Horse & Style Magazine Dec/Jan 2013/14 by Horse & Style Magazine

L I F E O F P E S S O A : S H AT T E R I N G T H E G L A S S C E I L I N G

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Beat Those Breech Blues! Find your Perfect Fit Ashlee Bond & Sage Clarke Wed Unex Valente: Puissance Pro

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12 Days of Christmas

Starting December 12 th , Horse & Style will be gifting one of these fun equestrian items each day to a different Facebook fan. Visit www.facebook.com/horseandstylemag for your chance to win.

1. H&S Subscription and hat 2. Horse Cookies by Charleigh’s Cookies 3. $100 Gift Certificate to Knixwear 4. Signed copy of Renaissance Man by M. Garzon 5. Bows for Shows 6. Fleur De Lis Love & Luck Horseshoe 7. Spiced Vanilla Scented Candle by Noel Asmar 8. The Deux Chevaux Wrislet 9. Custom Equuleus Pillow 10. A HackSack Backpack from HackSack 11. The Olympia Breech by Ariat International 12. Saddle pad by RideLite

Many thank yous to all of our generous partners who participated in the H&S 12 Days of Christmas!

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54 HORSE & STYLE’S MOST

INTRIGUING EQUESTRIANS OF 2013

Who made the list? H&S highlights five intriguing equestrians from all corners of the hunter/jumper world.

83 THE HOLIDAY GUIDE TO

EQUESTRIAN STYLE – SNEAK PEEK

It’s back! Check out a preview of the 2nd Annual Holiday Guide to Equestrian Style.

46 BEAT THOSE BREECH BLUES: FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT

Sourcing the best breech for your body type is made simple with this straightforward guide.

88 BIT OF BLISS:

ASHLEE BOND & SAGE CLARKE

44 SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING

Columnist Alexa Pessoa offers her perspective on the effect that a multi-million dollar horse sale has on the rest of the market.

76 FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE

H&S contributor Winter Hoffman bit off a big challenge when she decided to make her competition debut at the Foxfield Jumping Derby. She writes in with her personal account of the day.

64 TREND REPORT

“Weather” or not you love it, winter is here! Never fear, we’ve sourced the best boots to keep your feet fashionable through the colder seasons.

78 HORSE CORNER

Unex Valente came into his own this year as a three-peat Puissance winner at the reins of British rider Tim Gredley.

Two equestrian families became one when top international show jumper Ashlee Bond married farrier Sage Clarke in an intimate California ceremony this October.

· www.horseandstylemag.com

contents

11 | FROM THE PUBLISHER 14 | 10 THINGS

Clementine Goutal

16 | OUT & ABOUT

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sarah Appel

sarah@horseandstylemag.com

Sacramento International

19 | OUT & ABOUT

Washington International

20 | PROFESSIONAL POP QUIZ 22 | STYLE RIDER

Hardin Towell

24 | TRAINER SPOTLIGHT Mandy Porter

december | january

26 | OUT & ABOUT

Del Mar International

28 | NEW PRODUCT ALERT

Vaguely Noble Horse-Keeping

31 | THRILLS AND FRILLS AT THE NHS 40 | STYLE PROFILES C is for Cavallo

48 | THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

G&C Farms’ International Summer

66 | QUEST FOR SUCCESS Shifting Gears

65 | BEHIND THE SEAMS Rönner

EDITOR

Erin Gilmore CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ryan Anne Polli

ADVERTISING & SALES

Elizabeth Davoll Alesandra Leckie

advertising@horseandstylemag.com

COPYEDITOR

Laura Danowski PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jeannie Sucre, Shawn McMillen Photography, Cheval Photos, Liz Soroka, Captured Moments, Digishots, Sara Roxanne, Love and Lemonade Photography, EquestriSol, Beckie Bartosz, Scott Cunningham and Curtis Wallis, Erin Gilmore, Dr. Piper Klemm, Sportfot, Mark Blakley, Carolyn Hampton, McCool Photos, Flying Horse Photography CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Gilmore, Katie Shoultz, Arden Cone, Saer Coulter, Alexa Pessoa, Winter Hoffman, Jackie McFarland, Terri Roberson, Hannah Selleck, Laura Cardon, Jeanette Gilbert

72 | RIDER SPOTLIGHT Andrew Ramsay

INTERN

Kerry Cavanaugh

80 | VENDOR SPOTLIGHT Signature Spurs

87 | ASK CARRIE 91 | OUT & ABOUT

ON THE COVER: Hope Glynn wears the Bristol Jacket and Sunstopper shirt by Ariat International. Hair and makeup by Tracy Chen. Photo by Jeannie Sucre.

The New Albany Classic

95 | DEAR FASHIONISTA 96 | BEHIND THE LENS Sara Roxanne

100 | CAN YOU STAND IT?

Horse & Style Magazine is a Hunter Jumper publication published bi-monthly and distributed FREE by Horse & Style Magazine LLC from coast to coast at hunter jumper horse shows, large training centers and participating tack shops. The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is legally prohibited. Copyright © 2013-14 Horse & Style Magazine LLC. TM

Mode Mosaic

www.horseandstylemag.com ·

CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Gilmore

Alexa Pessoa

Carrie Wicks, Ph.D.

Jackie McFarland

Erin Gilmore is a freelance writer and equestrian journalist based in Wellington, Florida. She has worked in equestrian media since 2002, and is a frequent contributor to regional and national equestrian magazines. A lifelong horseperson, she trained hunter/jumpers, spent time on the international show jumping circuit, and worked in a variety of disciplines, from polo to dressage.

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

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

Jackie and her partner Duncan own EquestriSol, a marketing solutions company now based in Lexington, KY. Although after over a decade in CA a part of EquestriSol’s “soul” will always be on the West Coast. Jackie loves to write and Duncan has a flair for photos, making them perfect contributors for this month’s exclusive Barn Envy feature.

Katie Shoultz

Saer Coulter

Terri Roberson

Jeanette Gilbert

Katie Shoultz is a freelance writer and photographer based in Lexington, Kentucky. The business savvy writer is also the founder of Isidore Farm, a premier hunter/jumper facility in beautiful Kentucky. Katie is involved with several equine organizations and is active in the industry she most enjoys writing about.

San Francisco, CA native Saer Coulter chronicles her quest to be an international show jumper and balance her life in academia at Stanford University. With the support of her family’s Copernicus Stables and the invaluable guidance of German training team Meredith MichaelsBeerbaum and Markus Beerbaum, Coulter is poised to make a name for herself at the top of the sport.

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

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

Laura Cardon

Winter Hoffman

Arden Cone

Laura Cardon is a writer and public relations specialist for Jennifer Wood Media. A horse lover from a young age, Laura has used her passion for horses to build a career in the equine industry. After graduating college, she worked as barn manager in her home state of Maryland before joining Jennifer Wood Media prior to the 2013 Winter Equestrian Festival.

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

Arden Cone, a South Carolina-based artist and writer, grew up riding on the hunter/jumper circuit for her parents’ Windbrook Farm. While pursuing her studies at Hollins University in Roanoke, VA, she rode as a member of her school’s intercollegiate team. She graduated in 2012 with degrees in Studio Art and Spanish, as well as a strong passion for the aesthetics of written language.

· december/january

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FROMthepublisher

What does it mean to be intriguing? The horse world is full of intriguing characters, from the riders to those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. The H&S team recently mulled this question over while looking back on the year’s events. This month, we announce a new tradition: Horse & Style’s Most Intriguing Equestrians of 2013. Our cover model Hope Glynn has a schedule that would leave most people spinning, but this trainer, rider, mom, judge and triathlete does it all with ease and style. Find out more about Hope and the four other equestrians who made our Most Intriguing list. They’ve all had outstanding years, yet they all seem to be on the cusp of something even greater. How intriguing is that? (page 54)

Also in this issue, H&S columnist Alexa Pessoa writes how the outrageous sale price of one horse might change how we buy horses forever. When a gelding is purchased for 11 million Euros, the entire market shifts. Check out Alexa’s take on page 11. I loved the inspiring first person account in this issue from H&S contributor Winter Hoffman, who not only tackled the Foxfield Jumper Derby for the first time ever, but coined a new name for adult riders. Say goodbye to the “rusty stirrup” and hello to being a “late mid-century vintage rider!” With her talented daughter Zazou at the back gate cheering her on, Hoffman tells an exciting tale of bravery and triumph on page 76. It wouldn’t be a true Horse & Style with out some equestrian fashion. Have you ever had issues finding the perfect pair of breeches? Fear no more, we’ve done the work for you to find the perfect breech for your body type on page 46. In our latest edition of Behind the Seams, discover the story of the Colombian sisters and founders of Rönner Design. This creative team developed the chic equestrian prints that have become favorites for celebrities and riders alike (page 68.) Be sure to check out the sneak peek of our 2nd Annual Holiday Guide to Equestrian Style. Once again we partnered with premier equestrian style blog DappledGrey.com to provide our readers with the best equestrian gifts of the season (page 83.) You can find the complete Holiday Guide to Equestrian Style online at www.horseandstylemag.com/ HolidayGuideEquestrianStyle. Enjoy!

On location in Sonoma, CA during our fun, fall photo shoot with Hope Glynn for this issue’s cover! Photo ©Jeannie Sucre.

december/january ·

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10things 10 things you might not know about...

Over the past five years or so, two sisters have made the name Goutal instantly familiar among show jumping circles. But usually, the spotlight is on the elder sister. And for all Brianne Goutal’s past success and current, career accolades, Clementine Goutal should not be counted out. The Goutal sisters grew-up in New York, riding together, first with Peter Lutz, and later as juniors with the Beacon Hill team.

She has a private tutoring company geared towards equestrians, called Upper Echelon Academy.

Unlike her car-racing father, she is a terrible driver and has the worst sense of direction you could possibly imagine.

She might be a New York resident, but in reality she’s a nomad.

She never goes anywhere without sunblock, Annick Goutal perfume and a good

Her talents include omelette making, catching popcorn in her mouth and hangman.

book.

10. Her three gorgeous sisters are her

Her grandmother is the toughest, sharpest, most glamorous person you’ll ever meet...and the loudest cheerleader at a horse show.

She loves anything

Her favorite foods are chocolate and octopus. Separately of course!

She’s addicted to traveling and is always plotting some sort of adventure, just like her mother.

dinosaur themed.

Photo ©Flying Horse Photo

Clementine, now 23-years-old, trains with Eddie Macken and Norman Dello Joio, and regularly commutes to Florida during the winter season. This year, she enjoyed a scenery change when she spent the summer/fall season on the West Coast with boyfriend and fellow rider Andres Rodriguez. Find out ten things that you might not know about this up and coming amateur rider.

· december/january

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OUT&about

THE SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW - RANCHO MURIETA, CA

1 2 7

4 5

1. You can always count on Kristin Hardin to dress for the occasion! 2. SIHS was H&S columnist Saer Coulter’s first show stateside after a summer abroad 3. Australian Olympian Matt Williams competed at SIHS for the first time this year 4. Disbelief? Joy? Alex Lawler was wide-eyed after jumping clean in the Land Rover Grand Prix World Cup Qualifier 5. Helen McNaught left the ring with Caballo for the last time after his retirement ceremony as husband Duncan McFarlane looked-on 6. Alex and Holly Grayton say “cheese” for photographer Todd Sutherland of Flying Horse Photo 7. You lookin’ at me, cowpoke? Karl Cook and Will Simpson cowboyed up for the Battle of the Sexes 8. Chloe Brown channels the confidence of her grand prix rider-father Harley during the World Cup course walk 9. Equitation star Theo Boris walked the World Cup course 10. Guy Thomas of Willow Tree Farm made for a familiar face at Sacramento

Photos ©Erin Gilmore

· december/january

Happy Holidays! Thank You and a huge

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OUT&about

THE WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW – WASHINGTON, D.C.

5 6

3 7 9 10

1. Ringmaster John Franzreb III 2. Darragh Kenny (middle) and others on the autograph signing line 3. McLain Ward... M.D.? 4. The kegerator Shane Sweetnam won the Gambler’s Choice Costume Class 5. Sydney Shulman watches the jumbotron for WIHS Equitation Finals results 6. Shetland pony races were a hit at WIHS 7. Augusta Iwasaki has really got something to say to Robin Grenwood! 8. Bibby Farmer Hill discusses strategy with Bernadette Louise Chungunco 9. Meagan Nusz, known during the Gambler’s Choice Costume class as Snow White 10. Katie Dinan is one friendly devil Photos ©Dr. Piper Klemm

december/january ·

PROpopquiz THIS MONTH’S QUESTION:

If you could take a lesson with any professional in the world, who would you choose? Every issue, a new question will be answered by hunter/ jumper professionals. Have a question you want answered? Send it to sarah@horseandstylemag.com

“For me it would be French show jumping rider Michel Robert. When I was over showing in Europe I noticed him - he has the most perfect style and equitation. He never looked like he was going fast but was always faster than everyone. I want to learn from his calmness in mind and body so that I can have that much longevity in this sport.” John French, Waldenbrook Farm - San Jose, CA

“GEORGE MORRIS.” Hap Hansen, Hap Hansen Stables - Rancho Santa Fe, CA

“My answer would be Paul Schockenmöhle.” McLain Ward, Castle Hill Farm - Brewster, NY

“Christine Traurig - she is one of the best at teaching classical dressage and THE best in the world at flat work for jumpers. (I’m lucky, I will be riding with her in a few days!!!)” Will Simpson, Simpson Show Jumping - Thousand Oaks, CA

STYLErider

Hardin

Towell

Hardin Towell’s life changed this year. Growing up in one of the East Coast’s top equestrian families, the 25-year-old rider is a born horseman. His father, Jack Hardin Towell and mother, Lisa Towell own and operate Finally Farm in Camden, South Carolina, and his sister, top derby rider Liza Boyd Towell, is revered for her partnership with the great hunter derby horse Brunello. All that is nothing to sniff at. But in 2013, Hardin accepted an offer to train privately for junior rider Jennifer Gates (yes, that Gates) and quickly made a name for himself in grand prix rings on a new side of the nation. With two talented mounts, one owned by Gates and one by himself, Hardin had heads spinning in his direction during the summer and fall seasons in California, where he logged several strong finishes in World Cup competition. Just who is this stylish young professional? What does he feel grateful for when he wakes up in the morning, and what does he never leave the barn without? Horse & Style has all the answers. Read on:

Horse & Style: Describe your riding style. Hardin Towell: Well, I don’t have much style but with the help of my girlfriend and my mom, it’s gotten a little better as the years have gone along! If I’m allowed to, I like to show in a polo and not wear my coat and tie. I have a thing about wearing white polos or white button downs. I probably have 20 polo shirts, and 18 of them are white!

