, though a bit worse for wear in recent years. “We needed to find a basket saddle that was sturdy and safe. One that didn’t slip. Our basket saddle disintegrated as it was about 100 years old and we could not find one to buy anywhere. Not a good quality one anyway.

There are a few on the market but they are not made to a high enough standard, they are flimsy and they are not secure on the pony. So we decided to make our own using a very talented weaver and some top notch master saddlers who all use the very best materials.”

photo © Oli Tennant

After numerous questions from others about where they could buy something similar, they realized their baskets were in hot demand. “We designed it slightly differently with a balancing strap and a crupper and they’re brilliant,” Callie explained. “So we have started making them for other people now too!” Each basket is made to order and can be fully customized. If you have a little one who loves horses, there’s no better gift than the love and adventure a pony can provide.

Even if your children or grandchildren are too old for a basket, there is so much joy in seeing the Coles’ children enjoying their ponies, the youngest plodding along in a handmade basket. Magical, indeed.

To purchase your own Iggywick Willow Basket, or learn more about Callie’s books, please visit: lifeatwoodley.com

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feature

by Helen Abrams photos courtesy of Hermès

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feature

by Helen Abrams photos courtesy of Balsam Mountain Preserve

A Show Circuit Sanctuary: Balsam Mountain Preserve, Minutes from Tryon

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urning off a tree-lined highway, just 40 minutes from Asheville, NC you’ll find yourself driving up a winding road toward a secluded yet luxurious mountain village known as Balsam Mountain Preserve.

The gated community, built in 2000 but reimagined in 2022 by developer David Southworth, boasts miles of private hiking trails, an Arnold Palmer-designed 18 hole golf course, a gym overlooking pristine pools, massage rooms, and a fully staffed nature museum.

I was invited to tour this Blue Ridge sanctuary, not realizing just how deeply I’d fall in love with it. As an equestrian, being surrounded by nature and connected to a like-minded community is what makes a place truly feel like home. I was also amazed by its proximity to some of the country’s top horse shows, just 90 minutes from Tryon, a five-hour drive to

the Kentucky Horse Park, six hours to Upperville, and short flights to Wellington, the Hamptons, and HITS in upstate New York.

On day one, I met up with Lila Kilby for lunch, and as you can imagine, our conversation quickly turned into a lively exchange of horse talk. From different riding disciplines to trail adventures and equine care, we covered it all. Lila is not only the Equestrian Director at Balsam Mountain Preserve but also played a key role in designing and developing the equestrian facilities.

Her passion for horses began early in life, eventually leading her to earn a degree in Animal Science from Clemson University.

Before joining Balsam, she gained handson experience as a veterinary technician on the hunter/jumper circuit, blending technical knowledge with real-world equine expertise. Today, she manages

the care of the horses, guides residents and guests on trail rides, and organizes equestrian events—all while living on-site at the barn to provide attentive, aroundthe-clock care.

The Equestrian Facility at Balsam Mountain Preserve can accommodate up to 25 horses, with a mix of privately owned and property-owned horses. It features state-of-the-art turnout areas and an arena with multi-discipline footing, tailored to support a wide range of riding styles. Whether you’re boarding your own horse or exploring the trails with one of Balsam’s, an unforgettable adventure awaits, thanks to the nearly limitless miles of scenic terrain to ride each day.

The same day I met Lila for lunch, I was treated to an unforgettable afternoon of fly fishing—pure heaven. Balsam arranged a guided experience with Shannon Messer from Tuckaseegee Fly Shop, who

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seamlessly took care of my fishing license and outfitted me with all the right gear.

We waded into the shallow mountain streams of the Blue Ridge, casting for rainbow and brown trout before releasing them back into the crystal-clear waters.

Those peaceful hours, no mosquitoes in sight, thanks to the higher elevation— offered a rare connection to nature that’s hard to find elsewhere. With elevations reaching up to 5,400 feet, Balsam Mountain Preserve delivers sweeping mountain views and a refreshingly moderate climate year-round.

Balsam Mountain Preserve spans 4,400 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers over 40 miles of hiking, cycling, and riding trails designed for all experience levels. As this gated community continues to grow, there’s no concern about losing access to nature—more

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than 3,400 acres, or roughly 75% of the land, are permanently protected through conservation easements managed by the Balsam Mountain Trust and the North American Land Trust.

Our trip was just short of a week, yet somehow I managed to soak in so much of what Balsam Mountain Preserve has to offer—without ever feeling rushed. I fit in trail rides through the lush, shaded forest trails that wind across the preserve’s 4,400 acres, gym workouts at the well-appointed fitness center, a peaceful afternoon of fly fishing along one of the stocked creeks, and even found time to unwind with a deep-tissue massage at the wellness center.

I also sneaked in some much-needed poolside lounging, while my husband— an avid golfer—took full advantage of the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course.

Designed to blend seamlessly with the natural contours of the land, the course

offers both a challenge and a retreat, with dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ridges.

He played two full rounds during our stay and spent a few additional hours practicing on the grass-covered driving range, which overlooks a stunning ridge line that shifts color with the time of day. It’s the kind of course where every hole feels like a postcard, and every swing feels just a little more elevated.

The dining at Balsam is spread out over three facilities, each with unique charm and culinary curations. The Summit House offers southern treats like Hush Puppies, as well as an array of fine cuisine, like superb cuts of filet or salmon. Or, you can enjoy a private party with friends in the glassenclosed wine room.

Next door, and across from an array of outdoor seating and a fire pit, you’ll find

Mine Tavern, which serves lunch, post-golf drinks, and a casual dinner menu for the whole family. The staff treats you like a regular from the moment you walk in, and reservations are rarely needed, as they’re always happy to make room.

A third dining venue can be found up above the clouds at the rustic Boarding House Marketplace, just a short drive across the property. In what was once a boarding house for miners working on the property, Daniel Schroll and his wife Emily serve up an ever-changing menu of house-made delights that include everything from pastries to pizzas. Daniel’s imagination is equally as impressive as his famous custom pizzas. And the eggs benedict and potsticker pies are out of this world, in addition to their much talked-about smash burger and roast beef sandwich.You can sit indoors or on the porch, gazing out into the mystical Balsam woods. The Boarding House Marketplace also features an epicurean section with a wide variety of wine, cheese, snacks, and other accoutrements for your home.

For more information, please visit balsammountainpreserve.com.

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feature

by Jessica Singer Alexander photos by Kristin Lee Photography

an interview with

Archibald Cox III

A

rchibald Cox III is a top tier trainer and a mainstay of the equestrian community. In addition to owning and operating Brookway Stables, he travels the country giving clinics and judging at some of the nation’s most competitive horse shows. Under his tutelage, Archie’s horses and riders have won regional and national medal finals; hunter championships at every indoor show and at Devon; and year-end titles in both professional and junior/amateur divisions. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Archie to chat about his life with horses thus far and his thoughts on the future of our sport.

JSA:Can you share a bit about your background with horses? How did you get started?

AC3: I grew up on Long Island, and I was very fortunate to live right in the center of three top horsemen. I lived across the street

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from Susie Humes, who was a trainer and judge, down the street from Bunny French, who rode at Hunterdon and had jumpers with Rodney Jenkins, and up the street from Tracy Topping, who was and is an avid horsewoman, I was lucky to be pretty much half a mile from all of the above.

JSA:Wow! Then how did you get into the show world?

AC3: Well, I owe a great deal to my grandmother, who was very involved in Morgan and Saddle horses. She was actually on the board of what was the AHSA starting in 1977. She was very active in volunteering and giving back and that trickled down to me. My entry into the horse show world was fueled by my mother and the proximity of my neighbors. Mrs. French was a great guide for my mother.

She showed my mother how to do things and advised on what goals we should have.

Being so aggressive and wanting more

myself, I became very competitive. We started out very low-key. My sister and I had one horse, and that sort of evolved into showing. We were both showing, but I was showing more and more. My mother was such a huge supporter of it. She drove the horse trailer and took me to all the horse shows.

JSA:That’s fantastic. Thank you to Nina!

How did you make the transition from a competitive junior to a professional? I know that you went to Drew and were part of the IHSA team in-between your junior career and turning pro.

AC3: Yes, after my junior years I went onto Drew University and participated on their IHSA team. Drew was in close proximity to the horse industry in New Jersey, and I went ahead and started working for Emil Spadone out of college.

I had always wanted to move to California.

I’d never been before, and I thought it

sounded so exotic at the time. I typed up my resume and sent out six job requests.

Karen Healey was the one who responded in a positive way, and I moved out there in June 1992.

JSA:Is there anything else you want to share about your background?

AC3:I’m very lucky. I’ve had very few jobs in my life. Probably the best thing I could say about it is that I would repeat it all again in a heartbeat.

JSA: Even if you haven’t worked for them, I know you have worked alongside many legends in our sport. Who would you say has made a big impact on you?

AC3:The legends of the sport, my gosh, that’s Rodney Jenkins, who just passed away. It’s Linda Hough, who had the best of the best. Katie Monahan-Prudent is someone that I’m still involved with today.

She is top notch in every way possible. Don Stewart is a good friend of mine, and he

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probably taught me an endless amount of information.You learn every day. That’s the beauty of our sport.

JSA: During your time with Karen Healey, was there a pivotal moment that you felt like you were ready to go out on your own?

AC3: When I started working for Karen, I said I’d like to work for her for two or three years and then start my own business. About seven and a half years after I started working for her, I had a feeling that it was now or never. In May of 2000, I told Karen, with a big gulp, that I would be leaving at the end of the year. She understood, and we have had a great relationship. I started Brookway Stables in December of 2000.

JSA: Are there any moments that stand out to you from those early years of Brookway?

AC3: I’ve been very fortunate to have great customers who are good supporters of the industry. Is there any one moment that stands out? They have all been great.

One I will share is from the Washington International Horse Show in 2004. I was at the back gate with my client Jane Fraze, who was sitting on her horse, named Archie, about to go into the ring. She looked up and they had us on the Jumbotron. Jane said “I want to say thank you. You’ve made all my dreams come true. “ I remember that like it was yesterday.

JSA: I love that. You probably have lots of clients who can say the same thing, and I know I’m one of them as well. I’m sure you have lots of special memories from indoors.

Do you have a favorite show or class?

AC3: The Devon Horse Show in 2007 when Lucy Davis was awarded Best Child Rider and Grand Hunter Champion on Harmony. That year, Brookway horses and riders earned the champion title in five divisions. Another highlight would be when Matthew Sereni won the Maclay Finals in 2003. He worked his way up from the first round to the flat to the second round and then the test. He was called back a little

lower down. For the test, the riders had to face away from the ring.You had to hand gallop a jump, counter canter a jump on each lead, trot a jump, maybe halt, and go back to the line. Without watching the other kids do it, Matt turned out of the line and flew at the first jump. He landed on the outside lead, counter-cantered a jump, landed on the outside lead again, and counter-cantered another jump. He then broke to the trot, trotted the jump, and either halted or just went back to the line.

Hands down, every person in the building knew he was the winner. The other kids were jumping jumps, looking around, and trying to decide what to do. Don Stewart handed me his tie and said “you better put this on-he just won.” I wore the lucky tie that year in the win photo. It’s an Hermes tie with a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat.

JSA:I think I’ve seen you wear that tie!

AC3: Most likely!

JSA:What traits do you look for in a horse?

AC3: There are three important traits: desire, ability, and beauty. They have to be in that order. Desire or heart will get you further. It will get a person and a horse further than ability alone. When you add in beauty, you get the whole package.

JSA: Can you talk about any special horses you’ve worked with in your career?

AC3: There are a few standouts. The first was Harmony, Lucy’s horse. Harmony had three riders throughout her career. She was with Danielle Torano, Betty Oare, and then Lucy. She was a horse that wanted to jump a perfect jump at every fence, and she had the ability to jump so high.

To top it off, she was just so beautiful. The other horse that comes to mind is Laura Wasserman’s Boss. He was another one, like Harmony, that wanted to jump well. Both he and Harmony were a little particular, but their desire, ability, and beauty could make perfect jumps and perfect rounds.

JSA: Amazing! Shifting gears a bit from your personal experience to the industry overall, what are some of the biggest changes you’ve observed in the past 25 years?

AC3: Well, the equestrian industry as a whole has gotten bigger and bigger. I think there still are and will always be a small number of exceptional riders, but the number of people participating is growing.

One of the biggest shifts in the past two decades has been the rise of destination horse shows. There are a number of facilities, like Desert Horse Park, WEF, Tryon, and Traverse City, where you can take your entire barn and spend multiple weeks at the same showgrounds. On the one hand, it’s great because the customers like it. Unfortunately, it’s eliminating a lot of smaller shows. The larger venues can offer a top quality product because they have more weeks to get a return on their investment.We see smaller shows that were maybe owner-operated disappearing. I grew up going to a different facility every week. Now, people go to the destination shows for two to three weeks at a time. It’s changing the face of smaller horse shows, and it’s very hard for standalone events to keep going.

JSA: I was so sad to hear that the Menlo Charity Show will no longer be held; that was such a special event. Now that there are fewer venues, have you noticed any changes in how people are attending in terms of goals, points, and incentives?

AC3: I think some people are showing more. They’re going to these destination

shows and bringing their families. They are getting houses near these shows and maybe second farms. Another benefit of the large facilities is that they can offer a wider variety of classes and divisions. A greener rider can compete and feel like they are part of a bigger horse show.

JSA: Right. I know at DIHP you have both equitation and hunter divisions at every height from crossrails up to 3’6”, which you wouldn’t get at other shows.

AC3: Yes, these venues have the space and ability to offer those classes. Exhibitors have high standards, and horse shows do have to make money to continue operating.

