B A R N E N V Y: B E L M O N T H O U S E S T U D
The World Comes West TO THE
Longines Los Angeles Masters CSI5* Adventures at Tรถlt Speed Destination: Iceland Show Jumping Shines in Ohio at New Albany Classic
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
Ph. Tiziano Scaffai
WW W.F RA N C OTU C C I. C OM
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68 48 THE LONGINES LOS ANGELES MASTERS
86 BARN ENVY: BELMONT HOUSE STUD
32 SEEING ORANGE AT THE WORLD
85 TREND REPORT: WHIP IT
Bringing the world’s top international riders to the West Coast for the inaugural Longines Los Angeles Masters was the highlight of the fall show calendar
EQUESTRIAN GAMES
In France for this year’s Alltech FEI WEG, Dutch riders led the way to give the competition a decidedly “orange” flair
78 SPRINGSTEEN STANDS OUT AT GOLD CUP
With the spotlight firmly centered on show jumping athletes, The American Gold Cup in North Salem, NY proved again why it’s the NARG ranked #1 show in the USA
68 DESTINATION: ICELAND
Ride along with touring company Riding Iceland on a two-week horseback trek through the remote and fascinating country of Iceland
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· www.horseandstylemag.com
Andrea Etter has put a centuries-old working farm in County Offaly, Ireland on the map as a leading producer of Irish Sport Horses
The perfect riding crop does more than aid your riding, it sharpens your style as the ultimate handheld accessory!
114 THE THIRD ANNUAL
H&S ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR
Join H&S in recognizing some of the hardest working professionals in the hunter/jumper industry. Congratulations to Allie Qutub, this year’s winner of the Assistant of Year contest!
45 THE LEADER WHO BINDS THEM
In McLain Ward, Quentin Judge and Daniel Deusser, Hunter Harrison of Double H Farm has succeeded in building a strong trio of riders at the top of show jumping
11 | FROM THE PUBLISHER 13 | 10 THINGS
contents
Leopoldo Palacios
16 | OUT & ABOUT
© 2014 HORSE&STYLE MAGAZINE
Menlo Charity Horse Show PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF
19 | BETWEEN THE LINES
Sarah Appel
sarah@horseandstylemag.com
20 | PROFESSIONAL POP QUIZ 22 | STYLE RIDER
EDITOR
Erin Gilmore
Kate Considine
24 | OUT & ABOUT
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
USEF Pony Finals
Ryan Anne Polli
26 | NEW PRODUCT ALERT Handbags by Asmar
ADVERTISING & SALES
28 | OUT & ABOUT
Elizabeth Davoll
Giant Steps Gala
advertising@horseandstylemag.com
Josephina Nor Lantzman
COPYEDITOR
Laura Danowski
40 | OUT & ABOUT
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
42 | BEHIND THE SEAMS Middy N’ Me
58 | OUT & ABOUT
Longines Los Angeles Masters
60 | THE NEW ALBANY CLASSIC Show Jumping Shines in Ohio
CONTRIBUTORS
Erin Gilmore, Alexa Pessoa, Dr. Carrie Wicks, Terri Roberson Jennifer Wood, Arden Cone, Katie Shoultz, Meghan Blackburn, Winter Hoffman, Lauren Fisher, Hannah Neil
64 | RIDER SPOTLIGHT
ASSOCIATE CONTRIBUTOR
Carrie Whele
Cara Walinsky
66 | OUT & ABOUT
The American Gold Cup
76 | STYLE PROFILES Haute Harvest
82 | THE CHICAGO HUNTER DERBY A Stylish Affair
92 | OUT & ABOUT
The New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix & Family Day
97 | OUT & ABOUT
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Erin Gilmore, Christina Parker, Marcin Cymmer, Jennifer Wood Media, Shawn McMillan Photography, Bethany Unwin, Dr. Piper Klemm, Captured Moment Photography, Brant Gamma, Tricia Booker, Drew Altizar Photography, Aullmyn Photography, Vicci Valenti/The Book LLC, Getty Images, Jeanette Sinclair
Chicago Hunter Derby
INTERN
Hannah Neil
98 | LIFE OF PESSOA A Break in Routine
100 | HORSE CORNER Happy Z
ON THE COVER: Jos Verlooy of Belgium won the $475,000 Longines Grand Prix on September 28th at the Longines Los Angeles Masters. Photo ©Getty Images
102 | THE WORKING PRESIDENT
Vicki Lowell Rides & Runs WIHS 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 © 2014 Horse & Style Magazine LLC. TM
107 | VENDOR SPOTLIGHT Skiffington’s Boutique
111 | ASK DR. CARRIE 113 | DEAR FASHIONISTA 118 | BEHIND THE LENS
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120 | BUSINESS LISTINGS 122 | CAN YOU STAND IT?
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Dominic James
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october | november
37 | RIDER SPOTLIGHT
AR D WIN
Timeless Tribute
www.horseandstylemag.com ·
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Palm Beach Point: This pr oper ty has 3Br , 3.5Ba and sits on 10.95 acres. Property has two barns totaling 20 stalls, 2 full size grooms apartments, 10 paddocks and a very large arena. Pond is connected to canal for irrigation. Offered at $5,890,000 15635palma.com
Grand Prix Village: Second phase of Gr and Prix Village, the most prestigious and desirable subdivision of world class barns in Wellington. City water, sewer and electric is complete and has been brought to each property line. Offered at $1,050,000 per acre
Palm Beach Polo • Bel Air: This two stor y property has a resort style pool area including sauna, spa, cabana bar and grill with western exposure and panoramic sunsets. There are 5Br plus den and 5.5Ba including master and one guest suite on the ground floor. Offered at $2,795,000 2801longmeadow.com
Mallet Hill: Gr eat value 4.15 acr es in exclusive manned gated community touching the horse show. 4 Br, 4.5 Ba home with a 16 stall barn, ring, guest house and grooms quarters. Offered at $15,000,000 3060mallethill.com
Palm Beach Point: Pr emier equestr ian facility situated on 15.64 acres with 24 large stalls, exquisite 2nd story 3BR 2BA owners apt w/elevator & 2Br 2Ba grooms apt w/ shared kitchen. 14710palmbeachpoint.com
Saddle Trail: Gor geous custom estate on 2 acres hacking distance to the horse show. The home has 5 Br, 5.5 Ba plus a office. Beautiful 4 stall barn with grooms quarters, tack room, large paddocks and water views. Offered at $2,750,000 14206rollingrock.com
Palm Beach Polo • Mizner: This 5Br , 5.5Ba home overlooks Lake Mizner boasting travertine and Brazilian wood floors, wood burning/ gas fireplace. Upgraded gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances. Perfectly manicured privacy hedge and lush landscaping. Offered at $2,195,000 2497miznerlake.com
Palm Beach Polo • Hunters Chase: Super ior top-of-the-line kitchen, with an island, granite countertops, double wall ovens, and large pantry has it all. 2Br, 2Ba, and a den/library with hardwood floors and a wet bar with a wine fridge. Offered at $799,990 12121sunnydale.com
Palm Beach Polo • Mizner: Stunning remodeled home sits on the golf course with an extra large lot. Tons of entertainment areas and beautiful pool and spa. Patio with a great sitting area and summer kitchen/grill. 5Br, 5.5Ba, exercise room and 2nd family room. Offered at $2,950,000 12928mizner.com
Offered at $7,500,000
Carol A. Sollak, P.A. • Phone +1 561-818-9476 • Fax +1 561-791-2221 www.carolsollak.evusa.com • Wellington/Palm Beach, Florida • Carol.Sollak@evusa.com
©2014 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.
Grand Prix Village: Far m has a beautiful and spacious owner’s lounge with covered patio. Grooms’ quarters has 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms with extra storage. Property has 32stalls total between the two barns, each with 16-stalls, 2 wash stalls, feed room, tack room, and laundry room. Offered at $14,950,000 3810gemtwist.com
Grand Prix Village: Situated on 4-acres of lush land, is an amazing 20-stall barn with 4 wash stalls, 2 tack rooms, a laundry room, and a feed room. The owners’ lounge has a beautiful fireplace, as well as a kitchen with great room for entertaining and a wonderful view of the 220’ x 120’ all-weather ring. Offered at $12,950,000 14814grandprix.com
Palm Beach Polo • Winding Oaks: Exceptional custom home has been completely remodeled. There are 3Br, 3.5Ba plus office in the main house and 2Br, 2Ba plus living room, kitchen and laundry room in the guest house. Offered at $3,800,000 Fully Furnished 2886windingoak.com
Palm Beach Polo • Winding Oaks: Totally r enovated one of a kind Tuscan style 4Br plus large office, 4Ba, 2 half bath Home. 1 Br guest apartment over 2 car garage plus golf cart. Koi ponds leading up to front entrance. Brand new resort style pool and spa overlook garden with lake and golf course view. Offered at $3,400,000 2916windingoak.com
Grand Prix Village: Br and new r emar kable constr uction. This 20 stall barn is hacking distance to Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Owner’s lounge with private bath, 2Br grooms quarters. Custom fireplace and outdoor kitchen near the owner’s patio. Offered at $11,500,000 3794shutterfly.com
Southfields: This exceptional far m is situated on 5.37 acr es of well-maintained grounds. Property includes 2 barns with a total of 38 stalls. There is a large ring with all-weather footing, and a second ring for lunging. The property also has access to an exercise track. Offered at $4,350,000 13155southfields.com
Carol A. Sollak, P.A. • Phone +1 561-818-9476 • Fax +1 561-791-2221 www.carolsollak.evusa.com • Wellington/Palm Beach, Florida • Carol.Sollak@evusa.com
©2014 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.
contributors
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Erin Gilmore
Alexa Pessoa
Katie Shoultz
Arden Cone
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 worked in a variety of disciplines, from hunter/jumpers to polo.
Alexa Pessoa is an American rider from Connecticut who married Olympic Gold Medalist and three time FEI Rolex World Cup Finals Champion Rodrigo Pessoa in 2009. Her 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.
Katie Shoultz is a freelance writer and photographer based in Lexington, Kentucky. The business savvy writer is also the founder of Isidore Farm, in beautiful Kentucky. Katie is involved with several equine organizations and is active in the industry she most enjoys writing about.
Arden Cone, a South Carolinabased 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.
Winter Hoffman
Meghan Blackburn
Carrie Wicks, Ph.D.
Terri Roberson, Psy.D.
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.
Meghan Blackburn grew up in Lexington, Ky. She's lived in New York, Europe, Washington, DC, but she always managed to keep horses in her life. When she's not at the barn, she likes to speak Italian, take photos, travel or shop for vintage clothing (preferably at the same time).
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.
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.
