THE
SEAMS: FREE
X
REIN
SUMMER
BEHIND
2018
HORSE SHOW BUCKET LIST: LONGINES MASTERS
DESERT FLIGHT: A LOVE LETTER
TO THE
SPORT
OF
OF
NEW YORK
SHOW JUMPING
Proud presenting sponsor of the $40,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix at Sonoma Horse Park’s HMI Equestrian Classic
NE WPORT BE ACH | ASPEN | PALM BE ACH | 866. 584.2666 | LUGANODIAMONDS.COM
Sonoma HorSe Park PRESENTS
LES TALENTS HERMÈS SEPTEMBER 22 - 23 AT SHP SEASON FINALE Sonoma Horse Park is pleased to introduce Les Talents Hermès. This unique equitation competition offers 3 separate sections: 3’3, 3’, and Pony 2’3 - 2’9. Open to all amateur, junior and pony riders, Les Talents Hermès will take place on September 22nd and 23rd at SHP Season Finale. Each section features one round on Saturday and one round and a work-off on Sunday with scores announced for each round and averaged together for the final score.
THREE SECTIONS OF COMPETITION LES TALENTS HERMÈS 3’3 LES TALENTS HERMÈS 3’ LES TALENTS HERMÈS PONY 2’3 - 2’9
AWARDS FOR EACH SECTION HERMÈS RIDER SHOW COAT FOR THE WINNER HERMÈS BLANKET FOR THE WINNER HERMÈS AWARDS FOR 2ND-4TH PLACE WINNERS CUSTOM RIBBONS FOR TOP 10 FINISHERS
OVERALL GRAND CHAMPION AWARD The rider with highest combined score from Rounds 1 and 2 as well as his or her trainer will be awarded a pair of VIP tickets to the 10th Annual Saut Hermès horse show March 22 - 24, 2019. Hosted at the magnificent Grand Palais in the heart of Paris, Saut Hermès brings together the 50 best horses and riders along with 20 promising young riders to compete in this 5-star international show jumping competition. Included is a 4-night stay at the 5-star Marriott Champs-Elysées, located around the corner from Saut Hermès, and a $2,000 gift card for travel expenses.
SONOMAHORSEPARK.COM
JOIN US FOR THREE WEEKS IN SEPTEMBER
SPLIT ROCK JUMPING TOUR SONOMA INTERNATIONAL CSI2* SEPTEMBER 5 - 9 | JUMPERS ONLY $100,000 CSI2* GRAND PRIX 1.45M $35,000 CSI2* WELCOME 1.45M $10,000 1.35M NATIONAL PRIX II2a $9,000 1.40M FEI SPEED CUP $7,500 1.40M HIGH JR/AO FINAL II2a $7,500 1.30M MEDIUM JR/AO FINAL II2a $7,500 1.20M LOW JR/AO FINAL II2a $5,000 1.40M WINNING ROUND $5,000 1.40M YOUNGSTER BOWL $5,000 1.10M CHILD/ADULT FINAL II2b
STRIDES & TIDES SEPTEMBER 12 - 16 | A JRW JR/AM MEDAL FINALS (formally Hudson & Company) $50,000 GRAND PRIX 1.45M $15,000 WELCOME PRIX 1.40M $10,000 PROEQUEST OPEN JUMPER CLASSIC 1.35M $2,500 OPEN JUMPER CLASSIC 1.25M $2,000 1.40M OPEN JUMPER 2.2B
$5,000 EQUINE OMEGA OPEN HUNTER DERBY $5,000 CIRCLE OAK JR/AM HUNTER DERBY
$2,000 JR/AO JUMPER CLASSIC 1.30M
$1,500 EQUINE INS. JR/AO HUNTER CLASSIC
$1,500 JR/AM MOD JUMPER CLASSIC
$1,000 CHILDREN’S HUNTER CLASSIC
$1,500 KASTEL CHILD JUMPER CLASSIC
$1,000 CWD ADULT AMATUER HUNTER CLASSIC
$1,500 ADULT AMATEUR JUMPER CLASSIC
$500 PONY HUNTER CLASSIC
$500 LOW CH/AA JUMPER CLASSIC 3’3
$500 CH/AA MODIFIED HUNTER DERBY 2’6
SHP SEASON FINALE* SEPTEMBER 19 - 23 | A LES TALENTS HERMÈS 3’3 LES TALENTS HERMÈS 3’ LES TALENTS HERMÈS PONY 2’3 - 2’9 PICKWICK JR/AM MEDAL FINALS $25,000 ASMAR EQUESTRIAN GRAND PRIX 1.45M $10,000 PROEQUEST OPEN JUMPER CLASSIC 1.35M 2018 HERMÈS CIRCUIT CHAMPION AWARDS & PARADE $7,500 WELCOME PRIX 1.40M
$10,000 USHJA INTERNATIONAL DERBY
$2,500 OPEN JUMPER CLASSIC 1.25M
$5,000 USHJA NATIONAL HUNTER DERBY PRESENTED BY CIRCLE OAK EQUINE
$2,000 1.40M OPEN JUMPER 2.2B $2,000 JR/AO JUMPER CLASSIC 1.30M
$1,500 EQUINE INS. JR/AO HUNTER CLASSIC
$1,500 JR/AM MOD JUMPER CLASSIC
$1,000 CHILD/ADULT HUNTER CLASSIC
$1,500 CHILD/ADULT JUMPER CLASSIC
$500 ASMAR EQUESTRIAN PONY CLASSIC
$500 LOW CH/AA JUMPER CLASSIC 3’3
$500 CH/AA MODIFIED HUNTER DERBY 2’6
*DOUBLE POINTS TOWARDS CIRCUIT AWARDS
SONOMAHORSEPARK.COM
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8 | FROM THE PUBLISHER Spring Travel
10 | 10
THINGS
© 2018 HORSE & STYLE MAGAZINE
13 | BET WEEN The Mare
14 | PRO
THE LINES
Sarah Appel sarah@horseandstylemag.com
POP QUIZ
E D I TO R
Footing Solutions
16 | OUT
Emily Pollard
18 | OUT
Danielle Demers
20 | OUT
E D I TO R I A L CO N S U LTAN T
& ABOUT LGCT Miami & ABOUT Sonoma Horse Park & ABOUT Split Rock Jumping Tour
22 | HORSE
SHOW BUCKET LIST
28 | OUT
& ABOUT Longines Masters of New York
30 | EQUESTRIAN
TASTEMAKER
A Collection of What’s Now...
A RT D I R E C TOR
Jackie McFarland A DV E RT I S I N G & SA LE S
Laurie Berglie laurie@horseandstylemag.com
CO P Y E D I TOR
Pam Maley
34 | OUT
& ABOUT Nic Roldan's White Party
36 | T WO
BITS EQUESTRIAN
Annie Heise
40 | NEW PRODUCT ALERT
A Breakthrough Saddle Makes its Debut
CO N T R I B U TO R S
Laurie Berglie, Alli Addison, Erinn Lew, Pam Maley, Sara Fernandez, Dani Maczynski, Claiborne & Lime, Terri Roberson Psy.D., Dr. Carrie Wicks, Ph.D.
45 | THE GOOD LIFE
Entertaining at Meadow Farm
50 | ON THE COVER
H&S Takes Palm Springs
60 | ST YLE
PROFILES
Rosé All Day
63 | DESERT
FLIGHT
A Love Letter to the Sport of Show Jumping
68 | DARING
TO CL AIM THE SKY The Compton Junior Posse
72 | BARN
ENVY
South Haven Farm
78 | CURATED BY AN EQUESTRIAN Sam Robinson
82 | OUT
& ABOUT World Equestrian Center Winter Finale
84 | DINING
OUT
The Whip Tavern
88 | OUT
& ABOUT Blenheim EquiSports
90 | BEHIND
Free x Rein
95 | ASK
THE SEAMS
DR. CARRIE
96 | BEHIND
THE LENS Andrew Ryback
P R I N T E D I N C A N A DA ON THE COVER: H&S contributor Alli Addison takes Palm Springs; photo © Taylor Rea. ‘Saloon Girl Chic’:The Garrison Hat, Vanner Hats;Wheat Tips Hair Vine, Amour Jewelry; Red Ruffle Skirt, Alexis; 1.75" Brass and Black belt, C.S. Simko; Ilana Pull On Boot, Frye; Necklaces: various styles,Vanessa Mooney; Accessories Model’s own Horse & Style Magazine is an equestrian lifestyle publication that is published quarterly 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 © 2018 Horse & Style Magazine LLC. TM
LISTINGS STAND IT?
summer 2018 ·
2013
AW
P
Subtle Standout
P H OTO G R A P H E R S
Andrew Ryback, Dani Maczynski, Sophie Kuller, Melodie McDaniel, Sloane Strong, Ashley Neuhof, Amy McCool, Alison Green, Alli Addison, Taylor Rea, Rachel Porter, James Berglie, Kristen Beinke, Alden Corrigan Media, Jump Media, WorldRedEye/EEM, SportFot/EEM, Jessica Rodrigues x JUMPFAX/EEM, Christophe Tanière/EEM, Rance Rogers, Winslow Photography, Enrique Urdaneta, Captured Moment Photography, EqSol, Annan Hepner, Emma Miller
AH
98 | BUSINESS 100 | CAN YOU
DESIGNERS
Lena Tito, Caitlin Azevedo
ER
Longines Masters of New York
summer 2018
P U B L I S H E R & E D I TO R -I N-C HIE F
N
contents
Safaris Unlimited
AR D WIN
5
contributors
Emily Pollard
Danielle Demers
Laurie Berglie
Alli Addison
Emily Pollard uses her BA in English from Saint Mary’s College of California to teach, write, and edit. She has worked in the equestrian industry for the majority of her life, as a groom, assistant trainer, barn manager, and everything in between. She trained and competed her horse, Skyler Ace, to the FEI level. She now enjoys sharing her passion for horses with her husband and two young daughters.
Danielle Demers grew up in Maine and currently lives in London with her husband and new baby boy. A lifelong equestrian, she has always been inspired by horses. After graduating with a BFA in Painting, she worked to find a way to combine her passions for art, design, and the equestrian lifestyle. Through her work with EqSol and as H&S’s Art Director, her interests have been melded together more perfectly than she could have imagined.
Laurie Berglie was born, raised, and currently resides in Maryland. She enjoys renovating her fixer-upper farm, reading horse books, and training and competing her two OTTBs, Misty, her wild mare, and Bailey, her easygoing gelding. Laurie began her blog, “Maryland Equestrian,” an Equestrian Lifestyle Guide, in 2011. She has a BA in English from Stevenson University and an MA in Humanities from Towson University.
Alli was born, raised and still lives on a ranch that has been in her family since 1837, located north of Santa Barbara, CA. Alli holds a BS and MS in Business Marketing from California Polytechnic State University. A lifelong equestrian, she has a passion for riding hunter/jumpers, loves art and the equestrian lifestyle. Alli also enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
Pam Maley
Erinn Lew
Dani Maczynski
Terri Roberson, Psy.D.
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 member of the EqSol Team.
Erinn is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, where she completed her degree in journalism and sociology, and rode for the IHSA. Although a Bay Area native, she got her start riding on the East Coast and competed as a junior on the Los Angeles circuit in the jumpers and equitation. She brings her experience in journalism, fashion, and online media to Horse & Style as a contributor.
Dani Maczynski is a freelance photojournalist and equestrian lifestyle photographer based in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a BFA from Parsons The New School for Design and was nominated as one of Sony’s Emerging Photographers to watch. Dani grew up riding, grooming and showing in the jumper ring before moving to New York to pursue journalism full-time.
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.
Claiborne & Lime
Sara Fernandez
Ashley Neuhof
Laura Mormann and Antoinette Watson turned their love of entertaining and hospitality into an art form when they founded Claiborne & Lime. Catering to both lifestyle brands and private clients, they specialize in designing intimate, thoughtful gatherings and celebrations. C&L provides peace of mind, allowing clients to be fully present and enjoy their precious downtime with loved ones.
Sara has been riding and showing in the hunter/jumper world for 28 years. Professionally, she worked in the advertising business for over 10 years on brands such as Old Spice, The International Olympic Committee, HP, Visa & Pepsi. Sara has now found her “dream job” working at EqSol where she can combine her love of horses and expertise in marketing. She has a wonderful husband and two young boys and lives in Southern California.
A former three-day event rider, Ashley’s love of horses runs deep. Her photography has taken her around the world and her images have been exhibited in New York City galleries and major magazines. When she is not behind the lens, Ashley can be found riding her new Thoroughbred gelding and enjoying the outdoors.
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· summer 2018
F R O M the
publisher
SPRING T R AV E L S
Left to Right: Horse & Style Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Sarah Appel, Two Bits Equestrian Founder Annie Heise, H&S Editor Emily Pollard, Katie Wilde and H&S Contributor Terri Roberson, photo courtesy of EEM/Longines Masters of New York
8
· summer 2018
This spring, the Horse & Style team experienced some incredible travel destinations – horse show and otherwise – and it made me realize that I love traveling almost as much as I love horses. But when the two are rolled into one, as was the case when the team and I headed to the inaugural Longines Masters of New York, the trip away from home couldn't be better. Having been fortunate to attend three years of the Longines Masters of Los Angeles, the team and I were all very excited about seeing what Christophe Ameeuw and his team from EEM had in store for us in New York. It was an incredibly exciting long weekend of shopping, VIPing, Broadway theater (Mean Girls is a must see), 5* food, and fancy drinks. But the show really took center stage (yes, Broadway reference intended!) as the New York riders continually took to the podium. Georgina Bloomberg was outstanding in the Riders Masters Cup, and hometown hero McLain Ward finished on top of the podium after a nail biting jump off. Read more about the Longines Masters of New York in our Horse Show Bucket List on page 22. Meanwhile back on the West Coast, Alli Addison represented H&S on a trip to Palm Springs, where she took in everything the town had to offer: food, drinks, polo, and the Stagecoach Music Festival. Addison tells us all about her trip in this cover story, which started with deciding on the perfect attire for a high-desert vacation, moved on to a ride down the coast in a brand new Chevrolet, and ended with listening to country icons while basking in the California sun. This piece convinces you to book your
tickets to Palm Springs, and then it tells you exactly what to buy for the trip. I felt a little more hip just reading this article – it is pure fire (page 50). In this issue, we are also thrilled to be featuring Annie Heise of Two Bits Equestrian, an ethically and sustainably sourced equestrian leisure wear collection.The brand launched just a few months ago, but is already becoming a brand favorite amongst the most chic of equestrians. All of her pieces are meant to transition easily from stable to street, and will also work perfectly as vacation wear. Read about Two Bits on page 36. A million dollar payday doesn’t come often, but the best riders in the world have a shot at one twice a year during the HITS Million Dollar Grand Prix series. Behind the show ring rounds and celebratory victory laps, a lot of hard work goes into preparing the horse and rider combinations for this event. We were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of ‘Desert Flight,’ a documentary following several riders and their horses who were gearing up for the 2017 Million Dollar Grand Prix in HITS Coachella. Be ready for a tear or two, and a whole lot of inspiration. Read on page 63. I will pretty much travel anywhere someone will send me, but New York will always have a special place in my heart. Having lived there for five years in my early adulthood, the busy streets and tall buildings always remind me of opportunity and endless energy. Hopefully my spring travels become summer travels and I can head to NYC again soon. Or Palm Springs – that would work too. Best,
SIGNATURE SADDLE
EQUILINEAMERICA.COM INFO@EQUILINEAMERICA.COM
Harvard Hall Owned by Dr. Betsee Parker
10
things
…you might not know about…
SAFARIS UNLIMITED Safaris Unlimited specializes in sharing the incredible experience of Africa’s wildlife, landscapes and people, via safari. The team has a long history of working in Africa and with the local tribes, making each trek as secure as it is amazing. Safaris Unlimited’s accommodations set them apart from the competition. Private mobile camps and boutique lodges, luxurious beds with imported linens, hot showers, and laundry services ensure guests feel completely pampered as they experience all the African plains have to offer. In between rides, guests feast on 5*, three course meals and enjoy cocktails and wine by the campfire. Gordie Church
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· summer 2018
The accommodations and food are incredible, but the real takeaway from a Safaris Unlimited safari are those things that can’t be touched. Time with Safaris Unlimited is about tilting the axis of the world a little, about sending guests home slightly changed from the people they were – enriched by new experiences and friends. The wildlife of East Africa leaves guests awed by their size, strength and speed. The people of East Africa and the Safaris Unlimited team quickly feel like long-time friends. The light of East Africa gives a vision of how the earth has been for millennia; a soft light draped over the world making everything shimmer and shine. Waking up to that each morning allows guests to remember what life is really all about – the delicious coffee and pastries that accompany the sunrise are just the icing on the cake.
1. Safari is about the journey, not the destination.
Stemming from Arabic, the traditional meaning of safari is to journey overland to a destination, and today that incorporates observing animals en route. Safaris Unlimited embodies the true essence of mobile safari, with the capacity to move 10-15 tons of safari kit per day; the team is truly mobile, yet luxurious.
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“Any fool can be uncomfortable,” so it is said, but safaris are certainly not uncomfortable. Safaris Unlimited uses exclusive campsites, in Private Conservancies, and has spacious tents with enough height to stand up in. Each tent comes with double or single beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, hot water bottles, bedside tables, washstands, and hot water delivered in the morning with a cheerful wake-up call from the staff. Safari is not always just about the wildlife; it’s also about the people. In Kenya alone there are 42 different tribes, a few of which help look after Safaris Unlimited groups, and others that will be encountered during a safari. Safaris Unlimited’s horses are selected, schooled, loved and cherished purely to carry guests safely through Big Game Country. They are trained for being in the wild, crossing deep rivers, jumping over fallen trees and ‘sleeping’ out on a picket line. The horses sleep on a picket line, which is strung up in camp and is guarded by Maasai (the local tribe) night watchmen against lions and other predators.