JSA: Moving on from the competitive aspect, is there anything you’d like to see more or less of when it comes to horsemanship?

AC3: Everyone that rides horses loves horses. I’d like to see horsemanship always improving. Kids need to be exposed to better horsemanship and hands-on opportunities that allow them to learn.

We as trainers need to keep providing and encouraging this. Riding a horse starts in the barn, not at the mounting block.

JSA: That’s a great philosophy. Looking ahead, how to you envision your career and role within the equestrian community continuing to evolve?

AC3: I would say it’s evolving very organically and naturally. I really like teaching. I also like showing. When you have good riders and great horses, you want to go to the horse shows to see how you

JSA: Two incredible horses that I am sure many in the equestrian world know. If I am remembering correctly, Boss started his career when he was older and more mature?

AC3: Boss didn’t go to his first show until he was seven years old. I will always know how old he is because he is Stella Wasserman’s age. Stella and Boss grew up together.

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feature stack up. At some point, I will slow down and focus more on clinics. I will do things differently. I’ve started going down that path now that Karli Postel is a partner at Brookway. We think the same, and that’s great to have in the person you are in business with.

JSA: I know you’ve worked together before, and it seems like there is a great synergy among the team at Brookway. Do you want to share about your experience showing in the Fine Harness division at Devon last year?

What was the impetus for that?

AC3: Oh! Since my grandmother had Saddlebred and Morgan horses, I have always loved the Saddlebred division. I was lucky enough to have that opportunity to show, and I jumped at the chance. It was the most adrenaline and fun I’ve had in a class in years.

JSA: Wow! I’d imagine it is different being in a cart behind the horse as opposed to riding. I’ve seen the pictures and videos, and it looked like you were having the time of your life.

AC3: I was! Just like going to a regular horse show, it is different when you suddenly go in the ring and you are there by yourself.

JSA: I hope we get to see you dabbling in the different disciplines more! To wrap up our conversation, what advice would you give to ambitious junior riders and aspiring professionals?

AC3: Anyone that wants to be a professional better be doing it because they love the industry and horses. If you’re lucky enough to have that passion, you will never work a day in your life since you will be doing what you love. The best place to start is as an apprentice or assistant. There’s the Road to the Top Program, which is bringing along the next hopefully Olympic riders.You can also work for a trainer with the goal of becoming a business owner yourself one day. That’s kind of what Karli and I have done. I’ve been fortunate to have assistants, like Karli, that have gone on to great things. We are trying to help produce the future professionals of our industry and to set them up for success.

Brookway Stables is ideally located at Middle Ranch, only two minutes from the 10 Freeway and close to many major cities

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in the Los Angeles area. Brookway’s horses are stabled at The Main Ranch in large box stalls. Strategically constructed barns help keep horses comfortable in the warmer months.

Other amenities include individual tack lockers, cross-ties, hot walkers, wash racks, turnouts, and a jump chute. Boarders have access to the Clubhouse as well as other onsite facilities.

For more information, please visit: brookwaystables.com.

ARCHIE’S WORDS OF WISDOM • Practice doing simple things well.

• Go forward.

• As a student, you are paying to watch and listen, not talk.

• Pay attention!

• Look for the good.

• Try harder.

• Learning is free.

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Celebrating TributeDecades to in the Show Ring with

ARCHIE COX ARCHIE COX I have the fondest memories of riding with Archie. I started riding with him when I was 16yrs old and in the junior hunters. My favorite memories are when we used to go back easy for indoors and stay there the whole time and all the adventures between shows and all the positive and fun learning experiences. Archie’s continuous support, knowledge and guidance has been a rock for me throughout my riding career.

Montana Coady

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Jorge Hidalgo Duran

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Celebrating Decades Tribute to in the Show Ring with

ARCHIE COX ARCHIE COX I was just 14 years old when I met Archie. I was a green rider and had just imported a green horse. From the very beginning Archie was there for me for the long haul. For all the hard work, sweat and tears that would eventually lead to some incredible successes. The biggest takeaway wasn’t the blue ribbons or high scores although those are very meaningful as well, but the mindset that Archie instilled in me that with hard work and dedication I could achieve anything I dreamed of. I’ve carried this belief with me my entire adult life whether academically or as an entrepreneur. We shared so many memories that I know we’ll cherish for a lifetime. Archie, I’m so happy to acknowledge you. You are a beloved teacher, friend, and family forever!

Erin Chiamulon

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Celebrating Decades Tribute to in the Show Ring with

ARCHIE COX ARCHIE COX Archie was the source of many firsts for me. He was my first jumping trainer. He brought me to my first horse show. He found me my first show horse. He taught me how to ride, how to care for my horse, how to compete, how to think like a horse, and how to win.

However, Archie’s mentorship and wisdom extend well beyond the horse world. He inspires those around him to be the very best versions of themselves not through fear but rather through unwavering positivity and encouragement. Archie made my painfully shy preteen self believe anything is possible as long as you keep trying, instilling in me a confidence and determination that has shaped me into the woman I’ve become in the 25 years since.

Archie, you are special. You changed my life. You have changed the lives of so many.

I am forever grateful for knowing you.

Stephanie Danhakl

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Celebrating Decades Tribute to in the Show Ring with

ARCHIE COX ARCHIE COX A dream is just a dream until someone believes in you. Thank you, Archie, for your dedication, expertise, and unwavering support. Your ability to match horse and rider is truly a gift, and for that, I am forever grateful. There have been several along the way, but you believed in Carma and me, you guided us with patience, knowledge, and passion, turning aspirations into achievements and dreams into reality.

We’ve had a lot of fun—crazy by some standards—but always full of laughter. I am beyond grateful for everything you have done and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner on this journey. I am excited for what the future holds.

XOXO

Virginia Fout

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The remarkable thing about Gable and Archie’s journey is that he has trained her since she was 11 years old. Under Archie’s watch, (and with the support of Karli Postel, Katie Hauss and Lindsay Stefanko) Gable won the Onondarka Medal for 12U, winning both the USEF Medal Regional and ASPCA Maclay Regionals and culminating this past summer with being Reserve Champion in the Gladstone Equitation Cup, and finishing in the top 12 at the North American Equitation Championship at Capital Challenge.

In the top right picture below she is 12 years old and he and she are discussing her first ever Maclay at Temecula. She had won every single class she’d entered that weekend in the Age Eq, THIS, etc. and he was just like “Welp. That’s enough of that. Time to do the Maclay.” (Very Archie thing to do!). I was terrified and not at all sure she’d ever even jumped 3’6” before (and nor was he!), but he has this wonderful way of giving his students authentic confidence through his confidence in them. Off she went and she 7th out of 31 riders and we never looked back.

In the bottom right picture below that’s Archie with Gable and her boyfriend, Ezra Frech (sitting on a horse for the first time) moments after finishing on top of Maclay Regionals Round One this September. To grow from the nervous baby on the porch in Temecula to the young woman with her boyfriend all with the same trainer is a rare gift.

Jane Gering

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Celebrating TributeDecades to in the Show Ring with

ARCHIE COX ARCHIE COX Archie and Violet met in the spring of 2020 when Violet was just 11 years old. Covid had taken over and by circumstance we ended up at Brookway and never looked back. Their connection was instant, Violets desire was met with Archies enthusiasm and wisdom.

Archie has that way, instilling anything is possible and just bringing out the very best in his students- if you want it you can achieve it. We are eternally grateful for everything Archie has done for Violet and are beyond proud of what they have accomplished together and excited to watch what’s next for them! Thank you Archie for making so many dreams come true and to many more to come!

Jenny and Violet Tatum

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I have known Archie for half of my life. He has connected my parents and I to so many fantastic horses and people; and my family is extremely grateful to him for the impact he has had on our lives. I love that each lesson with Archie is focused on a specific topic and that every exercise has a purpose. He sets the bar high and pushes his students to “practice courage,” but, above all, Archie makes learning and our lives with horses so much fun.

Jess Singer

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Celebrating TributeDecades to in the Show Ring with

ARCHIE COX ARCHIE COX

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feature story and photos by Anne Sherwood

West Coast Riders Head East to Join Dartmouth Equestrian Team

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wo standout equestrians from California are trading sunshine for snowflakes as they prepare to join Dartmouth College’s equestrian team in New England this fall.

Camilla Jerng and Grace Russo, both top students and accomplished riders, have trained together for the past year with Meadow Grove Farms in Lake View Terrace and are set to represent Dartmouth in NCAA competition starting this September.

Though they come from opposite ends of the state—Jerng from Northern California and Russo from Pasadena—both share an

unwavering commitment to excellence in the classroom and the show ring. They’ve earned straight As while navigating demanding competition schedules and are now eager to join a collegiate team, even if they’re bracing themselves for New England’s icy winters.

team. That move has drawn academically driven riders like Jerng and Russo to the program—and with good reason: in just four seasons under head coach Tenley Walsh, Dartmouth captured the 2025 NCEA single-discipline national championship in Ocala this spring.

Dartmouth’s equestrian program made a major leap during the 2021–22 season, transitioning from the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) to a singlediscipline NCEA jumping seat format. It now stands as the only Ivy League school with an NCAA Division I equestrian

Balancing riding and academics is nothing new for Jerng and Russo. Both attend in-person high schools and compete most weekends, traveling with their textbooks and squeezing in schoolwork between classes at shows, in airports, or on long drives. Their schools have supported their

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“Camilla and Grace have so much to contribute to this team, inside and outside of the ring.” unusual schedules, as long as they kept up with their studies—and they have, maintaining GPAs well above 4.0. Jerng, who attends Woodside High School, is also a four-year varsity tennis player. Last fall, she won a match as her team’s top singles player, then headed straight to the airport to compete at the Dover/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Russo competes for Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy in the Interscholastic Equestrian League and earned the overall varsity champion title for the 2022–23 season. She says her school’s close-knit community helped her stay connected even while traveling. “My friends were incredible,” she said. “They were always texting and checking in when I was away. That made it easy to stay involved.”

Jerng’s long-distance commitment to Meadow Grove meant she only traveled down south for training on non-show weekends, while Russo, who lives in Pasadena, rides before school to avoid LA traffic—though that means sacrificing some comfort. “Depending on how hot it is or how much I sweat,” she laughed, “I do carry perfume in my bag to make sure I don’t smell like the barn in class.”

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Both riders have racked up impressive results in the equitation ring. Jerng won the 2023 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals West, while Russo earned reserve honors at the 2023 Gladstone Cup West and the 2022 CPHA Style of Riding Championship. Their success is a testament to the preparation they’ve received at Meadow Grove, where the focus isn’t just on ribbons, but also horsemanship and good riding.

Unlike traditional competitions, the NCEA pits riders head-to-head on the same horse, requiring adaptability and quick thinking.

Both Jerng and Russo have built that skill through years of catch-riding unfamiliar mounts. “Meadow Grove was always finding ways to get me in the ring more,” said Jerng. “That experience helped me learn to adjust to different horses quickly.”

Russo, who has worked with some of the top trainers across the country, echoed that sentiment. “Every trainer I’ve had has emphasized riding the horse you have in that moment—not the horse you wish you had. That’s exactly what the NCEA demands.You can’t rely on knowing the horse—you have to ride what you feel and react accordingly.”

- Head Coach, Tenley Walsh While equestrian competition is primarily individual, college riding is all about the team. Each rider competes head-to-head, and whoever earns the higher score wins a point for their school. Both Jerng and Russo are excited for this shift. “As a junior, riding is very individual,” Jerng said.

“I think it’ll be really fun to have a team where our performances contribute to a shared goal.” The college show atmosphere, with cheering, music, and camaraderie, brings a refreshing new energy to the sport.

Asked if anything makes her nervous about the move, Russo didn’t hesitate: “Black ice!

That’s what I’m most afraid of. I don’t want to skid on the road.” Jerng, who visited Dartmouth last April, added, “There was still snow on the ground, and I remember thinking, ‘Wow, this is impressive.’”

The pair will continue competing in California through the summer before heading to Hanover in the fall. As summer lingers on the West Coast, they’ll pack their show boots—and snow boots—and embark on their next adventure at Dartmouth.

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Meadow Grove Farm

photo © Anne Sherwood

Off to the Big Green!

Congratulations to Grace Russo and Camilla Jerng on joining the Dartmouth Equestrian Team! We’ve loved every stride of the journey with you both and we can’t wait to cheer you on from afar. We’re so proud of you!

@meadowgrovefarm

O N the

cover

by Helen Abrams photos courtesy of Hermès.

A Weekend of Elegance and Equine Excellence My Experience at Saut Hermès 2025

P

aris has a way of making everything feel extraordinary, but stepping into the Grand Palais Éphémère for the 2025 edition of Saut Hermès was nothing short of breathtaking. For three unforgettable days—Friday through Sunday—I had the privilege of witnessing some of the world’s top equestrian athletes compete in one of the most prestigious show jumping events on the calendar. From the first step into the venue to the final round of the Grand Prix Hermès CSI 5*, the entire experience was a masterclass in excellence, elegance, and pure sporting thrill.

This year, Saut Hermès returned to its iconic home at the Grand Palais, nestled between the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. Stepping beneath its soaring glass roof felt like entering a cathedral of sport— where history, elegance, and athleticism

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collide. The grandeur of the venue elevated every moment of the competition, perfectly reflecting the timeless sophistication of Hermès. Each morning, our walk from Le Méridien through the Jardin des Tuileries added a touch of poetic calm before the intensity of the day. Paris in the spring is always enchanting, but during this weekend, it truly became the heartbeat of international show jumping.