Jennifer Wood
Lauren Fisher
Christina Parker
Hannah Neil
Originally from Chicago, IL, Jennifer Wood is a lifelong horseperson. Jennifer graduated from University of South Carolina; magna cum laude with a marketing degree in 2001. Jennifer worked for Olympic show jumpers Anne Kursinski and Margie Engle before entering into the public relations field in 2004 and has covered Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, World Cup Finals. Jennifer is the President of Jennifer Wood Media, Inc., which promotes equestrian events, companies, and farms in the world.
Lauren Fisher is an equestrian writer and photographer based in Wellington, FL. A lifelong horse lover, Lauren grew up Pennsylvania and graduated from Elon University in NC in 2007 with a degree in corporate communications. Lauren has promoted many prominent organizations and major international events through her work at Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Christina Parker is a web designer and photographer based in the Bay Area, California. Originally from New Hampshire, Christina lives and breathes horses from her home base of Coruscant Stables in Gilroy, where she and her husband both ride jumpers and specialize in U.S. bred Belgian Warmbloods. She is the manager and designer of HorseAndStyleMag.com as well as a select few other equestrian websites.
Hannah Neil is a senior at the University of California at Davis. She divides her time between the equestrian world and studying politics. After riding and showing as a junior, she refocused her attention towards the business side of the equestrian industry. In addition to interning at Horse & Style, she also interns at Sonoma Horse Park in Sonoma, CA during their show season.
· october/november
ŽŶŐƌĂƚƵůĂƟŽŶƐ ƚŽ ĞĞnjŝĞ DĂĚĚĞŶ͕ ĨŽƌ ŚĞƌ ĂŵĂnjŝŶŐ ϯƌĚ ƉůĂĐĞ ĂŶĚ ĨŽƌ ďƌŝŶŐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ďƌŽŶnjĞ ŵĞĚĂů ƚŽ ƚŚĞ h^ ƚĞĂŵ͕ ĂŶĚ ŽƌƚĞƐ ͚ ͕͛ ďĞƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ŚŽƌƐĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ & / tŽƌůĚ ƋƵĞƐƚƌŝĂŶ 'ĂŵĞƐ͘
sŽůƚĂŝƌĞ ĞƐŝŐŶ͘ĐŽŵ
FROMthepublisher
Around the World in
60 Days
Since our last issue, the team at Horse & Style has been caught up in quite the whirlwind marathon. We knew that September was going to be a busy month, but it wasn’t until we hit our third country in as many weeks that the realization set in – it was truly a worldwide marathon that H&S embarked on this summer and fall! We began close to home, in August at Sonoma Horse Park. The annual Gucci Gala and Giant Steps Charity Horse Show did not disappoint; from there we gathered at The Menlo Charity Horse Show to present the first-annual Horse & Style, Style of Riding Award – West. Congratulations to Bert Mutch for earning recognition as the most stylish rider at Menlo. Before Menlo was over, H&S Editor Erin Gilmore and H&S Web Developer Christina Parker had arrived in Iceland, where they toured the country on horseback with Riding Iceland (page 68.) Erin continued on to Ireland, where she discovered the subject of my favorite Barn Envy yet at Andrea Etter’s Belmont House Stud (page 86) From there, it was only natural that she travel to France for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (page 32.)
Publisher Sarah Appel and Editor Erin Gilmore at the LA Masters in September.
Reporting from the beautiful American Gold Cup in North Salem, NY softened the landing of arriving back stateside (page 78,) as did an impressive firsthand experience at the groundbreaking Central Park Horse Show in New York City (web coverage). The New Albany Classic was worth the quick trip to Ohio (page 60,) and to cap it all off, we were privileged to partner with the inaugural Longines Los Angeles Masters (page 48)! A whirlwind indeed! The Longines Los Angeles Masters is the perfect place to celebrate the anniversary of Horse & Style's third year. You are reading our 19th issue, and nothing has been more validating then seeing the Horse & Style logo that our creative director Ryan Polli and I conjured up over three years ago, flashing in the LA Masters warm-up paddock and illuminating the main ring. As we hit our stride going into our
4th year I am truly humbled by the support of our team, the feedback from our advertisers and readers, and the unconditional support of my family and friends! Thank you to everyone who has taken my small idea for a magazine that would marry my two passions of horses and style, made it into a global publication. What's next for H&S? Only time, hard work and the unique world that is show jumping will tell. Until Next Time,
october/november ·
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LOS ANGELES
MASTERS THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF THIS AMAZING INAUGURAL EDITION
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! www.mastersgrandslam.com
10things
“Course design is an accident of my life,” says famed Venezuelan course designer Leopoldo Palacios, who is instantly recognizable in show jumping circles the world over. An FEI ‘O’ International Course Designer, he’s achieved distinction at the highest level in the sport, designing courses at every international championship and venue on the globe. Among his many claims to fame, he is one of only two people in history to have designed the courses at two Olympic Games (Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008). With his distinctive white mustache and ever-present hat, Palacios is a familiar, friendly face whom riders often seek-out for advice before, or during a competition. When he holds course-designing clinics, riders and trainers flock to him en masse, eager to soak-up his perspective and gain insight into his talent for building the technical, innovative tracks for which he is known. With a bit of gentle prying, H&S found out 10 things that you might not have known about one of the sport’s most highly respected course designers
10 things you might not know about...
1.
He has an 11-year-old grandson who regularly beats him at golf.
2.
Even though he was named Venezuela’s Rider of the Year in 1971 and ’72, he says he was an “ok rider, but never a superstar.”
3.
His brother, Jesus Eduardo Palacios, was a professional show jumper, and in 1960 was on the winning Venezuelan Team in the Prix de Nations at Harrisburg.
4. The first time Leopaldo visited a horse show in the United States was in 1959, when he went to watch the Pan American Games in Chicago, Illinois.
5. Before he became a course designer,
he worked in construction, and ran a construction company with more than 200 employees.
6. When he was a very young child, he enjoyed playing polo and “todo correllos,” a Venezuelan game on horseback. 7. He is the co-designer of the Aachen School of Course Design. 8. The last time he rode in a horse show was in 1981, in Tampa, Florida. 9. He loves racing speedboats, and once raced from Trinidad to Tobago. 10.
For a very long time, he held the Venezuelan record for the biggest dorado fish ever caught. It was almost six-feet tall and weighed 72 kilos.
Photo ©Erin Gilmore october/november ·
13
OUT&about
44 TH ANNUAL MENLO CHARITY HORSE SHOW – ATHERTON, CA
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1. Nick Haness studies the ring, Archie Cox studies… Facebook? 2. John French strides out of the hunter ring 3. Looking fab for Menlo: Samantha Bowman, Allison Wadelle, Amy Romano 4. Artist of the Year Peter Samuels with his selected portrait, and a Muttsville adoptee 5. The joy of shopping, as seen on vendor row 6. Hunter Seibel goes tan on tan 7. Matt Hinton: why wear one pair of glasses when you can wear two? 8. Peter Lombardo earns a prezzie 9. Arsia Ardaian checks his time 10. Kristin Hardin literally leaps from one horse to another 11. Lauren Long and Scooter race through the course during the Horse/Hound Relay 12. Her shirt says, “Watch & Learn, Boys!” 13. Two fashionably dressed Menlo spectators 14. Exploring the jump, that is also a couch, set in the jumper ring
Photos ©Erin Gilmore
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· october/november
REEKSIDE SHOW S TABL E
CONGRATULATIONS
Bailey Smith
& Tower Bridge
Wishing W ishin ng you the best of luck in the Pessoa/US Hunter Seat Medal Finals Pessoa/US Hunte Medal Finals! aand nd ASPCA ASPCA Maclay Ma Champion Ch C haam mpi pion Zone Zone 9 Hunter Hun Seat Equitation Finals Reserve Maclay Regionals R eserv r ve Champion Champion ASPCA Ch A Reserve Reeser R serv r ve Champion Champion Pessoa/US Ch Cha Pess Hunter Seat Medal Zone 9 Ride Off
Kelly Smith, Trainer
503-913-0887
Proudly Offered
For Sale:
CLEMENZA 2007, 15.3hh, KWPN gelding. Fabulous small junior hunter, consistent winner in the 1st year green. Multiple derby wins and top placings.
ZILVEREN 2004, 16.3hh, KWPN gelding. Outstanding equitation horse. Super brave, easy changes, huge stride, very scopey.
LOVERBOY 2004, 16.2hh, Holsteiner gelding. Super competitive 1.20-1.35 junior jumper. Fast, careful, brave and easy. This horse has seen it all and won it all. Tri colors and classic wins at almost every show for several years. Sadly outgrown.
OLIVE MY MARTINI 2007, 15.3+hh, Dutch cross mare. Stylish, simple and ready to win for any child or adult. Eligible everything. A+ temperament.
GILDED OPPORTUNITY 2006, 16.1hh Thoroughbred gelding. Beautiful jumper, brave and kind. The perfect partner for any child or adult. Many wins in the TB and baby green hunter divisions.
MANGO SALSA 2009, 17hh, Dutch cross gelding. Green broke but a great prospect. Outstanding mover, jumper and temperament. Future Big Eq and derby horse star. Very reasonably priced due to lack of experience.
creeksideshowstable.com
creeksideshowstable@gmail.com
BETWEENthelines by Hannah Neil
The Cleveland Grand Prix: An American Show Jumping First Betty Weibel
The History Press, 176 pages Nook Book $9.99
Have you ever wondered how show jumping developed in the United States? Long before Devon was a (equestrian) household name, there was the Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show near Cleveland, Ohio. Home to the Cleveland Grand Prix, Chagrin Valley was home to the inaugural and most famous American grand prix. In The Cleveland Grand Prix: An American Show Jumping First, author Betty Weibel chronicles the founding of the horse show, the rise of the American grand prix, and the evolution of show jumping into the sport that we enjoy today. While name-dropping famous pairs such as Mary Chapot and Tomboy, and Buddy Brown and Sandsablaze, Weibel explores the development of grand prix classes, courses, and the rise of American prominence in show jumping. Filled with anecdotes and great stories of the first American grand prix classes, this book is a must-read for any equestrian with interest in the history of our sport.
Saving Baby by Jo Anne Normile and Lawrence Lindner St. Martin’s Press, New York 309 pages Amazon - $25.99
After reading this book, anyone who has ever met an off-the-track Thoroughbred will look at him or her in a different light. In Saving Baby, authors Jo Anne Normile and Lawrence Lindner weave a rich narrative of love, loss and redemption. In following the story of Normile and a racehorse she bred, the titular Baby, Saving Baby begins by exploring the racing world and the rough life of Thoroughbreds on the track. When Baby was fatally injured while racing due to regulation violations to which officials turned a blind eye, Normile swore that she was done with the racing world. Yet leaving other horses on the track to the cruel fate of meat buyers was not something Normile could accept. In turn, she worked tirelessly to reform her local racetrack and started CANTER, the most successful horse rescue in the country. Horse lovers from any discipline will appreciate Baby’s heart-wrenching story. But be warned: when cheering along Jo Anne Normile, it is best to bring some tissues! october/november ·
19
PROpopquiz Show Manager Edition The
Horse show managers are professionals too! This issue we switch things up and quiz show managers.