6. The Maasai are feared by all tribes for their strength
and tenacity, which is why they are employed as Safaris Unlimited’s security. Not only do they know the area best, but they are also adept in protecting the group from any predators. They stay awake all night around a small campfire, telling stories about the stars.
7.
Safaris Unlimited’s guests don’t go hungry. The kitchen staff comes armed with files of delicious recipes that they cook over open fires, or in the brilliantly designed local ‘jiko’ (safari oven), which uses only a handful of charcoal to cook bread and other delicacies. The team ensures you have enough energy for the following day’s ride!
8. Safaris Unlimited is super conscious about reducing,
refusing, reusing, recycling, and they leave nothing behind.
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Guests are hosted by Gordie and Felicia Church, the owners of Safaris Unlimited. Gordie is third generation Kenyan and was brought up on safari by his father, who started Safaris Unlimited in the 1970s. Guests are well looked after by their staff, with a 2:1 staff: guest ratio! Safaris Unlimited’s horses travel to the start point by truck; it’s a long day, but they go with nosebags of feed, and several ‘syces’ (grooms) to keep them comfortable. Upon arrival, they run around bucking and whinnying with delight!
B E T W E E N the
lines
by Laurie Berglie
The Mare MARY GAITSKILL 544 pages amazon.com Kindle: $4.12 / Paperback: $10.42 When 11-year-old Velveteen ‘Velvet’ Vargas joins the Fresh Air Fund, all she expects is a few weeks away from her Brooklyn home in the upstate New York countryside. What she doesn’t expect is the beginning of a new life and a new passion. Mary Gaitskill’s The Mare explores the lives of young Velvet, her Fresh Air Fund hostess ‘mom’ Ginger, and an abused mare called Fugly Girl. Ginger is past child-bearing years when she and husband Paul marry, but they have always toyed with the idea of adoption. Before they fully commit, however, they decide to do a trial run and become a host family for a Fresh Air Fund kid. As soon as Velvet enters her life, Ginger decides not to adopt but to stay involved with the young girl. Instead of just two weeks per summer, Ginger and Velvet work out an arrangement where the girl can visit almost every weekend. Ginger’s home is right next door to a farm, and Velvet immediately falls in love with their horses. Soon she finds herself mucking stalls and grooming horses in exchange for riding lessons. She’s also drawn to the new horse, a feisty mare with a broken past.Velvet, also from a broken home with an abusive mother, instantly bonds with the mare. With her odd conformation and angry personality, the boarders at the barn call the mare Fugly Girl, but Velvet sees through the hurt and pain and admires the horse’s spirit. She quickly renames her Fiery Girl. The instant bond between Velvet and Fiery Girl is unmistakable, and as Velvet’s riding improves, she begins working solely with her mare. “I led her to the fence like it was a mounting block. I climbed up on it. She shied away at first, but I talked her back. She saw what I was doing; she let me. I sat on her and swung my hair behind me.The sky was huge and bright, but it was touching me now, it was friendly, and the huge brightness of the grass stretched before me. I started her at a walk.This was my place. No one would ever be in this place but me and my horse. No man, not even children; they would never come here with me.This place was only for me and my mare.” As the novel progresses,Velvet becomes increasingly torn between her life with Ginger and Fiery Girl, and her familial obligations to her younger brother and very difficult mother, Silvia. But through the stress and torment she faces from her mother and her peers, she keeps coming back to Fiery Girl, again and again. Through Velvet, Gaitskill expertly connects these two vastly different worlds: the often-dangerous inner city and the quiet, slower life of the countryside. But, as Velvet quickly learns, everyone is fighting his/her own battle, regardless of where they live, and she soon realizes that her only true home is with her horse.
IS YOUR SPORT Taylor, Harris Insurances Services Worldwide Equine Insurance Specialists THIShorseinsurance.com 800.291.4774 Photo Alden Corrigan Media
P R O pop
quiz
THIS MONTH’S QUESTION:
What constitutes ideal arena footing? What considerations do you take when crafting a training surface at home or at a competition arena?
At Footing Solutions USA, we believe the ideal arena footing is the footing that has been specifically constructed with the horse in mind. We want to make sure the arena footing matches the riding discipline and the level of competition that will ultimately be utilizing it. This is the way to keep horses sound, happy, and performing at their best. When we craft an arena, we always keep some basic considerations about the physics of arena footing in mind. For instance, a surface that is too hard absorbs little to no impact energy and creates a footing that is hard on the horses’ bones and joints. The horses then adjust their movement to avoid excessive shock to the limbs, causing a diminishment of the gaits. Conversely, horses working on a surface that is too soft and loose have to cope with the extra energy required to push off from an unsupportive surface. This strains the tendons and ligaments and is fatiguing for the horses. Our ultimate goal is the perfect balance between impact firmness and shock absorbance in the arena footing. With regard to the building process, the most important consideration is the base. When we build, we begin with a sub-base of compacted, built up subsoil. On top of that, a four to six inch compacted, uniform, and leveled layer of well-graded aggregate constitutes the base. Drainage is an integral part of the base, and we have found the HIT DrainGrid System to be an excellent system. The unique grid design allows for transversal drainage, meaning water is being drained vertically and horizontally away from the surface, making standing water is a thing of the past. For the actual arena footing, the most important ingredient is the sand. Sand selection will either “make or break” the type of footing you are trying to achieve! We work with specific gradations of sand and potentially add in multiple types of geotextiles. Sand can be difficult to source as many quarries are not sure how the sand will perform. This is why we source from specific quarries and test the sand regularly. High quality sand is essential to creating and maintaining the surface – it is worth the investment. Typically, we add three inches of arena footing for dressage arenas and four to five inches for jumping arenas. Thick geotextiles, such as the FS GeoTEX sand additives, allow for added spring, cushion, traction, and support. Geotextiles also work to keep moisture content in the footing, which creates strength in the sand similar to the way dirt is stabilized by roots. When the horses come down on top of the footing, the felt or fibers compress and release the moisture back into the sand. We work with our clients to determine the perfect ratio of sand to geotextiles and can adjust as necessary.
Hilo Nick, Owner; photo © Sloane Strong
Jumping competition surfaces, especially at higher levels, demand slightly different properties from training surfaces. Top level competition surfaces require a firmer surface with good grip, but also need to provide good cushioning for impact absorption. In comparison, we build home, training, and warm up arenas softer with more spring and cushioning to provide the best shock absorption to ensure soundness and performance. The arena footing will be only as good as your maintenance. The watering frequency, the dragging schedule, and the expected life of the arena are all considered when we craft an arena. For us, the ideal arena footing is one that makes our clients happy, so we design and build with them – and their horses – in mind.
FootingSolutionsUSA.com footingsolutionsusa@gmail.com
Footing Solutions USA @footingsolutionsusa
Each issue, a new question is answered by an industry professional. Have a question you want answered? Send it to sarah@horseandstylemag.com
14
· summer 2018
— HILO NIC K, OWNER Footing Solutions USA
INTERNATIONAL DERBY CHAMPION
CONGRATULATIONS TO MCKENNA NORRIS & EPIC Winners, $25,000 7Up Stables USHJA International Hunter Derby
We will help you find your inner champion.
Hu n t e r s | Jum pers | S ales | Clin ics info@equestrianperformance.com | Vinton Karrasch (949) 795-1104 | Ann Karrasch (949) 291-1407
CARNATION, WA
|
EQUESTRIANPERFORMANCE.COM
PHOTOS BY TOTEM PHOTOGRAPHIC, SOFIA JAIN, KELLI NORRIS. EQSOL AD DESIGN
OUT&
about
LONGINES GLOBAL C HAMPIONS TOUR – MIAMI, FL
2. 1.
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6. 1. A Stephex Stables horse and rider from Meise, Belgium, ride in the Miami sun 2. South Beach mornings are the highlight of GCT Miami 3. Daniel Bluman soars over the Longines Global Champions Tour jump, and seemingly, the crowd on the beach too 4. Edwina Tops Alexander and her mare California on their way to a big win. Back in the tack after the birth of her daughter Chloe on July 30, 2017, Alexander led the victory gallop in the LGCT Grand Prix of Miami Beach CSI5* 5. Beach-goers walk right up ringside to watch the action in the arena 6. A charismatic Jessica Springsteen smiles in the warm up
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¡ summer 2018
7. 8.
Enter at horseandstylemag.com/giveaway for a chance to win fabulous prizes from our fashionable partners. Enter before the end of each month for your chance to win! Questions?
Email: laurie@horseandstylemag.com
CON GRATUL ATIONS
9. 10.
Congratulations to the winners of our April and May Giveaways! In April reader E. Lankford won a gorgeous Essex Classics Figaro Short Sleeve Talent Yarn Shirt. In May reader E. Hanrahan won five pairs of adorable boot socks from Dreamers & Schemers. Thank you to everyone who entered and to both companies for sponsoring these amazing prizes!
J U LY G I V E AWAY
7. Turn and burn for the final fence 8. The Miami fence shows a bit of South Beach flair 9. Scott Brash in the warm up waiting for his class 10. Sayre Happy schooling Luftikus in the early morning
Photos Š Dani Maczynski
Enter for a chance to win a full set of Bibimbap Skincare products: cleanser, serum, moisturizer, healing salve, and lip treatment! Bibimbap Skincare understands the special needs of those who are constantly outdoors in the face of harsh environmental factors. Bibimbap products are made by an equestrian, for equestrians.
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OUT&
about
S O N O M A H O R S E PA R K – P E TA LU M A , C A
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6. 1. Ask Anyone and Kylee Arbuckle, winners of the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Circle Oak Equine 2. Burgundy Farm’s Meredith Herman and Cayalis looking happy after a clean round 3. Laurel Piombo shows the perfect hint of color with her pink bows as she rides Stellar Edition 4. The life of a Pony Classic rider is a good one: ponies, bows, and smiles! 5. PSS Ribbon close up 6. Why Not and Ty Simpson, winners of the $5,000 1.40m Open Jumper Classic Junior Trial
18
· summer 2018
Photos © Alden Corrigan Media
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12. 7. Skipio K and Patrick Seaton, winners of the $25,000 CWD Grand Prix 8. The $500 Charliegh’s Cookies Pony Classic ribbons are beautiful as usual 9. SHP, proud host of the North American Young Rider Championship Trials (Natalie Dean and Mary Poppins) 10. Mr. Worldwide and Robert Blanchette showing the gorgeous style that earned the pair the win in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Devoucoux 11. Dacarlos and Mattias Ekeroth, winners of the $25,000 Tack Warehouse Grand Prix 12. NAJYRC Teams with Chef d’Equipe Mike Endicott and Dagwood Roberts
summer 2018 ·
19
OUT&
about
SPLIT ROCK JUMPING TOUR, THE LEXINGTON I N V I TAT I O N A L C S I 2 * – L E X I N GTO N , K Y
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7. 1. Carley and Caleb Hawkins, and Meagan and Terri Nusz, enjoy the sponsor gazebo during the Amalaya Investments Welcome 2. Alexandra Welles gives XM a pat after winning the $5,000 Equithirive Medium JR/AO Classic 3. Carly Dvarvin and Baron 4. The ribbons let you know where it’s at! 5. Margie Goldstein Engle flies to a clear round aboard Dicas in the $40,000 Amalaya Investments Welcome 6. At Split Rock, people ride more than just horses! 7. Jorge Gomez earns his fist pump lead after winning the $7,500 Child/Adult 1.10m Jumper Final
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Photos © Winslow Photography
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13. 8. A horse show venue doesn’t get much better than this 9. Paul O’Shea, winner of the FEI $70,000 CSI2* Grand Prix, runs to include Derek Braun in the champagne celebration 10. Brittany Hildebrand pilots El Dorado in the $1,000 1.40m High JR/AM Speed 11. All smiles and fist pumps from Victoria Karam 12. Kay Christine gives kisses to Bionetty after a 2nd place finish in the $1,000 1.30m Medium JR/AM Power & Speed 13. Split Rock ribbons wait to be picked up
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H O R S E S H O W bucket by Emily Pollard
The lower level of the NYCB Live – Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, was transformed into an indoor arena for the Longines Masters of New York, photo © Christophe Tanière for EEM
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list
Different Coast, Same Amazing Show
Longines Masters of New York This April 26th–29th, Christophe Ameeuw and the hard-working team at EEM brought the third and final leg of the Longines Masters Series to NYCB Live – Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. This was the fourth annual American leg of the Longines Masters Series, the show having previously been held on the West Coast in Los Angeles and Long Beach. The inaugural New York event proved to be an incredible weekend of competition, shopping, and of course, entertainment. It was also an opportunity for spectators to see the Riders Masters Cup on American soil, and it did not disappoint.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Though it was hard to leave Los Angeles, moving the show to the East Coast was an exciting new change for the team. Ameeuw explained,“We are so appreciative of our time in Los Angeles and all of the people that made the American leg a success through the years. We are excited and proud to bring the event to New York, expanding the Longines Masters experience from coast to coast.” The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum was in perfect proximity to the host hotel, so visitors could walk from their rooms to the showgrounds in less than five minutes. The upper portion of the stadium was brilliantly transformed into the competition arena, with the warm up and Prestige Village downstairs. The location allowed for ample VIP seating and dining, as well as room in the stands for all the fans. The proximity to downtown Manhattan (without traffic it was about a 45 minute ride) allowed visitors to revel in all that New York has to offer – a broadway show, an amazing meal, world-class shopping, or all of the above. NEED FOR SPEED The Friday night $100,000 Masters One Longines Speed Challenge was an exceptional night all around. Riding the identical track that riders faced in the Longines Masters editions of Paris and Hong Kong, Canada’s Erynn Ballard claimed victory riding the 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion Fantast, owned by Sagamore Farms. Despite a two-second penalty for a dropped rail, Ballard was able to best New York’s Brianne Goutal-Marteau aboard Fineman (who placed second) and Kristen Vanderveen aboard Faustino de Tili (who placed third). The other riders,VIP spectators, and all the fans in the stands went wild as the edge-of-your-seat competition played out. The event was well attended, with Longines Vice President and Head of International Marketing Juan-Carlos Capelli walking the red carpet with Longines Ambassador of Elegance Kate Winslet representing her Golden Hat Foundation, dedicated to raising awareness of autism. IT TAKES A VILL AGE… As usual, between the competition classes, Prestige Village was the perfect place to be. Visitors could stroll through the vendors that lined the perimeter of the 60,000 square-foot Village, all while watching the warm up arena set in the middle of the stadium. With the iconic Longines booth a favorite stop for many, the shopping was simply amazing – of course! Shoppers were
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Entertainers strike a pose, photo © WorldRedEye for EEM
This row: photos © Dani Maczynski Riders USA’s Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland cheers from the sidelines during the Riders Masters Cup, photo © Christophe Tanière for EEM
McLain Ward shows his signature mix of speed and style in the Longines Grand Prix of New York, photo © Christophe Tanière for EEM
excited by Ariana Rockefeller’s new limited edition saddle bag, designed exclusively for the Longines Masters of New York. For car enthusiasts, Automobili Lamborghini showcased their newest Super Sport Utility Vehicle model, the Urus. Artist Rita Dee’s “Trail Guide,” a life-size sculpture made of driftwood, depicting the legendary cavalry mount that became a two-time Olympian (1956 and 1960), stood proudly in the center of Prestige Village. After the Speed Challenge on Friday, Sam Edelman treated guests to shopping and Barons de Rothschild champagne, while singer, songwriter and producer Victory Boyd sang on stage in the background. Guests shopped, sipped, snacked and danced well into the night. # WAV E YO U R F L AG For all the Americans in the stands Saturday night, a little heartbreak had never been more exciting or entertaining.The $200,000 Riders Masters Cup, presented and created by EEM in collaboration with the European Equestrian Federation, started out with Riders Europe on top after round one. But then, in an incredible twist and with the help of the double points in round two, Riders
USA pulled through to a lead.The shift in the leaderboard had all the American flags raised high and waving frantically, especially with the podium seats filled exclusively by American women – Laura Kraut, Georgina Bloomberg and Beezie Madden. But by the end of round two the European riders came back strong, and ultimately clinched the win. Though it was heartbreaking for Riders USA to lose on American soil, it was heartwarming to see the incredible sportsmanship and warm feelings between the teams as Riders USA congratulated Riders Europe. H O M E TOW N FAVO R I T E The crowd could not have been more pleased with McLain Ward’s win in the $382,800 Longines Grand Prix of New York on Sunday afternoon. McLain, who comes from Brewster, NY, certainly had the support of the home crowd. Spectators held their breath as he and Clinta, an 11-year-old Oldenburg mare out of Clinton x Lord Pezi, navigated the jump off, and then roared with excitement as it became clear he would take the top spot. McLain was as pleased as the crowd, explaining,“It’s always nice to win on your home soil in the U.S.,
Ward and Clinta in the winner's circle, photo © Dani Maczynski
and extra special in New York.” Ward continued, “I can remember years ago when I was a young kid, I won a grand prix at [Madison Square] Garden and that was very special because it was my home state and my home city. It was very special again today here.” McLain’s pleasure at winning didn’t mean the ride was easy…he had stiff competition, with Erynn Ballard, Peder Fredricson and Kevin Staut all fighting for the top of the podium. However, it proved a fairytale ending when the New Yorker won the Longines Grand Prix of New York. A V I S I O N A RY W I T H A V I S I O N Christophe Ameeuw’s vision for the Longines Masters Series, especially with the inclusion of the Grand Slam and Riders Masters Cup, is truly inspirational. The Longines Masters of New York, and the other shows in Paris and Hong Kong, continue to push the envelope in search of the most exciting way to bring the sport of show jumping to its riders, its sponsors, and most importantly, its fans. In that way, to experience and enjoy one of Ameeuw’s shows is to help bring his vision to fruition...and Horse & Style is happy to be a part of that!