F R I DAY : O P E N I N D DAY AW E From the moment I stepped through the gilded doors of the Grand Palais, I knew this year’s Saut Hermès would be one for the ages. After several years away due to renovations, the event’s return to its original home brought a reverent energy—a fusion of history, grandeur, and world-class sport that only Paris could deliver. The soaring glass canopy cast a soft spring light across

the arena, illuminating polished boots, braided manes, and a crowd dressed in effortless Parisian style.

Friday’s opening competition set the tone: polished riders, gleaming horses, and a warm, expectant buzz that coursed through the crowd. The preliminary rounds showcased extraordinary precision and athleticism. Every stride, every takeoff, every landing was a study in connection between horse and rider. It was more than competition—it was choreography.

Watching warm-ups in the adjoining paddocks, I was struck by the quiet intensity: whispered instructions, soft pats, focused gazes. Riders like Marcus Ehning and Bertram Allen moved through their preparations with practiced calm, while Jeanne Sadran, poised and polished, hinted at greatness to come.

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Later, I wandered through the Hermès boutique installed within the Grand Palais—an elegant nod to the brand’s equestrian roots. The display of saddles, silk scarves, and handcrafted tack was mesmerizing. But it was the subtle artistry of the bridles and stirrups in use by competitors that truly told the story: this is not merely fashion; this is function elevated to form.

The day’s headline event—the Le Saut Hermès 1.55m class—was as thrilling as it was technical. The course challenged both horse and rider with its precision demands and elegant complexity. And in a storybook moment, it was Jeanne Sadran, the young French rising star, who claimed the win.

Her round was a masterclass in poise and power, drawing the loudest cheers of the weekend thus far.

S AT U R DAY : THE THRILL BUILDS Saturday: The Thrill Builds

By Saturday, the excitement had fully taken hold. The Grand Palais pulsed with life— fans, families, press, and industry insiders filled the stands, each holding their breath through the tightest turns and widest oxers.

Between classes, we explored the sponsor lounges and sipped champagne beneath the dome, each toast a tribute to the grace of the sport.

Watching Jeanne take her victory lap beneath the vaulted glass ceiling, surrounded by cheers and the glowing Hermès banners, was deeply moving. A French rider aboard her stallion Dexter de Kerglenn, winning in the heart of Paris, under the name of one of France’s most storied maisons—it felt like fate. Her performance reminded everyone in the stands what it means to rise to the moment.

While indulging in Parisian delicacies between classes, conversation always

returned to the horses, the rounds, the lines, the brave turns.It was a day when every moment—on and off the course—felt extraordinary.

S U N DAY : GRAND PRIX GLORY

By Sunday morning, the anticipation was electric. The Grand Prix Hermès CSI 5* is the crown jewel of the weekend—and this year’s course delivered everything

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it promised. Technically demanding, strategically designed, and visually stunning, it pushed the best riders in the world to their limits.

experience. Watching him accept his trophy beneath the iconic iron-and-glass canopy was a moment of pure sporting splendor.

The Grand Palais felt transformed into an arena of legends. With the stands completely full and a hush of collective focus settling over the crowd, the world’s top show jumpers—Martin Fuchs, Daniel Deusser, Simon Delestre—entered the ring, one by one, chasing perfection.

REFLECTIONS BEYONDTHE AREN A What made this year’s Saut Hermès unforgettable wasn’t just the elite competition—it was the complete sensory experience. The grandeur of the Grand Palais, the craftsmanship of Hermès in every detail, the artistry of the sport itself—it all came together in perfect harmony.

Evenings were filled with brasserie dinners and quiet reflections. Mornings began with café au lait and conversation with fellow guests back at Le Méridien, just a scenic walk through the Jardin des Tuileries away.

Everyone we met had their own favorite moment to share—a flawless jump-off, a stylish rider’s dismount, the way the horses responded to the electric energy in the arena.

As the final rounds approached, the tension grew with every jump. Clear rounds were met with gasps of relief, while every rail down elicited a chorus of sympathetic sighs.

And then came Simon Delestre, calm and calculated, riding with signature elegance and precision. His round was nearly surgical in execution, stopping the clock with a time that no one could touch.

Victory for Delestre felt both inevitable and hard-earned. As the French flag was raised in his honor, the Grand Palais erupted in celebration. It was a triumph not just of athleticism, but of composure, training, and

As I packed my bags Monday morning, the Hermès event program tucked into my coat pocket, I carried with me more than

The entire experience was a masterclass in excellence, elegance, and pure sporting thrill. souvenirs. I left with a renewed appreciation for this incredible sport, for the culture that surrounds it, and for the legendary brands— like Hermès—that built it, and that elevate it with such authenticity.

CO N G R AT U L AT I O N S TO THE C HAMPIONS To Jeanne Sadran, whose victory in the Le Saut Hermès 1.55m class was a triumph of talent, focus, and grace—you captured the spirit of Paris. And to Simon Delestre, whose masterful win in the Grand Prix Hermès CSI 5* showed us all what it means to perform under pressure—bravo.

To Hermès: thank you for curating an experience that was more than a horse show. It was a weekend where tradition met excellence, when every moment mattered, and when every detail was steeped in intention.

Until next year, Saut Hermès! Paris has never looked more powerful.

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B E H I N D the

seams

by Helen Abrams photos courtesy of Hannah Childs

luxury equestrian attire

I

recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Hannah Childs, the creative mind behind the stunningly luxe line of equestrian attire, and I’m excited to share her inspiring story and beautiful designs with you.

Hannah was born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA. When she was just five years old, her teacher asked her what she enjoyed doing for fun. Having only ever ridden a pony at the fair, she responded, “I love to ride horses.” Her parents signed her up for lead line lessons, and she quickly became hooked. After the passing of her father when she was seven, she was raised by her single mother. Due to the high costs of riding, she began working at the barn in exchange for lessons. As a naturally shy child, she developed not only a strong work ethic but also a growing sense of confidence and self. Her desire and passion for community were ingrained in her, shaping her purpose as an adult.

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At the age of sixteen, after watching the very first episode of Project Runway, she turned to her mom and declared, “This is what I’m supposed to do.” That month, she applied to FIDM (The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) in Los Angeles.

What had once served as a subconscious guiding force throughout her childhood and young adulthood has now, at 34, become an immense gift—a deep trust in her intuition as the compass for her life.

HORSE & STYLE:How did you come up with the name Hannah Childs?

Her heart horse, Harry Potter, who she received at the age of twelve and who truly gave her wings, passed away in 2023, just a few weeks before she became pregnant with her daughter, Stella. While she isn’t currently involved with horses, she cherishes the lessons from her life as an equestrian and applies them to her motherhood—nurturing her daughter with deep compassion, grace, acceptance, and open hands, allowing whatever is meant to be to unfold.

H&S: Where do you want to see the brand go in the next 5 years?

HANNAH CHILDS: Hannah (Rose) Childs is my maiden name. Since I started my fashion journey, people have always said that it was a great name for a clothing brand, so when I started HCL I knew I wanted to keep true to simplicity and not overthink it. Rose is my middle name, which is where the logo comes from.

HC: While I’m so proud of how HCL has unfolded over the (almost) 6 years I’ve been in business, I truly feel like it’s just in the last year that I have been finding my footing after the first 5 years of a lot of learning, experimenting, and discovering who I am and what I want to contribute to the world. What started as a clothing brand that aimed to “empower ambitious

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Inspiring and empowering women to liberate their expression. women, through thoughtful design and business”, has morphed into a brand that inspires and empowers women to liberate their expression.

H&S: What was the inspiration for Behind The Barn Door?

HC: HCL is not just clothing, but a holistic way of living that encompases all of who we are and gives each of those women inside of us a seat at the table. I see the brand expanding both in products that feel incredible to put on the body, as well as in the way it engages with our clients and community, uniting us all into more connection and activating our higher sense of purpose.

“Behind the Barn Door” was inspired by my desire to connect with and spotlight other women in business in our equestrian world. Instead of a single moment in time to share an entrepreneur’s journey, we highlight each woman for an entire month with a three part initiative. Firstly, I have an intimate interview show where we get to know the featured entrepreneur.

Secondly, she guest writes a feature on our blog. And thirdly, she leads a (totally free!) live workshop that offers a learning and personal growth opportunity to our shared communities. As women in late stage capitalism, whether conscious or not, we are inherently taught through society to compete with one another. My intention is to dissolve that barrier that keeps us separate, not just through memes and website copy, but through integrated and thoughtful action.

While this is purely a passion project at this time, it’s probably the area of the business that I’m most proud of because of the personal work it took to get to this point of self knowing, confidence, and trust in life’s inherent abundance.

Shop Hannah Childs at hannahchildslifestyle.com and follow @hannahchildslifestyle

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ENHANCING HORSE HEALTH NATURALLY.

Discover more

A wearable microcurrent therapy device for pain management, inflammation & tissue repair.

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feature

by Anne Sherwood photos courtesy of B&D Builders

B&D Builders Where luxury and sustainability come together in beautiful barns.

W

hen horse people dream of owning a barn, their dreams often resemble the equestrian facilities B&D Builders has built. Soaring wood beams, light-filled aisles, wrought-iron chandeliers, wood-paneled indoor arenas, and spacious tack rooms are a few of the awe-inspiring features that define the company’s work.

Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, B&D Builders is a designbuild company that specializes in structures that are built to last. Owned by lifelong friends Ben Esh and Daniel Glick, the company is committed to sustainability, quality, and aesthetics. Growing up around animals, Esh and Glick learned early on to create equestrian spaces where both people and horses feel comfortable and happy.

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“The equestrian community has always held a special relationship with the land,” says Glick. “Whether our customers are looking to lower costs, ensure durability, or reduce their environmental impact, we help them create a facility that can achieve those goals while creating a functional and inspiring facility for horses and humans.”

Through a deep respect for the land, a commitment to sustainability, and expert craftsmanship, B&D Builders is redefining what it means to build equestrian facilities.

“Many builders can build a barn,” says Glick. “But not every builder can build a home for horses. At B&D Builders, we understand the lives of horses. Which roofing materials are best to keep them calm in a storm? How do you position a wash stall drain so a horse won’t get

spooked? Where in a barn are horses most likely to injure themselves? We consider these questions – and so much more – and build accordingly. In the end, we build it right, or we don’t build it all.”

Founded over two decades ago, B&D Builders has always prioritized quality, integrity, and a partnership approach to build projects that will last for generations.

“We start every project by asking the right questions – and listening,” says Glick.

“Our process is a true collaboration, and we welcome our customers’ input during every step in the process to ensure the final product is a space they will love.” In addition to equestrian facilities, B&D’s portfolio spans luxury homes and commercial spaces that blend traditional aesthetics with modern sustainability. From

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the rolling hills of Virginia to the palmlined pastures of Florida, these projects are testaments to what thoughtful, ecoconscious design can achieve.

Central to B&D’s sustainability approach is a mastery of timber-frame construction.

Unlike conventional building methods, timber framing utilizes large wooden beams that not only provide structural integrity but also act as carbon sinks, trapping greenhouse gases within the wood fibers. This method requires less energy to fabricate than steel or concrete construction and results in buildings that are both durable and energy-efficient.

B&D hand-selects its timbers and employs precision Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining to minimize waste.

Any leftover wood is repurposed—either ground into sawdust for farm bedding or transformed into cross-laminated timber panels, ensuring a zero-waste approach.

Beyond construction techniques, B&D can integrate a suite of sustainable features into equestrian facilities. Solar panels

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can adorn barn roofs, harnessing clean energy to power lighting, fans, and water systems. Structural designs allow for ventilation in the summer and insulation in winter, reducing the need for heating or cooling. And when needed, geothermal heating and cooling systems regulate indoor climates efficiently. Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store water for irrigation and cleaning, while green roofs provide insulation and promote biodiversity. The sourcing of materials further reflects B&D’s commitment to sustainability—rubber mats and pavers made from recycled tires, natural stone instead of manufactured alternatives, and reclaimed lumber from old barns find new life in their projects.

A significant facet of B&D Builders’ environmental ethos is its partnership with Green Is the New Blue, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting sustainability within the equestrian community. This collaboration amplifies their shared mission to reduce the environmental impact of horse-related activities. Initiatives like

#BringYourOwn encourage the use of reusable water bottles to cut down on single-use plastics, while the Living Jump program advocates for incorporating native plants in course designs to support pollinators and manage fly populations.

R Scot Evans, the creative director of Green is the New Blue, says together they are fostering a culture of environmental responsibility alongside horse welfare in equestrian sports. “B&D’s efforts in sustainability, along with a top-notch design team, make them a full-service company for whom the horse’s welfare comes before anything else.”

The impact of B&D’s sustainable designs is evident in projects across the country, from large to small and from new construction to rehabilitation.

In Greenwich, Connecticut, crews constructed an 8,500-square-foot horse barn featuring 19 custom stalls, skylights, and white oak finishes that create an airy, modern atmosphere. In Peyton, Colorado, a classic six-horse barn with

a hay loft and a metal roof to withstand heavy snow suits the mountain landscape.

But the ultimate in sustainability is adaptive reuse, which is another B&D specialty. In Reisterstown, Maryland, a mid-century cement block barn was repurposed into a cedar-clad, cupolaadorned beauty. Each project reflects a harmonious blend of luxury, functionality, and environmental stewardship.

As the equestrian world grapples with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, B&D Builders stands at the forefront, demonstrating that sustainability and elegance can coexist. Through innovative design, responsible material choices, and strategic partnerships, B&D is not just building physical structures but also shaping a more sustainable future for the equestrian community. Beautiful barns built with an environmental consciousness that horses and people enjoy equally—that’s what equestrian dreams are made of.

Visit banddbuilders.com to learn more.