THIS MONTH’S QUESTION: What is the most challenging part of putting on a top-quality horse show?
Every issue, a new question will be answered by hunter/ jumper professionals. Have a question you want answered? Send it to sarah@horseandstylemag.com
“The most challenging part about striving to put on a top tournament is not a simple one-word answer. At Spruce Meadows, the organizing committee needs to be prepared for all weather. We don't just run a one-time show jumping event; Spruce Meadows is open 365 days a year, and we have 80 full-time staff and a summer staff of 150. In addition to the show jumping, Spruce Meadows runs 25 trade fair shows, dog shows, a threeweek International Christmas Market, corporate retreats, weddings and Christmas parties. It's a year-round operation. Whether it's looking after the seven grass rings; flipping the venue from a business meeting to shoveling the snow to pulling-off one of the biggest show jumping tournaments at the 2014 'Masters' - we could not run all of these things without an amazing team. The most important thing about all of this is paying attention to the smallest details!” Linda Southern-Heathcott, President of Spruce Meadows “In order to run a top quality horse show, you need to buy top quality footing, build with top quality materials, serve top quality food, award top quality prizes, secure top quality sponsors, hire top quality people and offer top quality customer service. All of which are mandatory and priced accordingly.” Ashley Herman, Show Manager, Sonoma Horse Park
“The most challenging part of putting on a top-quality horse show is putting the best team together that functions and communicates well.” Dale Harvey, Owner and Manager, West Palms Events
“Time management is one of the most difficult things to manage with big events; planning starts at least two years in advance to meet USEF and FEI deadlines as well as securing broadcast time and sponsors. The most critical part of that time management is making decisions that are in the best interest of the spectators, sponsors, riders, the sport of show jumping and most importantly, the horses. It's not always an easy task to balance everyone's needs, but I'm proud of the competitions we produce and our team, who make it a priority to always put the horses first and strive to build and deliver great events that truly showcase just how great show jumping competitions are in the USA.” Michael Morrissey, President, Stadium Jumping, Inc; Manager, American Gold Cup CSI4*-W
THE LIMITED EDITION ALL WEATHER RIDER™ JACKET Exclusive to the F/W14 Collection, this award-winning jacket protects the rider and their saddle from the elements. Expandable gussets cover the saddle, while the double drawstring hood, brushed tweed finish and leather and metal notions create a style that is perfect for in and out of the ring.
FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
INFO@ASMAREQUESTRIAN.COM 1 800 772 1408 NOEL ASMAR BRAND DIVISIONS: ASMAR EQUESTRIAN. UNIFORMS. BOWLS AND ACCESSORIES. RESORT. FITNESS.
ASMAREQUESTRIAN.COM
STYLErider by Winter Hoffman
She may be just 5’2” tall, but Kate Considine is easy to spot on the Southern California ‘A’ circuit by her ever-present wide-brimmed sun hat and spot-on style. The successful hunter/jumper trainer who runs operations from her Willow Brook Stables in Lake View Terrace is best known for her accomplishments in guiding young riders to national championships in the hunter and equitation rings. Growing up, the Michigan native worked for Anne Kursinski and Mark Leone, before traveling to Europe, where she trained for two years. When she returned to the US, it was to California, where she landed at Jim Hagman’s Elvenstar Farm before opening her own business. Since then, she has coached her students to great successes in the pony, children’s and junior hunter divisions. Considine feels lucky to be a part of her students’ success, and enjoys running her busy, friendly barn where clients are family, and family comes first.
Kate
Considine Horse & Style: Describe your riding style. Kate Considine: I would say that I am a traditionalist. I love all the new fashions in riding, and when I'm not showing I like to incorporate some new styles. At the shows I am recognized by my big sun hat, button-down dress shirt, and Gucci belt. But, when it is ring time, I go with the classic khakis and white show shirt with a blue or grey coat, and sometimes I can work in a rich brown.
H&S: What is your head-to-toe riding outfit? KC: I wear a GPA Speed Air helmet, my Grand Prix show coat, either Essex or Fits show shirt, Tailored Sportsman breeches and Parlanti boots. And I always wear small diamond earrings of different types. I wear four on my left ear, and two on my right. I feel naked without them, and I change them around when I want my luck to change. Also, I was always buying colorful show socks that only last a few washings, but now horse shows are giving them out as prizes for winning a class. So, I have lots of socks now, and every time I get dressed in the morning, I have a little reminder of a good class!
H&S: What are your favorite equestrian brands? KC: It’s a short list, but a good one! I love Parlanti boots, Tailored Sportsman for breeches, Fits, Grand Prix, Cheval, Essex, Asmar and of course Alessandro Albanese.
H&S: How would you describe your non-horse show style? KC: I want to be comfortable and beautiful. I guess you would call it bohemian. I love flowing sundresses, or flowing pretty tops matched with skinny jeans or shorts, and a cute pair of heels. I'm only 5'2”, so when I can I love to wear heels. It’s my chance to be tall!
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H&S: Of your biggest accomplishments as a rider, coach and judge, of which are you most proud and why? KC: As a trainer and a rider, I’m most proud of what Hannah Goodson Cutt accomplished with our small junior hunter Caretano. He gave us more then any horse. Winning all of the indoor shows in 2009, and grabbing Best Junior Rider, along the way. Then returning to take the Championship at Devon that next year put the final jewel in the crown. All this from a horse I found out of the jumper ring, and along with Hannah, turned him into the best horse in the country!!! As a rider to bring such a horse into the limelight of our sport, not to discredit all the ribbons I won on him, but the true victory was creating one of the most amazing horses of sport. As a coach I am proud every weekend. My clients give me 110 percent. And when I get to help them achieve their goals, it’s the best feeling.
H&S: If you weren’t a rider, what would be your dream profession? KC: I’m not so sure... all I ever wanted to be was a trainer. Maybe an interior decorator, I enjoy flipping houses, and redefining space with the right paint, furniture and accent pieces. My family and friends always ask me to help them with their houses.
H&S: Who has been the most influential in your riding career? KC: When I was young, in Michigan where I grew up, a man named Bill Lacy was coaching me, and I trained with Cindy Orr. Bill took the time to really explain the movement and brain of a horse to me. He was an amazing coach and a truly gifted horseman. He was the one that really lit the flame in me to do something in our sport. Even at my young age, he gave me the confidence to go after my dreams. Photo ©Bethany Unwin
FallWinter 2014-2015
Equiline America EquilineAmerica.com Equiline.it
OUT&about
2014 USEF PONY FINALS – LEXINGTON, KY
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1. Rock Ferrigno 2. Lynn Jayne watching daughter Natalie earn Champion in the Small Pony Hunters 3. Sharon Lilien-Zweibel of Kathryn Lily Equestrian 4. The Large Pony Hunter Model lineup 5. Natalie and Autumn Templeton talk strategy on the way to the ring 6. Natalie Jayne and Blueberry Hill accept the Small Pony Championship 7. Emily Smith of Ashland Farm watches daughter Alexandra show 8. Liz Reilly smiles while daughter Augusta Iwasaki competes 9. Scott Stewart looks over his charges at the in-gate 10. Augusta Iwasaki on the move 11. Maddie Schaefer wears the chocolate brown Charles Owen helmet well 12. Addi Meyer Photos ©Dr. Piper Klemm
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50 Shades
of Green
Toni & Colin McIntosh (650) 926-9464 | www.mcintosh-stables.com
NEWproductalert by Winter Hoffman
INTRODUCING THE HANDBAG COLLECTION BY ASMAR EQUESTRIAN For Noel Asmar, design is a very personal journey based on instinct and intuition. Her proudest moments are when people tell her how great they feel in Asmar designs. For over a decade, she has been designing apparel for elite spas and resorts; it’s only in the last three years that her Asmar Equestrian line has been developed, and subsequently taken off. Having been a rider most of her life, Noel’s venture into design of equestrian apparel started when she and her husband built a home, along with a barn, to accommodate their love for horses. Spending more time with her horses meant more time wearing equestrian apparel. As she was based in British Columbia, Canada, Noel and her fellow riders got their fair share of rain. She was on the lookout for a good coat that would keep herself and her saddle dry, but couldn't find much more than long, unflattering oil-skinned coats. The experience pushed her to design pieces for herself that weren't on the market in the tack stores. That is the short story of the beginnings of Noel Asmar Equestrian, a stylish riding apparel brand that has grown by leaps and bounds since Noel founded it in 2011. The first Asmar design was the All Weather Rider, a long, soft-shell coat meant to take the equestrian in
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and out of the ring in style. Once Noel started designing stylish riding apparel for herself, she knew there was still a place in the market for premium quality fitting equestrian apparel and accessories.
TO C A R R Y I T A L L The latest creations to come from Asmar Equestrian are handbags and luggage with artisanal detailing. With leather a staple in the equestrian repertoire, leather handbags are a natural fit for fans of Asmar Equestrian. The bags come in a classic color palatte of black, white and brown and are crafted in Italy for riders who love to dress-up and wear their favorite pieces to the barn and to the show. "I love white leather and did a couple up for gifts,” Noel says. “Once people saw the white, it became our best selling color next to black!" Noel travels internationally for business, and having the perfect bag sets the tone for what gets packed for her trips. She is very practical, and gravitates towards inside pockets with and without zippers. She also enjoys being "hands-free,” but only if she’s carrying a “fancy backpack." As is her nature, when Noel couldn't find the perfect handbag available on
...never say never!
the market, her solution was to start making them. As always, her guiding imperative is classic beauty in tandem with timeless style. Does Asmar plan to add scaled up models to their handbag and luggage line? Noel sagely replies, "the requests for custom bags are already floodingin -- never say never! Our Weekender bag is like a large doctors bag. It's the perfect size to carry even a pair of paddock boots if need be. One can travel with this bag in lieu of a carryon suitcase!" It’s further realization of her longtime goal: to create fashion forward designs with innovative details that ignite excitement within a traditional sport. The Firenze backpack is designed to fit most riding hats, gloves, crops and personal items, making it a perfect carryall for a horse show, or while out and about on a non-equine journey.