H&S: What is your head-to-toe riding outfit? HT: I have a GPA helmet and a GPA hunt coat. I also

H&S: What are your favorite equestrian brands? HT: Pikeur breeches are a definite favorite. They are comfortable, they fit me well, what

have a very old, cool-looking hunt coat that I wear sometimes. It was my godfather’s, it’s brown and looks like the one Todd Minikus wears all the time. I like Pikeur breeches and I wear Parlanti tall boots.

else do you need?! CWD is another favorite. They sponsor me, and I have great saddles and bridles from them.

H&S: Do you wear anything for good luck? HT: Well, I lose everything. Every time I’ve ever

that’s what I’m wearing all the time, where ever I am.

had anything for good luck, I end up losing it so good luck charms don’t really work with me. But I do always have the same spurs on me. I’ve had the same pair for three years and if I can’t find them before a class I get a little freaked-out. They’ve been the only things I’ve managed not to lose.

H&S: What have been your biggest accomplishments as a rider? HT: This year has been great for me. I’ve had some horses that have been more for

· december/january

H&S: How would you describe your non-horse show style? HT: It’s pretty simple, usually jeans and a polo shirt. If you see me on a normal day,

me, and I have a very nice 8-year-old of my own. In the past, it’s always been about selling them, but this year I’ve been able to step-up and build partnerships; the result is being able to do more FEI classes. I’m lucky to be in this situation, it makes the sport completely different. Before the goal was to compete and get a horse sold. Now, when

I get up in the morning, instead of thinking what can I do to get this horse sold, I think what can I do today to make this horse better for Jenn and I. Being in that situation is an accomplishment in itself. As for results, I was 5th at the $100,000 New Albany Invitational in September; that was a great finish for me.

H&S: What are your riding goals for the future? HT: Well, I’m very excited with how this year has gone, having the chance to show in new places and do some national level grand prix classes. Before this, I never had a World Cup horse to show, and now I have two. So for next year, I’d like to aim for some World Cup Qualifiers. If they go well, the Final is always a goal. That’s a long ways away but you’ve got to have something to shoot for!

I look at people with “normal” jobs and lives, and sometimes I think that would be nice. But I know that after a week of being in one place, I’m ready to show again. H&S: Who has been the most influential in your riding career? HT: For sure my parents. If it wasn’t for my mom putting me on the

H&S: If you weren’t a rider, what would be your dream profession? HT: That’s hard for me to know. With being on the road all the time,

longe line and making me ride when I was 7-years-old, I would never have developed the passion I have now. Also Missy Clark, she helped me a lot in the equitation. And just more recently, Eddie Macken has been a big influence on me. To see that after everything he’s done, he still has the passion for the sport that he does, it’s inspiring.

my opinions change. I look at people with “normal” jobs and lives, and sometimes I think that would be nice. But I know that after a week of being in one place, I’m ready to show again.

H&S: What is the one thing you never go in the ring without? HT: My spurs! I have to wear them every single time I ride. Even if

I am really big into the Thoroughbred industry, actually. My barn manager and I just put a syndicate together and bought a racehorse at Keeneland. So probably, if I didn’t ride I’d do something with racehorses.

I’m riding a horse that I don’t need spurs on, I still have to have them, even if I never use them! Photo: Hardin and Flip competing in the $100,000 New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix, September 2013. Photo ©Curtis Wallis

TRAINERspotlight by Katie Shoultz

Mandy

Porter

Today she may be one of America’s preeminent grand prix riders, but this West Coast rider didn’t always plan for the professional path. However, when Mandy Porter found herself on the fast track of groom extraordinaire and rider at a top sales barn in Switzerland, it was clear that serendipity had other plans. With muscle, grit and an unwillingness to succumb to the notion of good enough, Porter clocked-in the hours to jumpstart her career, and continues to keep that momentum going today. There’s no sugarcoating this business, but Porter also never takes any of it for granted. As a three-time member of U.S. Nations Cups Teams, an FEI World Cup Finals veteran, along with a slew of top international and national placings, this rider admits she’s particular about, well, almost everything. But that focused tenacity has held her in good stead. After calling Europe home for seven years, in 2001, Porter returned to California and started ACP Enterprises, the exclusively show jumping business she owns and operates with partner Craig Starr. Catching-up with her between fall West Coast World Cup Qualifiers, Porter was fresh-off a meaningful win in October’s $50,000 Land Rover Grand Prix of Sacramento World Cup Qualifier.

Horse&Style: I know you have had some great recent successes. I wanted to ask a little bit about your current string? Mandy Porter: My current string does not have a lot of depth at the moment, I guess you could say, but it does have a lot of talent. It’s really good. Con Capilot is a 10-year-old Westphalian stallion owned by Nancy Gooding who owns Plum Creek Hollow Farm in Colorado. I got him as a seven-year-old and he has continued to mature and gain valuable experiences as well as some very good results. H&S: You have a few young ones in the works too? MP: We have some nice young stock that we’re bringing along. I like to be an important part of their progress and learning experience. They’re all a little bit different, and I really like the individuality of each of them.

H&S: Your time in Europe sounds amazing – what were your takeaways?

MP: Oh my gosh, I learned so much I can’t even begin to tell you. I was surrounded by top horseman and riders. Some of their techniques can be just a little bit different from what we see in the States. In coming into my own as a rider, my goal while over there was to gain knowledge and confidence. I wanted to feel comfortable when I got on virtually any horse and at least be able to ride it.

H&S: How was it working with Gerhard Etter and his dealing barn in Switzerland?

MP: That was one of the most phenomenal experiences I could have ever had in my life. I can’t thank Gerhard and his family enough for that opportunity. That barn, while I was there, was a machine. There were at least four international riders that required a string to go at any given time, and that doesn’t even count national riders. A dealing barn can be tricky because you can never be sure how long

· december/january

you’ll be working with a horse. You’re invited to a great show, the horse you’re riding gets sold on Monday, and then you have another horse by Wednesday. But they are a great family to work for. It was the hardest work I’ve ever experienced in my life – but the reward was showing every single week.

H&S: So what brought you back to the West Coast? MP: I felt like I needed to come home and be closer to my family. I had learned so much and experienced so much, but I also really wanted to come back to the area that is truly home for me.

H&S: Was there a learning curve in starting your own business? MP: I returned in 2000, and then I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. Running your own business is totally different than being an employee. You’re managing people and the whole situation and not just riding…it still is a learning curve!

I was just so fortunate to work with her when I was part of a couple of Nations’ Cup teams. She’s so motivating, and her knowledge is never ending.

H&S: Does the rest of your family ride? MP: My mother rode Saddlebred horses when she was a kid. My grandfather was very passionate about horses. Mom introduced me to horses, my grandfather helped purchase my first pony, and that was the end of it. Or the beginning! They’re responsible for this whole shebang. My father didn’t ride, but he was very supportive of it all. My brother was a good rider, but he was allergic to horses.

One of my favorite things is being in the barn when everyone else has left – I love listening to the horses eating and quietly stirring in their stalls.

H&S: I know you like to be very hands on in your work – what do you think is the importance in that?

MP: I think there is more to relationships with the horses than just riding them. Getting to know their personalities a little bit more is valuable. I like to know what’s going on with them. Some people would call it controlling, but I like things a certain way.

H&S: How do you balance riding and training? MP: I’d say a year ago, I sort of put it back in my mind that I wanted to do a little more riding again. I was sort of trying to do it all, but I never wanted a huge business. I don’t feel like that would be my forte as you can’t be at every ring at the show. If I have the right string of horses and everything falls into place, then I would love to do more international competitions again.

H&S: Looking back on your career so far, is there anything you would’ve changed? MP: Overall, I don’t think I would change anything. I do wish I could manage my time better!

H&S: What’s coming up for you on the horizon? MP: The property where we have been for six years now has been sold. The new owner is going to completely renovate it. But in order to do that, everyone has to move. We’re moving in December and basically around the corner, so it’s not far. Of course, we’ll be on the road a lot too with our show schedule. And then maybe the 2014 World Cup Finals? Below: Mandy Porter and Con Capilot competed in the $54,000 Rancho Valencia World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix CSI2* on October 26th, 2013. Photos ©Cheval Photos

H&S: You had a lot of success as a junior – were you ever burnt-out or did you know you wanted to keep with the sport? MP: I always knew I wanted to have horses in my life. I had intended to have a career in pharmaceutical or vet supply marketing and have horses as a hobby. I fell into working the business aspect. There have been many times I’ve wondered what I’m doing, but the answer is right in front of me. What keeps me doing it is the love of the horses. One of my favorite things is being in the barn when everyone else has left – I love listening to the horses eating and quietly stirring in their stalls.

H&S: Who do you consider your mentors? MP: So many people have been influential. I started out with Carol Dean Porter who really taught me horsemanship skills and that sort of thing. What a phenomenal way to start out. Then I worked with Lowrey Jones, Butch and Lu Thomas and Carleton Brooks. I’m going to forget some names along the way, but they were the mainstays of my upbringing. One mentor who sticks out in my mind and who is such an amazing coach and leader is Katie Prudent. december/january ·

OUT&about

THE DEL MAR INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW - DEL MAR, CA

4 8

6 11 10

9 12

1. Course designer Marina Azevedo and the fantastically friendly West Palms jump crew 2. Grand prix winner Vinton Karrasch was smiling all weekend 3. Steve McAllister checks out the latest H&S 4. Lane Clarke is a head turner! 5. Does Dick Carvin look spooked by Bretton Chad’s headwear? 6. Pep talk? 7. Joie Gatlin 8. Rusty Stewart in teaching mode 9. Everardo Hegewisch gets a little wiggy 10. Hey there Nicole Bloom, what’s up? 11. Pre-grand prix entertainment 12. Tiffany Sullivan says “peace out!” Photos ©Cheval Photos

· december/january

C O N G R AT U L AT E S

Lane Clarke

Karl Cook

Winner of the GGT Footing Grand Prix Series!

Winner of the GGT Footing Grand Prix Final!

Thank you to West Palms Event Management for putting on this fabulous series! For GGT Footing

For GGT Non-Woven

Cynthia Brewster-Keating

864-804-0011

Rex Gosnell

www.GGTFooting.com photo courtesy Captured Moments Photo

864-804-0212

NEWproductalert by Jeanette Gilbert

Vaguely Noble

Horse-Keeping

Sole distributor of Ascenta Equine Omega-3 oil Historically, “fish oil” is a catch-all term for any oil containing Omega-3 fatty acids fed to humans, horses, cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters…you name it. Many consumers end-up thinking that fish oil may as well be snake oil, sold door to door by a shady man who will attempt to convince you it will cure all that ails you. Omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to better performance from a cellular level by helping horses improve almost every system of their body. The problem is that not all Omega-3s, commonly known as fish or flax oils, are created equal and many are not only ineffective, they could also be detrimental to the horse.

A goal of Chase’s in experimenting with her own horses, and through her studies, is to help horse owners look to the past to understand what horses knew before humans came along to change their natural lifestyle. One thing that competition horses specifically lack is the 1820 hours a day that other horses spend grazing outside.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for reducing inflammation, improving cardiovascular health, improving immune system function and supporting cognitive function and focus, along with a host of other functions. For any sport horse, the biggest issues they face during work and competition is inflammation and immune issues from the trials of travel and hard work.

Ascenta marine-based omega-3 oil actually provides EPA + DHA essential fatty acids that horses would normally get were they able to graze naturally. This is just one example of Vaguely Noble HorseKeeping’s goal of representing a new attitude, and reason for taking another look at traditional herbal and holistic medicine and nutrition, in a more evidence-based, scientific way.

This is where Ascenta, a Canadian company that has been making their Omega-3 oil for humans, and the California company, Vaguely Noble Horse-Keeping, come in.