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tastemaker

EE Q QU U EE SS TT RR II A AN N tastemaker

by Andrea Henty

by Andrea Henty

GLOW ON Skin & Hair Essentials for Everyday Equestrians 1. Nutrient Face Serum, Retrouvé, $170; 2. Future Skin Gel Foundation, Chantecaille, $90; 3. Sunny Days Tinted SPF 30, Tower 28, $32; 4. Lotion P50 Original 1970, Biologique Recherche, $138; 5. Lip Glowy Balm, Laneige, $19; 6. Weightless Detangler, Line One Hair, $33; 7. Hairbeauron 27D Plus [CURL], Y-Axis Beauty, $950

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3.

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A S K dr.

carrie

Dear Dr. Carrie, I am a junior jumper rider and I am so inspired by the Olympics! I have one more year in the juniors and I want to make the high Young Riders Team while getting some experience in National Grand Prix’s with hopes that I can continue towards FEI rankings and maybe one day I can make the US Olympic Team. I was doing really well in the high junior jumpers and now that I have these goals I haven’t been able to jump one clean round. I get so stressed at the in gate that I can barely breathe and my horses have become hard to ride. How do I get back to my good riding self?

Signed, Good Rider

when riding. This will help you reconnect to the horse and to each part of the ride. I believe that when riding gets hard, it is often a reflection of other things that are happening in life outside of riding. I presume that you may also be a bit distracted by your upcoming life after high school and have some big decisions looming. Give this or other life material some airtime with a trusted advisor so it doesn’t pollute your focus when riding.

Develop a practice for being present in each relationship with each horse which will help you refind your good riding self. Don’t be afraid to back away from the goals from time to time and jump lower to put fuel in the horse-human tank, take time to play with your horses to reconnect to the fun, and otherwise enjoy the precious equine-human relationships in your life.

Dear Dr. Carrie,

Dear Good Rider, It seems that your goals have gotten in the way of your ability to be present in the moment with your horses, the rhythm and the track. Take some time to write out your goals and many of the steps it will take to get there. Then put the writing away in a safe place to be revisited in the distant future.

Now, come back to the here and now!

Horses only know the present moment and when they feel their rider focused on the future and the outcome of the ride, they get confused and potentially activated toward survival.

You can practice breathing exercises off the horse to learn to slow your nervous system when you potentially get goal-oriented

I am heading to indoors for medal finals this year for the first time. I have had an amazing year in the Big Eq and I am confident that I can maintain consistency under pressure.

If you were there with me how would you support me and how can I do these things since you can’t make it this year??

Signed, Confidence Dear Confidence, The pre-ride prep that you have established, maintained and been committed to has helped you get to this exciting place in your career.You have developed a routine that

includes eating a meal about an hour before your big classes, staying hydrated, being on top of the schedule of your ring, listening to your personally procured playlist, stretching to stay centered in your body, and visualizing the ride you desire before you get on. All of these are ironclad as you have utilized them in the 27 shows you have attended so far this year. No show is more important than the next so continue to remind yourself that each round adds up to the greater whole and showing up with your best self in that moment brings out the best in you.

If I were there with you, I would make time for a guided meditation very early each morning to set the mind into an easeful state.

I would support you to set a sleep schedule that is realistic and as close to your usual routine as possible.

I would also offer to drive you to the show each day and be your point person instead of your mom. Parent support and attendance is essential but it can distract or trigger riders because of the intimate nature of the relationship and the high energy of the event which can open your less filtered self. I would not keep you from your parents but I would buffer and suggest spaciousness during certain parts of the days.

Maybe the most important thing I do when I am present with riders is to continually help you slow down to “horse time,” remain curious, and go towards the fun! These are the mindset ingredients that result in peak performance. Go have a blast and FaceTime me anytime if you need a little reminder!

Dr. Carrie Wicks divides her time between her private sport psychology consulting and family therapy practice, traveling with athletes, and writing. She completed her doctorate in psychology while researching the mental practices of equestrian athletes. Her passions include horses, yoga, mountain biking, skiing, and time in nature with animals. If you would like to ask a question for this column or ask about a complimentary Performance Strategy session, please contact Carrie.

Carrie Wicks, Ph.D. |

carrie@carriewicks.com

|

drcarriewicks.com

Photo © Ashley Neuhof

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photo by Kind Media

STYLE

rider

by Helen Abrams

From the Show Ring to the Boardroom Ashley Baker’s Rise to Success as SVP of HITS Marketing

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orn in 1982 in Greenwich, CT, Ashley Baker has had a lifelong passion for horses. While academia and a traditional work environment seemed to be her initial calling, it would be the horses that helped her forge her current career path as the Senior Vice President of Marketing at HITS, LLC. Ashley pursued her education at Yale University, obtaining a BA in 2004 and a JD in 2007. Along the way, she competed in FEI CSI3* events while learning from notable figures in the equestrian industry, including renowned trainers Robin Greenwood and Andre Dignelli, Grand Prix rider Jeffery Welles, U.S. Olympic bronze medalist Norman Dello Joio, and top Irish athlete Darragh Kerins.

After graduating from Yale Law School,

Ashley briefly pursued a career aligned with her degree, working for the City of New York in the Corporation Counsel’s office. However, she soon shifted gears and moved into department store retail with the Hudson’s Bay Company (which includes Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Hudson’s Bay), where she held various positions in strategy and marketing during her time there.

and prioritizing my work schedule rather than the horse show calendar, so I showed on a lower level,” recounted Ashley. “As my horses progressed and my riding commitments naturally started to gradually ramp back up, I also was at a bit of a cross-roads in my career. I had reached a certain point of seniority, but I realized I was missing something that really energized me.”

Riding took a backseat during most of this period, but eventually, Ashley realized that the balance between her rigorous work life and minimal barn time was not quite right. The question became how to maximize the fulfillment from both her profession and her passion.

As she spent more and more dedicated hours at the barn, it became apparent that Ashley could use her academic and corporate background to impact other aspects of the equestrian industry.

She began freelance consulting and founded her own startup company in the show jumping sports data space called JumpClear. Although it didn’t take off, it was a valuable learning experience and proved her knowledge could be

“Horses have always been a constant in my life, but when I first started my career, I was living in New York City

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applied actively to a sport she cares so much about.

In 2022, Joe Norick was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer of HITS, a company with venues where Ashley had grown up showing. It seemed like the right opportunity, so she reached out.

What started as consulting with the HITS team on analytics work, soon became a full-time position in the summer of 2023.

Just a few months later in November, Ashley assumed the role of Senior Vice President of Marketing.

“I never would have imagined being in this role if you asked me 20 years ago,” reflected Ashley. “Now it feels like the perfect place and like everything I’ve done to this point — both professionally and personally — has come together.”

As the Senior Vice President of Marketing at HITS, Ashley’s role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities from relaunching the website, to creating marketing campaigns, and driving initiatives around data and analytics.

“HITS is really focused on the customer experience, and while a lot of that relates to fundamentals like the footing and competition schedule, my team and I are constantly thinking about how we can support that strategy in our work,” she explained. “Whether it’s making sure information is really accessible and clear, or celebrating the achievements of exhibitors at diff erent levels, we want to make sure HITS is fostering an exciting and fun horse show environment where everyone feels appreciated.”

In her current day-to-day life, immersed in equestrian sport, Ashley manages her responsibilities at HITS along with her goals in the saddle. She trains under the guidance of top U.S. riders Peter Lutz and Mary Manfredi and is focused on the High Amateur/Owner division as well as two-star competitions.

“It’s a privilege to work in the area that is also my passion and to have the opportunity to drive initiatives that impact the equestrian community,” she concluded. “I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, and I’m so excited for the future!”

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Saut Hermès poster library

feature

by Steinar Sigurbjornsson

equanimity the training style of Steinar Sigurbjornsson

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n the realm of horse training, there are pioneers who redefine the way we connect with and understand these magnificent creatures. One such visionary is Steinar Sigurbjornsson, a co-founder of the groundbreaking lntrinzen horse training approach, which has now evolved into the transformative philosophy known as “Equanimity.” Steinar’s work delves into the realm of horse proprioception touching the horse’s essence, and improving posture, going beyond perfecting exercises like crunches and panther walks, focusing on the profound side effects that arise from these practices.

Steinar’s journey with horses began at a young age, and his passion for these majestic creatures has guided his life’s work.

Together with co-founders, he birthed the revolutionary lntrinzen horse training approach, which prioritized understanding the horse’s true nature. Over time, Steinar’s philosophy expanded beyond lntrinzen, giving rise to “Equanimity.”

Equanimity encompasses the essence of harmony, balance, and a tranquil state of mind. At its core, it aims to empower both

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horses and humans, nurturing a profound inside based on mutual respect and understanding. Positive reinforcement is a cornerstone of Equanimity, encouraging horses to willingly and joyfully taking ownership of the training process where the horse is the master.

One of the key aspects that sets Equanimity apart is Steinar’s focus on horse proprioception, which involves developing the horse’s sense of its body position and movement. By incorporating tactile interactions with the horse, Steinar enhances proprioceptive awareness leading to improved posture and movement in connection to the environment.

POSTURE One of the techniques employed in Equanimity is the use of “crunches,” which aids in enhancing the horse’s posture.

These exercises focus on strengthening the horse’s core muscles, ultimately leading to a more balanced and graceful self carriage in riding, or in the horse’s daily life.

Steinar Sigurbj6rnsson, stood at the center of attention during the prestigious World Championship event. With a sense of profound honor, he had been invited to

host a seminar about Equanimity, a subject that had become his life’s passion.

As he stepped onto the stage, he couldn’t help but feel a swell of gratitude for the packed audience that had gathered to hear him speak.

The seminar hall was a diverse tapestry of individuals from various equestrian backgrounds. Among the attendees were competition riders and animal behaviorists eager to learn more about the delicate art of equine harmony.Veterinarians, with their wealth of medical knowledge, had come to gain insight into the holistic approach that Steinar advocated. And then there were the hobby riders, passionate about their equine companions, seeking to deepen their connection with their four-legged friends.

One person who held a special place in Steinar’s heart at the competition was his sister, Sara Sigurbjornsdottir. Sara, a talented equestrian in her own right, achieved a remarkable feat. She clinched the gold medal in the fiercely competitive Fl category, riding Fl6ki fra Oddh61i.

This victory stood as a testament to her dedication and the unwavering support of her brother, Steinar.

Steinar had played a pivotal role in Sara’s success, serving as her coach and mentor as she prepared for the World Championship. His approach had been unique, blending conventional training methods with his specialties: crunches for core strength, mindful walks to forge a deep bond with the horses, and his profound wisdom on equanimity. It was clear that Steinar’s holistic approach had contributed significantly to Fl6ki and Sara’s success.

As the seminar unfolded, Steinar shared his insights into equanimity and its transformative power in the world of equestrian sports. The audience hung on to his every word, captivated by his passion and expertise. It was a day where equanimity was not just a concept but a living, breathing reality, exemplified by the success of Sara and Fl6ki, and the wisdom imparted by Steinar to a room full of eager learners.

N AT U R A L E N V I RO N M E N T When asked about incorporating Equanimity into daily training, Steinar confirms that it is indeed possible. The philosophy becomes a way of being, not just a stand-alone training method.

It encourages mutual respect, empathy, alertness, and patience in our interactions

with horses. Finding the right balance of challenge allows the horse to gain self confidence in facing different tasks, using the exercises to empower the horse, and planting a seed of success for tomorrow.

In Steinar’s world, Equanimity thrives when horses are allowed to revel in their natural environment. Working with horses amidst hills and varied terrain not only brings them closer to nature but also fosters their physical and mental well-being.

Steinar advocates prioritizing the joy of movement in the training of young horses. Ideally, they should be in a natural environment, surrounded by friends, allowing them to embrace playfulness and ownership of their movements. This fosters happiness and contentment, and lays a strong foundation for their future development. Improving gaits enhances the horse’s confidence, unlocking their full potential and power. Steinar’s approach empowers the horse to take ownership and

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joy in their own movement and posture.

As for Equanimity’s contributions to riding competitions, the philosophy serves to elevate both the horse’s confidence, longevity and performance. By focusing on improving gaits and unleashing the horse’s full potential and power, Equanimity offers competitors a unique edge that comes from cultivating a harmonious partnership with their equine partners.

Steinar’s favourite Equanimity exercises include working with horses in their natural element amidst the beauty of nature, using hills and different ground to enhance the horse’s proprioception and body awareness.

He also highlights the science principles of flow, where skill, challenge, and purpose form an integral part of the training process .

Crunches are a way of empowering posture and self carriage, where the horse take ownership of its own posture.

Pantherwalk, where the horse explores

greater range of motion, will increase the intelligence of the movement system so that it has the adaptability for greater challenges.

Playing with the horse at liberty allows the horse to explore movements that it would not do while ridden, such as bucking with spinal twists, quick turns, and moving through the full range of motions that are natural to the horse.

YOUN G HORSES For young horses, Steinar emphasizes the importance of boosting their joy of movement, ideally in a good natural environment and among friends.

Acknowledging their autonomy, curiosity and playfulness in learning becomes a crucial aspect of their future development.

In the world of equine sport, Steinar underscores the need to remain connected to nature, especially with the Icelandic horse, which thrives in its authentic environment. He cautions against

humanizing the breed, and instead focuses on empowering the horses’ natural movement, as the brilliant movers they were as foals.

The goal of Steinar’s work is to empower the horse; to foster respect for the horse’s autonomy, movement, and joy of movement, enabling them to face with confidence, any challenge that comes their way. Countless horses have made a significant impact on Steinar’s life, and each one holds a unique place in his heart.

When it comes to training and being around horses, Steinar emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, empathy, alertness, patience, creativity in problem solving, and finding the right level of challenge that instills self-confidence in the horse.