From left to right: The Firenze Backpack in Black and White; The Lady Duffle
OUT&about
GIA NT S TE PS C HAR I TY C L A SSI C , P R ES EN T ED BY G U C C I – P ETA L U MA, C A
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1. Wendy Roberts and Barbara Lehman examine Gucci styles with champagne in hand 2. Helen McEvoy vamps for the camera 3. Ashley Herman and Mark Walden, Executive Director of Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center 4. Sloane Barnette and her daughter, Violet Barnette 5. The San Fran glam set: Christina and Vanessa Getty 6. H&S Publisher Sarah Appel with Chip and Terri Roberson 7. Zoe Joaquin, diva in training! 8. A Giant Steps rider enjoying the limelight
Photos ©Drew Altizar Photography
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9. Larissa McCalla shows off her latest Equuleus design 10. Renee Sturge of LA Saddlery makes her point 11. Karen Taylor with Rodolfo Arana 12. Sara Holman defines chic 13. Actress Maggie Grace enjoys the gala atmosphere 14. Jeff Fields takes his Gucci perusing quite seriously
VENTANA FARM wishes to congratulate
Sophia Davies & Landstar Champion - 12 - 14 NorCal Equitation Classic
Trainer: Benson Carroll 831.236.4113 |
Farm Manager/Head Groom: Rigo Soto 831.278.1818
photos pho tos ©D ©Deb eb Daw Dawson son Ph so Photo otogr oto graphy gra phy
VENTANA FARM wishes to congratulate
Julia Nagler & Vendetta Champion - 2014 CPHA Foundation 21 & Under Finals
Trainer: Benson Carroll 831.236.4113 |
Farm Manager/Head Groom: Rigo Soto 831.278.1818
photos pho tos ©C ©Capt apt pture ured d Mome Mome m nt Pho Photog tograp tog aphy h hy
Seeing Orange at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Story and photos by Erin Gilmore
feature THE UNITED S TAT E S TA K E S A S TA N D A M I D A SEA OF FRENCH AND DUTCH D O M I N AT I O N If the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games could only be summed-up in one word, it could easily be pinned as — orange. The 154 horse and rider pairs who qualified and competed at this edition of the show jumping world championships represented a record 54 nations, more than any other previous World Equestrian Games. Among them was the number-one ranked rider in the world; the man who holds the record for representing his country in the most Olympic Games, ever; riders who are household names in the sport of show jumping, and riders who were hometown heroes, for whom thousands of people cheered themselves hoarse. But at the end of a long and arduous week of competition, none of them had earned a gold medal. Instead, the bright flag of a single nation had proven it was best in both team and individual competition.
WINNING COLORS Orange-clad Dutch fans were beside themselves as the show jumpers from The Netherlands claimed WEG Team Gold on Thursday, September 4th at D’Ornano Stadium in Caen, France. Jeroen Dubbledam, Maikel van der Vleuten, Jur Vrieling, and Gerco Schröeder remained quietly consistent throughout the three fulldays of team competition. The tracks, which became progressively larger in height and scope, effectively separated those nations that were a factor on the world stage, from those that were not. In a competition where a single time fault could make or break a medal, the Dutch held its own, edging the second-placed French team. For France, the weekend became a tale of oh-soclose but not quite enough for gold. The strong team performed admirably and nearly matched the Dutch effort, in both team and individual competition. Each time a French rider was announced, Kevin Staut, Penelope Léprévost, Simon Delestre and Patrice Delaveau were carried into the arena by the tremendous roar of 20,000 voices. The hush that fell over the stadium when the home team riders turned toward the first fence on course was just as deafening. Léprévost described it as riding into an electric pressure cooker.
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All of the riders felt it. “You always feel pressure in a championship,” said Beezie Madden, who led the United States’ effort to earn Team and Individual Bronze Medals. “All the riders feel the pressure. Everyone’s in the same boat, and we all want to do well.” That pressure never seems to touch Madden. At WEG her accomplishments held even more significance given her recent recovery from a broken collarbone, incurred in April of this year. Madden, who is the leading lady rider in the United States and ranked 18th in the world, downplayed her injury. “I was really lucky with the timing, (of the injury) it happened early enough in the year so I could recover nicely,” she explained. What’s more, the time spent out of the saddle during her spring and early summer recovery allowed for welcome down time for Cortes ‘C’, the incredible, 12-year-old BWP gelding owned by Abigail Wexner, that she chose as her partner for the Games. Cortes ‘C’ was named “Best Horse” of the show jumping competition after he jumped four clear rounds carrying Madden and the other top-four riders in the medal-determining Final Four competition.
The bright flag of a single nation had proven it was best in both team and individual competition. “I’m happy to come away with another bronze medal, and I’m so so proud of my horse,” Madden added. “I’ve always believed in him and that he was a championship horse, and I think he proved it in France.”
A BURST OF EMOTION For the Dutch, there was no greater moment than when Jeroen Dubbledam crested the final fence that clinched Individual Gold for The Netherlands. Dubbledam, who at age 41 already owns a World Equestrian Games Gold Medal (2006, Aachen), was looking to capture another title after reemerging at the top level of the sport. It was difficult to read a single emotion on Dubbledam’s face during the week’s many jumping rounds, that was, until he realized that he had won Gold. He let go of the reins and threw his hands into the air, beaming as his horse slowed down to a walk. He pumped the air with joy and pointed to the stands as the blur of orange-clad Dutch fans matched his ecstatic celebration. “The pressure was pretty much on. My own horse put me under this pressure because he jumped a clear round with Patrice,” Dubbledam commented. “This horse, he brought me so much this week, and he deserved to finish this tournament with a clear round.” Dubbledam was referring to the unique format of the WEG; it’s the only championship in the world that requires the top four riders to switch horses, and each jump a round on their
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competitor’s mount. Always fraught with discussion and surrounded by a high level of anticipation, (read more on that subject on page XX) the WEG Final Four brings out the best in riders’ skills and strengths. “The only thing you can do is to find (the horses’) strongest points and to bring them forward,” Dubbledam’s described. “Luckily, I found the strong points of all three horses, and they gave me three wonderful clear rounds. It’s great to be world champion, but I really enjoyed to ride such horses, really.”
WHEN IN FRANCE Inside D’Ornano Stadium’s carefully designed arena, where the WEG opening ceremonies, dressage and show jumping competitions were held, there was little that deviated from the plan. The show jumping obstacles created just for the WEG were some of the most creative, beautiful and innovate ever seen. Spectators began lining-up outside the stadium gates hours before the days’ events began, determined as they were to claim the best seat. However, with distance between the venues substantial, rare shuttles and a muddled schedule, it was difficult to view any other disciplines than your chosen focus. The WEG is unique and wonderful in that it brings together equestrians from all corners during its two weeks of competition. If only a bit more crosspollination had been possible. A review of the overall Games experience could use enough ink to fill several more pages. One’s good or bad experience in France seemed mostly to be based on luck. Were you unlucky enough to be left vainly searching for an official souvenir at the end of the weekend - only to find that supplies had long run out? It was a pity that you left empty handed. Or, were you lucky enough to be a US rider, or traveling as part of their entourage? Lucky you, for you were able to stay in a rented chateau outside the city of Caen. Perhaps you mistakenly were booked into a sub-par hotel, crammed next to a highway near a desolate strip mall. Most of the media corps found themselves in such a situation, and had no choice but to suck-it-up and carry-on. Not Horse & Style. By pure luck, this writer happened upon the very best of France and its people. You may have read online about the travels and travails that led me to the village of Maizet (if you haven’t, visit the Travel tab on horseandstylemag. com); any traveler will agree that even on a working trip, the experience is as much about the place where one rests their head, as it is about the events that led you there in the first place. And with that, all eyes turn – and very anxiously to – Bromont 2018. The World Equestrian Games often, if not always, brings-out the best in the horse world, in holding a championships, showcasing equestrian sport. Normandy 2014 will hereafter be remembered as serving-up a very mixed-bag of both.
Opposite page, from top: WEG Team Gold Medalist Maikel Van Der Vluetan salutes the crowd ; McLain Ward and Rothchild jumped two clear rounds in the Individual Final, and finished the week just fractions of a fault outside of the Final Four; The United States Team of McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, Lucy Davis, Kent Farrington and chef d’equipe Robert Ridland during the team medal ceremony; Patrice Delaveau of France was undoubtedly the crowd MVP throughout the weekend This page, from top: Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ led the US effort from beginning to end; Jeroen Dubbledam won WEG Show Jumping Team and Individual Gold Medals; Individual medalists from left to right: Patrice Delaveau, Silver; Jeroen Dubbledam, Gold; Beezie Madden, Bronze october/november ·
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RIDERspotlight by Meghan Blackburn
Josephina
Nor Lantzman You can’t follow West Coast show jumping without knowing the name Josephina Nor Lantzman. With her grey Zangersheide gelding, Chello Z, the petite, blond-haired rider better known as “Phina” frequently tops the grand prix classes throughout California, where she is a longtime resident. Although born in Phoenix, AZ, 31-year-old Phina grew up in Beverly Hills and Rancho Santa Fe, CA. When she was a young child, Phina’s parents were active in Thoroughbred racing, and she got her introduction to horses at the racetrack. They also started Norfields Boots and magnetic therapy back in the ‘90s, but Phina’s made her own name in the show jumping industry, thanks to her talent and style in the show ring. Find out how she embraces the Southern California lifestyle, why she represents Brazil in competition, and the longtime role that her father, Fabio Nor, has played in her successful career.
Horse & Style: When did you start riding? Josephina Nor Lantzman: Both of my parents had horses so it’s in my blood. I started when I was three or four at the racetrack on a little exercise pony. I did my first horse show when I was nine. It was at Indio - back when it was a three-week circuit.
H&S: You show for Brazil - how did that happen? JNL: My dad is Brazilian and my mom is American. My dad registered us at the Brazilian consulate when we were born, so we all have dual citizenship. In my early twenties, I went to Europe and competed with the Pessoas and did a Nations Cup with the Brazilian Equestrian Team.
H&S: Do you speak Portuguese? JNL: I speak a little, more so when I’m around it for a while, but I understand a pretty good amount.
H&S: When did you go pro? JNL: I came back from Europe and competed for about eight more years as an amateur. I knew it was time to take that next step when I had been successful on that level consistently. I turned pro in 2011, after I won the Show Jumping Hall of Fame three years in a row. Now I also enjoy working with a few clients; it’s very rewarding to see them progress.
H&S: Who are the horses you have competing now? JNL: Chello Z, my grand prix horse that I brought along; and I have a young Thoroughbred named Academic Victory that I show in 1.25 meter classes right now. I’ve worked with a few others over the years and sold them. My first top show jumper, Only One, was just recently put down. He was an incredible horse and a good friend to us all over the years.
H&S: What’s the story on Chello Z? JNL: We bought him as a five-year-old, and we had high hopes for him. It seems he knew his job; he always jumped clean rounds when he was young. We competed in the Young Jumper Championships and he was successful every year in his classes as he advanced through the ranks. I truly believe in him. He has a great instinct, and we know each other well.