LOOKING BACK TO CANTER FORWARD

AN HERBALIST’S BEGINNING Vaguely Noble founder and owner, Kim Chase, is an amateur rider whose daughter had a notable junior career in the equitation and hunters. Since her daughter has gone on to college and now grad school, Kim is able to pursue her own passion of naturopathy for humans and fourlegged friends. “I grew up with my Lithuanian grandmother, spending countless hours picking mushrooms, berries, weeds and plants, and collecting them up in my gigantic basket, all the while with my Gran explaining which to pick and which to leave behind,” Chase recalls. “One time, after I’d badly grazed and bloodied both my knees, she taped entire stems of aloe to my knees with the aloe spikes sticking out wildly, and sent me off to school just like that. Naturally, the other kids ran off pointing and snickering, but humiliating as it was, years later I was thankful to her for getting me through my rough and tumble childhood without any scars.” It is with that background and a couple of horses in her backyard that Chase became passionate about

formulating treatments with herbal remedies for horses and people alike.

· december/january

Chase is currently becoming a certified equine herbalist through the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies specializing in Western herbal medicine. It is through her studies that she came across Ascenta products and realized there was a lack of human pharmaceutical grade Omega-3 oil that horse owners could have 100 percent confidence in feeding to their horse. Chase partnered with Ascenta in early 2012 and it seemed a perfect fit. “Ascenta reflected the philosophy of my business; providing an equine ‘green pharmacy’ where the focus of health and medicine is shifted from treating symptoms, to maintaining wellness,” she says. A third party tests every bottle of Ascenta Omega-3 oil that is sold and distributed by Vaguely Noble Horse-Keeping. Riders such as Francie SteinwedellCarvin and Ashlee Bond have already discovered that this single supplement, which addresses the entire spectrum of equine health, is a great tool for their arsenal. The horse that feels his best will perform at his best and that is just what Chase wants for all horses, from the competition ring to your own backyard.

Above: Vaguely Noble founder, Kim Chase Left: Ascenta’s Equine Omega-3 Oil

Thrills and Frills at the Alltech National Horse Show The West Coast heads East for a taste of tradition and top competition by Jackie McFarland

When horses and riders make the trek from the West Coast to compete, they’ve achieved goals set earlier in the year, and then carved out an East Coast trip to top-off the season. Although there was a list of riders from states west of the Mississippi who qualified for and competed at the Alltech National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington in early November, I pinned down Southern California trainer Peter Lombardo, Colorado trainer Lee Unruh and their various clients, to talk about the yellow brick road leading to the Alltech National Horse Show.

SHOW, PLACE, WIN Lombardo made choices that paid-off at Alltech. “This group had never been to Indoors,” he explained. “We competed at Harrisburg but decided not to go to Washington. The horses were at the Horse Park and only trail rode for the week before the Alltech. They loved it. No rings

were open but we didn’t need them, they enjoyed hacking in the acres of green fields.” Lombardo brought amateur riders Jane Fraze, Janie Andrews and Sybil Rose, competing on their horses in the open divisions. “We like to pick and choose the most special shows; Blenheim, Devon, Del Mar, Upperville and although I had to convince them to come this year, The National Horse Show is now on the list,” Lombardo added. His barn’s success may have had something to do with being selective. Fraze’s Academy Award was Reserve Champion in the Green Conformation division and won the First Year Green Stake class. Imported in late April at six-years-old, the horse has only been competing at 3’6” for six months. Fraze competed in the 3’3” Amateur Owner division, winning the hack and bringing home two, eighth place ribbons. “This is just the beginning,” she said with a satisfied smile. “I’ve been showing him along with Peter but he’s been bringing him along. He’s the whole package, probably the nicest horse I will ever ride.” Holding his own in the competitive High Performance Hunter Division, Janie Andrew’s Ante Up was in top form. “The handy was challenging, but that just made him better,” Lombardo recounted. “He was impressed and enjoying himself. After the handy round, I had the most beautiful stake round the next day.” He won both classes and was champion. Soft-spoken Andrews loved the experience. “It’s been a thrill,” she noted. “I won the hack at Harrisburg and got good ribbons in almost every class.” Janie Andrews and Ante Up. Photo ©Shawn McMillen Photography

Rounding out the wins, Sybil Rose’s Typecast was Champion in the 3’3” Performance Hunters, ridden by both Lombardo and Rose. Busy with college, Rose is only able to ride on weekends at school and meets Lombardo at the shows. But she’s owned Typecast since her junior years, so she knows him well. “We just click and that helps in the show ring,” she admitted. When the group was asked their favorite aspects of the Alltech National Horse Show, they all agreed on a few key points: Footing, the large arena with gorgeous jumps that you could gallop up to, the schedule, the fabulous Exhibitor’s Lounge and the Taylor Harris Club. But ultimately, competing with the best of the best was the ultimate honor.

THE FINAL FINAL Horse shows are about achieving your goals as a rider, and embracing the ups along with the downs. Junior rider Emily Ryan, of Colorado Springs, CO, decided to qualify for the Maclay Finals after Curly, her equitation horse, showed promise in the hunter divisions about halfway through the year. Knowing it was her final year to qualify for the Maclay Finals, Ryan and her trainer Lee Unruh decided to also aim

for the junior hunter division. After earning a third place overall in the Junior Hunter Finals on the West Coast, she secured her spot. She summed it up the night before the Maclay Finals by saying, “Tomorrow is the end of my junior career with this fabulous horse. From West Coast to East Coast, Junior Hunter Finals to Maclay Finals, from 4 a.m. schooling to showing at midnight, my parents, Lee, and Curly, have made it possible for me to achieve and strive in riding. A few years ago I never thought I would even be at Indoors, let alone ribboning. No matter what happens tomorrow, Curly has been the horse of a lifetime, and it’s been one hell of a ride.” Coming to the Alltech National Horse Show for her final junior year was memorable for several reasons. Ryan was able to watch and compete with the best riders in her age group and earn a prize. She had the unfortunate draw of first of 148 to go in the Maclay Finals. Knowing the course would be more challenging without seeing it ridden, Ryan was admittedly anxious. It showed on her approach to the first jump, an oxer off a short corner. Her horse didn’t have his eye on the jump until it was right in front of him and refused. Gathering her composure, she re-approached and rode the course like a top competitor. Proud to have made the journey, she is now on to new goals. College, the 2014 Hunter Derby Finals and learning how to ride the jumpers on a brand new horse, Chase. “The National Horse Show is different from other indoor shows, the facility is not only extremely horse friendly, but it was built for equestrian competition,” Lombardo said. “It’s not a sport arena adapted to suit the horses. And it’s The National Horse Show, one you strive to compete in. Each class is important, and so winning a ribbon here is a true honor.” Above: Sybil Rose and Typecast were Champions in the 3’3” Performance Hunters. Photo ©Shawn McMillen Photography Left: Jane Fraze, Sybil Rose, Janie Andrews and Peter Lombardo. Photo ©EquestriSol

· december/january

Happy Holidays from the Kerkorian Family!

Best of luck wishes for the WEF 2014 season to my daughter Kira and the team at photo ÂŠThe Book, LLC

Palm Beach Polo • Exclusive Bridle Path: La Char ente is the most r emar kable Fr ench inspired chateau featuring sculptured gardens, an antique fireplace and a 14th century fountain. 6 Bedroom, 8.5 Bathroom home has a courtyard overlooking gardens and pool. This one of a kind home is furnished to perfection and located in the gates within the gates. Offered at $11,000,000

Palm Beach Polo • Kensington: Gor geous custom home with wrought iron gated entrance. Grand staircase with solid limestone and elegant railing. Soaring ceilings and stunning views. Lowest price in Kensington. Offered at $2,900,000

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Palm Beach Polo • Islebrook: Incr edibly priced courtyard home on 0.5 acre lot. 4 bedroom 4.5 bathroom including guest house. Marble floors in all living areas. Very spacious. Offered at $1,300,000

Palm Beach Polo • Fairway Island: Beautiful home, completely renovated, on a large lot with gorgeous sunset views overlooking a lake. Wonderful pool area perfect for entertaining. Offered at $2,195,000

Equestrian Club: Remar kable home next to the International Polo Club. Many custom features and huge master suite on ground floor. Very private pool area with enclosed summer kitchen. Offered at $795,000

Palm Beach Polo • Exclusive Bridle Path: The best value of new construction home with stunning main level master suite. Dramatic limestone staircase, elevator, custom designed beam ceilings and old world flooring throughout the home. In the gates within the gates. Offered at $5,950,000

Carol Sollak • Phone +1-561-818-9476 • Fax +1-561-791-2221 www.carolsollak.evusa.com • Wellington, Florida Carol.Sollak@evusa.com

Grand Prix Village Fourteen acres of equestrian paradise in Grand Prix Village adjacent to the Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds complete with every amenity for the well being of horse and rider. This equestrian masterpiece houses twenty 14’ x 14’ stalls, eight grass paddocks, a grass Grand Prix arena, an expansive 215’ x 105’ covered arena and a 216’ x 88’ outdoor arena, both with mirrors and excellent footing. The luxurious owner’s apartment has 3 bedrooms, two and a half baths, spacious living areas and a beautifully appointed kitchen. The farm also has an 1 bedroom manager’s apartment and a two bedroom groom’s apartment. This exclusive equestrian estate with its premier location is truly one of the world’s most desirable equestrian properties. Carol Sollak • Phone +1-561-818-9476 • Fax +1-561-791-2221 www.carolsollak.evusa.com • Wellington, Florida Carol.Sollak@evusa.com

HUNTERS

JUMPERS

EQUITATION

PONIES

Congratulates Hayley Jacquin at the NorCal Medal Finals

Winner W inner $1,000 $ 1,000 H Headland’s eadland’s Management, M anagement, IInc. nc . Pony P on y H Hunter unter C Classic la assic

Res. R es. C Champion hampion NorCal N orCal P Pony on y M Medal edal FFinals i na l s Champion Champion Me edium dium Pony Pony H Hunter unter

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Cotati, CA - www.ChestnutHillCA.com photos ©Sheri Scott

STYLEprofiles by Sarah Appel & Terri Roberson

Trendy Trainer Cavalera Horse Print Shirt, Paul & Joe Sister, $195 Low Waist Wax Jean, Pierre Balmain, $450 Wrap Horse Head Bracelet, Sam Edelman, $95 Iron Dutchess North South Horse Tote, Jonathan Adler, $248 Horse Printed Wrap Scarf, Barbour, $128 Double Horse Head Ring, Sam Edelman, $50

is for

Cavallo Every savvy rider knows that equestrian style is always on trend. Now, the fashion elite have caught-on and the world just can’t enough of the chic cheval touch!

Gorgeous Gent Silver Key Chain Horse, Ari Sterling, $150 Newent Burnished Leather Boot, Polo Ralph Lauren, $225 Tiverton Quilted Gilet, Toggi, $88 Pessoa ADA Nelson Silk Scarf, Pessoa, $56 Blue Horse Huntsford Mens Classic Lightweight Shirt, Joules, $95 Suede Double Gancini Belt, Salvatore Ferragamo, $340

· december/january

Jovial Junior Horse Head Bangle, C Wonder, $38 Horse Graphic Shirt, Aguri Sagimori, $175 Hoxton High-Rise Horse Print Jeans, Paige, $455 Wild Horse Scarf, Becksondergaard, $112 Emerson Slip on Bootie, Loeffler Randall, $475

Ambient Amateur Horse Necklace, Batya Kebudi, $478 Horse Print Dress, Paul & Joe, $705 Pelham Crossbody, Ariat, $295 Horsehead Leather Bracelet, Sam Edelman, $85 Pistol Ankle Boot, Acne Studios, $570 Horse Ring, Batya Kebudi, $560

Polished Pony Mom The Normandy Satchel, Tucker Tweed, $229 Horse Collar Tips, Topshop, $28 Mr. Horse Black Bracelet, Mallarino Collection, $320 Nora Scarf, Club Monaco, $90 Livingston Riding Boots, Tory Burch, $550 Horse Placement Shirt Dress, Topshop, $110

december/january 路

Waterford Farm congratulates

Robert Sean Leckie 2013 Highlights Champion LAHJA Medal Final Reserve Champion EAP National Final Reserve Champion NorCal Junior Medal Finals Champion Low Jr Jumper Week 10 Winter Equestrian Festival - Wellington, FL

on an amazing year! Thank You Dick Widger for the year of training, insight and friendship. Thank You Leslie Steele, Ali Nilforushan, Garrett Warner, Martin Cohen/MDC Stirrups and Ludo Tri/CWD Sellier for your continued support. ~Sean

The Widger Family . Carmel Valley, CA photo ÂŠFlying Horse Photo/Todd Sutherland

. (831) 277-1066

Travis Laas, DVM 561.906.7007

tlaas@equestriansir.com

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Ultimate equestrian estate with private cul-de-sac location. The main house is a 5 BR, 6 BA masterpiece in the final stages of construction. You are able to customize it to your exacting specifications for completion this season! It will be finished and landscaped to Palm Beach standards with state of the art amenities, soaring ceilings, and spectacular architecture. The 11-acre compound boasts a first class equestrian facility designed by renowned equestrian. It includes a magnificent barn with grooms quarters, sub- irrigated ring with top all-weather footing, and 10 oversized paddocks. Property can accommodate a covered arena. The newly remodeled 4 BR, 4 BA guest house with heated pool is ready to be moved into today! Offered at $9,900,000. *This impressive home and barn are also available on a 5.5 acre lot without the guest house. Offered at $6,900,000