Steinar now offers online education classes, making his invaluable knowledge and teachings more accessible to horse enthusiasts worldwide. These classes offer the opportunity to delve into the depths of Equanimity and learn from his expertise, bringing us even closer to the magical world of horses.

Join us as we uncover the secrets of empowering and connecting with these majestic beings through the transformative power of Equanimity. .

To learn more, visit: htt12s://www.eguanimitY.horse

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feature

by Susan Friedland photos by Carolyn Rikje Photography

Rediscovering the Magic of Misty of Chincoteague and Marguerite Henry

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few years ago, I reread Misty of Chincoteague as an adult for the first time. The main characters Paul and Maureen Beebe, siblings who yearned for a pony of their very own, and Misty, the pinto filly who eventually joined their family, greeted me as though no time had passed. Wesley Dennis’s drawings of windswept ponies frolicking along the sea and Marguerite Henry’s vivid sentences whisked me away to the sunny yellow bedroom of my youth—its walls adorned with horse posters and shelves filled with Breyer model horses. Reading this story was like falling in love with horses all over again.

As a girl, the only way I could be with horses, aside from a week at summer camp, was through books from my local library.

That’s where I found Marguerite Henry’s stable of classics: Misty of Chincoteague, Justin Morgan Had a Horse, and King of the Wind. Of all those titles, Misty captured my heart.

The summer before seventh grade, my life changed when a family from the nearby town of Wayne, Illinois, invited me to ride their chestnut Quarter Horse, Jim Dandy.

Riding adventures with fellow tweens exploring the forest preserve and the tree lined Illinois Prairie Path filled my summer

days. It was then I discovered Marguerite Henry had once lived in Wayne, just down the road from Jim Dandy’s pasture, though she had moved to Rancho Santa Fe, California by then.

and so I wrote Marguerite, Misty and Me: a Horse Lover’s Hunt for the Hidden History of Marguerite Henry and Her Chincoteague Pony.

I liked having a geographic connection to my favorite author, but I thought little more about it as I busied myself riding horses in real life. I purchased my first horse when I was 15 with money earned through chores, much like Paul and Maureen Beebe did in Misty. Marguerite’s books remained on my shelves or traveled with me in boxes through various moves over the decades. During my adult rereading of Misty, my curiosity about Marguerite grew. Who was Marguerite before she was a world-famous author?

Was she an equestrian like me or a horse lover from the ground? How did she learn to write so well?

MARGUERITE F R O M M I LWA U K E E Born in 1902 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Marguerite’s family owned a mare named Bonnie. However, Marguerite’s family didn’t allow her to have anything to do with Bonnie since the mare was a nipper, bucker, and a bolter. Even though Bonnie was not a solid citizen, the horse entranced Marguerite. As I read every newspaper article I could find about Marguerite Henry, I discovered the girl whose heart yearned for horses did not get her first one until she was in her 40s. I love the fact that her first horse, pony really, was Misty, a filly purchased for book research purposes, and I admired Marguerite’s tenacity in holding onto a dream.

I thought perhaps the fruits of my research would evolve into a heartwarming magazine article or a series of blog posts.

Through archival research, personal interviews and traveling to locations from Milwaukee to the University of Minnesota, and California to Chincoteague, the content I collected snowballed. With each new revelation, I realized Marguerite’s life was just as exciting as the stories she told,

At the Milwaukee County Historical Society, I pored over Marguerite’s high school and college yearbooks. Both sets revealed she was an involved student as a member of a literary society, drama club and even yearbook staff. Marguerite graduated from what is now the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1922, just two years after women got the right to vote. At At the University of Minnesota, I found

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archival boxes filled with Marguerite Henry’s personal papers, rough drafts of various books, unpublished manuscripts, her Newbery Medal for King of the Wind and file after file of fan mail. It was a literary treasure hunt. Every paper and artifact revealed another clue about Marguerite’s life.

After exploring the archives in Minnesota, I headed to the NorthWoods of Wisconsin.

A bald eagle swooped past me and a black-throated loon’s eerie calls served as my soundtrack while I kayaked past the location on Lake Minocqua where she fell in love. A few months after college graduation, Marguerite, a twenty-year-old bobbed-haired brunette, met Sidney Henry, a salesman from Sheboygan at a fishing camp. The two fished together by day and danced in the evenings. The following spring, the couple married at a Baptist church in Milwaukee.

I conducted more research from a swaying kayak, this time in the Assateague Channel.

I had a front row position for the famous Chincoteague Pony swim, the annual event popularized from an unforgettable scene in Misty of Chincoteague. Scores of wild ponies, mostly pintos, sloshed into the channel with Saltwater Cowboys crying out, “Hey! Hey! Hey!” Seeing the ponies with just their half-staff ears, eyes and mouths above the surf, and hearing

rhythmic purring breaths was a thrill of a lifetime. I held up my iPhone to video the scene I already knew by heart from my favorite storybook.

I recalled the account I read that when Marguerite Henry and Wesley Dennis attended the pony swim in 1946 while researching for Misty, they both carried cameras and positioned themselves in separate spots, to snap different perspectives. When they reunited after the swim, neither one had taken a single photograph—they were so enthralled with the swim’s pageantry.

F RO M M AGA Z I N E S TO CHILDREN’SBOOKS When I first explored Marguerite Henry’s life, I wondered: How did Marguerite become a writer, and what made her stories so magical? I discovered that before she became queen of the horse book realm, Marguerite paid her dues ghostwriting for “Nation’s Business” and “Reader’s Digest.” Then I happened upon a 1968 “Chicago Tribune” interview with Marguerite revealing that too many lamps received as wedding gifts launched her professional writing career.

The newlyweds received five lamps, so Marguerite bought five tables upon which to place all the lamps. Marguerite explained, “I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s

feelings by returning the gifts. Instead, it was my husband who was hurt and shocked by my extravagance. The only way I could make amends, I thought, was to pay for the tables myself. I had to have a job. Quickly. But all I could do was write.”

The next day, the new bride walked into a magazine publishing office and asked for an assignment. She assured the editor if her writing was not acceptable, he could forgo paying her. The bold pitch worked. Soon Marguerite found herself on assignment, packed into the middle of a crowd for the dedication of a new Chicago skyscraper.

Former Kentucky Governor Edwin P. Morrow was dedicating the American Furniture Mart, one of the world’s tallest and largest buildings.

Marguerite did not jot down enough content for an article. Determined her first assignment would not be her last, the aspiring reporter shoved through the throng straight to Morrow after the ceremony. She implored him, “Governor Morrow, this is my very first assignment and I can’t remember half the things you said. If you’d only repeat the high spots so I could take notes!”

The Governor pulled out from his pocket a copy of the entire speech and handed it to her. Marguerite wrote the story. She realized all she had to do was “boil it

down” and that experience was fun. She built her writing career based on “boiling down” experiences that delighted and inspired readers for generations.

After discovering that article, I met Ed Richardson, who, as a child in the early 1950s, had been a trail ride companion and story feedback giver for Marguerite.

Ed rode Misty alongside Marguerite on her Morgan gelding, Friday, and another boy, Tex, on Jiggs, the donkey who inspired Brighty. As the trio ambled along the same bridle paths in Wayne where I would ride forty years later, Marguerite tested her story ideas, asking for the boys’ input. Ed invited me to his home, where he showed me a childhood scrapbook with photos of his travels with Misty and Marguerite to local events. He even donned a blond wig to play Maureen in Misty skits. Ed and Tex weren’t Misty and Marguerite’s only friends; all the Wayne neighborhood children were invited to Misty’s annual birthday party, featuring an oat and molasses cake for the pony with carrots as candles and a separate cake for the children.

Susan also researched the Rand McNally Papers at Chicago’s Newberry Library.

In 2022, when I attended my first Pony Penning Week on Chincoteague, I visited KerKaKen Acres, the horse farm where Kendy Allen, a Misty bloodline preservationist, coaches the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team. In the late 1980s, after purchasing Misty II, a chestnut pinto, Kendy wrote to Marguerite to tell her about Misty’s granddaughter and how people still loved her books. Marguerite called Kendy after receiving the letter, and although they never met in person, they became friends who regularly exchanged letters and phone calls. Marguerite often called to speak with Kerra, Kendy’s daughter, to inquire about her life and ask for story feedback. Marguerite consistently sought story input from children.

MARGUERITE’S S T O R I E S CON T IN UE I believed that my Marguerite Henry research had ended when Marguerite, Misty and Me launched in July 2023. I was wrong.

Weeks after the book came out, I attended my second Pony Penning Week on Chincoteague Island, and stayed at Miss Molly’s Inn—the bed-and-breakfast where Marguerite stayed during Pony Penning Week and where she began writing Misty.

At the breakfast table, a fellow guest shared her Marguerite Henry story. When Caroline was a girl growing up

Reproductions are with copyright permissions held by the University of Minnesota Libraries, Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature

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“As a girl, the only way I could be with horses, aside from a week at summer camp, was through books from my local library.

That’s where I found Marguerite Henry’s stable of classics.” in Southern California, her father let her skip a day of school to attend the grand opening of a new Los Angeles department store. Marguerite Henry was there for a book signing. Somehow, Caroline and her father had lunch with Mrs. Henry. The author had with her the shiny platter on which she served Misty’s birthday cake all those years ago. Marguerite signed the platter, drew a horseshoe on the back and gifted it to Caroline.

Later in the week, while I was savoring coffee on Miss Molly’s back porch, another guest shared her Marguerite moment. Wendy attended the University of Minnesota in the 1980s and noticed a flier promoting a talk by Marguerite Henry. Wendy met the author whose books she enjoyed in her youth. After the talk, Wendy approached Marguerite to tell her how much her books had meant to her. Marguerite invited Wendy to dinner, and before they parted ways, Marguerite personalized, signed and gifted a copy of King of the Wind to Wendy.

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This year at Breyerfest in Lexington, Kentucky, I launched my middle-grade version, Marguerite, Misty and Me, and met Jane, a Kentuckian whose story about Marguerite Henry touched me deeply. As a child, Jane had written to Marguerite, who responded and asked permission to include Jane’s letter in her 1972 book, Dear Readers and Riders. The two began a pen pal relationship.

Years later, Jane expressed her wish to meet Marguerite in person, and Marguerite invited her to Rancho Santa Fe. Jane visited the Henrys for two days, recalling how Marguerite held a bedbound Sidney’s hand. The author and fan engaged in conversation as though they were old friends. When it was time to check out from the inn Marguerite had recommended, Jane’s heart sank. She realized she didn’t have enough money to pay the bill. Just as she was about to call home to have money wired, the front desk attendant surprised her by revealing that Marguerite had covered it.

Although Marguerite passed away in 1997 at 95, stories about her continue to emerge.

Marguerite’s generosity and warmth are remembered as are the captivating horse stories she penned. What could be a more beautiful legacy?

In the last chapter of A Pictorial Life Story of Misty, when Marguerite wrote of the beloved pony’s death she quoted Grandma Beebe (Paul and Maureen’s grandmother): “Nothing dies as long as there is the memory to enfold it and a heart to love it.” When I think about Marguerite, my muse, my childhood hero and my adult inspiration, I recall my time with Ed Richardson, the man who rode Misty on trail alongside Marguerite. I asked Ed if neighbors thought Marguerite was eccentric for having birthday parties for a pony. “No,” he said. “Everyone loved her.” Both Ed’s and Grandma Beebe’s words continue to echo in my mind.

Memories of Marguerite are alive and well, and yes, everyone still loves her.

Which charm tells your story?

Discover your perfect match and find your sparkle.

duboischeval.com | @duboischeval

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W O R K I N G on

wellness

by Dr. Pernilla Nathan photo by Tais.photo

There’s Magic To Being Horse Crazy: Embrace The Calling

B

eing a “horse crazy” isn’t just a hobby; it’s a calling, a force that shapes your very soul. There’s a certain magic to being a “horse crazy” that runs deep into your soul; it’s part of our identity.You might try to resist it, or even convince yourself you can walk away from horses; but deep down, you know you can’t. It’s a soul bond, a purpose that calls to you over and over, even when life’s responsibilities pull you in other directions.

And while the outside world may see it as a simple interest, those of you who feel this calling understand it runs much deeper—it’s a sense of purpose.

Few people ever experience a “calling” in their lives. Honestly, I am not sure why.

Perhaps, they cut themselves off from it or they are epic at denying it within their existence. It’s so heartbreaking to think they won’t know the depths of experiencing something so extraordinary in their lifetime.

Even science proves that being “horse crazy” is quite a soulful experience.

Research shows that when something becomes a calling rather than just

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an interest, it impacts our brain in extraordinary ways. We see higher levels of motivation, resilience, focus, and well-being in people who feel a sense of purpose.Your calling is not merely a hobby but a deep source of fulfillment that transforms how you think, feel, and live.

THE “HORSE CRAZY” BRAIN When you answer a soul calling like being “horse crazy,” it engages the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. This dopamine boost is part of why you feel so uplifted and motivated when around horses—reinforcing that this is where you belong. This calling of yours also lights up the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for focus and resilience, which explains why we’re willing to work hard, endure setbacks, and keep striving. Purpose doesn’t just sustain us—it empowers us and fuels us forward, especially during the challenging times.

In moments of failure, when a jump doesn’t go as planned or training feels frustrating, you may search for reasons or question yourself.Yet it’s the calling that pushes you

to face obstacles, to tenaciously try again.

Studies show that people with a strong sense of purpose experience lower stress levels and have a greater ability to problemsolve. In the face of challenges, rather than feeling defeated, this calling creates a calm determination that only grows stronger with time.