H&S: What is life like for you out of the show ring? JNL: My husband Justin Lantzman and I live in Del Phina Nor Lantzman and Chello Z's most recent victory came in the $50,000 Grand Prix of Showpark CSI-W on August 31st in Del Mar, CA
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Mar and we keep the horses at our small private farm. I’m very involved with the horses. On the day my groom has off, I do all the work; clean the stalls, the care, the feeding. I just like to spend time with them. I’m also a health nut, so I make and use a lot of healthy foods, supplements and remedies for my horses and for us too.
H&S: Is Justin a horse guy? JNL: Yes, in his own way. His parents own some racehorses. He used to go to the racetrack growing up, and he’s very supportive of my goals. He works in real estate, managing private mortgage funds. For pleasure, he builds old hot rods. So he does like horsepower, just a different kind!
H&S: Is all your family involved in horses? JNL: My two older sisters both live in Dallas. They rode a bit when they were younger, but neither of them do now. One owns a restaurant and the other is a full-time mom. We’re very close. Both of my parents live in San Diego. My dad is a part of my program; he coaches me. And my mom is still involved in the racehorses.
H&S: What’s coming up on your show schedule? JNL: For the last few years, I’ve enjoyed staying here in California. This fall I may go to New York for the (Zoetis) Million (Grand Prix). I go to the Las Vegas National every November. I don’t mind traveling, but these summer months in Southern California are so beautiful that it’s kind of hard to leave. We get spoiled out here. The weather is great and the shows are nice. So why leave?
H&S: What do you do when you’re not riding? JNL: I like to live an outdoor, active lifestyle. We live close to the beach, so we love to ride our bikes to the beach on our days off. Justin likes to surf, and I’m getting into paddle boarding a little bit. I like yoga and find that it helps my riding. We took a hiking trip in Colorado this year. And we love to go to Cabo San Lucas for vacation.
H&S: You’re considered a trendsetter. What are some of your favorite products? JNL: For the horses—Lubrisyn. Chello has been on it since he was a five-year-old, and he’s had little-to-no-vet work besides vaccinations. I also love Platinum Performance, and of course organic apples and carrots! For me, my Manfredi coat, Ariat breeches, and Cavalier breeches. They’re so comfortable. The Italians really know how to make clothes!
H&S: Will there be any little Lantzmans in the near future? JNL: Down the road, yes, we want to have kids. I’m still young. For now, we’ve got a 120-pound Rottweiler named Junior.
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OUT&about
2014 ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES – NORMANDY, FRANCE
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1. The awesome, inimitable gatekeeper Pedro Cebulka, wearing custom Animo 2. Grand prix legend Debbie Stephens (right) and Rachel Kennedy, spotted in the stands 3. Nayel Nassar of Egypt, keeping up a cool exterior while studying the course 4. Christian Ahlmann and Marco Kutscher of Germany setting jumps for teammate Daniel Deusser in the warmup 5. Alltech Founder and event sponsor, Dr. Pearse Lyons 6. Competitor Pablo Barrios of Venezula discusses course-related matters with Guilherme Jorge 7. Beezie Madden’s groom Clark Shipley congratulates Individual Gold Medal winner Jeroen Dubbledam during the Final Four Photos ©Erin Gilmore
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8. Spotted in the stands: one quite color-coordinated German fan 9. John Madden and Katie Prudent pause in the ingate tunnel 10. USA Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum watch as Lucy Davis and Barron compete 11. McLain Ward lets his feelings show after completing two clear rounds with Rothchild 12. Ready, waiting, watching. Beezie Madden is a standout study in concentration 13. Team Ireland, including Cian O’Connor and Robert Splaine, react as an Irish rider knocks a rail14. This is how Darragh Kenny and Imothep look just before they ride clear for Ireland 15. California trainer Mark Bone let his patriotism show at WEG
THANK YOU TO OUR 2014 SPONSORS Alix Fargo Black Star Equestrian Caballos Del Mar California Horsetrader Camelot Homes Cross Creek Farms CWD Davlyn Farms Del Mar Thoroughbred Club 'ÂŁ !8 -ÂŁÂŁ!+' 993$-!ধ32 Der Dau Elk Grove Milling Equestrio Equine Insurance Equitex Far West Farms Five Springs Farm Fleeceworks Full Circle Farm 33ধ2+ Haley Farms Horse & Style Magazine iJump Sports Janie Andrew Jenni Kayne Jet Pets Equine KC Jump Inc LA Saddlery Land Rover Pasadena Land Rover Sacramento Lewis Circle of Horses Mallard Creek Mary’s Tack and Feed McIntosh Stables Mesa Golf Carts Mike Edrick Stables Robin Parsky S&S Bank Card Systems Sandhaven Farm Shady Lane Farm, llc -+2' 9;#@ { $3ħ 330 Stacy Siebel Stephanie Revennaugh Stone Ridge The Chronicle of the Horse The Villas at Rancho Valencia £ধ1' 963-8 c !8#!8! ,!6-2 Valencia Saddlery Windsong Farm World Cup Las Vegas
BEHINDtheseams by Arden Cone
Middy N’ Me Kimberly McConnell must have felt like an amateur in a field of professionals when she decided to make a go of it. There she was, as eager as she was clueless, taking a headfirst dive into the cutthroat world of fashion. Her
sights were set on beginning her own line of riding shirts, but with no prior experience whatsoever, the cards were stacked against her. The realization of her creative dream depended on the helping hands of others. Fortunately, she wasn’t alone. In fact, none of us really are, if we are brave enough to reach out for help. McConnell’s story is a lesson for skeptics. Sometimes people with a genuine desire to see you succeed are there when you need them, and McConnell couldn’t have done it without them. Friends and strangers alike saw her naiveté as a starting point, rather than a stopping one, and they embraced it as their duty to help her move forward. Thanks to them, she did, and McConnell is now the owner and founder of Middy N’ Me, an Ohio-based clothing company that wholesales to 55 apparel establishments around the country.
FOR THE LOVE OF A DRESS SHIRT In 2010, McConnell developed the idea for her clothing company into a solid plan. But now what? Truth be told, she didn’t know. As any welladjusted member of today’s society would, she Googled it. In fact, she Googled-away her questions for over a year before Middy N’ Me saw the light of day. Her energetic research led to a successful launch, and by July of 2011, Middy N’ Me had 18 samples to its name, each exactly as beautiful as McConnell had imagined. The first samples were her take on a traditional riding shirt that strayed tastefully far from traditional. They were gingham-patterned or color-drenched solids, available in an array of stunning, bold colors. Fuchsias, tangerines, and limes saturated the racks, offering buyers a bright pop of color in the show ring. Each Middy N’ Me Shirt is detailed to perfection. Flamboyant patterns adorn the inside of the collar and sleeve cuffs. Be it a paisley pattern, a polka-dot pattern, or a pattern of repeated crabs or seahorses, the collar design is what gives the shirt its unique Middy N’ Me signature. For McConnell, it’s easy to choose a design. “I don’t have to second-guess anything,” she confesses. “I don’t go by what the trends are. I simply design things that I think are adorable.” To her, it’s all about staying unique. Others shy away from the nontraditional, fearing that it’s too much, but she’s not afraid to be whimsical and fun. Point proven: her shirts with bright hunting horses on the collar and cuffs. Who has ever seen that before? From the beginning, Middy N’ Me had the style that the horse show scene craved. When McConnell set-up for her company’s debut at the 2011 Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic, she couldn’t possibly have foreseen the response. “Ladies were coming out of the woodwork to look
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at the clothes,” she remembers, completely unprepared for her immediate success. “I didn’t even bring a pen and paper to write orders on!” But from there, McConnell learned the ropes quite well, and has become inventive in her marketing strategies. While she still sets-up as a vendor at large horse shows, she often opts to find a venue off the grounds to host a trunk show. Ladies will come to enjoy browsing the clothes, sipping champagne and a relaxing in a fun atmosphere away from the hustle of the horse show.
OPTIONS ABOUND Horse show fashionistas love that Middy N’ Me show shirts are versatile. Perhaps you want a show shirt with a traditional ratcatcher? Done. Maybe you want a classic dress shirt collar? Absolutely. Or, let’s say you want both options: a no-snap, wrap collar that takes your shirt from the show ring to a lunch date in no time flat. But of course.
A DRESS FOR THE OCCASION McConnell’s time selling on the show circuit taught her that serious horsewomen don’t stop. They work and show and sweat all day, but at the end of it, they’re still ladies, and they still want to look beautiful.
Women can and should feel beautiful, even after sweltering away during a horse show day. The wrap collar, which takes the place of the ratcatcher, has become the new standard in show ring fashion. Most riding shirt companies include the wrap collar option; however, the collar usually clasps together with snaps. McConnell’s inventive mind saw an improvement to this development; she did away with the snaps, opting instead for magnetic clasps. Hop off your horse, pull open your collar, fold it back, and your competition shirt transforms into the cutest dress-shirt you own. Middy N’ Me is known for having options available to suit everyone’s tastes. “There’s nothing worse than walking into a store and seeing the perfect shirt in three-quarter length sleeves when you hate threequarter length sleeves,” says McConnell. For McConnell, the “almost but not quite” problem doesn’t exist. With three collar options, four sleeve lengths, and four shirt lengths, you can custom design a Middy N’ Me shirt to your own perfection.
This thought led to McConnell’s ventures apart from the riding shirt. She knew that everyone is exhausted at the end of the show day, without extra energy left to exert on his or her appearance. And so, “I thought to just whip up something simple, where you can just peel out of your polo and breeches, pull out a light cotton dress, and look like a million bucks,” McConnell describes. With that, Middy N’ Me began to offer dresses and tunics, each with sleeve and shirt length options. The dresses come with McConnell’s standard flair for color and design. They are bright, cheery, and—most importantly—simple. After riding all day at a show, you can pull on a Middy N’ Me dress, run a comb through your helmet hair, and you’ve transformed yourself. You are beautiful, and you’re ready to go. Taken from this angle, Middy N’ Me is more than a brand: it’s the idea that horse show women can and should feel beautiful, even after sweltering away during a horse show day. They can flawlessly weave their way back and forth from the schooling area to the VIP lounge because a Middy N’ Me shirt can do both. McConnell remarks, “It’s an exciting time to start a business in the equestrian world. There are so many fabulous equestrian fashion brands, and it’s impressive how everyone maintains their individuality.” The equestrian fashion scene is growing up, and in order to stay strong, brands must innovate together. Thanks to the help and encouragement of others in the industry, Middy N’ Me was born, and if McConnell’s experience is any indication, there’s something good going on out there: people are out to help one another.