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Did Someone Say Shopping?! The Prestige Village Vendors:
Beck & Heun • CWD • Devialet • Donna Bernstein • Equis Boutique • Footing First • Free x Rein • Helmholz Fine Art • Hermès • Jen Brandon Studio • Kastel Denmark Kingsland • LA Saddlery • Mark Cross • Romitelli Boots • Sam Edelman • Tagalo • Top Jock • Vestrum • Voltaire
Riders Masters Cup: How It Works
• Two teams compete against each other: Riders Europe and Riders USA. Lamborghini Masters Power - Horsepower vs Horse Power, photo © Christophe Tanière for EEM
• Each team is comprised of five of the best riders and horses. Hermès in Prestige Village, photo © WorldRedEye for EEM
• The competition is two rounds, with each rider and horse combination going once in each round. • Each round consists of five duels between a Riders USA competitor and Riders Europe competitor. • Round one is a Table A against the clock on a Grand Prix course; the winner of each duel wins one point for his or her team. • Round two is a Table C, with the winner of the duel being awarded two points for his or her team.
Riders Masters Cup Teams square off with fists and big smiles, photo © Christophe Tanière for EEM Georgina Bloomberg and Paola 233 in Round Two of the Riders Masters Cup, photo © SportFot for EEM
• In round two, teams strategically pick starting order, possible substitution of horses, and choice of opponent. • Of course, at the end of the two rounds, the team with the most points wins! • Robert Ridland coaches Riders USA; Philippe Guerdat coaches Riders Europe.
Mark Your Calendars: The Next Series
When the new series kicks off in Paris in November 2018, the Grand Slam board will be wiped clean. Riders can start anew to vie for the triple Longines Grand Prix win that yields a Million Euro prize at the end of the series.The stakes are high, the competition fierce, and the shows are amazing! Don’t miss a single one if you can help it. Longines Masters of Paris: November 29 – December 2, 2018 Longines Masters of Hong Kong: February 15–17, 2019 Longines Masters of New York: April 25–28, 2019
Tickets: longinesmasters.com/en/global-ticketing
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LO N G I N E S M A S T E R S O F N E W YO R K – N E W YO R K , N Y
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1. McLain Ward and HH Gigi’s Girl kept all the rails up in the final match-up of Round Two in the Riders Masters Cup 2. Entertainer Victory Boyd sang and played guitar for guests in Prestige Village 3. Georgina Bloomberg wins her match-up, and a point for Riders USA, in the Riders Masters Cup 4. Beezie Madden autographs the iconic Longines Masters of New York poster 5. Andy Kocher and Kahlua coming back down after the Longines jump looking like, “Whoa! But go!” 6. VIP Masters Club guests eat, drink, and enjoy the show in luxury 7. McLain Ward celebrates his $382,800 Longines Grand Prix of New York victory as the hometown crowd cheers
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12. 8. Smokin’! Harrie Smolders and Cas 2 are on fire to clinch the win for Riders Europe 9. Christophe Ameeuw poses in front of the Longines booth with Longines Ambassador of Elegance Kate Winslet 10. Watching intently, Madison Goetzmann studies the track before she competes 11. Chef d’Equipe Philippe Guerdat (second from right) and Riders Europe (left to right) Peder Fredricson, Olivier Philippaerts, Harrie Smolders, Kevin Staut and Gregory Wathelet celebrate their Riders Masters Cup win 12. Leaving the Indoor Arena after a ride well done 13. Canada’s Erynn Ballard and Fantast win the $100,000 Masters One Longines Speed Challenge on Friday evening 14. Beezie Madden and Con Taggio win one round in the Riders Masters Cup Photos © Jump Media (1), WorldRedEye/EEM (2,4,6,11,13), SportFot/EEM (3,14), Dani Maczynski (5,10,12), Jessica Rodrigues x JUMPFAX/EEM (7), Christophe Tanière/EEM (8)
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E Q U E S T R I A N tastemaker by Alli Addison
A Collection There’s something about summer, for the living just seems easy. At Horse & Style, the summer season has us feeling young, wild and free. We soak up the warm days, the mild nights, the longer hours to be spent in the saddle. And not a minute seems wasted. So what has been on our radar of late? For our recurring Horse & Style: Equestrian Tastemaker column, the summer season has us immersing ourselves in the fun, enjoying the lighthearted, lusting after the whimsical and recalling the days of our adolescence.
Packing a Punch The Classic Backpack by Sienna Jones A modern and sleek addition to your horse show (and everyday) wardrobe is, without a doubt, the Classic Backpack by London-based designer Sienna Jones. The design is elegant street-style chic, but don’t let that deter you. It is equally equestrian-oriented. Worn by style-savvy athletes such as Mavis Spencer and Hannah Selleck, and spotted last season at shows such as the Blenheim EquiSports Young Hunter Championship, the Classic Backpack is crafted from fine-grained leather. Available in five timeless hues, the Classic Backpack features a spacious interior (perfect for housing all your ringside show needs) and adjustable leather straps. The Classic Backpack, Sienna Jones, $405.40: siennajones.com
For Your Library: Riding Through Compton Keeping Kids On Horses And Off The Streets For the last thirty years, under the leadership of Mayisha Akbar, the streets of Compton have been the stomping grounds of a youth riding and equestrian program. Designed to provide the kids of Compton with meaningful yearround after-school activities, members not only learn to ride, but care for their horses – developing responsibility, discipline, and self-esteem. Riding Through Compton combines three years of stunningly thoughtful documentary photographs and formal portraits by Melodie McDaniel, with text and interviews by Amelia Fleetwood conducted with participants, guardians, and volunteers involved with the Compton Junior Posse. Riding Through Compton honors the dedication and development of the young people involved with this program, and gracefully illustrates the enduring positive bond between these individuals and the horses they care for and ride. An absolute must-have addition to any equestrian library or coffee table. Riding Through Compton, $50.00: minormattersbooks.com
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of What’s Now, What’s Happening and What’s Worth Obsessing Over
Street Style: Paddock Boots From the Barn to the Streets Behold, the Paddock Boot.The little boot that could.Yes, we are all acutely aware of the countless benefits and functions offered by the Paddock Boot while at the barn, but let’s review just how chic these equestrian footwear staples can be when they hit the streets. Be they new and shiny, or be they old and crusty, all Paddock Boots are welcome.The key to styling your Paddock Boots for the streets is to let them show. Don’t cover them up, so opt for ankle-baring pants.With jeans? Simply cuff your jeans to show off the sleek and chic utility of the Paddock Boot. And with shorts, skirts or dresses? Just add socks. A unique pair of socks peeking out over the top of your Paddock Boots is all the layer you need to take the look from meh, girl to hey, girl. And for the men, cuffed straight leg, slim fit jeans combined with a soft button down is all you need to complete a Paddock Boot ensemble.
Ariat Kendron Pro Paddock Boot, ariat.com
Your Personal Robot Cameraman SOLOSHOT3 No Cameraman? No problem.With the SOLOSHOT3 you can finally film yourself from a new perspective, without the help of a dedicated cameraman. The perfect solution for those solo schooling days, if your trainer is too busy training, or if you simply ride at a barn that lacks talented videographers (gasp). How does it work? SOLOSHOT3 is a wear, track, capture type of system. The rider wears an arm tag, the Base automatically tracks you, and the OpticX Camera captures your moment.The SOLOSHOT3 automatically pans, tilts, and zooms as it tracks you and your horse, filming from up to 2,000 feet for 4 hours. And the technology makes it easy to not only capture, but to edit and share the content. It’s a win win. SOLOSHOT3, with Optic65 Camera (also available with an Optic25 Camera), $699.00: soloshot.com
Ariat Heritage IV Zip Paddock Boot paired with cropped pants, ariat.com
Parlanti Z2 Paddock Boot, parlantiinternational.com
Parlanti Z2 Paddock Boot, parlantiinternational.com
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There’s A New Shop In Town 17 Hands Equestrian
Hold Your Horses Hand Embroidered Shirts by Erin Kate All right, people. Hold your horses. There is a new line of custom embroidered shirts on the market, and they are an absolute win. Photographer/Horse Enthusiast/Style Maven Erin Kate has added a new addition to her lineup of already impressive work, goods and services. And it all started with a sweater. “I’ve always been artistic,” says Erin. “It comes from my mother, who sewed a lot of our clothes. She had a sewing room in our home and would let me play with all her fabric scraps. I’m completely self taught.” Earlier this year Erin posted a picture of a sweater she handembroidered for herself on Instagram, with the infamous line ‘Hold Your Horses.’ It immediately went viral, and people started reaching out looking to purchase. “The wheels started turning, and there I was revisiting my adolescent embroidery days. So I added some items to my Etsy shop, and the response has been amazing.” The hand embroidery is a labor of love, but it adds a unique character and individuality that you cannot achieve with a sewing machine. Offerings include ready made shirts, tees (perfect for summer) and denim (year-round and timeless staple), in addition to blanks for custom embroidery. So Giddy Up, let people know you are Addicted to Greys, and make a statement with Ponies, Ponies, Ponies. Hand Embroidered Denim and Tees: erinkatephoto.etsy.com
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After years of working in retail, fashionable equestrian Cami Jendrzejewski was looking for a way to merge her passion for equestrian sport and her love of style. “I wanted to step out on my own and allow myself more time dedicated to these animals, while still working a job I was proud of and inspired by every day,” says Jendrzejewski.The result of this quest came in the form of 17 Hands Equestrian – a home-style retail pop-up nestled in the heart of the Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center in Southern California.The store front is made from two 12x12 horse stalls, bringing the store’s character to life, as if you were browsing in an antique farmhouse – shiplap and all! And the name? “The name comes from the 17 hand 4 year old gelding Nigel that entered my life last year as a potential sales prospect,” explains Cami. “He has grown to be a huge part of my business and gives meaning to my motivation for success.” Each brand and offering in Jendrzejewski’s retail line-up has been carefully selected, with special attention made to detail and one-of-a-kind style. “These brands have incredible ornate characteristics such as stitching, braiding, buttons and more. Each piece and color has been carefully chosen to pair well with one another to create a full ensemble from helmet to boot,” she says with excitement.The first products offered upon opening were the stunning and edgy Spur Belts co-designed with Gregg Duftler. “Without these belts, an outfit doesn’t seem complete.” Additional brands include Dada Sport, Sarm Hippique, Cavalliera,Tailored Sportsman, EIS, Parlanti, Equifit, Charleighs Cookies, Fleeceworks and Design by Dalia. “This store is the definition of a dream in reality and I couldn’t be more thankful for the companies I work with, who have supported this vision from day 1!” 17 Hands Equestrian, 1-503-816-6690: 17handsequestrian.com, IG: @17handsequestrian
Layer Up In Style Leather-Trimmed Ponchos Stick & Ball just released the latest addition to their wildly popular poncho collection, and the result is the ultimate in equestrian luxury and sophistication. The Leather Trim Tassel Poncho by Stick & Ball is beautifully trimmed in supple Italian leather, and crafted of 100% Baby Alpaca. Available in two classic shades of black and navy and designed with a 28" drape (making it ideal for ladies of all heights), this super soft, lightweight poncho is a versatile accessory for day or evening. Leather Trim Tassel Poncho, Stick & Ball, $595.00; stickandballco.com
Boot Sock Round Up H&S Top Picks The boot sock market is hot right now! And the sock drawers of our staffers continue to grow, for we simply cannot resist buying yet another pair of tall boot socks.With so many fun, cheeky, classic, luxury, expressive and sometimes borderline inappropriate options out there, how do you begin to choose? Here we round up a few of our current favorites.
Smart Horse Boot Sock by Dreamers N' Schemers, dreamersnschemers.com
The Ra Ra Knee High Sock by Mother, motherdenim.com
Lurex Interlocking G Socks by Gucci, gucci.com
Hey, Unicorn! Magix The Unicorn Jewelry Collection Spread love and good vibes, and gain a little luck in the saddle with the evergrowing, and always-breathtaking, Magix the Unicorn jewelry collection by MAS Bisjoux. MAS Bisjoux, the collaborative effort of Boss Babe/It-Girl Morgan Shara and Bisjoux jewelry founder Karin Wilzig, is whimsical, luxurious, statementmaking perfection. In her early 20s, Morgan lost her mother to cancer. She was compelled to create something truly magical to symbolize the memory of her mother and cultivate a message of hope and positive energy. And from that loss, Magix the Unicorn was born. “What I thought would turn into a little jewelry collaboration with my friend, became my personal project of spreading hope, love, peace and joy,” says Morgan. Featuring a variety of material options, from gold plated to 18k, platinum to diamond embellished, these New York City-made pieces are equally suited for day-to-day as they are for special occasions. And did we mention a perfect addition to your ROOTD? So jump on that horse and ride away as the newest member of the “good vibe tribe.” Magix The Unicorn Collection, MAS Bisjoux: masbisjoux.com
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OUT&
about
N I C R O L D A N ’ S 3 R D A N N U A L S U N S E T P O L O & W H I T E PA R T Y – WELLINGTON , FL
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6. 3. 4. 7. 1. The poolside scene at Nic Roldan’s 3rd Annual Sunset Polo & White Party at the Wanderers Club in Wellington, FL. The benefit raises funds for Brooke USA, a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules 2. Nic Roldan, currently the leading American polo player and a Brooke USA ambassador, is all smiles as he uses the world of polo to help animals in need 3. Brooke USA Board Member and Event Co-Chair, Katherine Bellissimo, and her husband, Mark Bellissimo, pose for a picture before the fun 4. Members from Brooke USA offer information about the program, as well as pictures and stories of the animals and families they work with 5. Adolfo ‘Poroto’ Cambiaso Jr. had his game face on for the charity match 6. Professionals and amateurs saddle up to ride for the exhibition polo match 7. Laura and Ransome Rombauer enjoy the event, and donated a Napa Valley wine experience to benefit the auction
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Photos © Annan Hepner (1), Emma Miller (2,3,4,7), Enrique Urdaneta (5,6)
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Annie Heise
A
nnie Heise is a bit of a Renaissance woman. Equal parts equestrian, actor, and now designer, Annie is no stranger to the perpetual search for creative outlets. Funny, focused and down-to-earth, her dedication to each of her crafts is palpable. In her latest role as founder and CEO of recently launched Two Bits Equestrian, a collection of tailored equestrian athleisure, Annie has managed to seamlessly blend a lifelong love of design with her devotion to riding. While her film and TV credits include NBC’s The Blacklist, ABC’s Madoff and a number of independent films, Annie has a newfound appreciation for the freedom and agency her latest endeavor affords her. “What’s been really fun about [the collection] is that it’s something really creative that I have control over. Unlike acting, my destiny isn’t a question mark dependent on directors, producers or casting people. This is like my baby. When this idea came, I kind of just ran with it because, similar to indie movies, I like very engaging, creative projects.” As a lifelong equestrian, Annie caught the horse bug as many girls do. However, after her first pony, her family moved away from supporting the high-priced sport. She stayed in the irons on friends’ horses and catch rides, and rode for an eventing trainer during and after college. Recently, as she transitioned back to the hunter jumper show circuit, Annie noticed both a gap in the market and the creative opportunity she had been looking for. She thought about the amount of time she and fellow equestrians spend in
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their riding clothes – at the horse show, running to and from the barn and to other commitments, but couldn’t find comfortable and stylish athleisure options for that crossover lifestyle. “As horse people, we don’t often change out of our riding attire, so we don’t want to feel like our clothes are limiting us. I was having a lot of trouble with this, and pulling from other brands that were either literal sportswear, or looked too much like mismatched streetwear. I asked myself, ‘Where’s the happy medium here?’ It was something I couldn’t find…so I made it!” Two Bits Equestrian was born out of Annie’s passion for all things aesthetic as well as a philosophy to create and consume consciously. The collection of quality staples includes bomber jackets, pullovers and hats designed and produced sustainably and ethically in Los Angeles to enhance a capsule wardrobe. In addition to meeting a need, Annie also sought to change attitudes and behaviors around clothing consumption. With a “quality over quantity” approach, she prioritized creating timeless pieces meant to be well-loved and utilized – coveted, but not necessarily collected. “I think we’re a very wasteful culture, inherently. We no longer keep and repair items that we love. I’ve been struck in the last five or so years by how we’ll buy a t-shirt, and after a few washes it has a hole in it, so we just throw it away. What really went into making that shirt? What if we could instead pick items that have more longevity to them by design and are made of materials manufactured with quality?” This minimalist attitude is a decision that Annie believes can become a personal
‘As horse people, we don’t often change out of our riding attire, so we don’t want to feel like our clothes are limiting us.’
expression. “I like that legacy idea – you can be proud of the things that you own because they are a clear representation of who you are and what you’re about. Investing in a smaller number of thoughtful specialty pieces tells a story about the wearer.” The intention is evident in each detail and choice incorporated into the inaugural collection. The line is composed of flattering neutrals – greys, creams and charcoals in rich fabrics that are designed to drape, hug and support any silhouette throughout days spent equally in the saddle, in meetings, or out on the town. Thoughtful details such as classic equestrian embroidery, contrasting ribbing and premium zippers afford the line a sophisticated feel. “I chose to do a lot of neutral colors because I wanted people to be able to look stylish but not have to think really hard about it. It lives right in between a zip-up and a leather jacket – something you can put on when you’re leaving a workout that makes you look relatively dressed up, but still comfortable.” The collection’s signature bomber jackets are made from ethically and sustainably sourced fabric and are designed to be lightweight, warm and comfortable. Available in oatmeal terry, charcoal bamboo and the ever-popular grey herringbone, each jacket has a slightly different fit, fabric and function. “The herringbone is the dressiest and to me, the easiest to pair with anything. The bamboos are the most technical, really stretchy, breathable and great for riding
and moving between temperatures. The large loop terry pieces are just really yummy – so soft and cozy with a nice weight to them.” Both the bomber’s herringbone fabric and the pullover’s large embroidered crest are drawn from inspiration in traditional riding habits. The integrity of the collection acknowledges that in recent years, riding apparel has moved largely toward sporty, technical fabrics; however equestrian heritage remains in tailored clothing. Annie cites the traditional hunting textiles and silhouettes of vintage Ralph Lauren as inspiration, but adds an updated twist – breathable, nontoxic and naturally antimicrobial fabrics. The modern equestrian has a lot more than their ride and dinner plans to contend with, however. Ample amounts of time spent in the sun and dirt: working, training, spectating often make for sweaty, smelly and stained attire. Two Bits pieces naturally combat odor, are nontoxic and easily machine washable.