RIDING WITH RESILIENCE As we all know, horses are not easy. They take a lot of care, vet bills, time, sacrifices, and more. It’s a unique lifestyle, but science suggests that when you feel a calling like you do to horses, your resilience strengthens. The brain produces less cortisol (the stress hormone) and instead activates areas linked to rational problem-solving, making it easier to stay grounded. That’s why, even after a tough ride or a setback, you find a way back into the saddle. This level of resilience goes beyond a simple pastime; it’s part of the growth that comes from truly answering your calling. At the end of the day, horses mirror your vulnerabilities, fears, and strengths. It’s in these reflections that you learn to persevere.

THE BOND RUNS DEEP There’s a special kind of energy that comes with a soul calling. It’s not something you can always put into words, it just is. It is what happens when you’re around horses: your brain activates the Default Mode Network (DMN), the part of your brain responsible for self-reflection, empathy, and envisioning the future. This is why many of you “horse crazies” find that being with horses allows you to connect deeply with your heart.You learn patience, empathy, and even courage in a way that’s hard to describe, yet undeniably profound. It’s as if the brain and heart work together to help you fully embrace this connection, making you feel truly alive. Few things in life have this power over us. Maybe it’s called love.

GETTIN G BAC K ON To be horse crazy you have to understand that you are going to face failure and challenges. It’s the price. Research shows that when people pursue a calling, they are more open to setbacks, seeing them as part of the journey rather than as roadblocks.

This willingness—out of necessity, not enjoyment—to confront failure is part of

what shapes you. Failure teaches you about yourself, and through horses, we learn the importance of patience and growth. This kind of purpose-driven mindset helps your brain adapt, building resilience and fostering growth over time.

TRUSTING THE RIDE One of the most mysterious aspects of this calling is that we don’t always know why it pulls us so strongly.Your logical mind may not understand, but this energy seems to override reason with something deeper, something that only your heart and soul can understand. Neuroscience suggests that purpose-driven goals activate areas of the brain that encourage us to have faith to pursue “non-traditional” paths even when the outcome is unclear. And though the why may not be obvious, the calling itself fills us with trust, a sense of being exactly where we’re meant to be.

calling, the brain and body respond in ways that make you more resilient, focused, and fulfilled. Horses hold up a mirror to your soul, revealing parts of yourself that only become visible through this journey. They help you connect more deeply to who you truly are, grounding you in a world that often feels disconnected and out of control.

So, to every horse crazy out there: this calling isn’t something to be denied or downplayed. It’s an invitation to live with depth, courage, and heart. This journey is part of you, a path that doesn’t just fill your time but fulfills your soul. Embrace it fully, knowing that this connection is where you are meant to be—and that science agrees.

MORE THAN JUS T A HOBBY In truth, being “horse crazy” is not a hobby—it’s a calling, a purpose that shapes your identity and enriches your life. Science supports this idea that when you answer a

Pernilla Nathan, Psy.D. a high performance consultant, works with female athletes, specializing in equestrians and entrepreneurs. Her passion is helping people reach their dreams and heal their anxiety. You can find her on IG @DrPernillaNathan, website DrPernillaNathan.com, or emial pernilla@equipsyperformance.com.

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by Lily Voss photos courtesy of ADT Tack

the timeless craftsmanship of ADT tack

I

n the world of equestrian craftsmanship, few brands hold the same revered status as Arc de Triomphe Tack.

Born out of a serendipitous union of passion and expertise, ADT has maintained its prestigious reputation for over three decades. Founded in 1992 by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Rebecca and Jean Pierre Bisilliat, the brand’s history boasts an exceptional reputation, one that Mary Mullin, the new owner, strives to meet and surpass.

Rebecca, an accomplished horse breeder, and Jean Pierre, a distinguished international equine photographer, met at a horse show. Jean Pierre’s French upbringing

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and Brazilian heritage, combined with Rebecca’s business acumen, set the stage for a remarkable and diverse partnership in the horse world. Their journey soon led them to Morocco, where Jean Pierre became the head photographer for the Moroccan royal stables. Immersed in the world of fine leather goods, the pair decided to channel their experiences and expertise into creating their own high-end tack brand, thus giving birth to ‘Arc de Triomphe’.

Over the years, ADT Tack has continuously evolved while staying true to their unparalleled craftsmanship. As stated on their website, “Arc de Triomphe summons its exclusive quality from a unique marriage of old-world tanning methods and small batch artisan manufacturing. Our bridles

and accessories are made from the finest Full Grain leather, allowed to mature gradually during the vegetable tanning process, which creates a durable product with a smooth soft finish… the never-rust stainless steel buckles are made in Germany

by HermSprenger”.

A significant chapter in ADT’s story unfolded in 2018, when the reins of the company passed to a new owner, Mary Kate Mullin. Balancing a background in equestrian training, barn management, wholesale distribution and sales, Mary Kate had previously worked with Rebecca and Jean Pierre for over 10 years - developing a deep connection with the company.

Needless to say, she was drawn to

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the brand’s storied legacy and exceptional craftsmanship.

In 2015, Mary Kate received a “rather serendipitous phone call” from Rebecca stating that they were potentially seeking new ownership opportunities. Recognizing the opportunity to preserve and advance the legacy of the brand, Mary Kate entered into a formal business partnership with the pair. By the end of 2018, the decision was made to purchase the company.

Under her stewardship, ‘Arc de Triomphe’ has continued to thrive, balancing respect for equestrian heritage with a forwardlooking approach. Mary Kate is committed to maintaining the high standards of craftsmanship and customer service that have defined the brand. She plans to continue expanding the product line and enhancing the company’s reach both domestically and internationally, ensuring that both ‘Arc de Triomphe’ and ADT Tack remain distinguished names in the equestrian world.

Looking toward the future, the goal is clear: to maintain the brand’s originality and longevity. Mary Kate is dedicated to ensuring that ‘Arc de Triomphe’ continues to set the standard of quality for horse tack, while becoming a widespread essential in all tack rooms.The legacy of ‘Arc de Triomphe’ and ADT Tack is a testament to the passion and craftsmanship of products designed by to last a lifetime - upholding this tradition for years to come.

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WE DIDN'T CREATE A PREBIOTIC. NATURE DID.

RIDER: GRACE LONG, G&T EQUESTRIAN

Prebiotic fiber for hindgut microbiome support All natural source of electrolytes and antioxidant nutrients Helps to maintain stress levels during competition, training, breeding, high heat/humidity and other stressors Single ingredient, whole-food supplement made exclusively from Australian Dried Green Bananas

AVAILABLE THROUGH US RETAILERS AND ONLINE AT

BBCOMPLETE.COM COMPETITION SAFE.

“

Using B-Complete, I have noticed not only an improvement in overall condition, but also improved performance in the ring.

B-Complete is now an invaluable part of the daily care for all of our horses.

TOM BEBB, G&T EQUESTRIAN 2025 volume 1 ·

“

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by Helen Abrams (Pollock) photos by Chrome Horse Society Tequila

Chrome Horse Society Inside Look with Jack Morgan

W

e had the opportunity to get to know Jack from Chrome Horse Society and can’t wait to share all

of the deets.

HORSE & STYLE: Tell us a bit about your background.

JACK MORGAN: I grew up in Connecticut and moved to Manhattan during my junior year of high school. My equestrian journey began at 8, and by 14, I was training with Missy Clark at North Run, spending winters in Wellington and traveling the circuit for equitation and jumpers during my junior years. After aging out, I competed in the amateur-owner jumpers while immersing myself in the fashion industry and working on various projects within that space. In 2021, I shifted my focus towards our tequila company and breeding a string of show jumpers in Europe with Chris and Whitney Sorensen.

H&S: Why did you start Chrome Horse Society?

JM: Chrome Horse Society was born from a desire to merge my passions: equestrian life, the fashion industry, and world travel,

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with a spirit that felt authentic and modern.

Tequila has always been my go-to, yet I found nothing in the market that resonated with the sophistication and forwardthinking aesthetic I envisioned. Thus, CHS Tequila was conceived to offer a refined, additivefree luxury spirit, utilizing the latest in triple distillation technology. It’s designed

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for the discerning palate, perfect for mixing or sipping neat, embodying the modern spirit of tequila and its aficionados.

H&S: What inspired the name?

JM: My lifelong passion for horses directly inspired the name. I wanted our tequila to

encapsulate the exhilaration of horse riding - the ultimate thrill. The concept of the Chrome Horse comes from Plato’s allegory, with the white horse symbolizing logic and goodness, and the black horse representing base desires and wildness. Chrome Horse Society, therefore, stands at the intersection of logic and magic, much like the

experience our tequila aims to provide. We like to say our tequila Gives you a Ride!

H&S: How have your years in the saddle inspired you?

JM: Riding has imparted invaluable life lessons and boundless joy. It has taught me focus, discipline, and humility, all of which are lessons I apply in every facet of my life.

Starting from a young age, these formative experiences have deeply influenced my work ethic, business philosophy, and personal growth.

H&S: How did you decide the look and feel of the brand?

JM: The brand’s aesthetic was envisioned to be as modern, compelling, and stylish as the spirit itself. From the bottle design to our branding imagery, every element reflects a vision of contemporary elegance and allure, aimed at resonating with a youthful, fashion-forward audience.

H&S: Where do you want to see your Tequila in years to come?

JM: I envision Chrome Horse Society Tequila being savored by diverse groups of people across the globe. Having devoted months to perfecting our Blanco variant, we’ve laid a solid foundation for future aged offerings, aiming to cater to the varied tastes of tequila enthusiasts everywhere.

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Signature Recipes Whether you like your cocktails citrus, sweet, or spicy, Chrome Horse Society has a recipe for you that highlights the best flavor combination for sophisticated tequila cocktails.

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by Helen Abrams photos courtesy of Equine Elixirs

From Passion to Product with Equine Elixirs

E

quine Elixirs is known for its all-natural, show-safe, whole food-based supplements that support a wide range of equine health needs. From its launch nearly 10 years ago, the brand quickly became a staple in barns across all disciplines nationwide. From gastric health to calming support, Equine Elixirs offers innovative, effective and affordable solutions that address the most common equine challenges.

We sat down with Liz Ehrlich and Kim Ercius to talk about how Equine Elixirs came to be, how riders can use supplements to support their horses’ health, and so much more.

HORSE & STYLE: For those who may not know the story of Equine Elixirs, we thought we’d go back to the beginning. How did the two of you go from childhood pony obsessed

kids to running one of the leading equine supplement brands?

EQUINE ELIXIRS: We grew up riding in North Salem, NY, completely obsessed with horses. We were typical “barn rats” who could spend all day and night at the barn caring for the horses. After college, we went in different directions. Liz became a securities litigator in Manhattan, and Kim built a career in eCommerce and marketing. More than twenty years later, our love for horses brought us back together in a new capacity.

It all started when Liz was trying to help her horse, Bella, who had ulcers that didn’t respond to traditional gastroprotective treatments. That experience led to what eventually became Equine Elixirs’ first supplement, Ulceraser. There was no initial plan to build a full product line. We just followed our curiosity, played to our

strengths, and kept moving forward. Now we get to work together doing something we both love.

H&S: You mentioned Ulceraser, which I know continues to be one of your top-selling products. Can you share the story behind how it came to be?

EE: Liz’s horse, Bella, had ulcers that didn’t respond to the usual treatments, and nothing seemed to help. Out of frustration, Liz started digging into research on equine gastric health and began experimenting with ingredients that reflected what horses would naturally eat. After lots of trial and error, conversations with veterinarians, and plenty of testing, she came up with a formula using only natural ingredients.

Once Bella started feeling better, word spread fast around the barn. Friends began asking if Liz could make the same thing

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for their horses. Before long, she was renting an extra feed room just to keep up. That first formula became Ulceraser— the product that launched Equine Elixirs.

Today, it’s made in our own 20,000 square foot facility in Wellington, Florida, and Bella continues to be our number one model and taste-tester.

H&S: What makes your supplements different from the usual powders and pellets out there?

EE: One of the biggest differences about Equine Elixirs is that we use whole food ingredients instead of processed powders or pellets, and we are committed to procuring only the highest quality allnatural ingredients from around the world.

Horses are designed to digest real, natural foods, not synthetic additives or binders, and we have found that sticking to whole foods just works better. Not only do they taste better (most horses LOVE all of our products), but they are more bioavailable and effective.

All of our products are horse show safe (including the FEI level), and contain no prohibited substances (we even go so far as to ensure they don’t metabolize into prohibited substances).

When we started almost ten years ago, the idea of whole food based supplements was

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still pretty new in the equine world. But, we knew we wanted to create something that was healthy, effective, and aligned with the way horses are meant to forage.

Every one of our products tackles a common issue such as gastric or hindgut support, joint support, immune health, hydration, and more; naturally, and without fillers.

H&S: We love hearing about how Equine Elixirs got its start, and it’s clear you’ve grown a lot over the past nine years with a full line of products that support nearly every aspect of a horse’s health.

With summer right around the corner, what can horse owners do to keep their horses hydrated—especially the picky drinkers?

EE: Hydration is so important, which is why we have several unique products to address this topic. Hydration is not just about water. It is also about replacing electrolytes. Horses lose important minerals like sodium and potassium when they sweat, which can lead to fatigue and muscle cramps if not replaced.

We have a high quality electrolyte, Electrofresh, which is a blend of mineral rich pink Himalayan and red Hawaiian salts with banana extract to mimic the minerals lost in sweat. Unlike many other electrolyte products, Electrofresh has no added sugar, salt in their feed, Electrobites

are gummies (made from Electrofresh) that are an easy alternative, especially when traveling.

For horses that are reluctant to drink, Chug is the solution. Chug is a delicious smelling and tasting alfalfa extract combined with a hint of Himalayan salt that forms the perfect flavor profile to entice the reluctant drinker to chug!