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A Wellington Classic! This 11.25- acre farm has a covered ring and 2 additional arenas with professional all-weather footing. The estate is complete with 4 barns for a total of 62 stalls and a grooms quarters. This is an excellent investment property because of its size and great location. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an even better business opportunity... the facility has rented out all its stalls season after season by established, loyal international clientele. Offered at $1,795,000

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This 4 BR, 4 BA exquisitely renovated home is a sanctuary with its dramatic courtyard and stunning water and golf course views. The 4,100 sq. ft. home includes wood and marble floors, impact glass, spectacular kitchen and A/C three car garage. The property is complete with a beautiful pool, majestic fountains and 400 sq.ft. guest cottage. Offered at $1,595,000

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With a perfect balance of privacy and proximity to the show grounds, this Tuscan style home is situated on 6.5 acres for great views of the first class equestrian facility. The 4 bedroom, 4 bath home features custom cabinetry, outdoor kitchen, high ceilings, hardwood floors, and walk-in closets. The 12 stall show barn was designed by a top equestrian and features a huge tack room, an apartment, 4 wash stalls, 3 grooming stalls, and separate grain, hay and storage rooms. The stable is complete with 8 large paddocks and an oversized all-weather ring. Offered at $4,950,000

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Newly renovated 2 BR, 2 BA Bagattelle Condo. Kitchen upgrades include stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops. Slate flooring throughout the unit and walk in closets. Master bathroom with granite counter tops. Garden view with close proximity to horse show. Offered at $295,000

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5.02- acre lot. Construction ready! All permits and dirt fill already in place saving you time and money. One of the only available lot in this prestigious gated equestrian community. Build your dream home and barn. Short hack to WEF. Offered at $1,150,000

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Luxurious living with Georgian Colonial charm, hacking distance to WEF through Grand Prix Village. Construction set to begin on this plantation style 4BR/ 4BA, 4,875 sq. ft. masterpiece complete with 1 bedroom pool house and top of the line equestrian stable. The outdoor living area is an entertainerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream, complete with a summer kitchen, fire pit, infinity pool and spa. The 12-stall barn will be finished to an exceedingly high standard and include a full groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apartment and custom tack room. The 5-acre equestrian facility is complete with an oversized all-weather ring and excessive paddock space. All exquisitely landscaped and fully customizable. Offered at $ 6,499,000.

LIFEofpessoa by Alexa Pessoa

Shattering the

No matter what your budget may be, finding the great horses seems to get harder and harder

Glass Ceiling

As the end of 2013 approches, so does our time in Europe. Much like many other riders around the world, Rodrigo and I are looking for new prospects for the Florida circuit and the upcoming year. There is always a post-American indoors rush of horse buying in Europe, with droves of trainers flying over to find the next susperstar to fit the bill. This can be a very exciting time of year for horse sales. But this particular year feels slightly heavier. As many of you may have read, the high-end market price for a horse has finally blasted through the glass ceiling. The sale of the 11-year-old gelding Paloubet d’Halong in September to Jan Tops, presumably for his wife Edwina Alexander Tops to ride, pretty much shattered any past sale records at a reportedly 11 million Euros (that’s $15 million dollars USD!) Now, let me get in line to say just how magnificent I believe Paloubet to be. I do agreee that he is the best of the best. And if anyone knows a good horse it is Tops, who is one of the most well-known horse dealers and show organizers in the world. But I just cannot imagine justifying that sum of money for a show jumper, and a gelding at that!

TRICKLE DOWN EFFECT Whether or not that was the actual purchase price we will never know, but why release such a number to the press? My thought and direct observation is that it was intended to inspire higher prices across the board. The general consensus seems to be that if that particular horse is worth said price, then everything else is worth x, y and z. There is a trickle down effect throughout the entire market. Quite a smart move if you are a horse dealer with some of the biggest clients in the world of show jumping, as Mr. Tops is. The trouble is, where does that leave the rest of us? If you are not one of the most powerful clients in the world, what kind of chance do you stand? The issue of the cost of horses is not something that changed overnight with the sale of Paloubet d’Halong, but it was absolutely affected. What kind of direction is this sport taking when the horses become unattainable, even for people with a healthy budget? We see the top riders focusing more and more on the development of young

· december/january

horses. But even with that approch, the pressure to sell the great ones eventually becomes too much.

THE SEARCH GOES ON No matter what your budget may be, finding the great horses seems to get harder and harder. There are more riders out there every year and not necessarily more horses. Everyone seems to say the same thing, “they are just not out there.” With a higher demand than ever, the game is getting that much more challenging. The harder they are to find, the higher the price can go. At what point can we expect this bubble to either burst or at least level out? My suspicion is that it will not be anytime soon, as long as you have people willing to pay the prices, they will continue to rise. In the meantime, we will continue to hit the road in search of the next (affordable) great one. Though the challenge may be getting bigger, it doesn’t make it any less exciting to try to find them. Writer ALEXA PESSOA, an amateur rider and business owner, is profiled on page 8. Above: Alexa Pessoa competes the great Let’s Fly (14-year-old Hanoverian by Lordanos) in Chantilly, France over the summer. At every level of the sport, experienced, international jumpers such as Let’s Fly are in high demand. Photo ©Sportfot

Breech Blues

No More Find Your Perfect Fit by Katie Shoultz

Finding the right breech is a little bit like the equestrian’s version of Goldilocks: riders go to great lengths to find that perfect pair, with a whole lot of trying-on and cringing before you find the one that is “just right.” The right breech fit may take some sleuthing, but Horse & Style’s breech by body type guide can help alleviate some of the guesswork. With all the options on the market today, gone are the days of poufy hips, scratchy ankle closures and unflattering fabric. Functional style for the modern rider is easier than ever.

LONG & LANKY

You may have the shape that equitation riders dream about, but sometimes even the “tall” or “long” breech size options don’t work well. Equiline, an Italian brand new to the U.S. market, has quickly gained popularity and is a mainstay in Europe. Cut with a longer leg and no Velcro tab closures, Equiline’s design fits smoothly under the boot. With its X-grip technology that features heat sealed silicone raised grippers on the knee patch, think stability with panache. Four seasonal collections ensure stylish options as well as the mainstay show ring colors of beige and white. Several of the Equiline breeches (pictured at left) also come in junior sizes, a great option for younger riders that may have outgrown ponies and paddock boots, but swim in a ladies size.

PEAR

A common body type, the pear’s widest part is the hips and thighs with a narrower waist. If that describes you, Ariat’s Olympia Pro can be a good choice to try. Cut smaller in the waist than the hips and thighs, this helps prevent any awkward gaping. It also provides enough coverage in the back to hold your shirt in place and keep you feeling comfortable. Asmar Equestrian’s Signature breech (pictured at right) is another option if you’re looking for a little extra room on the bottom. Geared towards those with a little bit of extra shape, the Signature features a mid-rise waist with just a hint of extra room in the hip and backside area “for someone with a little bit of curve versus the straight up and down shape,” said Asmar’s Stephanie Tidball.

· december/january

CURVY

U.K.-based Fuller Fillies and several of SmartPak’s new breech lines have options that fit and flatter curves. Fuller Fillies doesn’t just rely on fabric, but designs the cuts of the breech to provide room that hugs curves in all the right places. SmartPak’s Bradley (pictured above) and Piper have extended sizes from 38-46 with a wider waistband that can help prevent a tootight squeeze and fabric that has just a little extra stretch.

APPLE

If you tend to carry a bit of weight in your midsection, and have slimmer hips and legs, the Tredstep Rosa Side Zip breech can be a nice option that flatters while obscuring any troublesome tummy spots. A tapered fit that elongates and a side zip option can camouflage without accentuating a thicker midsection. Fuller Fillies also has their Rosie Posey breech (pictured at left) that offers a shorter rise “which is great for apple shapes,” according to Designer Suzanne Wild.

S H OW YO U R CO LO U R S

AVERAGE Le Fash founder Arianna Vastino didn’t use a size 0 model when designing the new City Breech (pictured at right), but tested it out with all shapes and sizes before going into production. Designing with more of the general population in mind, Vastino’s main focus when creating the City Breech was comfort and fit. “The back of the breech has yoke and welt pockets that draw your eye up and away from any trouble spots. We also used Schoeller Prestige® fabric that has a higher spandex percentage. I like to think of it as a touch of built-in Spanx. It kind of tucks you in,” Vastino said.

5 6

See the NEW 2014

COLOUR BLOCK Stretch Shirt Collection

Found at the winter circuits at: Brown Beauty HITS Thermal, CA

PETITE

Several of the tried and true Tuff Rider breeches (pictured at left) come in a short option, which helps with any extra fabric woes, especially in the rise (the length between the waistband and the crotch). It makes for a welldefined cut that’s proportional for those with a smaller stature.

Jods WEF Wellington, FL

Tack N Rider WEF Wellington, FL

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Picture this: You’re in Belgium, headed for a competition in France. You’re waiting for the horse van to pick up the seven horses you’ve brought with you. You’re waiting. And waiting. The driver never shows. Most people would be frantically punching numbers into their phone, trying to find a new driver. But the Mirabal family was able to rely on an Olympic gold medalist to make the trip. Their trainer Rodrigo Pessoa took over driving duties, and one and all made it to the show on time. “Rodrigo drove all the way there with the horses and his daughter Cecelia. The same thing happened in Monte Carlo! It’s fantastic to be able to count on a professional like Rodrigo—he is ready for everything,” said G&C Farm owner Gustavo Mirabal. Being prepared is something that the Mirabals of G&C Farm spent months planning for as they sent horses to Europe, and up and down the East Coast of the United States, from their home base in Florida this summer.

The by Laura Cardon

TWO TEAMS, TWO CONTINENTS

How G&C Farm managed two competitive show teams thousands of miles apart

Fielding two teams of competitive riders on separate continents may sound like a logistical undertaking too daunting for most, but for Mirabal, it was just another summer on the show jumping circuit. “I was never worried about G&C showing on two continents,” Mirabal said. “G&C Farm is a very organized company, and I’m lucky to work with all of the people that keep the business running. I always know everything will be okay.” The network of help utilized by G&C is both expansive and highly organized. Its U.S.A. base is in Wellington, Florida, and is led by Iveth Landa and Carlos Mirabal, who work around the clock with the help of barn manager Manuel Machillanda and trainer Luis Miguel Martinez. Overseas, G&C Farm takes advantage of Rodrigo Pessoa’s headquarters in Belgium as well as trainer and rider Gustavo Arroyo’s base in France. As the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival began to wind down last April, Gustavo Mirabal sat down with Rodrigo Pessoa to map out

We are always having fun and no matter what I’m doing or what part of the world I’m in, I always feel close to my partners at G&C. They are not my employees, or riders, or grooms. I look at all of them like my partners. the competition schedule for the year. After taking inventory of how they wanted each horse and rider to progress, Pessoa settled on a calendar that would cover most of the northeastern United States and a dizzying array of European countries. “Rodrigo has the perfect sense of where would be the best to show,” Mirabal emphasized. “We especially looked at where we would have the best chance to win!”

TAKING TRAVEL IN STRIDE By May, Mirabal was headed to Belgium to kick off the European tour with wife and fellow competitor, Carolina Mirabal. The Mirabals enlisted the help of head groom Karine Dalle to care for the seven horses they traveled with. Although it meant spending a summer thousands of miles away from family and friends, Dalle eagerly took advantage of the opportunity. “I enjoy having more responsibility in Europe [as sole caretaker of the G&C horses]. Being on the road is part of the job as a groom! Traveling is very exciting, and I’m lucky that my job allows me to do it,” Dalle expressed. The European G&C team would ultimately hit four stops of the Global Champions Tour as

S H OW YO U R CO LO U R S

well as CSI competitions in France and Spain. Cannes and Monte Carlo were favorite spots for the family. “It’s a really special atmosphere at both of those shows, especially Monte Carlo. My girls thought they were princesses! It was funny,” Mirabal remembered. Stateside, 21-year-old Luis Larrazabal and 22-year-old Mark Bluman made appearances under the watchful eye of Helio Pessoa at the Devon Horse Show, the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, the Vermont Summer Festival, HITS Saugerties and the Kentucky National Horse Show. With 14 horses in regular competition, the G&C Farm team worked overtime to coordinate every aspect of life on the road— shipping, entries, passports, quarantine, and layovers between shows. No detail was overlooked. “Communication is vital to our success,” office manager Landa explained. “We plan months ahead. We coordinate everything between offices and are in constant communication. Any obstacles we encounter are overcome quickly. We don’t delay fixing any issues—we respond right away.”

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Mirabal echoed Landa’s sentiments, describing the high standards both he and Pessoa hold themselves to. “Rodrigo is aware of everything. He pays very close attention to detail, which is very important to me. We are very alike that way with our work. We try to be perfectionists and are always looking for excellence,” Mirabal detailed.