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Concerns about the physical waste and ethical issues surrounding fast-fashion were another motivator for Two Bits to do things differently. The fast-fashion industry is notorious for exploiting overseas workers and creating countless pounds and gallons of textile and water waste. Many consumers are also usually unaware that many fast-fashion garments are made with petroleum-based fibers that do not readily decompose. Fabrics used by Two Bits have a Global Recycle Standard (GRS) Gold Level Certification, which ensures that the fabric’s weavers have met standards similar to those of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), wherein companies must disclose the amount of harmful resources and processes used (chemicals, energy, water consumption, waste water treatment and sludge disposal.) This certification also prohibits use of certain chemicals, requires that waste water be extensively treated and pays careful attention to workers’ rights. Two Bits textiles are also Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, meaning that they make no contact with harmful and illegal substances throughout all stages of production. Annie notes, “The more that we can support the use of sustainable and nontoxic fabrics, the more it will become the norm.” As a first-time apparel designer, the journey from conception to launch has been a fast and furious one for Annie. “It’s taken a lot of calls and emails. I’m a very communicative person, and I like to have
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other people enthusiastic and engaged in the process. It was important to me that the pieces were USA-made. The LA fashion district is booming and I wanted to be very close to the process, so that if there was an issue, I could learn about it, understand it, and be right there to fix it.” Choosing similar-minded local patternmakers and manufacturers is only one of the many conscious elements that Annie has infused into her line, and it speaks to her firm desire to get it right. Details such as recycled packaging, premium no-snag zippers, and versatile fits contribute to the longevity and positive impact of the clothing. Although the entire collection does not meet her original unisex goal, Annie took immense care for Two Bits to fit a variety of body types and to stand up to the demands and shifts of an active lifestyle. “The contrasting ribbing on the side [of the bomber] is flattering and ensures that it has a lot of give. I had a pregnant lady try one on, and she was saying ‘Oh my god, it fits, it works! And it’s going to shrink right back when I’m done being pregnant!’ I loved that. I realized, ‘That’s so beautiful, the design is functioning and working for real women!’” This spring, Two Bits Equestrian not only launched as an industry success, but the fulfillment of a personal vision for Annie. “It’s been very surreal – to have people
‘To make people feel they’re beautiful while wearing things that will function for their lives, it’s very rewarding.’
touching the clothes, trying them on, getting excited and invested in the story behind the product, and supporting a young female entrepreneur. In this current world climate, it’s been very nice to have people who think that what I’m doing is brave and who want to know more.”
“Early in the process, it can feel really scary and alone. But once it was actualized and people were drawn to it – it has meant more than most things I’ve ever done. To make people feel they’re beautiful while wearing things that will function for their lives, it’s very rewarding.”
As she heads back into production to meet growing demand for her pieces, Annie continues to reflect on the bold moves and the system of support it took for her vision to come to fruition. She cites her close family and friends (equestrian or not) as her main supporters and cheerleaders and naturally, as those who have been the first to embrace and don the line wholeheartedly.
Two Bits Equestrian represents more than one woman’s personal journey – it is imbued with a philosophy of consciousness, quality, function and timeless style, all elements that equestrians are familiar with. However, in a market of abundance, the collection challenges buyers to examine their purchasing habits and lend a sharper eye to their own lifestyles of
consumption. As for the modern rider, the versatile textiles and sophisticated details don’t hurt either. Two Bits is currently available through tbequestrian. com, though horse show and retail popup appearances are announced regularly through the brand’s Instagram and email list. With future plans for technical fabrics and other transitional pieces, Annie continues to steer Two Bits in a direction that will redefine specialty clothing and embrace the athleisure category. tbequestrian.com
@twobitsequestrian Two Bits Equestrian
N E W product
alert
by Pam Maley
A Breakthrough Saddle
Makes its Debut
Can you feel it? A wave is gaining momentum as the eventing and jumping worlds discover the revolutionary new saddle proudly unveiled on May 1 st by Bates Saddlery! Prior to its official launch, the Bates Advanta had an immensely successful teaser campaign that culminated in previews at the Kentucky 3-Day Event in the U.S., and the Sydney International Horse Trials in Australia. Event attendees were able to view the saddle, learn about it, and even book a test-ride. Bates retailers around the world have held exclusive preview events and rides during the entire month of April, prompting accolades from the riders.
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B
ates Saddles opened its doors in 1934, but it wasn’t until 2001 that they were launched here in the United States. When thoughts of developing a purposedesigned cross-country and jumping saddle began to take shape, Bates Saddles advocate, top-level eventer Allie Sacksen, was their first choice to provide feedback during the development of the Bates Advanta. MEET ALLIE SAC KSEN Allie was intrigued with the idea. A Pennsylvania native, she had done summer internships at Bit of Britain Tack Shop in Chester County, and had enjoyed working on product development for the brand Nunn Finer. She enthusiastically agreed to test-ride a prototype, lending her firsthand experience to suggest changes and tweaks to improve performance. She competed in the Bates Advanta prototype at the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event in 2017, on her gray 15.3 hand Connemara/ Thoroughbred cross, Sparrow’s Nio, who
Photo © Alison Green Photography
is a crowd favorite. “Nio is a horse full of personality; you always know what he is thinking. He’s the king of the barn and does not let anyone forget that. I think he’s a crowd favorite because he’s a lot like the little engine that could.” Allie began eventing as a Pony Clubber, achieving the rare “A” rating at age 18. She knew then that her future would be in horse sport. Her partnership with Nio began in 2010, when she bought him following the heartbreaking death by lightning of his half-brother Marshall. Nio was seven, and he’s now almost fifteen. “He did his first event with me,” she says. “I’ve really enjoyed the process of bringing him along.You can forge so much better a connection, a trust, that way. To get around a 4* course, you have to have absolute trust in each other.” FOR THE COMFORT OF THE RIDER One of the changes to the design of the Advanta in which Allie was most instrumental, is the development of the most forward flaps that Bates has ever manufactured. “I’m 5'10," and I have
struggled for many years to find a saddle that fits my long leg, but Bates has finally done it! Eventing requires the rider to be able to move around in the saddle while on course, and this saddle has managed to allow that without interfering with my position. I’ve had some of my students ride in my saddle as well, and have seen incredible transformations in their positions.” Allie believes that one of the keys to jumping is the proper heel-hip-shoulder alignment. “Many people don’t realize that an ill-fitting saddle makes riding so much harder. My students vary in height, and because of the adjustable FlexiContourbloc®, I can shape the flaps to work for any length leg.”The saddle features two movable FlexiContourblocs® that are anatomically contoured to the leg, one at the front and one at the rear. They can be moved to adjust to any rider, and then secured with two screws under the flap. In addition, the stirrup position can be changed with the Adjustable Ergonomic Stirrup Bar, enabling a wide variety of riders to customize the support and position offered to them in the Bates Advanta.
Photo © Alison Green Photography
“I still do a lot with Pony Club, and I can recommend this saddle for children. It can change as the child grows, and can be adjusted for a different horse.” Bates saddles also feature the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution, coupled with the CAIR Cushion System, to ensure a comfortable fit for the horse. While the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution is simple enough to be done by the rider, Bates always recommends the advice of a good saddle fitter. FOR THE COMFORT OF THE HORSE Unlike other saddles, which are stuffed with flocking that can shift, the CAIR system in
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Bates saddles, introduced in 2001, is unique, in that it fills the pockets with air, resulting in a saddle that provides fluid cushioning that moves with the horse’s working muscles. “I have a variety of shapes and sizes of horses in the barn and we can make my saddle fit any of them,” Allie tells us. “I have also noticed that with the CAIR Cushion System, none of my horses suffer from sore backs or discomfort.” All Bates saddles are designed for ultraclose contact, with luxurious doublelined leather renowned for its super-soft, natural, and grippy characteristics. The innovative mono-flap design ensures
unrivaled close contact, and for that reason, Bates recommends only a thin saddle pad to keep the rider as close to the horse as possible. WORKING TOGETHER Allie’s husband Sam travels with her to competitions; he’s her calming aura, she says. No stranger to pre-competition nerves, he is an Olympic Pentathlete, now a veterinarian doing his internship. Together, they run Von Sacksen Eventing in Landenberg, Pennsylvania, 15 minutes from Fair Hill, where she does all of her fitness work on the beautiful rolling hills. The family now travels as a threesome,
since the birth of Anastasia (Annie) early this year. One of their first journeys together was to the trade preview of the Bates Advanta on January 26th, where she saw, for the first time, the final iteration of the saddle. “It was pretty incredible,” she says. On a recent outing with her new Advanta, Allie competed at the Jersey Fresh International, which always falls on Mother’s Day, where she received the Philippa Humphreys Memorial Sportsmanship Award, an outstanding achievement. It is presented in memory of a rider that died at Jersey Fresh from a cross-country fall in 2016, leaving behind an infant daughter, Millie. The award goes to a rider who “demonstrates fairness, respect and responsibility; selfless equine management; passion and commitment for the betterment of eventing; and outstanding mentorship and relationship skills.” It was particularly meaningful and a bit emotional for Allie, a new mother herself. “I couldn’t help thinking about Annie.” As part of the award, a donation was made in Allie’s name to Millie’s college fund, a meaningful legacy. When we spoke with Allie, she was on her way to teach a clinic in Chattanooga, TN. “It will be my first time away from Annie for more than a couple of hours.” Theirs is truly a family business, housed at her parents’ farm; Allie’s mom is Annie’s full-time nanny. “We’re doing what we love; we look forward to getting up in the morning. If a bad thing happens, as it inevitably does, one smile from Annie puts it into perspective. I am so lucky!” batessaddles.com @batessaddles @batessaddles
2019 Tour Dates
THE KENTUCKY INVITATIONAL CSI3* APRIL 26-27 THE LEXINGTON INTERNATIONAL CSI2* MAY 22-26 NEW
THE SANTA FE INTERNATIONAL CSI2* AUGUST 14-18 THE SONOMA INTERNATIONAL CIS2* SEPTEMBER 4-8 THE COLUMBUS INTERNATIONAL CSI2* SEPTEMBER 25-29
THE COLUMBUS INTERNATIONAL CSI3*-W OCTOBER 2-6
T H E good
life
by Claiborne & Lime photographed by Kristen Beinke
Entertaining at
MEADOW FA R M
For our inaugural column, it only made sense that we would start at home in Santa Barbara. We decided to feature Meadow Farm, one of the most beautiful horse properties in the area, home to Lee and Elizabeth Gabler, their daughter Annalise, as well as horses, chickens, bunnies, and pigs. The pastoral property is located on 15 idyllic acres in the heart of Hope Ranch, and features a gorgeous eight stall barn, citrus and avocado orchards, a stunning vineyard, and more. Many readers might be familiar with Meadow Farm’s successful show horse, Soldier, who has won countless hunter derbies with John French in the irons. summer 2018 ¡
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Annalise Gabler with her first pony, Cappuccino Golden hour at Meadow Farm
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Left to right: Meadow Farm assistants Rogelio and Chuy, with head manager Jose Yanez
M
eadow Farm is managed by Jose Yanez, along with his assistant managers, Chuy and Rogelio.The team of three takes care of everything, from the extensive care of the horses to beekeeping, maintaining the immaculately kept grounds, tending to the organic garden, the organic coffee orchards, vineyards, and everything in between. Beth’s sister, Ruth Brand, is another vital component of Meadow Farm. Ruth lives on property and is an integral part of the daily happenings at the farm… most recently, she helped to raise the newest members of Meadow Farm – golden retriever pups Callie and Alfie! While Jose, Chuy and Rogelio do most of the heavy lifting around the farm, it’s important to note that Elizabeth is just as involved with the horses’ care, and has a personal relationship with every horse. In fact, the evening of our photo shoot, she stayed late afterwards mixing up a bran mash for each of the horses. Turns out it was one of the horses’ birthdays, and she decided everyone deserved a treat! Elizabeth is a true horsewoman in every sense of the word, and the horses’ love for her is evidenced by their reaction to her entering the barn… let’s just say there’s quite a bit of commotion the moment they hear her voice! We were thrilled at the opportunity to spend a day with Elizabeth, as she splits her time between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, where she is President of Twentieth Century Fox. Putting together a casual dinner party under a canopy of oak trees is easy when the surroundings are already so beautiful. It also doesn’t hurt that one of Elizabeth’s closest friends is chef Diana Cuttrell of Dining With Di Catering, who wowed us as always with her homemade asparagus and tomato tart. We went for an elegant, effortless tabletop with gorgeous Juliska china and glassware, bone flatware, Belgian table linens, and garden inspired florals by our go-to Santa Barbara florist Laura Sangas. As a female entrepreneur, Elizabeth is an inspiration and a role model, not only because of her immensely
successful career, but also because of her ability to balance her demanding work life with her role as a mother, wife, and loving caretaker of the horses living at Meadow Farm. We had the chance to sit down with Elizabeth and get the inside scoop on the story behind Meadow Farm, her equestrian history, and of course, how she entertains! Claiborne & Lime: Can you tell us a little more about the story behind Meadow Farm?
Elizabeth: My husband Lee and I had been looking for a very special horse property near the coast for several years. We looked from Mendocino to San Diego and up and down the East Coast as well. My heart was always in Santa Barbara, however, since my days as a student at UCSB. On our 7th wedding anniversary in 1996, we decided to go and look at “this property” that we knew was for sale in Hope Ranch. It was a gorgeous Saturday in October, and when we set foot upon the fields of Meadow Farm, three red-tailed hawks flew overhead. We knew in that moment that this was meant to be our farm, and we bought it that weekend. Our farm was once the equestrian part of one of the original Hope Ranch estates, designed by George Washington Smith. One of the previous owners was a three-day eventing enthusiast, so much of the property was laced with a beautiful cross-country course. He also had a small dressage ring, and a show jumping ring at the top of the property. The original race track from the inception of the farm was intact. There was a small six stall barn, the last of three connected barns on the original property. Finally, there was a heptagonal hay barn, designed by Lutah Maria Riggs, who at that time, was the associate of George Washington Smith. She also designed the small cottages on the farm. Our concept was to create a family home in the traditional country style at the top end of the property and devote the lower portion to the horses and other animals. We retained the basic outline of the track and built paddocks surrounding our riding ring. The barn was constructed along with a guest house and garages
The guest cottage at Meadow Farm
Kara, Moo and Magic Elizabeth and Annie with Callie and Alfie
on the lower part. Finally, we put the historic hay barn on a flatbed truck and moved it from the upper part of the farm to its present site adjacent to the horse barn. We’ve tried to retain as much of the natural quality of the property as possible, and we even have a secret garden with a small waterfall and pond – very peaceful and meditative! We grow avocados, citrus, apples, peaches, berries, vegetables, Chardonnay grapes, and have bees for honey. We have 2 dogs, (Callie and Alfie), one cat (Rick), 13 hens, one rooster named Coconut, 3 pigs (Buzzy, Snort, and Ziggy), 2 rabbits (Cocoa and Captain) and of course, the horses, pony, and two miniatures (Magic, Blue, Moo, Kara, Cappuccino, Josey Beth, and Moxie). Our show horses, Soldier, Maritime, and Monaco, and pony, Strawberry Swirl are often able to come for vacation from their busy show schedules! Meadow Farm has always been a place of great peace and happiness, where animals and humans live in harmony. It was important to us that our daughter, Annalise, grow and thrive on the farm and be able to appreciate the beauty of nature and all the creatures who live here. Each morning, as I watch the horses walking to their paddocks to enjoy their lives, I am so grateful for the blessing of calling Meadow Farm our home. C&L: Can you tell us a little
more about your equestrian background? When and how did your love of horses begin?
Elizabeth: I have loved horses since I was a tiny child, and got my first horse at 11, after begging my parents for many years. My mother’s best friend owned a beautiful Thoroughbred breeding farm on the shores of Chesapeake Bay and I visited her as a child. One of my most magical memories was walking into her barn and seeing all the horses put their heads out of the stalls. I thought it was heaven and dreamed that one day, I could call a place like that home. Many years later my husband Lee and I moved to Malibu, California. I began riding with Lucy and Rusty Stewart, and my dream of owning and showing hunters was realized.Then the greatest dream of all, having a place to bring
those horses, was realized when we moved to Meadow Farm. C&L: What’s the best party you’ve
ever hosted or attended, and why?
Elizabeth: One of our most beloved traditions is our Meadow Farm Easter party, which we hold on the Saturday BEFORE Easter! We hold the party by the barn and hide eggs all over the property. After a big picnic lunch I gather the children and ring a big cowbell to start the frenzied hunt for the eggs! C&L: Do you entertain often at home?
Elizabeth: We love entertaining at home. We’ve had numerous nonprofit events for hundreds of people; Annalise’s birthday parties, including carnival rides; an Italian opera dinner for the UCSB Trustees; clam bakes for 6; and everything in between.We even had a grape stomping party for the first Chardonnay harvest! But the most fun is just getting a few friends over to ride or sit by the pool and making lunch or dinner together! C&L: How would you describe your personal style?
Elizabeth: My personal style is very spontaneous and exuberant, but pretty low key. I pay great attention to every single detail; nothing is too small for me – from the flowers to the color of ribbons around dinner napkins. I love design and making things look inviting and beautiful. Since I’m the oldest of six children, I am used to having lots of people and animals around. My taste is very traditional and I love English country design.We collect antiques and Lee has a woodworking shop on the farm where he makes furniture and other creations. He’s especially into painting and finishing the pieces he builds. I love natural fabrics, especially crisp cotton and cashmere. I think it’s all about comfort and inspiration! claibornelime.com
@claibornelime
Claiborne & Lime Design & Production: Claiborne & Lime Floral Design: Cody Floral Design
Tabletop courtesy of Coast 2 Coast Collection
“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met� ~Thoreau
traditional riding . progressive teaching . proven results
O N the
cover
by Alli Addison photos by Alli Addison & Taylor Rea
PALM Horse & Style takes
SPRINGS
F E S T I VA L S , FA S H I O N , FOOD & FUN Palm Springs has been experiencing a renaissance for some time now – the architecture, the food, the culture, the fashion, the scenery. There is an it-vibe that cannot be denied, making this California desert oasis the Instagram-worthy destination it is. Simply put, Palm Springs is HOT right now, literally and figuratively.