Great for encouraging hydration while traveling, during and after heavy workouts or competition, or just as part of daily hydration management, Chug is a healthy and reliable way to deliver the fluids that your horse needs. Chug has less than 1% combined sugar and starch (NSC) content making it safe for horses with Cushings, PSSM and other metabolic issues.

Our customers are always sending us cute photos and videos of their horses with green foamy noses, which we refer to as Chug Shots!

H&S: With such a wide range of products, how can riders determine what the right products are for their horses?

EE: Each product is designed to target a specific problem or system. Some horses have very few health or nutritional challenges, while others have many, which is why we’ve designed the products to be so targeted. A horse’s nutritional needs change over time based on age, level of

“We feed Equine Elixirs because we recognize the importance of fresh, clean, whole food-based ingredients that you can see, and that the horses can easily digest.

Equine Elixirs’ all-natural products keep our horses looking, feeling, and performing their best.”

- McLain Ward, 6-Time Olympian training, and geographic location. Our entire line of supplements is designed to be used together without any issues regarding toxicity or redundancy. We always encourage people to contact us to discuss their horse’s individual needs.

H&S: You recently launched Equine Elixirs Mixers, which is a new way of feeding your products. What was the impetus behind this?

EE: Mixers is something we had been working on behind the scenes for years, and we are really excited by the positive response to it. Mixers allow you to customize your horse’s daily dosed supplements. It simplifies the feeding process and ensures your horse gets the exact dose of each product at every meal.

Customers had asked us, almost since the inception of the company, if we could streamline the feeding process for people who prefer to use whole food based supplements.

We also offer a bulk premix option, which is great for large barns or anyone with multiple horses who all get the same blend. We use a special machine designed to mix products of different densities into an evenly dispersed blend so that you can feed all selected products from one location with a custom sized scoop.

H&S: How do you continue to come up with new ideas after nearly a decade in business?

EE: For us, it’s very simple. We take the feedback from our customers, both two and four-legged, and research how to solve their challenges with our unique Equine Elixirs twist. We have built extraordinary relationships with our customers, so we are fortunate to have insight into the challenges they face within their programs.

That feedback comes in many forms, which often include customers stopping by our retail store in Wellington, FL, social media posts, DM’s, emails, calls, etc. and we welcome it as inspiration.

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by Alli Addison photos by Elizabeth Hay

VIVA LAS RODEO! when a rodeo becomes fashion week

P

repare yourselves, because Cowtown is desert bound. For as long as we all can recall (1985 to be exact), Western Culture has descended upon the glittering streets of Las Vegas, Nevada to ring in the pinnacle of western sport, the National Finals Rodeo.

Think of the NFR as the Super Bowl of Cowboys and Cowgirls from across the country, the Olympics of Rodeo if you will. The culminating event where the top 120 competitors and animal athletes in the country compete for the national title over the course of a 10-day long competition.

Long story short, it’s kind of a big deal. And the fans take it all very seriously, for there is no fan quite like a rodeo fan.

170,000 rodeo fans from around the world ascend upon Las Vegas in December to experience the thrill of rodeo in the bright

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lights of the big city, attending concerts and parties and shopping experiences unlike anything else, taking over Vegas in cowboy hats and boots. Its an absolute fashion spectacle, and therefore we have to ask; is the National Finals Rodeo simply the Las Vegas Western Fashion Week? Photographer extraordinaire Elizabeth Hay posed this very same question two years ago, the moniker has since gained traction, and we simply must agree. Move over New York

Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, there’s a new cowgirl in town.

So as the rodeo world prepares for the main event this December (December 5-14, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV), our team wanted to take a look back on the styles and trends of seasons past, all undeniably rooted in classicism and elegance. Tradition reigns supreme in western culture, and it’s fashion will always echo this.

Photos © Winslow Photography

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Meadow View Farms Celebrating Family Bonds Through Equestrian Life

M

eadow View Farms is a family run business in Reno, Nevada.

Lynn and her husband Joe started Meadow View Farms in 1988 after Lynn worked as an accountant for a few years out of college and realized that her passion was for horses and horse sport. Lynn started riding in Southern California at the age of eight, competing in all aspects of the sport. As a teenager, her father had thoroughbred race horses, and she would take the horses that weren’t successful on the track and train them to be hunters or jumpers, whichever suited them best. In the early days of MVF, Lynn did all of the riding and teaching, and Joe managed the daily operations, making sure that the facility was always safe and operating well, and insuring the best customer experience possible.

Together they developed a successful barn that quickly grew to around 35 horses in just a few years’ time. While growing the business Lynn and Joe also welcomed their daughter into their life. Growing up at the barn, Sarah started riding at the age of four, wanting to ride any horse that she could. After a successful junior career, Sarah decided to join the family business when she was 24, and they have been a family run business ever since.

HORSE & STYLE: What is Meadow View Farms’ specialty? Why do you enjoy that aspect of the business best?

MVF: We focus on creating good horsemen over anything else. Putting the horses’ care and needs first is our number one priority. There is no “horse sport” without the horse! We really love working to match horse and rider and creating an atmosphere where they become partners both in and out of the arena. Learning to compete with horses is such a unique experience- it’s not a bike or a ball that is the same every day, so it’s important to us to make sure that we appreciate the fact that horses are horses, even on show days.

H&S: What do you want Meadow View Farms to be known for? What is your number one priority?

MVF: Our number one priority is making sure the horses are well cared for and have an individualized program that helps them to be their best. We help riders to understand what that process looks like for their horses so that they are becoming good horseman along the way. Our hope is that our students carry the respect, care, and appreciation for the horses with them, whether they want to ride for fun or are

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“We strive to create a great atmosphere to learn and build relationships.”

competitive. We also recognize that there are many life lessons learned at the barn and at competitions, and we work to develop the character and skills that will help our students win not only in the show ring but also in life.

H&S: What is your personal connection to horses? What is your philosophy when approaching a horse? A green horse? An older horse on the backside of his career? Sale horses? “Problem” horses?

MVF: Horses are definitely in our blood!

Lynn: As a child, I would go to the racetrack with my dad and watch the early morning workouts and help mix and feed the grain.

To this day, being around the horses in any way; whether hacking, training, showing, judging, or course designing at shows and watching horses jump around the courses I build; that is when I feel grounded and fulfilled.

Sarah: I was the kid who would say “horse!” in the car when I saw one out the window,

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even after spending all day at the barn.

Horses really mirror us and make sure we are in the moment and connecting. It is so easy to get going in a million different directions and have all these “plans” but you get on a horse and all of that fades awayit’s just you, and the horse.You can’t have an agenda with horses and they are always honest with who they are and how they feel, which I so appreciate. When I ride, I typically have the arena gates open because I make a plan for a horse, but maybe they feel tired, so I walk the trails; or maybe they are fresh so I gallop the two outdoor arenas instead of ride in the indoor.

Just like people, every horse has their own personality and we really try and take the time to learn who they are. As far as my approach to training, so often I hear people say “that horse has always done that” and you have to ask why? There is always a reason for behavior, positive and negative, and learning a horses’ “why” is just as important to working with them as it is to know the “why” for us. Our

horses are athletes, and making sure they feel good for their specific job is always my number one focus. I only sit on them for a few hours a week so I really try and take a holistic approach to their training and care. If I can’t get a horse relaxed to bend left, I could spend hours and hours bending it and trying to loosen it up or add equipment to get it done, or I can x-ray and inject it’s neck, or simply have chiropractic and massage and make it a more enjoyable process for us all. Nine times out of ten, when a horse says “no” to something when I am riding, it is because they can’t, not because they don’t want to, and that is probably one of the biggest lessons horses have taught me. I could go on forever about all the things horses have taught me though, and all the things I love about them!

H&S: What is it like being a mother/ daughter team? How does that enhance your strengths? Is it ever challenging?

MVF: We love that we are a family run business. Collaborating together and

watching each other continue to grow and develop our skills as lifelong horseman is so rewarding for us all. We each have strengths as far as running the business goes, but we feel like we can pretty seamlessly transition with our clients when it comes to lessons and training since we have the same style and philosophy. Of course there are challenging moments like there are in any relationship, but we cannot imagine doing this any other way.

H&S: Tell us about your facility and what makes working in Reno so special? How does it affect your plans for the show circuit and potential clients that live out of town?

MVF:We have been at our current facility for 16 years and the owner has been incredible to work with since day one.

We love it, our clients love it, and most importantly the horses are so happy here.

It is such a beautiful property and just has a great feeling when you drive in the gate.

It is amazing for training and caring for the horses and we also get to have some other animals that keep it interesting and fun…

We have dogs, mini horses, chickens, and a pig that loves hanging out with everyone when they come to the barn.

We have three arenas, trails, turnouts, and plenty of options to keep training interesting and fun for both horse and rider.

We have tried to make sure we have the things at home that you would encounter at a show whether it is natural obstacles (arenas that aren’t just rectangles, a grob, a bank, logs for derbies, and tracks that jump across one arena to the other). Sometimes we are at a show and there is a bogey jump that a lot of horses are spooking at so we take a picture and Joe builds it for us by the time we get home. We love that we have the ability to manage all aspects of the horses’ care and training here.

We are in an amazing valley in Reno where we are fortunate to have a lot of space that we know isn’t always an option in other places. The valley is a horse’s paradise; our property is 80% fenced in but the one section in the back that is just open space is where herds of wild horses come down and sleep at night before they go wander the valley during the day. If that is not a sign that our property is a place for horses to feel comfortable and safe- even the wild horses want to be here to relax! We are right at the base of Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains so snow plays into our training and horse show plans for sure. We have quite a few clients that live in Tahoe

o there are winter days when getting down the mountain just isn’t safe but we have an awesome indoor, so if you can get here, you can ride.

H&S: What shows do you enjoy traveling to and how do you manage your calendar?

MVF:Our clients all start and finish the year at Desert Horse Park and we love going to their facility in the winter for a break from the cold. They have done such an amazing job so each year we just love it even more and always put it on our calendar. We also love to show at Sonoma Horse Park in the summer. The staff there is amazing and always makes the shows so memorable and fun. The jumps are beautiful and different, the footing is great and the ribbons and prizes are top notch. There are so many great places to show but basically everywhere we go is a trek from Reno so we make sure we pick places that are great for the horses (footing, stabling, course designing) and fun for the riders to meet their goals.

H&S: Do you have some client success stories you would like to share?

MVF: Since we all live on the property and it’s not just work, it’s also home for us, it is important that we can all work well and have fun together. We strive to create a great atmosphere to learn and build relationships.

Horses make us all friends so we have the adults and kids that love hanging out with each other and that makes it really fun. We have clients with all different backgrounds and a few that we would like to share with you.

at shows. We have watched her go from a timid rider on lesson horses to a confident competitor with multiple top 3 finishes in medal finals, and a big win in an A/A Hunter Classic at Sonoma Horse Park. It has been such a cool journey to be a part of, and we know the confidence she has gained will carry her far beyond the show ring.

Angela started taking lessons with us at the age of 5. She was an extremely timid little girl with a very nervous mom… It took a few years for us to even take her off of the lunge line! She rode with us all through her junior years, and returned home to ride every chance she had throughout college and medical school. We watched her grow more and more confident, outgoing, and strong over the years. She is now a wife, doctor, and mother of twins who have their own ponies at home. Angela is now teaching her kids to take care of them and to ride, and every time she comes to Reno she comes out with her beautiful family to visit.

Nicole purchased her horse, Walter, from a video during the Covid shutdown.. He is a beautiful, kind, athletic horse that had a serious fear of traffic, something we were not told and did not discover until we took

Leslie rode as a kid and then after a 25 year hiatus she wanted to casually get back into the sport. One day she came out and watched a lesson and now 12 years and 3 horses later, she is doing the A/O Hunters and the derbies. She has had multiple division championships and top 10 finishes in the derbies, and she has been the highest scoring amateur multiple times. Her horse Cort, did his first International Derbies with Lynn as well so that has been really fun to watch him progress to be Leslie’s dream horse!

Rachel moved to our barn during her freshman year of high school and joined our lesson program. She was recovering from a riding accident and understandably, was a pretty nervous rider when she came.

She just wrapped up her freshman year of college and competes her horse AJ with us

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him to his first show. Nicole has been so patient as we work to help Walter overcome his fear.

We also have found that the jumpers in general are a little chaotic for his mind, so in an effort to listen to him she has decided to transition to the hunter ring where he is relaxed and thriving. We are so grateful to Nicole for doing all that she can to help Walter be the best he can be. Her success story is not about ribbons or awards. It is about being a good horseman, listening to her horse, and enjoying the journey.

H&S: Who is the team behind the scenes that makes all of this possible?

MVF:We have such a fantastic team that we work with and we truly couldn’t do it without all of them. Our staff here at home all take incredible care of the horses and the property so that we can focus on the riding and training. Leo has been with us for years and is just about the hardest worker you will ever meet. He treats the property like his own and really cares about the horses being happy and safe.

Kelly is an adult amateur and very successful business woman who, after a hard battle with cancer, decided she wanted to step back and do something for herself and learn to ride. She has been here at MVF now for 10 years, she has the horse of a lifetime, and comes for lessons two to three days per week. Kelly has no interest in competing, but loves the connection with her horse and her barn family.

Our vet, Dr. Shane Miller, has an amazing eye for soundness and takes such great care of our horses- he comes weekly to keep up with everyone and make sure they are all feeling their best. The horses love him.

He always gives them the time they need and he is happy to answer any questions the clients have about treatments and maintenance plans, which we appreciate so much. He has really been a game changer for our program.

When we think of success stories like these, we are so grateful for our sport and for the amazing clients and horses.

Our massage therapist/PT Denise Montagne has been treating our horses for years and every horse on the property

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has benefited from her work- they all get stronger, straighter, and feel more relaxed and willing when she works with them.