A GLOBAL PRESENCE The team-player mindset is deeply ingrained in the G&C Farm, with every member of the team willing to lending a helping hand when necessary. Trainers Gustavo Arroyo and Luis Miguel Martinez happily stepped in whenever Pessoa’s own extensive show schedule created a conflict with what G&C Farm had coming-up. While Pessoa went to Lanaken, Belgium in September with G&C Atlanta Z to contest the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses, Luis Miguel Martinez stepped-in to cover the GCT Vienna show that same weekend. Pessoa and G&C Atlanta Z ultimately finished with a bronze medal in the seven-year-old division, which had over 200 horses. G&C Atlanta Z surprised Mirabal with her impressive performances this summer. While he described her as “very much a chestnut mare,” he is looking forward to her progress with Pessoa as an eight-year-old. Riding is a hobby for Mirabal, so balancing work, family, travel, and competition was foremost on his mind. “I always go to the shows in Europe one week early so I can meet my business partner that lives in London and straighten-out our businesses. With the technology these days, it is very simple to work no matter where you are,” he pointed out. “The week of the show it really helps me when I can relax and think only about the horses.” Working is essential for Mirabal in order to afford his family’s equestrian pursuits. “I work harder now so that when I retire (which I hope is sooner than later!),” he laughed, “I can still have the same kind of life and enjoy watching the G&C riders and my kids.” Martinez emphasized that the strong bond between the entire G&C Farm team was what made this summer’s success possible.

THE TEAM COMES FIRST “The best quality that helps us get our job done is unity. Despite our different opinions, it is always the team’s success that comes first. Having the Pessoa family at our side and having excellent facilities, infrastructure, and of course our grooming staff were also essential,” Martinez explained. This page, from top: Luis Larrazabel and G&C Flash competing at Vermont. Photo ©David Mullinix; G&C Farm, Wellington, FL Opposite page: G&C head groom Karine Dalle

· december/january

Splitting up a team that describes themselves as more like family had the potential to be isolating, but staying in constant contact helped them stay connected.

S H OW YO U R CO LO U R S

“One word: technology!” Martinez laughed. “We always had our iPhones at hand on the road.” Mirabal added, “We are always having fun and no matter what I’m doing or what part of the world I’m in, I always feel close to my partners at G&C. They are not my employees, riders or grooms. I look at all of them like my partners.” In addition to the 14 horses in active competition, there was still the responsibility of the young horses at home. This fell to Martinez, who held down the fort in Wellington with his charge of seven horses. “Being in charge of the young horses for G&C is a great responsibility. I have the future grand prix horses in my hands. It’s a task that I enjoy and that I do with a lot of pride,” Martinez described. After some time-off at home during the fall, Luis Larrazabal was on the road again for the Nations Cup in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where he and G&C Flash helped Team Venezuela finish with a silver medal. With a grueling competition schedule, it would be easy (and perhaps expected) that the young rider would feel burnt-out at any point over the summer. Larrazabal, however, is not one to make excuses. “There is no place like home, so it was certainly not easy [being on the road for so long], but it never affected my riding. That would be a bad excuse, anyway, because I had plenty time to get myself ready for every show,” he stated matterof-factly. “Traveling to new places and meeting new people is always a good experience.” Home for Larrazabal and the rest of G&C Farm is the picturesque five acres that Gustavo Mirabal built from the ground up in Wellington. The property includes an 18-stall barn, riding ring, turnout paddocks, and a walker to keep the horses fit and healthy. The Mirabal family also lives on the property at the main house, which was the only building on the property when they purchased it in 2009. Mirabal envisioned a look both tropical and elegant, which he continues to tweak each month in typical perfectionist form. “It’s a little crazy that we never end!” he said with a laugh. For Mirabal, the farm in Wellington serves as an oasis to spend time with his family—

both immediate (he and Carolina have three daughters) and G&C Farm members. “I love being with my girls running around the farm with our dogs and watching them ride,” Mirabal described. “I enjoy riding with my riders. I love to see all of the horses growing and progressing. At the farm, I have everything I love in the same place.” Larrazabal is eager for the entire team to be reunited in Wellington for the 2014 FTI WEF, where he looks forward to full-time guidance from both Pessoas in preparation for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. “I’m lucky to have Rodrigo and Helio helping me full-time during WEF, so I’ll do my best to keep learning from them as much as possible. I can’t wait for next summer. I’ll go to Europe for the first time to prepare for the WEG,” Larrazabal detailed. Larrazabal isn’t the only member of G&C Farm striving to represent his home country at the 2014 WEG in Normandy, France. Pessoa and Arroyo also have their sights set on representing their respective home countries of Brazil and Venezuela. With the 2014 WEG looming, G&C Farm has no intentions of slowing down. The entire team will head to Europe following the 2014 FTI WEF, with the exception of Martinez and the group of young horses he carefully oversees. Mirabal is eager to see what the future holds for his equestrian family. One thing’s for certain, the G&C Farm “escudería” will ensure their success in whatever part of the world they find themselves.

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by Erin Gilmore

MOST INTRIGUING EQUESTRIANS

H O P E G LY N N

NOELLE FLOYD

2013

BOBBY MURPHY DARRAGH KENNY KARA CHAD

prix classes, and picked-up top five checks in a slew of others. She was named the 2013 California Professional Horseman’s Association Horseman of the Year. From her ubiquitous Facebook page, to her multiple mounts and those of her derby rider students, from Devon to Del Mar she is everywhere. When success is so natural in one sport, it’s easy to assume some of that same talent will cross over to another.

COMFORT ZONE

Hope Glynn wasn’t used to finishing in last place. But as soon as she started, she knew she was in trouble. Panic closed in around her chest, and for a moment, not only did she forget how to breathe, she truly thought she was going to die. Fortunately, Glynn wasn’t sitting astride a horse. She was wearing a wetsuit, not a hunt coat, and the playing field before her was the open water of the Atlantic Ocean, rather than a hunter derby course. For someone who’s so used to winning, a little failure was good for the soul. Glynn may have been a bit cocky when she deigned to practice the open water swim before her first triathlon in 2012, but why wouldn’t she have been? This West Coast hunter rider has been known to put in up to 50 rounds per day during the show season, nailing distance after perfect distance in top hunter competition. This year alone, she won no less than 10 international hunter derbies and HITS hunter

· december/january

However, when Glynn hit the water for the first phase of her first triathlon, she knew she’d assumed wrong. But she didn’t give-up. She dug deep and pushed past her fear to finish the swim. She hopped on her bike and rode the second phase with 200 other triathletes. And she ran to the finish line on her own two feet. “I’d never done anything I wasn’t good at,” Glynn says. “I was practically born on a horse, and I don’t ever remember not knowing how to ride. But for this, I had to learn to overcome that feeling of a little bit of panic. I had to do it at my own pace.” The perspective that Glynn gained out in the Atlantic did cross over, after all. Struggling with a new sport has made her a better rider, a better coach, and a better horseman. “When you have goals that don’t involve winning, it actually helps you win more,” she says. Glynn and her husband Ned married when they were in their early twenties, but being young and ambitious paid off; in the last 15 years they’ve built a strong marriage, seen their daughter Avery, eight, begin to mature into a talented young rider, and transformed what was once a modest shed row in Sonoma, CA into a well-oiled operation with multiple arenas, several full barns, and stalls occupied by some of the finest hunters and jumpers in the country. Glynn pulls-off a slew of extracurricular activities with a breezy smile while others look on and wonder how she does it all: organizing a schooling-level derby day at her barn, hosting an EAP clinic, modeling for Ariat International, and judging around the country are part and parcel with her day-to-day duties of running a full-scale show barn. Success is sweet, but there’s still a sense that she hasn’t reached her own personal best yet. She came tantalizingly close to the nation’s top hunter titles this year, leading the first two rounds of the $500,000 HITS Hunter Prix Finals and finishing 2nd overall. A month before, she broke the Top Ten at the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. 2013 was her best season yet, and still, all signs point to 2014 “really” being her year. The biggest and best winner’s circles are still on the horizon. All she has to do to get there is put her head down and keep on swimming.

On Hope: the Highland Vest and Denim breeches by Ariat International. Photo 漏Jeannie Sucre

december/january 路

WHO IS

Two years ago, no one knew her name. She was not unlike droves of horse-mad North American girls before her, using riding as her passport to see new countries and horse shows, working in sales barns and immersing herself among the people and horses of the show jumping world. It wasn’t until Noelle Floyd picked-up a camera that everything changed. And now, just 18 months after starting a blog to document her travels, NoelleFloyd.com has become synonymous with the sport of show jumping. Floyd hails from Vancouver and was a regular at Spruce Meadows during her junior years. In 2007, she moved to New Zealand for University, and continued riding while she earned a degree in business management. After briefly working for Chris Pratt in Los Angeles, she moved to Europe in 2011 and began building an impressive network of contacts. Neil Jones, Stephan Conter of Stephex Stables, Michael Whitaker and Scott Brash were her earliest friends. But Floyd’s head wasn’t filled with dreamy notions of becoming a top rider. “I never had any intentions of pursuing a longstanding riding career,” she explains. “But I wanted to see what Europe was like. It is the epicenter for everything, the tempo for the sport is there.” It was on the Sunshine Tour in Spain, while listening to Whitaker and others tell the tales of their careers that Floyd was struck by the desire to tell their stories. Coupled with requests from friends back home to document her travels, Floyd bought a simple URL, NoelleFloyd.com; started an even simpler Wordpress blog, and began taking photos. “From there I started doing a few interviews,” Floyd details. “When I was riding at a show on the weekend, I would sit down at the end of the day, and Eiken Sato would be talking about how he went to the Olympics and how his dad is a monk and I would be thinking how this was such a great story that no one knew.” Before long, thousands (readers from the United States lead NoelleFloyd.com’s traffic) were flocking to Floyd’s minimalist, image-rich blog, eating up every post and all the while, wondering just how this Noelle Floyd person had managed to emerge from the woodwork to show-up at every show jumping hot spot around the world. Perhaps her greatest talent is in networking; coolly confident and unaffected by star power, last summer Floyd became friendly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Show Jumping team, who arranged to have her attend the 2012 Olympics. This summer, she was approached by Jan Tops, who asked her to join the Global Champions Tour press team. She proceeded to travel the globe with the GCT, landing in some of the most glamorous cities in the world to photograph show jumping. What’s next? Floyd aspires to be bigger and better by bringing the sport of show jumping together with easy information sharing. What started as a simple blog transformed her into an instant photojournalist, and no one is more excited than her for what the future will bring.

· december/january

A YOUNG FACE IN THE OLD BOY’S CLUB

Do you think that course designing is an occupation meant for a “mature” horseman’s second career? Take one look at Bobby Murphy and you’ll think again. This 30-year-old course designer has a resume that rivals colleagues twice his age, yet he’s humble as the day is long. He’s designed courses for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, the Chicago Hunter Derby and most recently, the USPCA Maclay Finals. He’s a welcome sight at shows around the country, and that’s not just because of his side-swept brown hair and sweet Kentucky accent. Murphy is fast becoming a leading course designer in the United States. Three decades ago, course designing often fell to riders who were retired from the competition ring and looking for something else to do. Today, Murphy points out how things have changed. Along with the modern version of horse show production, course design has modernized and with it, the designers themselves. A degree in business management and marketing from the University of Kentucky honed Murphy’s skills in horse show production, and with five generations of horsemen in his blood, it was always a given that he’d make his way in the horse industry, somehow. He designed his first course at age 15 and started following around the likes of George Morris soon after that. Ever since then it seems that he’s always been in the right place at the right time, steadily establishing credibility and experience at the top of the sport. “Whether it’s course designing or I’m going through the barn looking at horses, I’m climbing the ladder of horsemanship,” Murphy says. “It’s a slow process to get from one step to the next, and I don’t know what step I’m on, but I’m still climbing.” In the last year, Murphy has spent his free time as a working student in his sister’s barn, trainer Melissa Murphy, and plans to get back into the ring as a rider in 2014. “The past five years, I’ve dedicated a lot of my life to the hunter derby program. But riding is making me a better course designer,” he explains. “And riding is something I really want.” Ask him what he thinks his biggest accomplishment is, and you’ll be met with a long silence. When he finally answers, he doesn’t say that it was working this year with the two most recent Team USA show jumping chef d’equipes on course building (although that runs a close second.) “After I designed the Maclay Finals course, I felt like a different course designer compared to the day before,” says Murphy. “That’s my biggest accomplishment, up to this point.” Young, talented, and -oh yes- single, Bobby Murphy may be on the sidelines during most rounds at a show, but it’s from there that he’s become a welcome sight, a familiar face and one valuable member of the course designer’s “old boys” club. Photo ©Liz Soroka

december/january ·

IS LIVING THE DREAM

Winning a training bursary to work in America with Missy Clark turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to Ireland’s Darragh Kenny. Six years ago, Kenny won a class at the RDS Dublin Horse Show in which the prize was a grant to travel from his home in County Offaly to train with Missy Clark and John Brennan of North Run Stables in Vermont. That prize turned out to be a life changing catalyst, the first step in a string of events that catapulted him to international recognition. The three-month trip evolved into four years of learning the ropes of the American hunter/jumper industry from Clark, who gave him a massive leg up in the industry by mounting him on her string of grand prix horses, which in turn led to qualification for and an appearance at the 2010 FEI Rolex World Cup Final. “I’m just lucky,” he’ll downplay, looking across the room as if remembering the place that he started. It’s in the last 12 months that soft-spoken, brown-haired Kenny has really found his way. In December 2012 he set-off on his own, opening Oakland Ventures LLC with eight horses in training and one groom. It was an ambitious move for a young Irish rider one year shy of his mid-twenties. And while eyebrows were raised aplenty when Kenny left the North Run cradle, he’s done nothing but make all the right moves in the months since, keeping himself in the spotlight, and the winner’s circle, when he could have just as easily dropped away. By April of 2013 Kenny had 16 horses in training, and in December, a year to the day after forming his own business, a whopping 35 equine faces peer out of their stalls when he walks down the barn aisle. Now, with a full-scale operation, a growing string of international-level horses, and a pictureperfect, brand-new Wellington barn as the icing on the cake, Kenny is well positioned for a breakout year in 2014. Not that 2013 was any kind of wash: as he built partnerships with his string of new horses, he continued to place and win on the grand prix circuit, and in June, was given the not-insignificant nod as reserve rider for Ireland’s victorious FEI Nations Cup team during the Spruce Meadows Continental Tournament. Speaking of which, what does he think about the group of stateside-based Irish riders (of whom he is the youngest) that have been highly visible this year, cleaning up in grand prix classes on a nearly weekly basis? “It’s not that Irish riders are winning more, it’s just more noticeable because there are so little of us around,” he says. “And hopefully, we’re going to keep getting bigger.” Kenny’s success rate already eclipses that of so many Irish riders who come to the United States, hungering for half the chance that he’s had. With the dedication Kenny shows toward his horses, his business, his girlfriend (sorry ladies!) and his growing stable, he’s becoming living proof of that age-old American dream: work hard and you can have it all.