It’s a treasure trove of the who’s who; the festival-goers flock here by the thousands, the foodies come to indulge, the adventure seekers trek to Palm Springs to explore, the artsy types come for inspiration, and the Equestrian set … well, we come for plenty too. Palm Springs and the surrounding desert valley are an Equestrian Mecca, with major winter circuits attracting top athletes in equestrian sport, and polo fields that go as far as the eye can see, giving the sport of kings a little West Coast edge. But this destination continues to evolve, expand, and become more alluring with every passing year. Horse & Style had to investigate further – we had to see, hear, taste and experience all that is Palm Springs today. And we were in desperate need of a good old-fashioned road trip. We set our sights on Stagecoach Music Festival, packed our bags with our best boots, hats, sunglasses and more, loaded up the Chevy, and headed out west. This is our journey. This is Horse & Style Takes Palm Springs.
summer 2018 ·
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HOW TO GET THERE Palm Springs has a great little airport located two miles east of downtown, which was named one of the top 10 ‘Most Stress Free Airports’ in the country. It is entirely convenient. However, there is something to be said about driving into the desert. So if you must fly, and if you are willing to take your time, consider flying into San Diego or Los Angeles instead, renting a car and then setting forth on an adventure. We were fortunate enough to be able to drive down in our Chevrolet High Country truck, taking in the beauty of the desert around us as we drove through the fields of wind turbines, turned off to explore on some old dirt roads, and stopped in for a quick look-see at the world famous Cabazon dinosaurs. There is no better trip than a road trip. And in the Southern California desert oasis that is Palm Springs, there is no better place to find new roads.
I’ve
developed a love affair with the desert. It’s an infatuation that began over 15 years ago when my husband and I started visiting the area, seeking adventure. I fell in love with the warm weather, the barren landscape, the sun, the stars, the wildlife, the dirt (yes, the dirt) and the sunsets, with their pastel, sherbet-like colors of periwinkle, peach, buttercream, rose, cantaloupe, and lavender. Nothing beats a desert sunset. I reveled in the opportunity to roll down the windows of the truck, turn on some feel-good music, and let the wind blow through my hair. As cliche as this may sound, it really is a spectacular feeling. I recall so vividly one of my first trips to the desert with the man that would become my husband, in his meticulously cared-for black Chevrolet Silverado (back then he had the coolest truck in town, and who am I kidding, he still does), listening to Elton John’s Tiny Dancer, covered by Tim McGraw. The night was warm, but out of nowhere a storm had rolled in and it began to rain. We listened to that song on repeat, driving through the desert with the windows cracked, and the rain gently coming down. The smell of the rain as it hits the desert floor is intoxicating. And not
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a moment goes by that I don’t think of that night when I hear Tiny Dancer. As the years wore on, I fell in love with the surrounding communities where I discovered the art, the culture, the food, the hip stay-overs, and the antiques. Oh lord, the antiques. I once took my then twoyear-old into several antique shops in Palm Springs’ famed historic antique district, only to walk out experiencing a mild panic attack. And then came the winter circuit horse shows, where you learn to sit back and let Mother Nature take her course. For some days the desert weather is grand, and other days, the desert weather is downright apocalyptic. But in all my years of desert trekking, there was one thing I hadn’t yet attempted. And that was a festival. Gasp! So when our team at Horse & Style Magazine made the decision to revisit Palm Springs and experience a legitimate music festival, Stagecoach Music Festival no less, well … I couldn’t miss that wagon. My first order of action was to review my closet. When given the opportunity to dress up and push the limits on style, I jump in head first. I pulled all my boots, hats, sunglasses, dresses, shorts, flowy tops, bohemian frocks and western garb. And
W H E R E T O S TAY Palm Springs and the surrounding desert valley are filled with posh, hip, one-of-a-kind places to rest your head, each with a funky vibe and endless list of amenities that keep you wanting to return again and again. We landed at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club on Palm Canyon Drive and instantly fell into a mid-century desert trance. The folks behind this sun-washed hip locale reimagined what was once a 1960s motel and Denny’s diner into a 179-room hotel, spa and resort. The end result is nothing short of spectacular. Our room was designed to embrace the Palm Springs indoor-outdoor lifestyle with French doors that opened to a private fireplace-shaded patio. Concrete floors kept the space feeling cool to the touch when we would return from a day of festival going and exploring. And the surrounding resort made us never want to leave this little slice of heaven. Chill out at the Feel Good Spa for an ‘organic, simple experience’ including the popular guided treatments, body work, aloe wraps and body brushing. Cool off at The Swim Club, a ‘deep, cool, people-made sea’ that serves up excellent food, swanky tunes from the pool-side DJ and even better libations from the staff of knowledgable mixologists. Monday nights are Fabulous Bingo Nights at the Ace, a weekly flamboyant and sassy tradition that has visitors and locals alike shouting aloud. But if there were anything that truly, over-the-top impressed us, it was the food. The King’s Highway (formerly the Denny’s diner) and The Amigo Room (this dark, fantastical old world bar filled with curiosities) served up some of the best fare we’ve had in a long time. For breakfast, try the Overnight Oats & Acai or the Avocado Toast with an Egg on top. For lunch, you cannot go wrong with the Grilled Yellowtail Tacos and Mandarin Carnitas Tacos. And for dinner, we couldn’t get over the Dry Heat Chicken Sandwich. But the one item that had us over the moon was the Ace’s take on a desert valley staple: The Date Shake. This mixture of Medjool dates, whole milk and vanilla bean gelato, all topped with a straw-pierced date was just the sweet treat we needed, morning, noon and night. We couldn’t get enough of them. Wanna taste a bit of Palm Springs? Try our version of The Date Shake:
• • • •
4 pitted Medjool dates, chopped 1/4 cup milk or vanilla almond milk 1 1/4 cups of vanilla ice cream Pinch of pink sea salt
In a blender, blend the dates and milk until smooth. Add in the ice cream and pink sea salt, and blend a bit more. Pour into a large chilled glass, serve immediately and enjoy a bit of Palm Springs, wherever you are. Ace Hotel & Swim Club 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA. 92264 760.325.9900 | acehotel.com
then my husband walked into my chaos and spoke two festival fashion buzz-kill statements: 1. “you cannot bring all of this.” and 2. “what am I supposed to wear?” I thought to myself, “Ok, ok, husband ... go pound sand.” But on the exterior, I’m pretty certain I stared at him blankly, spoke not a word, and maybe added in a few disapproving blinks. But my job had begun and I had my work cut out for me. We went full California-hip and got a room at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club on Palm Canyon Drive. I curated and edited my packing situation to the point of exhaustion, mapped out our road trip in the GPS, planned a few fun activities for myself and husband dearest, researched the holy heck out of where and what to eat, and set forth.
Vintage Chevy
The Hart and The Hunter
The morning of our departure arrived and we were tasked with loading all of our (ahem, my) luggage. At this point, I was nowhere near ready to admit that I had overpacked for our desert adventure, and was internally thanking the powers above that we had a roomy full-size pick up truck to transport what honestly looked like half of my closet.The first leg of our journey took us to Malibu to visit family and then into West Hollywood to grab a bite to eat. We landed at The Hart and The Hunter located adjacent to the Palihotel on Melrose Avenue, which served up a medley of new age southern cuisine and undoubtedly the best Oatmeal Ricotta Pancakes we’ve ever had. And we’ve never had Oatmeal Ricotta Pancakes, so let me rephrase.The best pancakes we’ve ever had. After fueling up, we jumped back into the truck and headed south making our way across Los Angeles and escaping into the tranquility of the desert. A quick enough jaunt from Los Angeles, roughly 2.5 hours, proves just why Palm Springs and its surrounding communities act as such a draw from the city life. As we made our way onto old Highway 111 in the late afternoon, passing the infamous sea of wind turbines (an Instagram favorite) and the always popular Cabazon Outlets, the desert mountains to the west towered above, casting a soft and tranquil shadow on the city below.The air was warm and dry, and the city was bustling with energy as thousands poured in for what would become a record-breaking Stagecoach Music Festival crowd. We pulled into the Ace Hotel and Swim Club, unloaded our copious amount of luggage (which did not fit on one single
W H AT TO W E A R In Palm Springs and the surrounding desert, there is an anything goes mentality when it comes to style. Especially during festival season. Mod, Bohemian, Western, Sporty, Tropical, Vintage ... Each seems to have a place in the land of the posh wild, wild west. But it’s the combination of these trends, paired with a no-holds-barred on pushing the limits, that really make an outfit come to life. Break out of your comfort zone. Try to avoid getting stuck in the cutoffs, boots and tank tops rut. Palm Springs is THE place to let your fashion creativity run wild and free. I was mesmerized by a young fella in a straw fedora, with white capris, a tropical printed new-age Tommy Bahama kimono, classic aviator sunglasses, flip-flops, layer upon layer of necklaces, shirtless and covered in tattoos.
Essential Ariat boots
OUTFIT DETAIL S Pg. 50: ‘Finding New Roads’ and searching for adventure in Palm Springs. Cavalry Cap, Saddle Club; Hold Your Horses Chambray Shirt, Erin Kate; Vintage Red American Legends Bandana, Saddle Club; Farrah Over the Knee Boots, Ariat; Accessories Model’s own Opposite: ‘Hitting the Road’ and Palm Springs bound. Camo Jacket, Saddle Club; Fiddler Faux Leather Fishermans Cap, Brixton X Urban Outfitters; Santa Fe Bandana, Saddle Club, Bounty Sunglasses, Karen Walker; Darlin Shortie Boot, Ariat; Accessories Model’s own Right: ‘Desert Casual’ for a warm, sultry evening out in the desert valley. Percheron Hat, Vanner Hats; Alex Duster, L’Academie; Dawn Wide Leg Trousers, Ariat
He straight up owned this look, and without a doubt came to party. We too came prepared with our best desert wear, but learned some valuable lessons along the way. And it all started with footwear. From lounging by the pool, to exploring the desert, and then trekking our way through the festival scene, good quality, comfortable shoes proved their weight in gold, again and again. But one shouldn’t have to sacrifice style to attain this level of comfort. Upon examining the many pairs of shoes we brought along for the ride, each had a consistent trait; comfort-based technology with footbed support and superb cushioning. It was with the Ariat family of boots, boots, boots, and more boots that we were saved. Our style was not sacrificed, and although our legs were tired from miles upon miles of walking, at least we were
in a position to do it all again the next day, unscathed. And that ability is what makes for a priceless pair of boots. In addition to good, comfortable shoes, we found value in the desert accessories, with hats, sunglasses and bandanas being used to not only add stylistic flair, but to help protect us from the desert elements. And how to carry everything? Festival gates open at noon and close at midnight (reentry to the festival is not allowed, FYI), and while we didn’t make it there first thing each day, we were still on the festival grounds for quite some time. So we needed to be able to carry our belonging and necessities. Backpacks, new-age modern fanny packs (key word, modern), crossbody bags and wearable phone cases all came in handy. At some points, I started to inch my way closer to bag-lady status, but at least I felt prepared.
1.
F OR THE BOYS When we started mapping out our Horse & Style Takes Palm Springs adventure, the first question my husband asked was ‘what on earth am I going to wear?!’ The weather is hot, the miles are long, the terrain is dusty, so comfort is key. But no man wants to sacrifice style. Here’s our Horse & Style top picks for all the boys.
2.
1. Ariat’s Fuse athletic shoe is built with an innovative insole and contoured massage footbed to soothe and re-energize those tired festival-weary and hiking-sore feet. Fuse, Ariat, ariat.com 2. When in doubt, throw on a classic t-shirt. In the desert heat, a great fitting tee with a vintage vibe has all the style you need. It’s an American Classic. Vintage Logo T-Shirts,
3.
Chevrolet, chevymall.com
3. Linen is every desert-dweller and sun-seeker’s best kept secret. Easily dressed up or down, this classic buttonup shirt will keep you cool while looking sophisticated and relaxed.
4.
Linen Shirt in Sand, Stick & Ball, stickandballco.com
4. Jeans, jeans, jeans. While attending Country Music’s biggest West Coast festival, you cannot go wrong with a good pair of classic jeans. Rebar M3
Straight Leg Jean, Ariat, ariat.com
5.
5. Don’t underestimate the power of a good, comfortable fitting pair of boots. These VentTEK Ultra Western Boots come with good looks and comfort to spare, making them a perfect choice for Stagecoach Music Festival, playing a little polo in Indio or exploring Palm Springs. VentTEK Ultra Western Boot, Ariat, ariat.com
6.
6. Cant escape the heat? Cool off in a pair of sleek and slim shorts like these Rebar Utility Shorts. Rebar Utility Short, Ariat, ariat.com
7. Don’t forget your bandana. The desert elements can quickly turn, and windstorms are a common thing while in the valley. The bandana will not only keep you looking good, but it will come in very handy when battling a dust storm. Vintage Blue American Legends Bandana, Saddle Club, shopsaddleclub.com
7.
Outfit Details: ‘Dark Horse’ featuring an all-black ensemble with airy, western vibes. Skirt, Nightcap Clothing; Isabel Hat, Vanner Hats; Sarah Phone Case, Bandolier; Bodysuit, Wrangler; Ilana Pull On Boot, Frye; Harvest Sunglasses, Karen Walker; Accessories Model’s own
luggage cart), took a peek at our simple yet swanky room complete with a private patio and fireplace, and headed straight for the swim club. The vibe was everything you would want and expect from Palm Springs, with great music, great drinks and even better scenery. Day one set off the weekend for a whirlwind of fun, sun and all the country music our ears could handle.We woke in our cozy room at the Ace and made our way to the pool for some people watching and a little breakfast.The morning was still quiet, the weather pleasant, the food delicious and the Stumptown Coffee flowing. I tend to be very judgmental when it comes to coffee, and The Ace Hotel had this one down, serving up one of the best lattes I’ve had in a long time. Come afternoon we made our way toward Stagecoach Music Festival, and upon arriving, the energy of the over 130,000 people hit us. Pedicabs whirled by at lighting speeds, people packed in their lawn chairs and ice chests like sherpas, the dust was billowing and
the sun was beating down. It was everything I expected from Stagecoach. And everyone was filled with excitement.We entered the grounds after a long, grueling trek, grabbed a couple of cocktails and began our exploration. The lineup that first evening included big names like Tanya Tucker, Kelsea Ballerini, Jake Owen and headliners Florida Georgia Line. Once the music started, we tucked away our phones (they didn’t work anyway thanks to a massive lack of cell service) and soaked in the Stagecoach desert night. Day two presented us with even more excitement, beginning with Chevrolet’s Boots on Stage 3rd Annual Shindig in the Desert, located several miles from the main music festival. Celebrating 100 years of Chevy Trucks, this event pulled out all the stops.Vintage trucks were on display for viewing, the new Colorado was available for off-roading demonstrations, and Levi’s was on site with their custom denim embroidery truck embellishing a mix of vintage vests, shirts and bandanas. Lawn and party games were available, Airstream
trailers serving up cocktails to help beat the heat, and so much more. Then there was the line-up of live music, dancing, an attempt at roping (lessons needed), and more, building up to Tyler Rich’s performance on stage. The afternoon was fun, fun, fun. We left the shindig in the desert and headed back over to Stagecoach Music Festival. Brothers Osborne delivered, as expected; as did Midland, Dwight Yoakam (classic), Granger Smith, headliner Keith Urban and more … But all the buzz and excitement seemed to circle around Kacey Musgraves who knocked it out of the park with her 70s country-meets-funky vibe. I was immediately hooked. The final day of Stagecoach Music Festival was the one everyone had been waiting for. There were so many great acts that evening, and we really enjoyed the set by Lee Brice. Simply put, he was fun and chill and put on a stellar show. But the big ticket item, the one we all came to see, was the man himself: Mr. Garth Brooks. My husband and I have
GRAB A BITE The desert valley has burst onto the food scene, with old favorites serving up the classics and newcomers shaking things up.Try these worldclass eateries for a true taste of Palm Springs. Rooster And The Pig
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100 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA. 92262 760.392.2020 | 4saintspalmsprings.com The Barn Kitchen
1130 East Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA. 92262 760.327.2300 |sparrowslodge.com
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been fortunate enough to see him in concert before, but with each show, we continue to be floored. This night was the night where you could feel the energy pulsating. Stagecoach Music Festival announced record breaking crowds who came to see one of the greatest entertainers in music history. And the crowd was in for a treat, as Garth has been touring for some time with his lovely wife Trisha Yearwood, who makes appearances in the middle of his set each show. The lights dimmed, the giant G logo went up on screen and the rest was history. Garth Brooks killed it: The Thunder Rolls, That Summer, Rodeo, Shameless, The Dance, Friends in Low Places. He played them all with more energy than I could ever muster, and it was with that performance that the massive crowd knew; there is no one better to wrap up Stagecoach Music Festival than this man. We left Palm Springs the following day exhausted yet beaming from our experience. And as we loaded up the truck and headed home, we began our Stagecoach Music Festival detox. A detox that lasted a solid week. But now, as the time has worn on and the weeks have passed, we find ourselves experiencing Stagecoach Music Festival withdrawals. For we truly never wanted to leave Palm Springs. Horse & Style will be back for more fun in the desert sun!