Our chiropractor Micky Doyle has done amazing things for our horses as well; and the more he works on a horse, the calmer they get, so you can always tell his adjustments are spot on with them. They are so relaxed, they are usually falling asleep by the time he is finished.

Our farrier Tyler Mitchell loves the details and works well with our vet. It is so important to have a team that works together without egos or drama, to make sure the horses are at their best. It is all about the horses for us and our whole team.

A few years ago we started working with an animal communicator Joanna, with The Wild Thread and she has really been such a great addition. Sarah had a rescue horse that had an incredible amount of fear and could not be touched when she came. After about two years of making some progress but nothing that could be consistently counted on (when you walked in with a halter, some days she walked up to you and some days she ran the other way), Sarah called Joanna.

Joanna worked together with Sarah and

“Our number one priority is making sure the horses are well cared for and have an individualized program that helps them to be their best.”

Daisy to get Daisy more confident in her routine and now Daisy walks up to be caught every time. After that, we started having sessions with all of our horses and it is so great to be able to take our understanding of each horse to another level, thanks to Joanna. We have had some quirks we just couldn’t figure out in horses that she helps us understand and work with, all the way down to just simply knowing what a horses’ favorite treat is and if they like their turnout. It all makes for a better experience with the horses and we always love hearing what they have to say.

H&S: How do you partner with your clients?

What is your philosophy for client success?

MVF: We work to help our clients identify their goals… Are they in it for the sport, or for fun, or somewhere in between? We are good if they want to be all in, and we are good if they want to ride casually. We have our clients fill out goal sheets yearly with both short and long term goals and that helps us to talk through what they would like to work on and learn, as well as their competitive goals. We can then plan their lesson and training program and show schedule, and manage the horses’ care.

We want to make sure we are putting rider safety and learning, as well as horse welfare, first and build on that with their show schedule.

As we talk about their goals, we all prioritize the horses’ best interests first and keep that in the forefront throughout the year. Personalizing a lesson and training program and putting together a support staff of vets, farriers, body workers and mental skills coaches for our clients is all part of the planning. Giving them books to read and clinics to attend is also part of the conversation. Our philosophy for client success all comes down to the health and happiness of both horse and rider.

Confident riders and healthy horses that love their jobs always feels like success to us. We want to be known for our love and respect for the horses and for each other.

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C A T I E’S

commentary

by Catie Staszak

Storytelling and Stewardship

T

he summertime months are usually the quietest on my calendar, but every four years the Olympic Games throw any planned rest out the window.

I don’t mind.

Four years ago, I was offered an opportunity to work as a Chief Officer for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) within the equestrian production space, but I ultimately had to make the difficult decision to give up the position due to concerns relating to the global pandemic. With a father at home with a compromised immune system, I simply couldn’t risk bringing something home to him.

I wasn’t sure I’d be given another opportunity, but I am frequently reminded of how (more than) sometimes, things happen for a reason. Ahead of Paris, the job offer was even better.

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It’s important to never lose sight of how closely knit the equestrian community is. Longtime media relations specialist Jamie Saults—with whom I’ve worked in countless press rooms at World Cup qualifiers across the country—surprised me with a recommendation to succeed her as the lead equestrian researcher and statistician for NBC Olympics.

I think every young child with a pony dreams of going to the Olympics, and I was certainly among that group. I remember being in the second grade and writing a short story about it. As I aged, my Olympic dreams remained, while altered; my goal was no longer to compete in an Olympics, but instead to cover them with NBC, the home of the Summer Olympics since 1988. Jamie Saults wasn’t aware of this ambition, but she did know I was a perfect fit for the role.

And by the time I got to NBC Studios in Stamford, CT, I realized that I had in fact been training for this role for much of my adult life; broadcast commentary involves

a tremendous amount of preparation and research to be successful. My work for Paris began early. In December 2023, I began assembling the Equestrian Manual, an exhaustive document outlining the ins and outs of equestrian sports for the entire production team.

From equestrian terminology to rules, history, records, athlete bios and more, my manual was finalized at nearly 150 pages.

I’m proud to have been able to add horse bios to the manual’s offerings this year to emphasize the horse’s contributions as an athlete and teammate in an otherwise largely individual sport. I was also happy to bring greater awareness to some storylines that may have been less mainstream but undoubtedly deserving of global attention.

My team in Stamford was small but incredibly accomplished, from producer Amy Zimmerman to on-air talent Randy Moss, Olympic gold medalist Melanie Smith Taylor, and our editors, Doug and EJ (I also had two lovely team members

from the research room at my disposal for assistance; they kept great communication with those on the ground in Paris for relevant updates). This group has worked together for multiple Games, and I definitely felt a need to prove myself as the “newbie” and youngest member of the team. I learned a great deal from this group during my two weeks, as I spent my days in our announcer booth, on headset with Randy and Melanie.

It wasn’t quite daytime though. We worked 12 straight days with wakeup calls that averaged between 2:00am and 3:00am ET. After all, we were operating on Paris time.

NBC Studios operated like a well-oiled machine, covering every Paris daytime sport from Stamford, with primetime coverage based out of Paris. The corporate staff more than recognized the demands of the jobs and our dedication to them, supporting us with a Paris-themed 24/7 café and coffee bar, hotel shuttles that ran every 30 minutes, the most incredible tech support I’ve ever encountered, magical printers that always worked, and a life-size cutout of Snoop Dogg, with which to take selfies.

The hours were definitely the most grueling part of the job, but on the afternoons when I could stay awake enough, I made the 35-minute drive to North Salem, where my wonderful friends at Bluman Equestrian saved me a horse to

flat, helping me not only stay in shape for my horse at home but also—and in my eyes, probably more importantly—providing me with the best form of stress relief after a fast-paced broadcast.

There were so many highlights from these Games from a sporting perspective, but my greatest takeaways come from slightly outside of the field of play. The Olympics draw the greatest audience that our sport receives on a national stage. Therefore, production needs to cater to both dedicated equestrians and new fans alike; this is our greatest opportunity to interest someone new!

As a commentator, appeasing both sides establishes a most difficult line to walk, and I hope viewers will keep that in mind next time they watch a jumping broadcast on a national network. I don’t ever feel the need to explain the difference between an oxer and a vertical on a livestream, but during the Olympics, simple explanations like this are requested.

Our sport is still drastically behind the eight ball when it comes to historical data, and I hope we will improve upon this in the future.

I’d be remiss to leave out the indefinite suspension of Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) just before the start of competition, which

made many headlines. My heart sank at the amount of negative press it gave equestrian sports. But let me be clear: we cannot ignore such behavior. Those who mistreat horses need to be held accountable, and such behavior unequivocally needs to stop.

However, we also need to work harder to share the good in our sport. Without a story to tell, and someone to tell it, our sport isn’t going to reach the masses.

We’re not just trying to draw in the next Olympic jumping athlete; we also need owners, veterinarians, officials, and fans— even writers—to keep our sport going.

We did manage to draw in Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. I thought they were fantastic, and I greatly appreciated their desire not only to enjoy the beauty of the horses but also to learn about the sport.

That was definitely a boost!

I think we all have a responsibility to be good stewards—first and foremost, and regardless of circumstance—of our horses, but also of our sport. Let’s make sure that the next story out there is one that’s empowering, relatable, and worthy of the Olympic stage. I want to tell it.  catiestaszak.com  @catiestaszakmedia  @catiestaszakmedia  @catiestaszak

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PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURE Few partnerships in the world are as timeless and awe-inspiring as that of humans and horses. Capturing these moments through the lens requires not only technical skill but also a profound understanding of the equestrian world.

In this issue, we celebrate the artistry of equestrian photographers who bring these breathtaking moments to life. Whether it’s the raw energy of a show jumping competition, the elegance of traditional dress, or the tender bond shared in quiet stables, these photographers have mastered the art of storytelling through their imagery. Join us as we explore their unique perspectives and catch a glimpse into a world where every frame tells a story, every detail matters, and every photograph pays tribute to the majestic spirit of the horse.

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B E H I N D the

lens

Helen

Watts

Helen has three passions in life: horses, travel andphotography. She never grew out of the horsecrazy girl stage. She’s a storyteller and formerCreative Director for the world’s two largest brand experience agencies. Helen has traveled the world working and living in the UK, Los Angeles, Sydney and Hong Kong. She has created landmark communications solutions for brands such as Microsoft, Coca Cola, IBM, Apple, the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, BMW, American Express. She has also worked for the President of the United State, George W Bush, and two prime ministers.

Helen explains, “when I was 13 I nagged m parents to buy me my first 35mm camera.

What Iwanted to learn about was aperture, exposure and f stops. At art school I discovered how to frame a shot and the magical quality of light. “ Her lifelong love of horses, the countryside, travel, fashion and art have greatly influenced her work. She says, “I love to fuse these in the images I create.” She currently resides just outside Cambridge, UK with her Quarter horse, Lakota. She is one of the few photographers with a testimonial from a captain of the Starship Enterprise. She works with individuals and brands globally, exploring the horse/human connection.  @helenkayewatts  www.captured.pictures

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lens

Ellen

Lynch

Ellen Lynch was raised in a rural community in Western New York, where the forests, fields, and dairy farm she worked on from the age of seven nurtured her curiosity and love for the natural world. Trees and creeks served as her playground, while dogs, cats, horses, and cows were her companions. Coming from a family of crafters, her creativity flourished as they made gifts and toys instead of purchasing them, fostering an outdoor lifestyle that eventually led her to pursue a fine arts degree at the State University of New York at Purchase.

After graduating, Ellen ventured to New York City, where she thrived as a graphic designer for a decade. Despite her success, she felt a pull back to nature, relocating to the Teton Mountains in southeast Idaho. There, she maintained her client base while exploring the mountains on horseback, capturing the stunning landscapes and wildlife with her camera. She also established a cattle ranch, embracing her role as “the camera cowgirl.”

Now splitting her time between southeast Idaho and New York’s Hudson River Valley, Ellen finds inspiration in the contrasting landscapes. When asked about her favorite subjects, she stated, “Horses have always ignited my imagination. I’m fascinated by their duality—their wild spirit and power coupled with their gentle ways. They have been easy partners and subjects in my work due to my deeply felt connection with them.”  @ellenlynchphotography  www.ellenlynch.com

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B E H I N D the

lens

Jessica

Rodrigues

“I discovered the horse world through my lens, observing every detail with a new eye. I love the relationship between man and horse and all the emotions that emerge through the beautiful stories, the atypical personalities and the magical moments experienced during major equestrian events.

To capture this, I often stay behind the scenes, trying to be discreet and find myself in the right place at the right time in order to share these stolen moments. This passion led me to Rio in 2016 to cover the Olympic Games and thus the coronation of the French show jumping team that I told in my first book released the same year titled, A Golden Dream.

I continue my career by traveling the world in order to capture the most beautiful competitions on the international circuit in search of ever more sporting emotions but also human encounters.

I transcribe the atmosphere and behind the scenes of your event with exclusive photo albums of the highlights of the competition for your social networks and your press and partner communication. Images of horses, riders, grooms… on the tracks and behind the scenes, with an artistic style apart, highlighting the emotions and the relationship between man and horses. A modern and sensitive approach to the equestrian world.”  @jessik_r  www.jessicarodrigues.fr/en

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B E H I N D the

lens

Christie

Tarleton

Christie Tarleton was raised in Virginia horse country and now resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

With a lifelong passion for visual storytelling, Christie discovered her love for photography and quickly realized the ability it has to capture and convey the unique narratives within the equestrian world. Her career has taken her to some of the sport’s most renowned events, including the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day and several Grand Prix series, where she has captured the spirit of both horse and rider and the thrill of the competition.

Growing up surrounded by horses, with a mother who was an accomplished Eventer and Dressage rider, Christie developed an innate understanding of the deep bond between humans and their equine partners at an early age. Photography became her way of staying connected to the sport, especially during times when riding wasn’t possible. Through her lens, Christie aims to showcase the beauty and grace of these incredible animals.

Based in Tennessee, Christie’s equine passion expands into equestrian athlete marketing and branding — and specializes in a range of photography sessions, from capturing the action, equine portraits, to equestrian lifestyle shoots.  @christietarleton  christiecraigcc

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STRONGER TOPLINES. BETTER MOVEMENT. HAPPIER HORSES. Your Horse Is Telling You Something.

Are You Listening?

They’re not misbehaving — they’re uncomfortable. And you’ve been right to question it all along.

If your horse trips, braces, struggles to collect, pins their ears when you tack up — or just doesn’t feel like the willing partner they used to be — you’re not imagining it. You’ve tried saddle fits, chiro, training, supplements… but nothing sticks. Because what your horse needs isn’t more training. It’s a stronger, more supported body — starting with their topline.

Don’t let your horse suffer in silence. Michelle can help. No guesswork. No gimmicks. No pushing through pain.

Work with me 1:1 online from anywhere. Get a customized topline program made for your horse. See visible changes in just weeks. Real results. Lasting change. Get started today!

www.Michelle-Method.com @Michelle.Method

WHERE TO FIND

Equus Now!

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Contact Horse & Style today to learn more about our advertising opportunities.

W E WO U L D LOV E T O C H AT !

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C A N you

stand it ?

Irene Neuwirth From the Pet Portrait Collection, a photograph of your dog, cat, goldfish, bunny, or other animal friend, comes the most gorgeous pet portrait charm customized just for you. Irene works with an artist in Germany who carves the crystal quartz and then hand-paints each animal portrait intaglio. Once they are back in Los Angeles, they are set on opal and finished with opals and full-cut diamonds. Available in rose, white, or yellow gold.

Custom Pet Portrait oval charm, 18K Gold, $21,160

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