From left to right: The Fresh Cut Longsleesve; Prix De Lutece On Chevron Rein; Sweet Virgina in Espresso; summer fresh tunics come in bright colors. october/november april/may ·
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Grand Prix Village: This state of the ar t 20-stall equestrian facility is adjacent to the Winter Equestrian Festival’s show grounds. Enjoy the luxury of the finest materials available, planned and constructed with the horse in mind at every turn. Jump arena, grass Grand Prix field, four paddocks, hot walker, owners’ apartment, managers’ apartment, and studio apartment.
The Meadows: On the mar ket for the ver y fir st time - This well-loved and maintained equestrian facility has an 18-stall main barn with an adjacent 2-stall barn and is situated on 5 beautiful acres. The property includes a sand ring with premium custom footing and a grass Grand Prix field. Located minutes from the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and Global Dressage.
Indiantown: Enjoy some of the best sunr ises that South Florida has to offer! This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home overlooks the St. Lucie Canal. The property has almost 2acres of space that currently hold the main house and a 4-stall barn with a sand arena. There is plenty of space for RV and trailer parking. Conveniently located near shopping centers and a supermarket.
Palm Beach Polo: This fully renovated 3Br, 3Ba plus office corner unit is a rare find. The fenced courtyard offers a lovely and private space to relax and enjoy the sunshine. The rear of the home has a large screened in patio that is ideal for entertaining, and offers a spectacular lake view. The vaulted ceilings are a focal point with their rustic wood details.
Southfields: Beautiful 5.37 acr e pr oper ty adjacent to Palm Beach Equine Clinic. This facility has everything you need including two, 2Br, 2Ba apartments, 3 tack rooms, 3 feed rooms and 11 paddocks. There is a 24 stall barn and a 14 stall barn for a total of 38 stalls.
Southfields: The pr oper ty has 2.8 acr es of land with a main house, a guest cottage, a 7-stall barn, large paddocks, a sand ring, and a backyard paradise. The main house is 2Br and 3Ba, with a tranquil backyard that has a pool, outdoor fireplace, and plenty of room for entertaining. The guest cottage has a living area with kitchenette, 1Br, and 1Ba.
Amy Carr • Phone +1-561-662 0728 • Fax +1-561-791 2221 www.amycarr.evusa.com • Wellington/Palm Beach, Florida • Amy.Carr@evusa.com
©2014 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.
feature
The
By Jennifer Wood
HUNTER HARRISON SUCCEEDS IN BUILDING A STRONG TRIO OF RIDERS AT THE TOP OF SHOW JUMPING
Leader Who Binds Them
They might not train or stable together, but among a trio of three top show jumpers there exists a mutual friendship and respect. They’re a team because they share a common leader in Hunter Harrison,of Double H Farm. Since 2002, Harrison and his wife Jeannie Harrison have established and up-and-coming riders to the upper echelons of success. It’s not often that McLain Ward, Quentin Judge and Daniel Deusser are in the same place at the same time. But when they meet at competition venues around the world, whether it’s to trade opinions on a horse or for a quick photo shoot, they joke and kid with each other with easy smiles. While in Canada at the Spruce Meadows Masters in early September, they walked the day's course, pointing out turns, striding, and trouble spots. “When walking a course with McLain, he gives me his insight on areas of the course that could cause problems and simple, effective ways to prevent those problems,” Judge says.
A STRONG TEAM Judge is the latest Double H Farm rider to ascend the Longines FEI World Ranking list, jumping from 162nd to 85th in the best riders in the world as of August 31. While he started in the lower jumper divisions and rode young horses, his steady growth has led to success in the past two years with two major victories at the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments, as well as being a part of three Nations Cup wins for the United States.
Above: Jeannie and Hunter Harrison at their Florida farm. Photo ©Vicci Valenti/The Book LLC Left: Daniel Deusser, McLain Ward, Quentin Judge october/november ·
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Quentin Judge met Cayce Harrison in 2002 through mutual riding friends in Chicago. Quentin and Cayce met Daniel Deusser at Jan Tops' stable in Holland and become friends (Deusser served as best man at their 2011 wedding). When Judge moved back to the U.S. in 2008, he started working for Double H Farm. Quentin and Cayce now run Double H Farm in Ridgefield, CT, and Wellington, FL, managing show jumpers, sales horses and breeding for eight top stallions. The Harrison family's start with horses came with Cayce, who was a very successful junior and amateur rider. In 2003, Harrison joined forces for the first time with McLain Ward, who was looking for someone to purchase half of two horses owned by Harry Gill: Couletto K James and the one and only Sapphire. “Sapphire was a year older, we bought her. To this day, actually, we joke that he should have bought both,” Ward recalls.
It means a lot to open some doors, to see them compete at a world level. None of them had a silver spoon in their mouth.
Ward has a smile on his face as he talks about his connection to Hunter Harrison, comparing him to his father Barney, who passed away last year. “He was the type of man that I was very used to, growing up with my Dad – no-nonsense, very competitive, and a strong personality. Hunter, in many ways and in different times in my life, has been a father figure. It's very intense, rewarding, gratifying and sometimes frustrating. But there's emotion behind it. That's something I was always very comfortable with, and he really loves the sport, you can tell,” he says. Ward and Harrison went their separate ways in 2006 (Olympic Gold Medalist Rodrigo Pessoa and Irish show jumper Darragh Kerins also rode for Double H Farm), but renewed their partnership in 2014. Ward has been winning regularly with two new Double H horses, HH Cannavaro and HH Carlos Z, who stable at his Castle Hill in Brewster, NY.
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Harrison quips, “You don't know what you missed until it's not there. McLain has been a welcome addition back to the team, and he's been very helpful to Quentin.”
OTHERS TO LEAN ON In 2013, a friendship between Deusser and the Harrisons became a partnership, when Harrison purchased half of Cornet d'Amour, a top prospect owned by Stephex Stables and Stephan Conter. It was clear then Cornet d'Amour was one to watch. But while he was owned by one of the top dealing stables in Europe, he was always for sale until Harrison stepped-in and secured the ride for Deusser. Deusser laughs when he remembers the situation of being told that Harrison had purchased half of Cornet d'Amour. Deusser only received one phone call, and only one question from Harrison. “He called me and asked, 'What do you think about the horse?' I said, 'From what I know about him and what I rode, I think he really has a lot of quality.'” A few days later, Deusser learned Harrison had bought the horse for him to continue riding. “Other owners would ask a hundred questions before a contract. He didn't ask any further questions; it was amazing. It gives you confidence that he trusts in your opinion.” That confidence helped Deusser become a continual presence in the top 10 riders in the world (currently he stands number 8) and on championship teams for Germany. Deusser's greatest achievement came with his and Cornet's victory in the 2014 Longines FEI World Cup Finals in Lyon, France. Double H Farm is also half-owner of Fyloe VH Claeyssenhof, a nine-year-old Belgian gelding by Burggraaf that Deusser believes is his next big horse. Judge explains that Harrison has always had a “vision of a team of horses and riders working together to reach the top of the sport.” He adds, “We all have our own horses, our own barns and teams that we work with every day, but we are never more than a phone call away. When we are all together, it is nice to feel like you have others to lean on, especially when you do not have a great round and there is another Double H horse coming up in the same class to save the day!”
“It's a dream come true,” Harrison says of the current rider situation for Double H Farm. “We've moved to another level. I think they all, to some degree, feed off of each other. When they're all split up, we kind of have global coverage.” All three riders agree that what they have with Double H Farm is unusual, but that it has made their careers. “Double H has made a huge difference in my career,” says Ward. “I really believe and hope that we can win (another) gold medal together. I hope I ride for Hunter until I retire,” he relates. “I would not have had the opportunity without him to be in the top ten in the world, to win the World Cup Final to take part in these championships. He's the most important person in my career, the one who gave me the chance to do that,” Deusser attests.
A STUDENT OF THE SPORT Back at Spruce Meadows Masters, Ward and Judge gather in the skybox, discussing the day’s 1.60m class. Judge had one time fault with HH Copin van de Broy, a new addition to Double H Farm. Judge walks in, shaking his head. Ward goes over the course with him, as Harrison looks on, along with Mrs. Harrison, Cayce, and Ward's wife, Lauren. It's an easy situation, with everyone adding their thoughts. They joke about Harrison planning to yell from the skybox that the time allowed was getting close. It's easy to see how much Harrison loves the sport and has become a student of it after horses came “late in life.” While at college at the University of Memphis, Harrison started working on the railroad at the age of 20. His hard work and dedication helped him move up the ranks at various railroads until he was named CEO of Canadian Pacific Railroad in 2003. Harrison acknowledges that he sees that same spirit and drive in his riders. “It means a lot to open some doors, to see them compete at a world level. None of them had a silver spoon in their mouth. They worked hard for everything they achieved. To some degree, I've done the same thing. When you come from that situation, you appreciate it a lot more.”
As CEO of Canadian National, he brought major corporate sponsorship to the sport, starting at the Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament's $1 Million International. When Harrison started at Canadian Pacific, CP became the sponsor of the $1.5 Million International Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, the biggest in show jumping. It is yet another step in taking the sport closer to the purses found in high-profile sports like tennis and golf. Harrison believes that bringing his love of the sport and his ability to provide corporate sponsorship together is complementary. His riders use words like “revolutionary,” and they believe that his involvement in the Global Champions Tour, Spruce Meadows, and other events has helped change the way that other show organizers run their events and bring-in sponsorship dollars. “It started a fire under the sport,” Ward said. “(It's becoming) a sport where you can make a pretty incredible living if you're at the top of your game.” Judge added, “He strongly believes that if you want something to be better, you have to do something about it.” To the benefit of equestrian sport, that's just what Hunter Harrison has done. Deusser was in the running to make the World Equestrian Games Final Four on September 5th in Normandy France, but a rail in the last round knocked him out of the running. Harrison called and acknowledged the disappointment, but reminded him he had just finished sixth in the world. It gave Deusser a change in perspective. “It's true, but in the moment we sometimes forget that. We are so focused, we want to go in the top four, the horse jumps fantastic, and then you have one down,” he says. “At the end, after his phone call, I felt totally better.” From left: McLain Ward and Double H Farm’s HH Cannavero. Photo ©Jennifer Wood Media; Quentin Judge and Copin van de Broy compete at Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’. Photo ©Jennifer Wood Media; Daniel Deusser and Cornet D’Amour have reached the top of the sport since Hunter Harrison bought half of the horse in 2013.