W H AT TO D O
Stagecoach Music Festival: Cannot think
of a better excuse to escape to Palm Springs and the surrounding desert than for Stagecoach Music Festival – the best country music festival in the West.The musicians, attractions, food, drinks, fashion, weather and more make this insanely well-orchestrated event the best way to kick off the spring season. Once you experience your first Stagecoach Music Festival, you will be hooked and will come back again and again. stagecoachfestival.com
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: The
world’s largest rotating tram car ascends twoand-one-half miles above the desert valley to give the most picturesque views around, at an elevation of 8,516 feet. pstramway.com The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens: We
discovered this gem by chance, and immediately declared it to be one of our favorite attractions of the desert valley, and favorite zoo experiences, to date. For children, both young and old, this
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family-friendly accredited zoo and gardens is an incredible environment to explore, learn and marvel in the beauty of a desert landscape. livingdesert.org
Joshua Tree National Park: If Palm
Springs is staking its claim as an Instagram mecca, then the dramatic and distinctive Dr. Suess-like Joshua Tree National Park is not far behind. But beyond the jaw-dropping photography opportunities, Joshua Tree presents visitors with so much adventure it may prove difficult to immerse yourself in the Joshua Tree experience in just one day. nps.gov/jotr Imperial Sand Dunes (aka Glamis):
Visiting the desert valley for an extended weekend, or possibly committing yourself to winter circuit? Then consider the 2-hour drive to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, south of the Salton Sea.The dune system is the largest in the state of California, and the largest offhighway vehicle recreation area in the entire
country (yes, you can drive in the dunes). It will transport you to what feels like an entirely different planet.There is a reason why films such as Star Wars and The Scorpion King have been filmed in this otherworldly location. The dunes extend more than 40 miles, reaching heights of 300 feet above the desert floor.The nearby 26,000-acre North Algodones Dunes Wilderness area provides a ‘tranquil alternative to the fast-paced action of the main dunes’ and is a beautiful environment to walk or ride horses. blm.gov/visit/imperial-sand-dunes Polo School at Empire Polo Club:
Another excellent opportunity to get out of the three-month-long winter circuit rut and explore the area is to learn something new... in the form of Polo! Empire Polo Club has partnered with the Los Angeles Polo Training Center and Polo School to offer private and group lessons during the winter season, December to March. Jump in the saddle, pick up that mallet and explore something new. empirepolo.com/polo-school
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PA L M S P R I N G S TO P 10 M U S T H AV E S A collection of the items we cannot do without when taking on Palm Springs. 1. Ariat’s western-inspired ‘Dulce Boots’ are made for walking, and stomping, and dancing the night away during festival season. Dulce Western Boot, Ariat, ariat.com 2. Tie this one on for size. Transform your look with an oversized, Italian silk polo-inspired scarf wrapped around your head for total equestrian-bohemian vibes. 3.
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Large Polo Pony Silk Scarf in Grey, Stick & Ball, stickandballco.com
3. The best way to keep your phone safely by your side, looking chic, while staying easily accessible for all your picture-taking needs is with the line of hip leather phone cases by Bandolier. Sarah Case in Brown, Bandolier, bandolierstyle.com
4. Cult-favorite OUAI Rose Hair and Body Oil is multitasking luxury in a bottle, hydrating dry desert skin and hair while locking in moisture fragranced with notes of rose, bergamot, lychee, cedar-wood and white musk. It’s also our newest intoxicating obsession. Rose 5.
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Hair and Body Oil, OUAI, theouai.com
5. Do not attempt the desert without a good pair of sunglasses. Ray-Ban’s classic collection of aviator styles will never let you down. We are particularly partial to these unisex black-rimmed Pilot sunglasses. Pilot Sunglasses in Black, Ray-Ban, ray-ban.com
6. Layer on the jewels. It’s Palm Springs, and anything goes! Stick & Ball’s Brass Polo Mallet Bracelet is modern-desert-chic and a perfect addition to any Palm Springs outfit. Brass Polo Mallet Bracelet, Stick & Ball, stickandballco.com 7.
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7. While lounging at the pool, we couldn’t get over the scent of Sun Bum’s Original SPF 50 Suncreen. It’s “summer in a bottle” and vitally important under the desert’s harsh heat and rays. Original SPF 50 Sunscreen, Sun Bum, trustthebum.com
8. Comfort is key when taking on a music festival or while exploring the surrounding landscape of the desert valley. Ariat’s latest offering in their sport shoe lineup has all the comfort-based technology you need, in a perfect stylemeets-sport mash up. Fuse in Grey, Ariat, ariat.com
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9. Top off your Palm Springs look with a great straw hat, like the classic minimalistic and unisex Lawrence straw fedora by California-based Vanner Hats.This baby was made for Palm Springs. Lawrence, Vanner Hats, vannerhats.com 10. We were constantly reminded to stay hydrated during our Palm Springs adventure. At the festival, out on the road exploring the valley in our Chevy pick-up, lounging at the pool – might as well stay hydrated in style. BKR’s spiked 1Liter silicone and glass water bottle is edgy-smart-waterdrinking-cool. Spiked Naked 1L, BKR, mybkr.com
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profiles
STYLE
by Sarah Appel & Terri Roberson
Trendy Trainer Kate Straw Hat, Maison Michel Paris, $547 Round-Frame Gold-Tone Sunglasses, Alexander McQueen, $440 Diana Long Sleeve Mini Horse Pink, Rönner Design, $199 New Grip Breeches, Cavalleria Toscana, $345 Bicolor Braid Belt, Cavalleria Toscana, $145 Original Refined Gloss Boots, Hunter, $165
Rosé All Day It’s safe to say that rosé is experiencing its fifteen minutes of fame right now. The dry crispness, the affordable price range, and the all-day drinkability… what’s not to love about it?! The pink hue also makes a glass of rosé in hand about as pretty as it is delicious. And the fashion world has caught on, making the pairing of the rosé color palette with nudes and whites almost as popular as the drink itself. So whether you’re being offered a glass of wine in the VIP at a swanky horse show, or you’re buying the perfect pair of pink pants on Vendor Row, just remember to say, “Yes way, Rosé!”
Ambient Amateur Cutout Western Shoulder Bag, Balmain, $2,450 Ibiza Squishee Bucket Hat, Eric Javits, $170 Wright High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, Brock Collection, $98 Gold-Plated Charm Necklace, Ralph Lauren, $995 Liana Flat Sandal, Tory Burch, $179 Embroidered Cotton Blouse, See By Chloé, $365
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Jovial Junior Grey and Pink Scroll Ballcap, Ariat, $20 Blair 5 Perforated Leather Sneakers, Vince, $195 Kendall Distressed High-Rise Skinny Jeans, GRLFRND, $250 Medium Julian Nubuck Backpack, Rebecca Minkoff, $275 Horse Charm Necklace, Ralph Lauren, $125 Pompom Shirt, Dada Sport, $140
Pony Mom Pink Napoli Medium Leather Tote, Bottega Veneta, $2,800 Capriole-Palomino, Katharine Page, $340 Linen Top With Horse, Balmain, $650 Double T Link Braided Watch, Tory Burch, $195 Rosé All Day Hat, Tickled Pink, $28 Romania Jeans, Weekend Max Mara, $250
Gorgeous Gent Round Frame Sunglasses, Bottega Veneta, $510 Steel, Mission Belt, $40 Stockton Skinny-Fit Distressed Denim, AG Jeans, $200 Classic Fit Madras Shirt, Polo Ralph Lauren, $98 G-Timeless, 38mm, Gucci, $920 Pink Captain’s CVO, Sperry Top-Sider, $60
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JOIN US!
Ilana Halpern (916) 751-9600
LO C AT E D I N T H E E A S T B AY H I L L S OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
awakeningsporthorses@yahoo.com
feature by Emily Pollard photography courtesy of Desert Flight
Desert Flight A LOV E L E T T E R TO THE SPORT OF SHOW JUMPING
E
ven before watching the film, I knew I would love it. In a world driven by tweets, headlines, and pictures, the art of letter writing has taken a seat in the back; and the love letter? …well forget it, that one is sitting outside in the hallway. So … I fell in love with Samia Staehle’s new film based on the title alone: ‘Desert Flight: A Love Letter to the Sport of Show Jumping.’ Any work that pays homage to the art of the love letter immediately endears itself to me. As I watched the screening, chatting with Staehle throughout, and observed the reactions of the rest of the audience, there was no question: I was thoroughly in love! ‘Desert Flight’ draws you in; and tears, laughter and smiles abound on and off the screen.
Staehle was raised overseas, and she developed a fondness for the ponies and horses wherever she happened to be living, from the Pony Club outside of Geneva to the New Delhi Children’s Riding School. She fondly recalls placing third at India’s National Championships in a division amusingly called “the Jumping Children.” As often happens, college and career derailed her riding for several years during her twenties when she became a video editor and news producer for Associated Press Television, mostly in London and Paris. Back in the U.S. for good, she fell in love all over again at 35 when she started leasing a horse that she took to local shows near Seattle. That lease led to owning a horse, and then to owning several, and now, years later, she lives in Arlington, Washington on a farm, happily surrounded by 22 horses.
The film is dedicated to the sport of show jumping, but the source of the deep affection emanating from the screen is decidedly Staehle herself. She lights up with enthusiasm as she talks about the film, illuminating her every word and gesture. She is excited to share this warm, intimate, artful insight into the sport and the people and horses who inhabit its world.
Staehle follows the West Coast ‘A’ circuit, primarily to Thermal, Thunderbird and Spruce Meadows. Along these travels she has met the fascinating men and women that, as she explains matter-of-factly, “the horse world tends to attract.” These ‘horse people,’ she goes on to say, “are hardworking individuals of enormous character, sharp senses of humor, and a willingness to be completely humbled
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on a regular basis, as that seems to be what happens, regardless of who you are in the sport.”
Richard Spooner
Will Simpson
Mandy Porter
Rich Fellers
These common personality traits are readily apparent as the film showcases interviews with riders, including Richard Spooner, Rich Fellers, and Mandy Porter. As they tell their stories, and these stories weave together, I realized that humility is the name of the game, driving their approach to the horse.With anecdotal humor,Will Simpson brings out one of the best aspects of show jumping: equality of age and gender. I realized that this is one of the things that makes the sport incredible: it is anybody’s class to win. Staehle was pleased that this message came through in the film. “Aside from the vexing issue of cost,” she explains, “equestrian disciplines are without a doubt the most egalitarian sport there is. Men and women compete on an equal basis at the highest levels and there is no particular advantage to age or lack of age, only experience and effort matter.” Watching the film, it becomes apparent that the fact that fortune favors the brave, and not the big, or young, or old, or brawny – is a large part of why the love for the sport is so strong. In show jumping, character counts. Staehle also feels that the sport of show jumping allows people to make a connection that is rapidly getting lost: the connection to the land we live on, the animals we share the world with, and the beauty that unites it all.This was one reason she chose to highlight the venue of Thermal, California in ‘Desert Flight.’ She explains that on a personal level, there is a connection between Thermal and her childhood, “The dry beauty of the desert and the show’s hidden dusty trails take me right back to India, to a land of adventure and freedom.” She adds that the connection to the land in the very southern part of California is one that is important to all equestrians, as it has a close proximity to Mexico, a country with traditions that are deeply rooted in the horse.The footage of Thermal’s desert dawn break, the vast mountain ranges, and the desert foliage and shrubbery provide a magical backdrop to the story being told.The sport of show jumping, and indeed all horse sports, draws its people far from their everyday world of electronic
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screens, and into the sunlight in some of the most beautiful places in the world. One of my favorite quotes from Staehle illustrates why she believes having a connection with horses, as animals, is so important. “Modern life comes with a kind of intellectual malnutrition when it comes to animals,” she points out, “and the next generation is increasingly aware of this. I wanted my film to capture the visceral way in which horses enrich our lives and heighten our senses.” ‘Desert Flight’ leads viewers to realize that the result of this ‘intellectual malnutrition’ is that, in not having an intimate connection with an animal, humans miss a real opportunity to be in tune with themselves. During the film, when Richard Spooner works with a horse on the lunge line, or Buddy Brown handles a horse in its stall, it is apparent that the energy that is brought to the horse sets the tone for the energy the horse gives back.While managing one’s own energy while working with animals is a big responsibility, ‘Desert Flight’ shows that the rewards, short term and long term, are even greater.With regard to the short term rewards, Staehle explains, “Think of entering a horse’s stall. It should be a terrifying thing for a human to do! Yet despite the horse’s size, power, and agility, the horse remains calm, kind, generous.That is the immediate reward – the horse offers its presence and peace at first meeting.” The long term reward presents itself as the privilege of working in partnership with the horse. As the horses interact with their riders in ‘Desert Flight,’ jumping the seemingly impossibly high Grand Prix course, it is humbling to realize how hard these animals work for their riders. And the riders, who develop incredible patience, bravery, creative thinking and commitment in order to partner with their equines, need only repay the horses in fairness, kindness, and love. At the conclusion of the 2017 AIG $1 Million Dollar Grand Prix in ‘Desert Flight,’ my heart nearly burst and tears pricked my eyes as I felt through the screen the intense, selfless connection each rider has for his/her horse, and each horse has for its rider. The film seemingly asks and answers the question, “Is there a love better than this? No, no there is not.” One surprising way I could feel this special connection in ‘Desert Flight’ was
through the artistry and dedication of the team that crafted this film; and that is not to say they spent copious amounts of time on scripts, planning and scene searching. Quite the opposite. Staehle went to Tell Studios, (a production company that she and her husband had worked with in the past, though never on equestrian related projects), showed them the who, what, and where of the film she had in mind, and then (with an admitted slight level of trepidation) said, “Go!” Armed only with Staehle’s mandate to “go and find out what drives these horse people to do what they do every day,” the team spent three weeks taking images of the locale, interviewing the people involved, and documenting the Grand Prix. After artfully editing it with a slice of cool (using dubstep to display the heightened suspense in the final class was genius – talk about goosebumps!), the team ended up crafting a beautiful, compelling film with a powerful message. Which sort of sums up how universal the themes of the world of show jumping are; a production team with no knowledge of the sport or of horses could easily and lovingly capture its essence. When asked why she wanted to make this film, Staehle got serious, and somewhat solemn. “I have heard people describe show jumping as a sport without a future, and while I can understand the basic reasoning behind that statement, I have the strongest objection to it. I want this film to bear witness to the fact that a life with horses is both worthy and relevant to our times. I believe horses show us all the path forward.” This message is a powerful one, and her words make intellectual sense, for certain. But her film ‘Desert Flight’ made me feel this message from deep within. I had no plans to ride the day I screened this film, but as soon as it was done, I headed for the barn to get in a ride before the sunset. ‘Desert Flight’ reminded me about everything horses and show jumping have to offer: connection, companionship, drive, and of course, love; and I didn’t want to miss one day without experiencing and cherishing the gift of being a ‘horse person.’
An aerial view of the grand prix ring in picturesque Thermal, CA
L–R: Ryan Koral, Samia Staehle Buddy Brown and John Azoni Mandy Porter and Milano over an oxer in the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix
The talented Tell Studios team takes a break, horse show style
‘Desert Flight’ is currently showing at various equestrian events and on the film festival circuit. To learn more and watch the trailer, visit desertflightmovie.com. Be sure to register for updates on the film’s release later this year.
summer 2018 ·
rachel Saunders Fine Art
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TH
ANNUAL
Menlo Charity Horse Show Benefiting
Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Save the Date
august 7 - 12, 2018 At the Beautiful Menlo Circus Club in Atherton, California
MENLOCHARITYHORSESHOW.ORG
•
#MENLO2018
feature by Alli Addison photography by Melodie McDaniel
DARING TO CLAIM THE SKY THE COMPTON JUNIOR POSSE
Photo by @christel robleto/MOPLA
“
Our goal is to continue to provide a safe haven for at-risk youth, to guide both academic and career choices, and to give youth the opportunity to experience different cultures and environments outside of their neighborhood.
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Nearly 30 years ago, the Compton Jr. Posse was formed by Mayisha Akbar to provide inner-city youth with an alternative to the lure of the gang and drug lifestyles. What Akbar created was a year-round, after school alternative focused on offering an education, developing discipline, instilling responsibility, fostering self-esteem and giving hope. And this all came in the form of horses. Through a variety of equestrian activities and programs, Akbar found that there was no better investment in the future of these children than with the lessons they were gaining in an equestrian environment. Akbar’s program has helped generations of participants go to college, to enter the military and to embark upon entrepreneurship, giving each member a true framework for success. In 2015, California-based writer Amelia Fleetwood was introduced to the Compton Jr. Posse and felt immediately inspired to tell this story. Fast forward three years; Amelia has partnered with American still photographer and director Melodie
McDaniel. Together they have produced their first monograph, ‘Riding Through Compton,’ and have just wrapped up their first presentation, entitled ‘Daring To Claim The Sky,’ in conjunction with Month of Photo LA, a 38-piece exhibit that ran through the month of April and early May in downtown Los Angeles, California. The goal of this year’s festival showcase was to cover a range of subject matter, including “uplifting stories that serve as a testament to the human spirit.” The presentation, curated by Audrey Landreth, organized by Amelia Fleetwood, and featuring the photography of Melodie McDaniel, accomplished just that. Daring To Claim The Sky was captivating, thoughtful, powerful and hopeful all at once. And our team at Horse & Style Magazine was left speechless by the beauty and storytelling capability of each and every single piece. We had to learn more, so we sat down with event organizer Amelia Fleetwood and photographer Melodie McDaniel for deeper insight.