· december/january

Riding is a great equalizer: one can have all the resources in the world at their fingertips, but without a healthy measure of godgiven talent, there’s a limit to how high you can jump, or how many fences you can leave up. Luckily for 17-year-old Kara Chad, she’s got nothing lacking in the talent department. Kara and her older sister Bretton were struck by the same horse-crazy bug as small children. Blessed by parents with the resources to support their passion, the Chad sisters, of Alberta, Canada, trained out of their private Stone Ridge Farm, whetting their teeth in the pony ring, then mostly bypassing the equitation ring to quickly move into the jumpers, where both have begun to turn heads this year. With Spruce Meadows as her proving ground, winters on the California circuit, and the support of trainers Dick Carvin and Susie Schroer of Meadowgrove Farm to guide her, Kara has leapt over the various riding milestones with impressive speed. First 1.50m grand prix, check. First round in the International Ring at Spruce Meadows, check. And then this fall, her first grand prix win came in stunning style, at the über-glamorous Global Champions Tour stop in Vienna, Austria. After graduating from high school this spring, Chad began her gap year with an enviable, extended trip to England to train with Olympic Gold Medalist and FEI-ranked World Number One Ben Maher. Her parents let her go with the stipulation that she take gap year classes at nearby Oxford University Monday through Wednesday, and focus on riding the rest of the week. It was on that schedule that she met her longtime horse manager Ashley Rohmer in Vienna on a Wednesday, won the CSI2* Gold Tour speed on Friday, and then proceeded to win the CSI2* Grand Prix of Vienna on Saturday, much to her own shock and surprise, and despite extremely wet conditions that turned the arena and grounds into a mucky soup. Then again, perhaps this Canadian, her groom, and her longtime mount Alberto II felt right at home in the conditions. Chad and Rohmer giddily celebrated back in the barn aisle. People starting calling Chad the next Beezie Madden. Maher gave her a pat on the back. All in all, it was a taste of what could be. “It was incredibly amazing to win at a place like that. It was one of the most spectacular venues you could compete at. [Moving up has] been quite a fast transition,” says Chad. “There’s been one thing after the other hitting me in the face. Right now, I’m just trying to work my way in.” Needless to say, Chad has enjoyed Maher’s influence, and plans to continue training with him in 2014 on the Florida circuit. “Watching how he’s so poised with everything he does, from riding to conversing with people, it really surprised me how he keeps it all together,” she says. “It’s a look into the future to see how much more I have to do to get there, but it also shows me that it’s possible.” Photo ©Captured Moments

december/january ·

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QUESTforsuccess by Saer Coulter

Shifting Gears:

Summer into Fall Fall is a time of changing colors, and for me it always represents a time to change gears. With the fall comes the beginning of university classes, along with the fall North American League – West Coast FEI World Cup qualifying season. After a summer of focusing on riding in Europe, it was once again time for me to find a balance between Stanford and horse shows. As normally happens, once September came around I hit the ground at a full sprint. During the second week of school I rushed from my 3pm architecture class at Stanford up to my barn in Petaluma to meet my coach Markus Beerbaum (who had just flown in from Germany) in order to jump-school the horses before the Sacramento International Horse Show later that week. After leaving the barn around 7pm I headed home to finish up my work for the next couple days of school, before driving up to Sacramento on Wednesday.

THE BALANCING ACT The first time I do this for the first show of the fall it is always a little bit of a shock. I often feel rushed at the show and constantly behind on schoolwork. It always takes a few weeks to figure out my new schedule and find the best ways to be productive. However, by the time of the Del Mar World Cup Qualifier at the end of October, I have usually found my rhythm between the two once again. I have always loved the fall shows in California for the atmosphere and the feeling of challenge that surrounds the show grounds. Every show tries to create an exciting environment for the Saturday night World Cup classes. As I walked into the ring at Sacramento, I could feel the excitement of the crowd, and the slight tension in my horse Springtime as he responded to the new environment. While I am becoming re-accustomed to moving between school and riding, the horses have to adjust to a change from the large outdoor rings of the summer to the small indoors used in the fall.

THE SPACE ADJUSTMENT Much like it takes me a few weeks to feel like I am in control of both my riding and schoolwork, it takes the horses a couple classes to find their rhythm indoors. With Springtime in particular, we usually have to work a lot on rideability and flatwork before heading into the indoor World Cups. Outdoors, I have more time between jumps to get him back and make sure he is listening and ready for the next jump. Inside, Springtime has to react to my aids immediately because the next jump is often only a few strides away. As a result, our flatwork in the fall often involves a lot of moving quickly between forward and collecting to make sure that he is responsive.

· december/january

For other horses, the constant barrage of jumps keeps them continually interested indoors. My stallion Carmena Z got out of quarantine only a couple weeks before the Del Mar World Cup week. Once again, in preparation for Del Mar, I met Markus in Petaluma on Monday evening after class to squeeze in a jumping session before the horses went to the show. Leo, as Carmena Z is affectionately known, had not shown in two months, so we jumped a course with him and decided to see how he was with going straight into the Thursday night class. He is a horse that only gets better when he is challenged by speed and atmosphere. Walking into the Thursday night Welcome Stake, he was relaxed and felt excited to be at a show once more. He sped around to second place after not seeing a show ring for two months. It was clear that he enjoyed the change of environment from outdoors to indoors and required very little preparation to make the change. As the horses make the adjustment for the fall and I begin to find my balance once again, it is always wonderful to be surrounded by people going through the same shift in gears. On Thursday night of Del Mar, I was second to Nayel Nassar, another Stanford student who had recently returned from riding in Europe, and then the East Coast. In the World Cup Qualifier in Los Angeles at the beginning of November, I was third on Springtime, and Alec Lawler, one of my best friends at Stanford, was second. At first, the transition from summer to fall often seems daunting for both horse and rider. However, when surrounded by friends who are also accomplishing their goals in the ring and on campus, the transition not only becomes more fun, but even more inspiring.

Writer SAER COULTER, an aspiring professional and Stanford University student, is profiled on page 8. Above: Saer Coulter and Carmena Z leave the ring after a successful round at the Los Angeles National Horse Show, November 8th 2013. Photo ©Mark Blakley

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BEHINDtheseams by Arden Cone b

It took some audacity. Jessica Stellabatti Rönner flew into New York City with a cut and dry objective: to convince her sister Carin to drop everything, leave her job in New York, and go all-in as the creative director for a clothing line that didn’t yet exist. Carin gave it a go. It was a leap of faith, yes, but also a logical step in pursuit of a dream. Carin was creativeminded. Jessica was business minded. They hoped to one day combine their skill sets and create a line of their own. That they had similar backgrounds and different skill sets gave them the ingredients for a wellrounded company with a clear concept. The sisters envisioned a clothing line that drew inspiration from their shared past in the equestrian world. Today, they call that line Rönner.

E Q UI N E I M PRE S S I O N S The sisters grew-up riding for fun and watching their mother Ines train horses professionally. As they traveled to horse shows on weekends, they basked in the lavish style of their surroundings. Everything about the sights that Carin saw as a child, from the silhouettes of horse and rider to the chic style of the spectators, enraptured her. “For me it was and always will be a big source of inspiration,” she says. “It implicates im m sophistication and elegance, but at the same time it’s sporty and active.”

For me (horses are) it was and always will be a big source of inspiration. It implicates sophistication and elegance, but at the same time it’s sporty and active.

· december/january

Th These T early impressions of the equestrian scene remain and have been sewn into in n Rönner’s mission. Itt was four years ago when Jessica convinced Carin to leave New York for Bogota, Colombia where their family had lived the majority of their lives. B Carin had studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and C Ca remained re e there for two years after she graduated. Jessica, on the other hand, had h a attended business school in her home country and went on to help run Equitana, a small tack shop founded by Ines in Bogota. E Eq Ca arrived in Bogota on a Wednesday, and by Thursday, plans to establish Carin C Rönner were in full-swing. Now that the two sisters and Ines were all in Colombia, R they th h could pull together the structure of the company. Naturally, Carin became the th h creative designer, and Jessica ran the company from the business standpoint. Left and opposite page: Rönner on the runway at the 2013 Circulo de la Moda fashion event in Bogota Above: Ines, Carin and Jessica

Ines’ connections to the horse world were invaluable and put her in position to be the public relations authority. With their knowledge pooled, they became what they describe as “the perfect team.”

STA RT ING SMALL All things start small, except maybe ambitions. Carin drew up the first clothing designs on the floor, frustrated that she had neither an adequate workspace nor a store of her own in which to exhibit her new line. It wasn’t long, however, before things began to accelerate. The Colombian National Show Jumping Team contacted Rönner to design their competition show coats. This first project, unlike later Rönner designs, was a jacket meant for the show ring, not the runway. However, its importance as a launching pad cannot be overstated. Not only was it the inspiration behind their next high fashion design, the Scarlet Jacket, but it was also an instant success on the market. Since this first accomplishment, Carin, Jessica and Ines have worked hard to develop their brand. They design two main collections each year and introduce new creations intermittently. Only the highest quality materials will do justice to their clothes, which are noted for the sharp attention paid to details. Each item, be it a dress or a jacket, is classic yet current, and a certain confidence results from this.

R ÖNNE R ON T HE RUN WAY In 2010 the team opened Rönner’s first store in an exclusive shopping center in Bogota. Only a year later, the demand called for another store in the north of the city. Rönner attracted more and more attention, and in 2013, they launched onto the national stage.

Carin, Jessica and Ines were thrilled with the outcome of the runway event. It gave them exposure to a national market that instantly welcomed their arrival on the scene. Maybe it was the attention to detail and quality that won them acceptance, or perhaps it was the appeal of the equestrian designs. Regardless, Rönner has gained a strong reputation throughout Colombia, and has now begun to gain visibility among international markets. Their forays into the US market have already begun: Rönner is now carried by LA Saddlery in Los Angeles, California, and is looking ambitiously towards other parts of the world.

A L I F E S T Y L E B RA N D Carin and Jessica designed Rönner around an ideal customer: she is called the Rönner woman. Designs for her materialize in Carin’s mind to fall effortlessly into her lifestyle. The occasions, the activities, and the daily habits of the Rönner woman are attended to. The ideal Rönner woman is an equine enthusiast, and the equestrian market will always be the company’s niche. However, to the excitement of the Rönner team, they’ve found that their designs have a wide appeal. We can all agree: only equestrians truly understand what the equine lifestyle is all about, but that doesn’t matter. Rönner has created a brand to show the rest of the world what it means to be equine chic. Carin and Jessica understand what the Rönner woman wants. Of course they do. As they watched from the sidelines, breathing in the excitement of the horse shows, they became the Rönner woman. They didn’t yet know it, but those experiences planted a seed of a dream in their minds: to bring the Rönner woman to life.

They attended Circulo de la Moda de Bogota 2013, one of Colombia’s premier fashion events, and owned the runway with their impressive Fall/Winter Collection. Even at a mainstream fashion event, Rönner’s team didn’t hold back in expressing its equestrian roots. Models walked the runway holding bits, riding crops, saddles, and helmets. A dressage horse, mid-passage, glowed on a screen behind them. Fashion boots and breeches, boldly equine-inspired but classically chic, were paired with exquisite hunt coat-style jackets. In some pieces, snaffle bits were replicated in patterns across silk blouses and dresses. In others, they accented subtle details on hunt coat pockets. Rönner’s collection held its own among the top clothing lines featured at the event, and it captured the attention of magazines and bloggers around the country.

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RIDERspotlight by Erin Gilmore

Andrew

Ramsay For a while there, it looked like America had lost Andrew Ramsay for good. But this fall, the 28-year-old rider who’s spent the last three years ensconced in the horse business in Europe, arrived back to the West Coast for a busy tour of the circuits that he last participated in more than a decade ago. Back in 2001, Ramsay was a frequent face at California’s top shows. But after high school, he took a break from horses and then ended-up in Europe. A short trip evolved into several years spent in Holland and the formation of his own stable. Ramsay has been well settled in Europe ever since, successfully bringing along young horses and gaining valuable experience. So when this Oakland, California native showed up in the grand prix classes at the Sacramento International Horse Show in October, heads turned. He capped a triumphant return to the West Coast by winning the last World Cup Qualifier of the fall circuit in mid November, the $50,000 Markel Insurance Grand Prix CSI-W at the Las Vegas National. It was one heck of a way to step back into the West Coast fold, where Ramsay still has a large network of friends and family. Read on to find out what’s next for this exciting professional.