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ONthecover by Erin Gilmore
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The World Comes to the West Coast First-Ever Longines Los Angeles Masters CSI5* Brings a New Era of Show Jumping to California
It was only fitting that one of the largest productions in the sport of show jumping would come to a city known for its star residents and starry-eyed visitors alike. During the last week of September, Los Angeles, California hosted the brightest equestrian stars on the globe at the Longines Los Angeles Masters CSI5*, right in the middle of downtown LA. The breathlessness of four action-packed days could be read all over 18-year-old Jos Verlooy’s face as he stood atop the podium at the conclusion of the week’s finale class, the $475,000 Longines Grand Prix CSI5*. The young rider from Belgium had just landed his first big win in, well, ever. His upset victory topped a weekend of firsts that began with the first-ever Longines Los Angeles Masters CSI5*. “Unreal, mind blowing, amazing,” were the adjectives thrown around as ticketholders caught their first glimpse of the LA Masters. Gleaming like a jewel under its stage lighting, the warm up arena was its own island in the middle of a thick red carpet. The finest stars of the sport circled elegantly beneath spotlights hung just for them before riding through the curtain to the main stage. It was the first thing one saw when setting foot inside the show, and it was enough to take your breath away.
THE INTENDED EFFECT That, of course, was the intended effect of the Longines Los Angeles Masters. When show manager Christophe Ameeuw first dreamt up the Paris Gucci Masters in 2009, the grand plan was to one day create a trio of glittery, annual five-star show jumping competitions in glamorous cities around the world. Now he’s done it. After Paris came Hong Kong, and this year it was announced that Los Angeles would complete the trio of Masters five star competitions. Modeled after the grand slam of tennis, the Masters Grand Slam creates an exciting level of sport by inviting the top riders in the world to compete for over $1 million dollars in prize money. Ameeuw and his team at EEM USA did something fantastic when they picked up the blueprint that has been a proven success in Paris and Hong Kong, and replicated it squarely in the vast Los Angeles Convention Center. Just steps away from the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, the front and center location attracted attention to the sport and brought to California the kind of riders who had otherwise never considered adding the West Coast to their calendar. “A couple of years ago, if you said an event like this would be in the US, we would have never believed it,” said Georgina Bloomberg, who made her first-ever West Coast showing debut at the Los Angeles Masters well worth it. She placed 3rd in the Longines Grand Prix with her 13-year-old mare Juvina. “This is a great week for American show jumping; they put on an amazing show.”
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Those who witnessed the first-ever Longines
Clockwise: Action packed in the show arena; Steve Guerdat, Jos Verlooy and Georgina Bloomberg on the grand prix podium; the equine path into the warmup arena.
Los Angeles Masters will have stars in their eyes for quite some time.
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Clockwise: Michael Whitaker of Great Britain competed at the Masters; Steve Guerdat placed 2nd in the Longines Grand Prix; equestrian art live-painted by artist Scape Martinez; Jur Vrieling turns and burns
A couple of years ago, if you said an event like this would be in the US, we would have never believed it,
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-Georgina Bloomberg
It was a thrill to see this “European show” come to the United States. Anyone who has been to an indoor show in Europe knows well the layout of the single warm-up arena that is accessible on all sides for viewing by the public, and leads to the standalone show arena. The environment, all contained under a single roof, ratchets up the energy and excitement of every single round. Every class is pinned in a lavish awards ceremony, European style down to the uniform color of the ribbons. The riders who traveled from Europe to compete at the LA Masters could trust that when they arrived, they would find the standard of five-star competition they were used to. And for the West Coast riders who filled the two-star and amateur divisions at the Masters, just setting foot in the arena with the best of the best was a dream come true. Temporary stabling was set up two floors below the arena in an underground hall. There, 187 elite show jumping horses made their home for the week, occupying the LA Convention Center for the first time ever. The Los Angeles Masters welcomed amateur, 1.20m level riders, 1.35m and 1.45m national level grand prix riders, as well as the group of elite five-star competitors. Horses walked upon carpet and mats all the way out of the stable and up a spiral ramp, making for a muted, if busy stabling area. “When I came here six months ago and I explained to everyone that I would get the best horses in the world to jump at the LACC, not so many people trusted us,” Ameeuw said. “Now that it has been done, I’m so proud for my team, for my partner Longines, and I’m so happy because we did it. Los Angeles is one of the big capitals of the world, and is in synergy with Paris and Hong Kong. It is a perfect fit.”
A F U L L C I R C L E C E L E B R AT I O N Verlooy’s partner in the Longines Grand Prix victory was a horse that was originally purchased for him to compete with in the junior divisions, back home in Belgium. Verlooy has been riding Domino, an 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Thunder van de Zuuthoeve, for four years. “A good friend of my father's, a farmer who lives next door (in Belgium) came up to us and said that he knew a really good horse and since we needed a horse for me with more scope to jump the juniors, we said yeah, bring him over,” Verlooy said. “So we brought the horse over and that was Domino.” It goes without saying that the win in a $475,000 fivestar grand prix was the biggest of Verlooy’s short career. The fact that he notched that win aboard a former junior jumper made the victory even sweeter.
Top: The elegant lounge area was host to an afterparty each evening; Georgina Bloomberg and Juvina
In a fitting twist of fate, Jos’ father, rider Axel Verlooy, represented Belgium at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. That was the last time that a show jumping event even close to this kind of caliber was held within the city limits. Riding is undoubtedly the Verlooy family october/november ·
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profession, and an impromptu celebration broke out in the warmup arena when Jos realized he had won the grand prix. Family members and fellow riders swarmed him with hugs and congratulations as members of the media tried to edge in for their interview. An energetic crowd filled general seating bleachers on one side and sleek white VIP boxes on the other side of the long arena. The set up alone was on a level unlike anything ever seen in the United States before, with the back wall awash in Masters blue. After an exciting but difficult first round, just six riders on the original startlist of 42 qualified for the jumpoff round. A Longines triple combination set directly along the arena rail was preceded by two combinations and several tall verticals that kept most of the class from returning for round two. Verlooy, the first clear in round one, returned first in the jumpoff and proceeded to set a time that no other rider could match. Verlooy outrode the likes of current Olympic Individual Champion Steve Guerdat of Switzerland, who placed behind him in second, and Bloomberg, who is currently riding a hot streak with Juvina.
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL For Californians who only knew riders such as Scott Brash, Reed Kessler, Kent Farrington, and Patrice Delaveau through photos and livestreams, getting to see those riders and their very famous horses up close and personal was its own highlight. It’s a monumental thing to rub shoulders with the likes of newly minted WEG gold medalists Gerco Schroeder and Jur Vrieling, with Jessica Springsteen and world number one rider Scott Brash. Wandering around the show’s intimate layout, many eyes were wide, and lines for autograph signing, long. After this, it’s unlikely that we be able to look at another horse show in California quite the same. Until, of course, the LA Masters returns in 2015. Longines and EEM have committed to bring it back to Los Angeles for the next five years. The first year of any event has its ups and downs. Ameeuw will work on things like improved stabling for the horses, and more community outreach to draw spectators. The riders weren’t shy about the kinks that need to be worked out: better scheduling for ride times in the limited space, and an even stronger focus on the best interests of the horses during their stay at the LACC. In the meantime, those who witnessed the first-ever Longines Los Angeles Masters will have stars in their eyes for quite some time. It’s one thing to hear about the grand level of a sport in a foreign country. It’s another thing entirely to realize that the sport believed to be untouchable has suddenly become accessible, right here, in our own backyard. From top: One can always tell the time at a Longines event; Jane Richard Philips won the Longines Speed Derby on Friday, September 26th. Photos ©Erin Gilmore and Getty Images
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Now that it has been done, I’m proud for my team, for Longines, and I’m so happy because we did it. - Christophe Ameeuw
QUALITY BEGINS ON THE INSIDE - POTENTIAL IS UNCOVERED
ON THE
OUTSIDE
Derby Hill honors the life of a Champion, gone too soon from our world. Czech spent a lifetime in the winner's circle and we are grateful for his time with us. A truly special horse, he will be missed by all who knew him.
2014 Highlights: 9 CHAMPIONSHIPS
Northern Winter Classic III and IV Capital City Spring Classic The Spectacular Golden State Horse Shows Blenheim Red White and Blue Classic HMI Equestrian Classic I
5 RESERVE CHAMPIONSHIPS: Northern Winter Classic III HMI Equestrian Classic I Showpark Summer Classic Strides and Tides
Thank you to Don Stewart for sharing him with us and to Emmeline Sears and the Sears family for loving him and treating him like the King he was.
www. d erby h ill f arm.com
The Red Barn 100 Electioneer Rd., Stanford, CA 94305
Buddy & Vanessa Brown, Trainers (561) 758-3148 Ahlia Qutub, Assistant Trainer
Edgewood Equestrians 3421 Nicasio Valley Road Nicasio, CA 94946
QUALITY BEGINS ON THE INSIDE - POTENTIAL IS UNCOVERED
ON THE
OUTSIDE
Derby Hill congratulates our own
ALLIE QUTUB
on being named Horse & Style Magazine's Assistant of the Year!