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H&S: ‘Daring to Claim the Sky’ has been a passion project three years in the making. How did this all begin and what was the inspiration behind it? Amelia Fleetwood: I was introduced to the Compton Jr. Posse by Olympic Gold Medalist Will Simpson, who often has coached the kids from the organization. Their motto: “Keeping kids on horses and off the streets,” says it all. Knowing personally how healing horses are; and seeing first hand the importance of exposing kids from the inner city, and at-risk youth to the power and wonder of horses inspired me to share the good work of founder Mayisha Akbar through photography. As we all know, a picture tells a thousand words. I asked my friend and photographer, Melodie McDaniel (whose photographs, in my opinion, tell many thousands of words) to become involved in following the organization for a few years, with the joint desired goal of a photographic show and a coffee table book. I was inspired by capturing a moment in time, an important moment in time, and sharing it with the world. H&S: Each of the subjects interviewed and photographed certainly had an amazing story to share.Were there any that truly stood out? Melodie McDaniel: So many of the kids struck a chord with me. Every one of them has an incredible spirit and I was so inspired by their passion for riding and the hard work it takes to make it happen. Each has a story that touched me. But Nathan
Allan Williams-Bonner truly stood out with his passion for equestrian sport and how hard he has pushed himself to become a great equestrian athlete. Nathan dreams of competing in the Olympics someday, but what amazed me most about this young man was how passionately he worked with the younger kids to improve their equestrian skills, and mentoring them on how to nurture, respect and connect with the horse. H&S: Can you expand upon your wonderfully-received art presentation in conjunction with Month of Photo LA? MM: Amelia and I were lucky enough to be invited to show with MOPLA during their photographic takeover in Los Angeles during April 2018. Cat Jimenez runs MOPLA and was a fan of my work. We worked with a brilliant curator, Audrey Landreth, who was moved by the project and my huge body of work that we had amassed. Audrey’s expertise in telling stories was evident in the 38 photographs that were chosen to be printed and exhibited. We also deliberately chose a natural raw walnut wood frame lightly waxed to harken back to a feeling of an old barn, keeping the feel very equestrian. H&S: Now that the project is complete, you can look back at the work, what was accomplished, and captured.What does this project mean to you today? AF: This project is very near to both of our hearts. The closeness an observer feels
from looking at the photos represents the level of respect and awe that Melodie has for all her subjects. Through her eyes we are shown another world, a world of hope and pride and challenge, and ultimately we see victory. It is a feel good story that we are so excited to share more fully with our upcoming book. MM: For me, I am of African American / Jewish decent. It truly makes me proud to have observed and captured the Compton Jr. Posse kids excelling and representing diversity in the equestrian community. It is the diversity that they represent that becomes an interesting story. I continue to photograph and follow the kids touched by the Compton Jr. Posse, often cheering them on at horse shows, and I’ll always show an interest as they grow into young adults. I am excited to see how their journeys unfold. Prints are available for purchase by contacting Amelia or Melodie directly: cjpshowinfo@ gmail.com and the monograph “Riding Through Compton” is available for pre-purchase through the publisher, Minor Matters.
GET CONNECTED: @melodiemcdaniel @comptonjrposse @ameliabodelia
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B A R N envy by Sara Fernandez photos by Rachel Porter
Each 12' x 12' stall features beautiful wood with hand-carved cutouts on the bottom half of the walls to facilitate the movement of air, and a door with mesh on the lower half and bars on the top
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¡ summer 2018
South Haven Farm
Scott and Courtney Lenkart
BARTONVILLE, TX Designing a barn of your own is a dream come true. Courtney and Scott Lenkart of South Haven Farm in Bartonville, TX made that dream a reality with their stunning and innovative facility, including a gorgeous 32-stall barn. Making dreams a reality goes beyond the barn for this couple, who specialize in developing horses and riders from foundation to high performance. summer 2018 ¡
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The arched entryway features walls lined with large blackand-white prints of Courtney and Scott on their favorite horses
Hidden storage behind bridle racks
C
hoosing a top notch interior designer, Cory Pope of Dallas, TX, helped to bring their ideas to fruition from the ceiling concept to the colors, as well as the elegant yet inviting corridor, office, and lounge areas. The barn features dark wood beams with a whitewashed ceiling, creating a welcoming warmth as well as elegance. Beyond the beauty, the ceiling is insulated to keep the barn warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Every aspect of the design reflects Courtney and Scott’s combined years of experience caring for horses and their familiarity with every part of the daily routine. Many hours were spent figuring out the most efficient design for horses, clients and staff, including the “H”shaped layout of the barn, with the grooming stalls and wash racks in the center aisle. The wash racks are all stone, with recessed shelves for supplies.
360° saddle racks
From laundry to tack, the innovative details are impressive. The grooming stalls back up to the laundry room, and each one is fitted with two cabinets: one through which dirty laundry can go into a chute that takes it directly into the laundry room, and another that has been filled from the other side with clean saddle pads, wraps, and towels. The tack room saddle racks are mounted on a section of wall that turns 360 degrees, so that in the morning, they can be turned to face the grooming stalls, and at night they can rotate back into the tack room.
Stylish office/lounge
A truly 5* changing room
Outdoor grooming stalls
Scott’s friend Kent Farrington gave him a particularly ingenious barn building tip: bridle racks are placed on special hideaway doors that when pushed, open to reveal bits, girths and extra equipment, so supplies are easily found and clearly visible. No digging through the tack trunk! The same thoughtful attention to detail was given to the development of the entire property. Contractors (and clients) Angela Dominguez
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View of the property from the pond Outdoor arena and track
and Mike Barber, worked with the Lenkarts to evaluate water flow and drainage so that all runoff from the barn, the indoor arena, and surrounding properties flows directly into the pond and is recycled to water the rings and the landscaping. The 275' x 150' outdoor arena is located directly next to the 90' x 175' indoor ring so that riders can move in and out of both areas, providing unique options for courses. Other amenities include large and small paddocks, a Theraplate, and a European walker. Set away from road and adorned with mature trees, South Haven Farm is a truly a haven for horses and riders, whether resting after a successful circuit or preparing for the next one.
southhavenfarm.net @southhavenfarm South Haven Farm
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C URA TED by an by Laurie Berglie photos by James Berglie
equestrian
SAM ROBINSON Black Jack Blues, oil, 24"x30"
I have been writing this column for more than a year now, and I have loved every minute of getting to know and learning more about these talented equestrian and sporting artists. Art is something that is near and dear to my heart, so being able to explore this passion and share it with our readers has been such a joy! This edition’s Curated artist is fellow Marylander, Sam Robinson. I know that I’m slightly biased here because his paintings feature some of my most favorite stomping grounds, (Pimlico Race Course, the ElkridgeHarford Hunt Club, Fair Hill, etc.), but I’m sure you will all agree that Sam’s stunning work reflects the traditional spirit and the classic nature of the equestrian sporting life.
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AFTERNOON WITH AN ARTIST This article was the perfect excuse for me to visit Sam at his studio located in the gorgeous Greenspring Valley of Baltimore County, Maryland. While I’ve been an admirer of his work for quite some time, I hadn’t had the opportunity to visit Sam’s studio and see his work space in person. Stepping inside was like entering my own personal heaven, complete with beautiful representations of the equine at work and at play in ‘Maryland, My Maryland.’ As I wandered around his studio with my photographer husband in tow, Sam told me a bit about his background. “I knew from a very early age that I would be an artist,” said Sam. “I was raised mostly
in South Korea as the son of medical missionaries, so when I started to show interest in drawing, my parents engaged a Korean artist to teach me the Asian style of brush and ink painting. This has influenced my brushwork, relying on broad strokes to say as much as possible in one touch. Later, I attended the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) for a more Western course of study. I found the life drawing and figurative sculpture classes the most important for fundamental skills. Even with the early contribution from the East, I view myself as squarely in the Western tradition of painterly realism.” Sam’s studio is a charming stand-alone building located on the remainder of an
old family estate. It’s a short drive from where the Maryland Hunt Cup, an historic steeplechase, is run every April, and only a stone’s throw from the Green Spring Valley Hunt Club and kennels. The first floor is set up as a reception area with couches for lounging, art books for browsing, and paintings for admiring adorning every wall. Most of the work displayed is equestrian, so it’s easy to spot Sam’s specialty. “Although I had attended the Hunt Cup many times, I did not recognize the potential for foxchasing and timber racing as a subject until I was asked to paint a portrait of a local Master of Foxhounds. I went out to a hunt meet one morning to see what was going on, and that was it for me! This was a Maryland landscape, but with wonderful figures moving through it, animating the space, and with a good story. Now I find landscapes without figures somehow empty.” Give Sam a country race, a local point-topoint in particular, and you will see some of his best work. “The resulting paintings, when assembled into a show, will often reflect a particular season, and the participants will hopefully find themselves in it. I am often told stories about figures in the back of a painting, a mere few strokes, who are identified by the way they sit the horse, or some other detail of local knowledge.” “MORE PRESENT, MORE VIVID” Up a narrow staircase to the second floor found us in Sam’s work space, an incredibly large, bright room. Lots of natural light spilled in from the windows, and a glance outside showcased Maryland in all her springtime splendor: overwhelmingly green with pops of color, tranquil yet vibrant. What a perfect place in which to create.
Sam Robinson, artist
Sam Robinson’s studio
Tools of the trade were on every surface: paint brushes organized by size filled canisters, various sized palettes hung on the wall, and a half-completed piece stood on its easel. His current work in progress was a scene from the previous weekend’s local steeplechase; his medium of choice for that piece was oil. “My primary medium is oil paint. My larger work is in oils, but I have also developed a fondness for working in gouache, an opaque watercolor medium. It enables me to work very quickly in a technique that is enough like oil painting to be a good way to investigate subjects that might make successful larger oils. When you find me painting en plein air at the races, I will most likely be working small and using
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Stretch Battle, gouache, 11x14"
Race Program, oil, 20"x12"
Schooling at the 100 Acre Field, gouache, 11"x14"
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gouache. These are rapid attempts to get something of the scene committed to paper. Working on location is an essential ingredient for me, as difficult as the subject might be (horses don’t pose for long!), but I get better light and movement. It’s hard to express in words, but there is a way to make things seem more present, more vivid, when shaped and colored by the hand and eye. A mystery I admit, but a fascinating problem to attempt to solve!” While Sam enjoys painting onsite at the local races, he also takes commissions. “Like Franklin Voss or Alfred Munnings, commissions are a large and welcome part of my practice. But, those painters did something greater, that I hope to at least shadow, and that is to leave a rich record of the continuing tradition of racing and riding. At first, the hopeful artist derives some interest in his work from the fame of the horse and rider, but with hard work and some luck, the horse and rider will derive some form of immortality from the fame of the painter. Hubris? Maybe, but I’m having a lot of fun trying!” C A P T U R I N G LO C A L LEGENDS Sam has painted a variety of wellknown figures in the racing world, and I was absolutely swooning when I was shown these pieces in person. The first was of Triple Crown Winner American Pharoah, whom Sam painted when he was training at Pimlico prior to winning the Preakness Stakes in 2015. An aptly titled, “Good Morning Pimlico,” depicts a relaxed Pharoah making his way to the track for his morning work-out.
of Ben’s Cat, strong and healthy on his way to race, I could see the Pimlico Grandstands filling with a lively crowd, I could smell the late spring Baltimore air mixed with my sunscreen, I could hear and feel the music thumping from the infield. It was obvious from our conversations that Sam, too, loves the Maryland horse scene, but he does have an idea to expand a bit. “My plan going forward is to make the time to go further afield. Baltimore County is home base, but Virginia and Pennsylvania are full of even more hunts and races to explore. I have brought my easel to several MidAtlantic events already, and I have traveled to the West Coast to paint at Santa Anita.” “ T H E S E A N I M A L S H AV E BECOME MY MUSE” As our meeting and my tour came to an end, I happily perused a stack of gouache studies for sale, two of which I ended up purchasing. Both showcase the best of local Maryland racing: one with a racehorse and lead pony at Pimlico, Preakness tents looming up ahead, and the other capturing the bustling backside of the track at the Timonium Fairgrounds.
The second painting was of Ben’s Cat, turf horse extraordinaire and four-time Maryland Horse of the Year. A local legend for us here in the Old Line State, I had watched Ben’s Cat streak across the finish line time and time again; last year Ben passed away from colic shortly after retiring from racing at 11 years old. Seeing his likeness on canvas allowed me to relive his victories, especially the ones I’d experienced in person, a few more times.
Even though Sam is not an equestrian himself, he absolutely counts himself as part of our community. “I don’t ride. I value my observer status. I bring my own viewpoint to the scene, but quickly learned I had little idea of what was going on. The great fun, and continuing fascination with this subject, is learning about the sport. Visiting the various fixtures and courses, meeting the many good people who welcome my attention to the thing they love most, and being gently schooled by all who want me to know the particulars and get them right, has opened a unique world, steeped in tradition. These people and animals have become my muse, and my aim in my work is to go beyond recording the facts of the scene and look instead for the essential character and style of the sport and the landscape that contains it.”
And that’s what art does for us – it evokes feeling, memories, the good times. While looking at the painting
@samrobinsonfineart
samrobinsonfineart.com
“
At first, the hopeful artist derives some interest in his work from the fame of the horse and rider, but with hard work and some luck, the horse and rider will derive some form of immortality from the fame of the painter.
“
Clearing Skies, oil, 16"x20"
Lap Rug, oil, 30"x24"
Entering the Ring, oil, 18"x24"
OUT&
about
WO R L D E Q U E S T R I A N C E N T E R W I N T E R F I N A L E – W I L M I N G TO N , O H
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5. 1. Lily Swartz and Serenity win the $2,000 2'6" Non-Pro Hunter Derby 2. Catherine Reinhart and Captivate take a picture after their win in the Summer Series I $2,500 USHJA Hunter Derby 3. All in the family! Jenna Buchan with her mom Margaret Buchan take 1st and 2nd, respectively, in the $2,000 2'6' Non-Pro Hunter Derby 4. Richard Reinhart on Quick Tempo smiles as he accepts his check for winning the WEC Summer Series I $7,500 Futures Prix 5. An adorable model poses for a ringside WEC ribbon photo shoot 6. Wilhelm Genn and Van Gogh fly through the course to win the WEC Summer Series I $25,000 Grand Prix 7. Winner of the WEC Summer Series II $7,500 Futures Prix, Sarah Meier aboard F16, shows how it’s done 8. Strictly Business gets a well-deserved pat from Jennifer Farless after winning the USHJA $2,500 Non-Pro Hunter Derby
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Photos © Rance Rogers Photography
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DININ G
out
by Laurie Berglie photos by James Berglie
T H E W H I P TAV E R N Coatesville, PA
You don’t have to be an equestrian to enjoy a pint or two at this traditional English pub located in the heart of horse country, but for those of us who are, this restaurant is pretty close to perfect. Located in the scenic rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, The Whip Tavern serves classic pub fare with a slight American twist.
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GETTING THERE IS HALF THE FUN Well, maybe it’s not “half ” the fun exactly, but it is enjoyable. My husband, James, and I had been in the midst of a complete kitchen renovation at the time, so hopping in the car and heading out to dinner had become the norm. This particular assignment for Horse & Style had come at just the right time. The Whip Tavern was just over an hour’s drive from my home in northeastern Maryland, so I settled in for what I knew would be a beautiful ride through the countryside. I’m a “let’s take the scenic route” kind of person, and this journey to dinner did not leave me disappointed. The sun had begun to set, Eric Church crooned on the radio, and we wound ourselves past horse farm after horse farm, including Phillip Dutton’s eventing and training facilities, and arrived at the tavern just before dark. Do not be alarmed if it first appears there is no place to park. There is another parking lot to the left of the building, but we also learned that double parking is common as well. The restaurant is actually an older house and looks right at home at the corner of this country lane, overlooking the pastures across the street. The moment I stepped out of our car, I smelled cows. I breathed deeply, relishing the early spring evening and the authentic country air! F RO M “ JAC K ’ S P L AC E ” TO T H E W H I P The property has been the site of numerous businesses throughout the years. According to a map drawn in 1883, the site was home to a small frame house and stone barn that housed a blacksmith and wheelwright shop. It is thought that the blacksmith shop slowly gave way to a service station as automobiles gradually replaced horses as a primary means of transportation. Owned and operated by Jack Rhodes, “Jack’s Place” took on the role as tavern, as he and his wife would prepare lunches and baked goods for travelers passing through town. The tavern continued to operate in various forms and under multiple owners until Luke A. Allen and KC Kulp purchased the property on April 1, 2004. They undertook an extensive refurbishment of the property and partnered with Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd., to design an English-style pub. The English theme was chosen for two reasons: first, The Whip’s location in the rolling hills of Chester County is very reminiscent of the English countryside, and second, the history of horsemanship in the area is strongly tied to the sports in England. The area surrounding The Whip remains one of the few where rural, open space has been preserved, and the Cheshire Foxhounds, founded in 1912, still ride to hounds over this very land. Additionally, southern Chester County is home to many nationally and internationally known racehorse breeders, trainers, and owners. While most people picture an oval track when thinking of horseracing, Chester County is widely-known for being a center of point-to-point and steeplechase racing.
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COME AS YOU ARE We entered the restaurant directly into the bar and could see the small dining room on the opposite side. Every seat at the bar was taken and a lively crowd, enjoying a Thursday evening, enthusiastically watched the Orioles Opening Day game on the television. The entire tavern is dimly-lit, paneled in dark wood, with wooden beams crisscrossing the rooms, just like your favorite English pub. Equestrian décor abounds with photos and paintings of foxes and horses, and vintage show ribbons, tack, and brass emblems adorn the walls. Come as you are to The Whip Tavern – anything goes. Businessmen and women
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sat at the bar next to equestrians clad in paddock boots and wellies. Not too far from us sat a couple who appeared to be on a date night, and next to them sat a group of friends, casually dressed as well, catching up over a pint. And speaking of pints, the establishment is beer, ale, and cider-only. They proudly feature For Fox Sake, an offdry draught cider made exclusively for the tavern by Big Hill Ciderworks. “There is no typical customer here,” said KC Kulp, co-owner of the tavern. “We have our regulars who are tradespeople, computer network engineers, chemists, entrepreneurs, successful business people, and, of course, equestrians. While there are many locals, our typical dinner service
will draw from all over the Brandywine Valley and into Lancaster County and northern Maryland.” DINNER IS SERVED As we sat down to dinner in the dining room, I took another glance around. The first thing I noticed was that everyone was smiling and laughing. The Whip is where you go to unwind, to see friends and neighbors, and to enjoy a really great meal. So yes, let’s get to the meal! For my appetizer, I started with the Bubble and Squeak, which was a skilletbrowned potato cake filled with a tender sauté of leeks and cabbage. It was delicious and just the right size, leaving
me satisfied but not too full to eat my entrée. My husband had the Scotch Egg, a hard-cooked egg wrapped in houseground local pork, lightly-breaded, and fried. He devoured it instantly, so I’d say this one is a pretty sure bet. I was torn between the Shrimp and Grits and the Roasted Chicken for my entrée, and after a bit of back and forth, I chose the latter. The pan-seared, free-range Frenched chicken breast with a Doe Run Farms Hummingbird cheese and leek polenta, sautéed kale, and a porcini mushroom madeira wine demi-glace was superb. It was rather large, so I was able to take half home to enjoy for lunch the following day.