Horse & Style: Locally, you were well known during your junior career. What were the standout moments of those years? Andrew Ramsay: I started riding when I was six, training with Gry and Duncan McFarlane at Windfall Farm. As my commitment to the horses grew, we transitioned from Windfall Farm to establishing our own stable, Shalanno Farms, with the help and training of Linda Hough, Stephanie Simmonds, and John Wohr. Until the fall of my last junior year I balanced school and my love for the horses. I won the West Coast Maclay Regional that year, but decided not to travel back East for the Final. I had done it the two years before and wanted to finish up my last year of high school with a more normal schedule. My last show in the US was at the Cow Palace and I won the grand prix on my junior jumper. It was a great way to finish up as many friends and family were able to come to the local event. H&S: Tell us more about the break you took from horses, and how you got back into it. AR: After graduating high school, I took a five-year hiatus from the horses that began with a gap year and continued with my studies at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Initially I did not miss the horses, but once I settled into university, I began to realize what a significant part of my life the horses and competition had become. I loved college, but it was a long four years away from the stable. By my

· december/january

sophomore year I knew that I wanted to work with horses. After graduation I rode for Stephanie, and then I went East and helped Lauren Hough during the 2010 Florida circuit. That summer I went over to Europe with the intention to work for Alan Waldman for six months.

H&S: And then, it was history? How did six months turn into three years?

AR: I went to Waldman Horses to be Alan’s rider, but after being there for six months I bought one horse, then two, and then while working for Alan, I was spending half the day with my own horses. It was a natural point to stop working for him. After a year I built a stable next to his and now I have eight horses in training. Alan has been a wonderful mentor and has been instrumental in helping to establish my own business. In 2010 when I first traveled to Europe I would have never imagined Holland becoming the focal point of my early years as a professional.

H&S: That means you hadn’t shown in the US in how many years? Why come back now? AR: There were a lot of factors, one of which is that California will always be home. It’s where I grew up and it’s where I always rode. My parents, grandparents, cousins and friends are still all in California. It is not only an emotional home, but where I trained and competed for 12 years of my junior career. When the idea of returning to California to compete first surfaced, we needed to figure out how it would work. If we were going to take the expense of sending horses from Europe I wanted to come with a direction. Jump the World Cups. I had never jumped any of the qualifiers in the US or Europe. So I came with the goal of jumping the World Cup qualifiers starting with the Sacramento International through the Las Vegas National, and if all went well, to perhaps stay through Thermal.

H&S: How did it feel to be back in California? AR: It feels wonderful. It was hard for me to have expectations of what the shows would be like since I hadn’t shown here in a decade. But I’ve enjoyed the shows, the competition, and it’s been great to reconnect with friends I hadn’t seen in 10-plus years.

H&S: What can you say about how Europe has influenced your career? AR: I really enjoy the sport in Europe. It’s quite different than here in the USA. Europe is a wonderful place to work on one’s own career and develop your own horses. There’s a lot of opportunity. It’s easier to develop young horses; every week there are a multitude of national shows within a 30-minute drive of our stable. In the same week we can show young horses at national events, then compete internationally on the weekend with an older group. As a small stable with one rider we can accomplish a lot in a week’s work.

H&S: Do you ever get homesick while overseas? AR: I went with the expectation that Europe would be a shortterm experience, and it evolved organically as it’s gone along. Alan is also an American and with his foundation of riding in the States made it easier to step into his stable. He’s become a great friend and that helped with adjusting. Also, I am quite busy with training, competing and looking for horses and that does a great

job of keeping my mind from missing home. It also helps that Alan has a strong American client base which helps to bring a bit of the USA to Holland.

H&S: And what’s your plan now? Will we be seeing more of you in the USA? AR: It’s been crazy lately, I’ve ended up going back and forth a lot right now. The weekend before Sacramento I was in Belgium at the Young Horse World Championships. Just after Sacramento I met four horses in Italy and showed there for two weeks, and right after that I was back in California for Del Mar. My plan at this point is just to try to balance the two groups of horses in USA and Europe. This fall was a feeler trip. If it does work, I can organize for next season. I needed to get a feel for how it all works, from visas and transport to just doing entries in the US. I’ve never done entries here before! I love working with the horses and I love competing. But in the end, it’s an expensive sport, and up until now I’ve owned all my horses, and sold a few special ones. Yes, I’d love to pursue the sport, make it onto teams, represent America. Yes, that’s my goal. And that’s much of the reason for coming back. I am American, after all! Opposite page: Ramsey and Adamo van’t Steenputje in Del Mar, CA. Three weeks after Del Mar, they picked up a big World Cup win in Las Vegas, NV. Photo ©Cheval Photos Above: Ramsey competing with Chocola Z in Europe. Photo ©Digishots

december/january ·

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Fortune Favors the Brave by Winter Hoffman

A FIRST-TIMER’S ACCOUNT OF COMPETING IN THE FOXFIELD JUMPING DERBY “Fortune Favors The Brave” is the inspirational slogan written inside all equestrian belts in the Hoffman household. I’m convinced that it was the lucky talisman that helped my daughter Zazou Hoffman win the 2009 Maclay Final. After being equestrian support staff for many years with Zazou’s horses and ponies, the roles are now reversed and today she coaches me on my horse. I’m mostly a casual rider. And until now, I’ve always let my daughter do the showing and been satisfied to watch from the rail. Let me preface this by saying that I’m not an uber-athlete, but together, my family and I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in August. It was one of the most arduous things I’ve ever done. At 19,400 ft., fitness, determination, and a dash of turpitude were requisite. It was 16 degrees below zero at midnight as we started our ascent with tiny headlamps illuminating a seemingly never ending, vertical pile of shale. By dawn we arrived (I’m cutting to the chase here) at the summit. Triumph!!

That incomparable feat gave me the courage to attempt the venerable Foxfield Jumping Derby in Westlake Village, California during the first weekend in October. With plenty of confidence and no competition experience... that’s right - no competition experience - it was going to be a challenge. Rather than enter a rusty stirrups class to get my feet wet, I preferred to go all-in, and the Foxfield Jumping Derby was the perfect goal. There would be nothing “rusty” about this rider; I much prefer the title of “late mid-century vintage rider.” I had the horse, Wervelwinde Van Kalken (better known as Walker), who is a Quidam de Revel offspring with years of eventing experience in Europe, so all I needed to do was practice! For months my fabulous coaches Zazou and Meredith Bullock worked with me on banks, ditches, triple bars, Swedish oxers, jumping in and out of the ring, and all at the requisite gallop to avoid time faults. The Foxfield Jumping Derby has two sections, the Calabasas Saddlery Junior/Amateur Jumping Derby, and the Open Foxfield Jumping Derby. After my training, I was ready and excited to take on the Junior/Amateur Derby.

BRAVERY REQUIRED According to judge and past Foxfield Derby contestant Rob Gage, “The Foxfield Derby is its own unique event. There is nothing like it anywhere in the U.S. It is a combination of regular fences that would be found in a show ring, and outside natural (and sometimes solid) obstacles that might be found on cross country, or a jumping derby in Canada or Europe. This event is not for every horse or rider. Horses have to be comfortable jumping natural obstacles, but still be careful enough to jump the regular fences clean. And the riders have to be brave when their mount needs them most.” Thousands of spectators have come to watch top riders from all over the West compete at Foxfield. The derbies have proven to be great testing grounds for future champions. Olympic Gold Medalist Will Simpson, three-time World Cup Finals Champion Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Susie Hutchison, Hap Hansen, Mark Watring and others have ridden the course. This year, several of them were on the grounds training clients.

· december/january

On derby day, I arose at five in the morning and navigated my trusty Brenderup trailer, loaded up with my horse, equipment and Zazou in the passenger seat, out to Foxfield. After drawing #33 in the order of go (I admit I thought about trying to trade for #2 in the order, just to get it over with) and walking the course many times, I did my warm up fences, tried to do my best “Zazou” imitation and galloped into the ring. Towering eucalyptus trees and golden oaks surround the Main Ring where my course awaited. I galloped through the timers and over a twisty turny track inside the ring, then out of the ring, up and over a daunting grass bank, through a cunningly concealed sunken road/double bank and out into the field where more banks, ditches, skinny gates and hidden tree trunks awaited me. Then it was back into the ring to finish the first round.

With plenty of confidence and no competition experience... that’s right - no competition experience it was going to be a challenge. AN UNEXPECTED THRILL Everyone who goes clean returns for the jump-off. In my case, it was completely unexpected, but thrilling to jump clean in the first round and come back for the jump-off round. I finished an astonishing 8th, with a very respectable time. Congraulations to winners Zoey Pacyna and Wonderful. My class utilized the same obstacles for the higher Open Foxfield Jumping Derby sponsored by Bob Smith BMW, which took place later that afternoon. Georges Bittar won the Open Derby on Pizzazz B. So, why attempt a competition like this? Zazou’s Facebook post that day said it all: “Congratulations to my amazing mother Winter Hoffman for a job well done today in the Foxfield Derby!!! She rode flawlessly to a double-clear, eighth-place finish in her first horse show ever with huge credit due to her awesome horse Walker! Really goes to show that it’s never too late to challenge yourself to do new things. Also, big thanks to Meredith Bullock for all her help preparing Winter and Walker. She couldn’t have done it without you! Love you Mama Hoffman!!” Fortune does indeed favor the brave.

having done a derby such as this one that gives them the skill set to handle the tough competitions. Zazou’s trainers Meredith Bullock and Missy Clark have been saying this for years. Still, as an adult who had never been in a jumping competition, and even with solid preparation and a quality horse, I felt that a few talismans were in order for luck. Hermés has always been one of my talismans, so I wore my grandmother’s intaglio ring with the head of the winged Greek god Hermés on it for derby day, and asked for the loan of a Hermés saddle pad and ear bonnet. I also borrowed Zazou’s lucky show clothes and World Champion Hunter Rider cooler.

The history of the Foxfield Derby and the atmosphere that pervaded throughout the day simply added to the excitement. Halftime entertainment was the world-renowned Foxfield Drill Team. The riders execute a series of choreographed routines, all without a bridle or saddle. Meredith, a Foxfield alum, remembers “riding around the field with nothing on my horse, or better yet, falling off in the ‘wire class’.” In those days, NBC televised the Foxfield Derby. “It was one of the first equestrian events to have great TV coverage. The television exposure was great and drew people in,” recalled three time Derby winner Susie Hutchison.

The whole experience was truly memorable and I loved the support of my fan club, young riders Claire Monaco and Darcy Rubin. They ride the pony version of my horse Walker. Once they announced they were coming to cheer me on, there was no turning back. To these girls, I was indomitable. Doubt never enters the minds of the show jumping novitiate! Who knows what will happen next year; this latemid century vintage rider may be back!

THE LATE-MID CENTURY VINTAGE RIDER

Writer and amateur rider WINTER HOFFMAN is profiled on page 8.

After the Derby I had an interesting conversation with Michael Page, who judged the competition. He flew in from New York to officiate, and gives many equitation and jumping clinics around the country. He commented that if you take the top-ranked junior riders and separate out the ones who can “really” ride, it’s the experience of

Above: Winter and Zazou Hoffman with the wonderful Walker. Photo ©Carolyn Hampton Opposite page: Winter and Walker on course during the Calabasas Saddlery J/A Jumping Derby. Photo ©McCool Photos

december/january ·

HORSEcorner by Arden Cone

Unex Valente

A tall, gangly warmblood cantered up to the Puissance wall at the 2012 Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, KY. The first rounds had gone well, and the obstacle had steadily risen to become an imposing seven-foot wall. He powered off the ground from a good distance. The horse felt good, despite the fact that it was his first puissance. He arched over the top: clear up front. The spectators held their breath. He landed with surprising grace, the wall untouched, and the crowd went wild. The gangly warmblood was no longer an anonymous competitor; he was the winner of the $50,000 Alltech Puissance. He was Unex Valente. As the crowd cheered him home, the horse began to blossom. The 11-year-old, Dutch-bred KWPN gelding by Gentleman x Sit This One Out has since gone on to take three consecutive Puissance wins in the 2013 season, beginning in March at the Winter Equestrian Festival. This October, he won The Boeing Company $25,0000 Puissance at the Washington International Horse Show, and returned to the Alltech National Horse Show to claim the puissance for the second year in a row. The hype surrounding the horse now fills the air, and Unex Valente has taken notice. He knows people are talking about him, and he feeds on it. “Since he’s been winning things and getting the crowd going, he’s coming out of himself,” says Tim Gredley, Unex Valente’s owner and rider. Gredley remarks that he now stands in the barn with a confidence he never had before. It’s as if he knows he is the ideal horse for a puissance. Though he may not always be the fastest one in an open jumper class, he jumps clean and lands light. Gredley explains that the way he is built makes jumping the big wall easy for him, and his competitive nature makes him want to take the intimidating jump head on.

THE IDEAL TYPE Twenty-six-year-old Gredley, who hails from Great

Britain, bought Unex Valente as a gangly four-year-old at a Dutch sporthorse auction. He was attracted to the size and type of the horse, and guessed correctly that he possessed a great deal of scope. The leggy bay by Gentleman was very green, and spent the next few years becoming assimilated into Gredley’s training program. “We went very slowly with him at the beginning as he was very backwards physically,” remarks Gredley. Unex Valente’s barn name, Spider, speaks of his early physical awkwardness. With a horse like that, patience was key—he needed time to grow into himself. When the opportunity presented itself to enter the Puissance at the 2012 WIHS, Gredley passed it up, but as he watched the class, he regretted not giving it a try. He knew that he had the horse in his barn that could excel at this tough, traditional class.

FACING THE GIANT This year, by the time the 2013 WIHS rolled around, Gredley knew his horse was well prepared as soon as he approached the massive obstacle. To Gredley, the first round of the class is very telling. “He was taking me to the wall. I think that’s one of the most important things,” he explains. That first approach set the tone for the rest of the competition. From then on, Gredley’s only task was to ride every round the same—to keep the delicate balance of rhythm even as anticipation heightened. When the dust settled, they were the only horse and rider to successfully clear the final 6’11” height. After their win at WIHS, the pressure was on: only a week later, they would face the great wall again at the Alltech National Horse Show. Gredley had a plan, and the second victory was easy. As Gredley cantered lightly around in the warm-up ring, the horse beneath him felt relaxed and confidant. And even as the wall approached the 7” mark, his ride remained cool and collected. Unex Valente seemed

Located at Chamberlain Ranch - Wilton, California

to absorb confidence from the crowd. He left the ground, taking this invisible force with him, and his victory was sealed once again.

PERSONALITY WISE Gredley knows he has a gem. “It’s really nice to have a horse like that in your yard. It’s hard to find. He’s easy, talented, and he wants to do his job,” he says. Unex Valente has the bravery to match his boundless scope, a combination of talents that is nothing short of inspiring. His brilliant traits come together in a lanky package, and he is only just now coming into his fullest potential. With a new year and a new season on the horizon, the spotlight is sure to shine even brighter on this spidery bay horse that can quite literally leap great obstacles in a single bound.

Above: Tim Gredley and Unex Valente win The Boeing Company $25,000 Puissance at the Washington International Horse Show on October 25th. Photo ©Shawn McMillan Photo

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Signature Spurs Spurs and whips. They’re the kind of everyday riding tools that float around a barn and, more often than not, seem to grow legs and walk away. Every rider knows the frustration of needing to throw on your pair of trusted spurs before heading to the ring, only to turn around and discover that they’ve mysteriously disappeared. Rider, trainer and judge Lisa Forman could count herself among those riders. That frequent frustration, combined with a lifelong love of monogramming, inspired Forman to create Signature Spurs, and she has been happily customizing spurs and crops ever since. Based near the equestrian hub of Wellington, Florida, Forman enjoys making hand deliveries during winter season, and ships spurs and crops to customers throughout the country all year long.

H&S: What inspired you to go into such a niche business, which is a small slice of an already niche sport? How do you measure success?

LF: To start, the business began out of frustration. I took my spurs to Horse & Style: When and where did Signature Spurs start? Lisa Forman: Signature Spurs was founded in 2012 and is based out of Pompano Beach, Florida. After years of losing countless spurs and crops at horse shows and around the barn, I realized it was finally time to think of a better way of keeping track of my equipment.

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have my name engraved on them and was told that you can’t engrave on stainless steel. But I knew there had to be a way. I wanted to be able to monogram everything so that people wouldn’t take our things. I really noticed a need, and I decided to act on it. Success is what you make of it, and we measure success through the quality of the product and through rider feedback.

H&S: What have you learned, both about the horse industry and the business world, since founding Signature Spurs? LF: Word of mouth is huge, and everyone is highly connected in the horse industry, even more so than I thought. It’s critical to be seen at the horse shows and online. Our Facebook page really helps promote our business. Whether it’s at the horse shows or online, we have found that when people find a quality product they really like, they share and tell their friends.

Success is what you make of it, and we measure success through the quality of the product and through rider feedback.

H&S: What makes your business stand out?

LF: In the age of the Internet,

we wanted to be sure to keep personalized service as a top priority. By hand polishing the product, neatly wrapping it in plush velvet pouches, and shipping orders ASAP, we enjoy going the extra mile for our customers. Lastly, our favorite times are spent at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida when we make special, hand deliveries each day at the show grounds and surrounding barns.

H&S: What is new for the season from Signature Spurs? LF: After many requests, we just brought out the fully custom Jumper Whip, which allows you to chose two to three color combinations on the shaft. We can’t wait to see the color combination choices riders make this season!

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H&S: What makes Signature Spurs a stand-out in the horse industry? LF: Signature Spurs was created by horse people, for horse people. We promote our customer’s success stories. We feel that when riders use Signature Spurs, they are not only using a quality product, but also a good luck charm. Some of the riders engrave their horse’s name specifically for this purpose.

H&S: What’s the biggest reward in customizing a part of a rider’s apparel? LF: I take pride in creating beautiful pieces of equipment. The biggest reward is knowing that riders can have a personal attachment to their riding accessories. They love everything about it, the quality, the look, the presentation etc. The reward is that we are selling a timeless piece that is never going out of style. Every time someone opens their package, they love it. Some of the biggest shows love them enough to give them away as prizes to the leading riders as trophies. It’s better to have a functional trophy than one that sits on a shelf, right?!

H&S: A spur offers limited “creative space.” How do you keep the creative juices flowing, and what new options do you have on the horizon? LF: I really think creative space is what you make of it. We had someone who wanted “Mr. Waffle” engraved on their spurs…creativity comes from all angles, whether it’s developing new products, social media, sponsorships or contests. We love to connect with horse shows, barns, and riders to get their input on new products and ideas for personalization.

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H&S: What advice would you say to someone who wanted to create their own equestrian business?

LF: Have a clear goal, develop a strategy and budget to get there, be excellent at time management and organization and love what you do. If you don’t put passion in it, if you’re not motivated to wake-up early in the morning, that business will never grow. People in the horse industry understand and value quality, so stick to creating a quality product that people will want to keep.

Opposite page, from top: Lisa Forman with Shawnee at the barn; just some of the various sizes and spur lengths available for personaliztion. This page: The customizable jumper bat with three color shank and monogramed end. d cemb de mber er/j /jan anu uaryy ·

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Is holiday shopping and gift giving weighing you down? Never fear, H&S collaborated with DappledGrey.com this year to create the 2nd annual Holiday Guide to Equestrian Style. This all-digital guide features nearly 200 great holiday, equinethemed, gift ideas, and festive holiday features. The Holiday Guide to Equestrian Style is this season’s answer for the equestrians on your shopping list. Enjoy this sneak peek of the guide, and then visit www.horseandstylemag. com/HolidayGuideEquestrianStyle to view the gift guide in its entirety. Happy holidays and happy shopping!

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Zoe Dupzyk and Brownlands Almond Joy 4th in the second round of the Horse & Hound Pony Medal Finals and just out of the top ten overall

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ASKdr.carrie

After a long, hard, and successful year, my daughter, a junior rider, is not willing to go on a family vacation because she feels she needs to train. What is your advice on taking time-off from training for high-level equestrians?

Riders and horses both need time-off from the mental and physical focus of training. While I have ideas about mental breaks, it is important to have this conversation with your daughter’s trainer as well so that the plans you all make are aligned. Off-season is an Spending time with the horses excellent time to work on the basics and focusing on connection, of riding and mental practice. Spending fitness, groundwork and time with the horses grooming will increase bonds. and focusing on connection, fitness, groundwork and grooming will increase bonds. Additionally, taking time-off from the barn entirely and tending to the

rest of life is equally important. Most serious riders miss many important family events throughout the year as they balance a busy riding schedule and school. This intensity becomes the norm to them and family time can actually seem foreign or unessential. Understanding this pattern can help junior riders shift out of the habit of hyper-focus. Also, mental training while out of the saddle can include time for daily visualization of solid rounds, YouTube viewings, breath exercises, and physical cross training like hiking, skiing, swimming, gym workouts, or yoga/Pilates, which allows riders to develop the depth needed for multiple rides during long winter circuits. I highly recommend taking a break for family and self-time so as to strive for a balanced life.

I am a trainer who is on the road at shows all year. How can I help my riders focus on training during the off-season and especially in the beginning of the new year when they are always concerned with results in the ring?

From my observation, modern training seems to focus more and more on the show ring. The offseason and onset of the new season is an excellent time to address goals from the perspective of rider development, rather than show ring readiness, national rankings or medal qualifications. I encourage trainers to take time to meet with each rider individually to reassess their goals and focus on basics (mentally and physically) as well as make plans for the following year. I also encourage some time for play! Use cones, poles, make games, take time to observe horses in stalls and turnout, learn about tack and equipment, grooming, and horse care. While these activities aren’t always as

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

stimulating as jumping, they build confidence and support riders to come to the show ring prepared. After New Year’s, when the horse shows kick back in, make it clear that the focus will shift back to preparing for the ring. Help your riders focus on intrinsic goals, rather than outcomes. For instance, focus on the connection between horse and rider, pace, mental focus, and posture/position in the first weeks, rather than ribbons. The more you can emphasize and model a calm and focused approach to competition, the more successes become evident. Blue ribbons feel awesome, but true learning happens when the challenge occurs and is surmounted.

As a sport psychology consultant, I assist equestrian athletes to optimize their performance at all levels of competition. My varied background as an A-circuit Junior and Amateur competitor as well as mother of two daughters - a jumper rider and elite gymnast - has deepened my understanding of what a rider needs to grow and thrive. From medal finals to the grand prix ring, I support athletes to attain their goals while developing a mental practice that is useful both on and off the field. If you would like to meet with me to develop questions and comments for this column, please call or email. I am interested in learning about how riders of all levels prepare themselves for competition as well as how they connect with their horses.

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BITof bliss

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Sage Clarke

n October 13th, 2013, two equestrian families became one when Sage Clarke married Ashlee Bond at the Chateau le Dome at Saddle Rock Ranch in Malibu, California. Bond, a top international show jumper and World Cup Finals veteran, first met Clarke, a farrier by trade who hails from a family of horsemen, at the 2011 Showpark Summer Classic. Clarke and Bond quickly became an item, and on Valentines Day 2013, during a quick getaway trip to San Francisco, Clarke proposed. In front of a small gathering of close family and friends, Clarke and Bond tied the knot on a bright fall day under a rustic cupola, with the Santa Monica Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. Bond wore a dress by Vera Wang and let her long blond hair fall down her back in soft curls. While horses featured prominently in the couple’s engagement photos, they chose to leave their line of work in the barn for the big day, albeit with a few subtle touches toward their shared passion. “The day meant everything to me,” says Bond. “It was truly a fairy tale and everything went off without a hitch. There was no drama or stress, and having our family and best friends there with us made it truly special.”

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DEARfashionista I am a rusty, adult amateur giving thought to competing again. I haven’t been in the show ring since 2002! Having always been civilian- and equine-challenged regarding clothing style, I’m overwhelmed and intimidated on what to wear that will allow me to be comfy AND not look frumpy. ~ At tack store with VISA in-hand

©Katie Sroka

Dear Horse & Style Fashionista,

Dear VISA at the Ready, Welcome back to the show ring! I am happy to help guide you in finding a look that is comfortable and stylish! One of the best things to happen in riding apparel during the past decade is the introduction of spot/tech fabrics. Long gone are the days of the stiff, high-waisted breeches, non-breathable hunt coats and pull-on, over-priced custom tall boots! Finally, equestrian brands have realized that riders work and move like athletes. Starting from the bottom up, custom tall boots aren’t realistic for every rider. Luckily, off-the-rack tall boots have new meaning these days. Parlanti and TredStep all make fabulous, off-the-rack boots for a fraction of what you’d pay for custom. For breeches, we’ve sourced the perfect pair for every body type in our article, “The Breech Blues No More: Find Your Perfect Fit” on page 46 of this issue. You’ve got plenty of fashionable breech options, no more too-tight spandex or scratchy nylon fabric! Fashionista has more good news: you can now say goodbye to rummaging through your tack trunk for the old ratcatcher to your show shirt! There’s been a great invention since you were last in the show ring - collars that are attached and snap together. Winston makes stylish show shirts and we simply can’t get enough of the always fashion-forward shirts from Cheval Fashions. It gets better! Hunt coats today are breathable and often even machine washable. Everyone who’s anyone seems to be wearing Alessandro Albanese lately. Fashionista simply swoons over their new TechnoReady hunt coat. Last, but most certainly not least, your helmet! Hang your old, slightly faded velvet hard hat in your office as a decoration because in 2014 your helmet must not only be safe, it must be stylish! There are a bevy of options out there – head to your local tack store and try on a GPA First Lady, or any of the Samshield helmets for size! Good luck and happy shopping!

Love, Fashionista

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

december/january ·

BEHINDthelens

Sara

Roxanne Since the first time she picked up a camera, Sara Roxanne’s subject matter has always been horses. She graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography with a BA in Photography in 2009, which gave her the technical skills she considers critical in executing her creative vision. An equestrian herself, Roxanne truly understands the connection between horse and rider, and her photos capture that special relationship. She loves the moment of reveal when her clients finally see the finished result of their shoot, especially when she creates memory books from the images. She enjoys collecting images that range from artistic to action, as well as portraits from multiple shoots over time. Her photos show the energy, blood, sweat and tears that go into a relationship with a horse. She is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and is an Equine Photographer’s Network award winner. Based in Northern California, Roxanne recently gave-up her job at Google to devote all of her time to photography. She currently has her dream job being a photographer, and loves what she does.

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