Staying with the English theme, James had the classic Shepherd’s Pie. A large portion of ground lamb and vegetables in a savory gravy with garlic whipped potatoes was placed before him, and it made me second guess my choice! With the exception of the Scotch Egg, everything we had ordered accommodated my gluten allergy, and there were other dishes still that I could have sampled. James was too full for dessert, but I decided to partake, as I wanted the entire Whip Tavern experience! A smaller menu was produced with the heading “Sweet Feed,” which was the perfect touch. Being a coffee lover, it’s no surprise that I chose the Coffee Crème Brulee; it was infused
with Tally Ho coffee and topped with fresh whipped cream. Since my husband is a coffee hater, I knew I had this one all to myself! And thank goodness for that, as I enjoyed every last spoonful. We had a wonderful time and will absolutely make the journey north again, and hopefully soon! Head to The Whip Tavern for a good hearty meal among friends. Wear your Sunday best or your muck boots – at the tavern, you’ll fit right in. The Whip Tavern can be found at 1383 North Chatham Road in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. thewhiptavern.com
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OUT&
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B L E N H EI M EQU I SP ORTS SPRIN G S E RIE S AND RAN C H & COAS T CL A S SI C – SA N J UAN C APIS TRAN O & DE L M AR, C A
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1. Topaze Blue illustrating some scopey style with Amy Hess in the irons 2. Heyday in the SmartPak way John French rode Bansky and Boss to Grand Champion honors for owners Ann & Grace Russo and Laura & Stella Wasserman; and Skyhawk, also owned by Laura Wasserman, soared away with High Performance honors 3. More stellar style executed by Jenny Karazissis aboard Holland 4. Grace Miller and Luvin’ It won not just one but TWO Pony Hunter Classics during the Spring Series 5. After 18 years of handling awards like a true champion, Nani Leubke retires as Awards Coordinator for Blenheim EquiSports 6. Joe and Traci kickin’ it in the SoCal sun
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10. 7. Nick Haness looking handsome 8. Who's taller? Ty! The Simpson men have super smiles :) 9. Keri Potter and Bitalica in their victory gallop after winning the FEI CSI3* Gold Tour Grand Prix 10. Speaking of style, Amy McCool snapped a super shot of Hiller Farms’ Center Court with John French as pilot 11. Riding for Neil Jones Equestrian, Carly Anthony and Chacco clear the California wall and capture a Grand Prix win in Del Mar
Photos © Amy McCool, Captured Moment Photography (5,11) & EqSol (6,8)
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B E H I N D the
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by Alli Addison
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Free Rein · summer 2018
Taking Life by the Reins What if every woman could have effortless equestrian style? What if every woman could be equally comfortable in the saddle and on the streets? And what if every woman could step out in confidence, knowing she looks polished, tidy and ready to conquer the world? What if ‘what if’ were no longer the question? FxR Founders Andrea & Dana
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new brand hit the streets earlier this year, taking the modern equestrian from the city to the stables with sophisticated transitional ease. And in its short six months on the market, this newcomer has managed to grab the equestrian apparel sector by the reins, redefining what it means to be comfortable and confident in and out of the ring. Introducing Free x Rein. We caught up with the brains behind the operation, equestrian enthusiasts and boss babe powerhouses Andrea Hippeau Vogel and Dana Schwartz, to learn more about Free x Rein, their ah-ha moment, the journey towards their success and what’s new for the season. Horse & Style: Free x Rein launched earlier this year with an outstanding lineup of offerings. Describe in a nutshell what Free x Rein represents. Free x Rein: The collection is designed for both the avid equestrian and the everyday woman, a crossover collection
of bodysuits, pants and leather accessories that was inspired by the eternallypolished equestrian uniform. But a more transitional approach was needed. Women should have the freedom to move with ease and impeccable taste, whether they are going to school, work or the barn. So we designed our collection for the modern woman, whether she is conquering the show ring or her busy day.
H&S: Such a small world, but sounds like the foundation of a great friendship.
H&S: Before we dive into the collection offerings, let’s begin with your background and your clearly shared passion.
FxR: We met this woman while riding who had two kids and was lamenting to us how she had to wear Spanx underneath her breeches just to feel confident, secure and pulled together. We knew there had to be an alternative. This was really our ah-ha moment, a turning point for us, and the beginning of a two year journey. Meeting this woman and hearing her story gave us the steam to break out and do something about it. We first considered incorporating shapewear into riding pants, but instead decided to focus our efforts on material and cut. We wanted to keep that classic, feminine aesthetic, all while not appearing too costumey. From this, our figure sculpting breeches and performance enhanced bodysuits were conceptualized.
FxR: We both began riding as children, beginning with the typical summer pony camps, competing as children and juniors, and then eventually moving on to compete in college. [I took a break in college, interjects Dana, but couldn’t stay away for long.] Each of us wound up moving to the city [New York] but found that we needed a taste of the countryside, we needed riding to survive, to breath and to escape. To fulfill this necessity, we both ended up riding at Oxridge Riding Club. This is where we met and came to discover that we actually lived in the same building in the city!
FxR: We became good friends, and this is where Free x Rein was born. We saw a void in the marketplace, a frustration if you will. But it really all began with Spanx. H&S: How does Spanx fit in with this story?
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H&S: Designing and establishing a new apparel brand – even more niche: a new equestrian apparel brand – is no easy task. How did this early stage process go? FxR: Neither of us have a fashion background. But that didn’t deter us. We sought to create a product to first solve our own problem in and out of the ring, and it turned into something so much more. We worked with a shapewear designer first, poring over fabric and cut samples. We tested so many different fabrics, sourcing materials from around the globe. Everything is made in a great factory here in New York City. So we can manage every step of the process. H&S: Tell us more about the breeches. FxR: We offer two different riding pant styles; our Derby Riding Pant and our Signature Ponte Riding Pant. We consider these the ultimate breeches for hunter jumper riders. The Derby Riding Pant is the most flattering pair of breeches you will ever wear. They absolutely fit like a glove, with a structured four-way stretch that creates the perfect silhouette. The cotton blend fabric is lightweight, flexible and durable, while the mid-rise wide waistband helps you feel
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stabilized. The Signature Ponte Riding Pant is composed of a thick cotton knit, and the pant we feel to be the most versatile. The material is thick, yet soft. And the four way stretch is designed to offer total movement, all while maintaining its shape. This is the ultimate crossover pant, and a style that we’ve found a lot of success with, both in the saddle, and for non-riders on the streets.
H&S: And the built-in thong?
H&S: And now, onto one of the most intriguing offerings from your collection: The Bodysuit. Do tell more.
H&S: You initially launched the brand with three different bodysuit styles. Can you expand upon these styles?
FxR: Yes, our Equestrian Bodysuits are the first ever on the equestrian market. And these were really created from our frustration with our shirts coming untucked from our breeches.
FxR: The Elite Equestrian Bodysuit is what we call our competition bodysuit. It’s light, breathable, flattering and features an elevated elegant ribbed fabric.We designed this bodysuit with a blousier fit, rather than the trending skin-tight show shirt. It’s just as equally suited for the show ring as it is for the office, making it an ideal crossover apparel item. Our Moto Equestrian Bodysuit is our edgier offering.With it’s chic silhouette and exposed hardware, this bodysuit has an effortless stable-to-street vibe.The next bodysuit in our initial collection is the Sportfit Equestrian Bodysuit.We designed this jersey-blend breathable and dynamic style with the equestrian athlete in mind. It’s fun, clean and sleek.
H&S: But this is not a leotard, correct? FxR: Correct. The major difference between a leotard and a bodysuit is the snap closure at the base of the suit. And no, our crotch snap closures do not hurt while riding. We designed the snap gusset at the front of the built-in thong.This is further forward than your traditional bodysuit near the pant fly, so it functions the same but doesn’t interfere with your seat.You do not sit on it.
FxR: The built-in bodysuit thong is made of a 4-way stretch breathable material, with a mid-rise fit, so it doesn’t pinch or sag or ride up. We worked tirelessly before our launch to make sure these bodysuits would be comfortable, dynamic and polished.You truly forget you’re wearing a body suit.
H&S: What’s new for the upcoming season? FxR: We launched Free x Rein in December 2017 with our fall/winter line of long sleeves and neutral colors. Coming up is our new collection comprised of short sleeve bodysuits with a lighter color palette that still fits in with the classic Free x Rein aesthetic: we are introducing a blush pink as well as a nautical stripe. We adapted our popular Moto Equestrian Bodysuit from the first collection for the spring line so it still has our signature zipper detail. We’ve designed a new short sleeve ribbed henley-style suit with buttons in red and black called The Henley Bodysuit. And we are also introducing our first non-bodysuit shirt, The Moto Shirt, in a beautiful navy. H&S: And we’ve heard you are expanding into leather goods. FxR: Yes. Perhaps what we are most excited about this season is our first leather accessory: an equestrian inspired hip bag. It is a hip bag and belt that can either be purchased separately or as a ensemble which solves the issue that every equestrian has: where to put your phone when you are riding. Perfect to wear around the barn or horse show, and roomy enough for your phone, a treat for your horse and a card slot to put a credit card or some cash for coffee. It’s equally as functional and stylish when you are not riding, and just want to go hands free. The hip bag is available in two colors: a classic black and a brownish red called Cremisi. H&S: What’s next for Free x Rein? FxR: We just wrapped up two weeks at the Old Salem Farm Spring Show, which was incredible. So now we are focusing on summer, and planning events in the Hamptons and NYC, including a two week pop up in Soho in the beginning of August. It’s been a whirlwind since we launched not too long ago. We’ve been pulled in a million different directions – more than we ever could have imagined, and we are trying to take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way. But in doing so, we are also staying focused on our core market; the modern, busy equestrian woman. We’ve made this brand and crafted this collection with love. It is truly for equestrians and by equestrians. Learn more and shop the Free x Rein collection online at freexrein.com.
@xfreerein
Photos courtesy of Free x Rein
A S K dr.
Q:
carrie
Why do I feel overwhelming apprehension and self-doubt two hours before I show? It subsides in the middle of my ride, but it’s a terrible feeling and I would love to be able to make the whole experience enjoyable.
A:
Q:
Sometimes overwhelming emotions are a part of the body’s physiological response to the cortisol and adrenaline hormones that are released in large amounts when a mental or physical challenge arises. Even though you may not consider showing to be dangerous or challenging, the body-mind connection is accustomed to the intensity needed to get the job done and may have accidentally categorized the experience as one that is similar to escaping from a saber-toothed tiger!
I have a habit of over thinking the details of what is happening on course, which causes me to lose the connection with my horse. As a result, my horse then stops or adds a stride or two. How can I train my mind to stop describing every detail to me as it is happening?
A:
The words you use become your reality. So notice what you tell yourself about showing and how your body reacts to these words. If your mind gets overwhelmed with the challenge of remembering a course, and gathering the necessary physical and mental strength to ride and execute a plan, combined with heightened experience of performance and competition, it is time to change the story you tell yourself about the experience.Try telling yourself that these are your jumps and this is what you do for fun and that the outcome is much less important than the connection you have with your horse. I strongly encourage you to write down the new words you plan to use to replace the old dialog so that you can easily access them under stress.Think about how you want the experience of showing to go and manifest the experience you desire.You may still have some butterflies and overwhelming excitement, but I guarantee that the edges of fear and trepidation or uneasiness will give way to a much more pleasurable time. And this is all likely to improve your performance outcome as well! It is important to mention that this method is applicable to public speaking, test taking, presentations and performances of any kind.
If you have a running dialogue in your mind that narrates all that you are doing, you will need to work on shifting this razor sharp focus from describing to doing. Here’s how to make this shift: Notice what goes on in your mind during your tooth brushing routine or some other simple daily task. If you hear yourself describing the details, while also throwing in some minor critique and redirection, you are a candidate for changing your mind’s focus from words to present moment actions. The redirect to noticing the present moment can be felt almost instantly. As you free yourself from descriptions and focus on actions, the actions will receive your full attention and therefore be done with more precision and fluidity. Actions won’t be delayed or offset by language, which causes two opposing parts of your brain to fire simultaneously, delaying comprehension by fractions of seconds at least. When you make a plan for your course, be sure to have a rhythm or feeling that you want to create so that when moments in the corners and on long approaches emerge, you have a strategy for staying present and connected to the horse. If your running narrative comes up, release the words nonjudgmentally and refocus on the here and now sensations of your breath, physical actions, and the connection of your body to the horse. Both horse and rider will feel this shift and the crispness of performance will be observable.
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. | Photo © Ashley Neuhof
carrie@carriewicks.com
|
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Andrew Ryback has always had photography in his blood. His grandfather was a photographer for their local village and fire department, his uncle photographed weddings and other events, and his father, though a hobbyist, was a talented photographer and a source of inspiration for Ryback. At the University of Illinois, Ryback started his photography career by working for the Daily Illini newspaper covering featured events and sports. During that time, he learned the critical timing necessary to capture the precise moment of peak action in sports photography. Ryback spent his early twenties focused on his work that took him away from the photography industry. However, when he met his future wife, Stacy – an avid equestrian – he eagerly picked up his camera again and started following her to local horse shows to photograph her rounds on her hunter Brighton. His skills improved, and he was eventually asked to shoot an unrated local horse show. His success at these local shows blossomed into an invitation to be the official photographer for Showplace Productions – the premier horse show management company in the Midwest. Nowadays, Ryback and his talented team at Andrew Ryback Photography cover more than 70 horse shows per year from coast to coast – including the Vermont Summer Festival, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, Showplace Spring Spectacular, Equifest, the NCEA Championships, and many more. When he’s not in a ring shooting all the action, or cheering on his wife and her jumper mare, Carlotta W, Ryback loves capturing the special bond between horse and rider with equine portrait sessions. info@andrewryback.com andrewryback.com @andrewrybackphotography Andrew Ryback Photography
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3031 Fortune Way, Suite A9 Wellington, FL 33414
11355 Foothill Blvd. Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
The best riding safaris in Africa with Gordie Church www.safarisunlimited.com info@safarisunlimited.com
CarolinaCoSpring2018_magQTR 2/21/2018 6:10 PM Page 1
Aiken, South Carolina
Homes . Horses . History. Hospitality
Fire Tower Farm L
ocated in a popular equestrian area just ten minutes from downtown Aiken, this delightful horse farm offers a like new home and barn on eight acres of coastal Bermuda pasture. Encompassing over 2400 square feet, the contemporary home has high ceilings and wood floors and features a great room with fireplace and formal dining room open to custom kitchen with granite and breakfast bay. There are four bedrooms and two and a half baths, including master suite on main level, a screened porch and attached two car garage. For horses, there is a four stall center aisle barn and board fenced fields planted in established coastal Bermuda with sprinkler system. While the home has community water, a new well supplies water to the barn and fields. Fire Tower www.CarolinaHorseProperties.com Farm is offered in move in condition. Offered exclusively by the Carolina Real Estate Company at $499,000
Courtney Conger 803.645.3308
Want to be seen in this gorgeous magazine? Contact Horse & Style today to learn more about our advertising opportunities. W E WO U L D LOV E T O C H AT !
laurie@horseandstylemag.com
Made for Manes Horse Show Emergency Kit
Always be competition ready with your Horse Show Emergency Kit! Each kit contains a hair net, safety pins, tweezers, blister pads and more! Available in five unique colors.
100% of proceeds goes to USEF Disaster Relief Fund
@madeformanes
C A N you
stand it ?
Subtle Standout Statement necklaces certainly make an outfit, but when its hot outside or you’re playing in the sun, they can just be too much. Luckily, Hattie Banks created the perfect way to make a statement, albeit with more subtlety: The Horseshoe Necklace. This delicate but eye-catching gem is available in white, rose and yellow gold, and the four black diamonds make it an understated standout among its horseshoe necklace peers. This piece also makes a statement about how fine jewelry should be made; each is handcrafted to order using ethically-sourced diamonds and precious metals. Subtle and standout is this summer’s best contradiction.
Horseshoe Necklace, Hattie Banks, $1,400
100
· summer 2018
ESSEX CLASSICS
ESSEXCLASSICS.COM
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER
presents :
&
WEC Summer Series I 5/23/18 – 5/27/18
USEF Regional II Level 3 Jumper 50% Off Jumper Nominations
SPRING S U Mshow ME R series WEC Series II
WEC Summer Show III
USEF Regional II Level 4 Jumper
USEF Premier Level 4 Jumper
5/30/18 – 6/3/18
8/8/18 – 8/12/18
FEATURING
Full Array of Medals $1000 Green Hunter Classic 3’ $1000 Green Hunter Classic 3’3” $1000 Green Hunter Classic 3’6” $1000 Green Hunter Classic 3’9” $1000 Performance Hunter Classic 3’3” $1000 Performance Hunter Classic 3’6” $1000 Amateur Owner Hunter Classic $1000 Junior Hunter Classic 3’3” $1000 Junior Hunter Classic 3’6”
More than
$500 Pony Hunter Classic $500 Green Pony Hunter Classic $500 Children’s Hunter Classic $500 Adult Hunter Classic $2500 USHJA National Hunter Derby - OPEN $2500 USHJA National Hunter Derby - Non Pro $2000 Non Pro 2’6” Hunter Derby $5000 Welcome Prix $7500 Futures Prix $25,000 Grand Prix
$295,000 combined Prize Money Offered!
RAIN
OR
SHINE
RAIN
OR
SHINE
Quality. Class. Distinction.
™
Wilmington, Ohio • www.wec.net •