We thank Allie for her incredible dedication to our business, for treating every horse like it was her own and for giving her best effort every moment of every day. Allie brings tremendous show experience and training, which she shares with our clients at home and on the show circuit. We are so proud to have her as an integral part of our team! www. d erby h ill f arm.com
The Red Barn 100 Electioneer Rd., Stanford, CA 94305
Buddy & Vanessa Brown, Trainers (561) 758-3148 Ahlia Qutub, Assistant Trainer
Edgewood Equestrians 3421 Nicasio Valley Road Nicasio, CA 94946
QUALITY BEGINS ON THE INSIDE - POTENTIAL IS UNCOVERED
ON THE
OUTSIDE
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RIDERS ON AN AMAZING SEASON AT SONOMA HORSE PARK
STRIDES AND TIDES FINALLY OURS
Champion - Conformation Hunters with Buddy Brown
HIGH REGARD
Res. Champion - Conformation Hunters with Vanessa Brown
Res. Champion - 3'6" AO Hunters with Sue Sadlier
Winner - NorCal Equitation Classic 36 & O with Sue Sadlier
MISS JANUARY
Champion - 3'3” AO Hunters with Sloan Barnett
SEASON FINALE HIGH REGARD
Conformation Hunters
FINALLY OURS
Modified Adult Amateur Jumpers
with Buddy Brown
KATINA 12 & Madison Bradshaw
with Vanessa Brown
MISS JANUARY with Sloan Barnett
HIGH REGARD
Res. Champion 3’6” Amateur Owner Hunters Both HIGH REGARD
CZECH
High Junior Amateur Owner Jumpers:
Res. Champion 3’3” Amateur Owner Hunters
with Allie Qutub
with Marianne Woolpert
CANADA & Mike Garland
Res. Champion Conformation Hunters
with Sue Sadlier
Champion - Low Adult Jumpers
FINALLY OURS
Champion - Conformation Hunters
QUICK SON
Res. Champion - 1.10 Meter Jumpers
CIRCUIT CHAMPIONS
& FINALLY OURS
placed in the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
CIRCUIT RESERVE CHAMPIONS HIGH REGARD
Conformation Hunters
QUICK SON & Marianne Woolpert Low Adult Amateur Jumpers:
MISS JANUARY & Sloan Barnett Amateur Owner Hunters
Res. Champion- Mod. Children's Hunters with Emmeline Sears
CASSI-TASSE
Res. Champion - Pre Green Hunters with Allie Qutub
www. d erby h ill f arm.com
The Red Barn 100 Electioneer Rd., Stanford, CA 94305
Buddy & Vanessa Brown, Trainers (561) 758-3148 Ahlia Qutub, Assistant Trainer
Edgewood Equestrians 3421 Nicasio Valley Road Nicasio, CA 94946
OUT&about
2014 LONGINES LOS ANGELES MASTERS CSI5* - LOS ANGELES, CA
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1. TV star Kaley Cuoco, nearly unrecognizable in her Indian costume 2. Darragh Kenny, Maggie McAlary, Dale Harvey, with the owners of Imothep 3. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Markus Beerbaum 4. Reed Kessler walks the course 5. Laura Kraut gives Jessica Springsteen some last minute pointers 6. Brianne Goutal and Georgina Bloomberg 7. Steve Guerdat has some fun on the podium with EEM World CEO Christophe Ameeuw 8. Jason Dowes, Chris Lowre, Chris Pratt, Jenn Pratt
Photos 漏Erin Gilmore & Getty Images
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9. Jane Richard Philips reacts while watching the Longines Speed Challenge 10. Roger Yves Bost of France 11. Andy Candin coached Invitational rider Alyce Bittar to an impressive win 12. Cowabunga! Will Simpson entertains during the Pro Am Charity 13. Jane Richard Philips channels a Vegas showgirl during Saturday's costume class 14. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti records the action 15. Laura Kraut and Hannah Selleck, aka Catwoman and Poison Ivy
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feature
Story and photos by Erin Gilmore
Show Jumping Shines in Ohio at New Albany Classic
Invitational Grand Prix & Family Day The two girls shifted anxiously from foot to foot as they stood at the rail. “Is that her?” whispered one to the other. “No, not yet,” came the answer. “When is she coming?” “Soon, just hold on.” They aimed their cell phones at the last fence on course and edged a little closer to the arena, trading tips on how to take the best picture. Then, the moment came. Beezie Madden galloped into the ring aboard Vanilla, and along with thousands of spectators in the bleachers surrounding the arena, all conversation between the two girls ceased. Madden cut a few turns and left every jump in the cups as she raced over the jumpoff course. When Vanilla’s hooves touched the ground behind the final fence, she looked towards the two girls and smiled. It was their cue to melt. “I just got chills!” one of them exclaimed. They’d come to the New Albany Classic Invitational and Family Day for the thrill of show jumping, and to see their idol up close and personal. Mission, accomplished. New Albany, Ohio is an unlikely place for the stars of show jumping to gather, but each year for the past 17 years, they have been drawn to the sprawling, 500-acre property known as the Wexner home for a one-day competition that pulls out all the he stops. A rare standalone event, The New Albany Classic is not your typical horse show. It is presented on a single ngle Sunday in September along with a full carnival, face painting, a pettingg zoo and other, daylong activities for children of all ages. Perhaps as much off a draw, if not more than the show jumping itself is a headline concert where ere up and coming pop acts perform. It’s no surprise that the Classic successfully sfully draws over 15,000 people each year.
From left: Sign-a-horse fun; Shane Sweetnam and Chaqui Z; Daniel Bluman and Believe; Beezie Madden and Vanilla
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Funds raised from thee event benefit The Center forr Family ch works Safety and Healing, which to combat the cycle of domestic violence and child abuse. use. The New Albany Classic is arguably the largest charitable fundraiser undraiser umping; in the history of show jumping; it’s raised a cumulative ive $25 million dollars for Thee Center over its history, with $1.7 7 million dollars raised in 2014 alone. ne.
C H A Q U I Z S T E P S U P TO W I N B I G Madden didn’t win the $125,000 New Albany Invitational vitational Grand Prix on September 21st in New Albany, Ohio, butt her ride raised the stakes on an exciting seven-horse jumpoff. She took er Shane a temporary lead; ultimately finishing in 2nd place after Sweetnam entered the arena with Chaqui Z on a successful uccessful mission to beat her time. Sweetnam had competed at New Albany before but never ver won, was thrilled and a bit surprised to have out-ridden thee likes of Madden, Kevin Babington with Mark Q, and Kent Farrington arrington with Uceko. Chaqui Z, an eight-year-old Zangersheidee stallion by Chalka Blue, was purchased for Sweetnam last year yeaar by his sponsor, Lisa Laurie of Spy Coast Farm. Sweetnam, who w has represented Ireland in international competition around aroound the world, and is based in Welington, FL, expressed his gratitude g stallion. for the opportunity to have the ride on such a talented st tallion. “All year I’ve been producing him, doing the 1.3 1.30m 30m and and nd 1.45m,” Sweetnam said. “This would be his first rst in international nte terrn r at rnat atio tio iona iona nall grand prix, and his first grand prixx w win! in!! He in He’s e’s ’s rreally eaallllyy a tale ttalented ta ale lent nted ed horse and a great one for th tthee fu utu ure re.” .”” future.”
Designed by Richard Jeffrey, the course, was set to 1.60m FEI CSI2* standards and was a solid, if somewhat friendly challenge. Twentynine horses and riders flew or drove their horses to Ohio to compete at this invite-only grand prix. They ranged from Olympic veterans and freshly crowned WEG medalists, to local, up and coming grand prix riders who are making a name for themselves on the national stage. For his efforts Sweetnam accepted a winner’s check written out to him in the amount of $41,250, and a two-year lease on a 2015 Mercedes Benz SUV. He also earned the Authentic Cup, a trophy named after Madden’s legendary Olympic mount, owned throughout his career by Abigail Wexner.
The Grand Prix was livestreamed online this year by ShowNet, a first-time development that is sure to be repeated. The team around The New Albany Classic matches Wexner’s passion to raise the Grand Prix to a truly national stage in the coming years. With the caliber of competition to give it star power, high prize money and FEI rating to lend credibility, and the charitable component that gives it so much heart, The New Albany Classic is sure to just keep growing.
A DYNAMIC SUPPORTER Therein lies the force that dreamt up the New Albany Classic, and year after year has seen it come to fruition. Wexner is the Classic’s organizer and host, and she just happens to be one of the biggest supporters in show jumping. She owns Madden’s current top grand prix horses, Cortes ‘C’ and Simon. Her passion for show jumping is matched only by her passion for supporting the fight to eliminate domestic violence and child abuse, and in the New Albany Classic, she has brilliantly combined the two. “I love being able to present a world-class equestrian event that goes toward supporting an incredible part of our community,” Wexner commented at the end of the day. “I know we say it every year, but it gets better every year.”
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FULLIN FARM
SLOAN LINDEMANN-BARNETT CONGRATULATE
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2014 Sonoma Horse Park Series Childrens Pony Hunter Division Champions
TIME TO MOVE UP TO THE MEDIUM PONY DIVISION!
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RIDERspotlight
Carrie
by by Arden ArdenCone Cone
Wehle
Call her a Renaissance woman or simply a well-rounded horseman, Carrie Wehle is a fierce competitor across the board of equestrian sports. While most horse people spend their lives grappling with one equestrian sport, Wehle fearlessly takes on five. Best known for her accomplishments at the upper levels of three-day eventing, her range spans several equestrian disciplines. Wehle is remarkable in that she does each discipline so successfully. She has won at Red Hill Horse Trials, qualified horses for the Washington International Horse Show, earned her USDF Bronze Medal in dressage, and ranked nationally at the Preliminary Level of eventing. Earlier this summer, Wehle branched-out again when she competed in a $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby during the inaugural, standalone, twoday Derby at Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford, NY. That cross-discipline perspective, added to her already advanced knowledge of horsemanship, makes her a great educator. Most of her clients follow her lead and focus on eventing, which Wehle claims is her true love.
Horse & Style: What is your background with horses, and at what point did you begin to take training and competing seriously as a career? Carrie Wehle: I just assumed from a young age that I would always be involved in the family Standardbred farm in some way. I helped in any way I could, from unloading hay to yearling sales prep. When the Standardbred racing industry started to decline, I began to focus on off the track Thoroughbreds and retrain them as eventers. After college I decided I could make a living riding, and began to figure out the best way to make that happen. I turned the Standardbred breeding operation into a training and boarding facility for event horses. My husband Justin and I built a 100 x 200 indoor arena and started to take on training horses and students. We now have 365 acres in Scottsville, NY, known as Wehle Farms.
H&S: Your riding resume is very diverse. What different disciplines have you practiced, and how have they individually informed your training? CW: I started in the hunter ring as a child, but quickly learned I wanted to go faster than the hunters allowed. In high school I became very interested in fox hunting. Once I turned 16 and was able to drive a truck, I started to event and fox hunt as much as possible. As I climbed the ranks of eventing, I began to do more in the hunters and jumpers to improve my show jumping. I had an off-the-track Thoroughbred mare named Circular Time that I started to steeplechase and timber race. I quickly was hooked on
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racing and did quite a bit of that with her. We won the Fox Hunters Timber at the GVH Races two years in a row, as well as many other races in the Genesee Valley. I started doing USDF dressage shows after I had an eventing horse that was particularly cranky about dressage. I started him at Training Level and we went on to earn our USDF Bronze Medal. He is currently competing at Prix St George and we are half-way to completing our USDF Silver Medal. I bartered with a family for their games pony, “Peanut,” in exchange for breaking their two-year-old warmblood gelding. When they mentioned the pony drove, I hooked him up to see if it was true. It was, and we entered our first driving show at Walnut Hill, the largest pleasure driving competition in the world. This is roughly equivalent to starting your eventing career at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event! I was a Volkswagen at a Ferrari show with my little Haflinger pony, but it was a new challenge for me. I now have a Dutch Harness Horse stallion that I compete in combined driving events. I have recently started dabbling in the hunter derbies, doing my first one this year at The Derby at the Genesee Country Village. It was a very different experience, but I am always up for a new challenge!
H&S: In which discipline are you the least invested? How has merely dabbling in a horse sport helped you ride better? CW: Driving has been very enlightening. It is very difficult as a rider to have four of your aids taken away from you. There is no seat and no
His feet look
fantastic! My farrier could not be happier.
AN AR TE
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— Michelle E. from Hidden Hills, CA
OR YOUR
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legs, yet I am still expected to do dressage! It has been a welcome challenge to learn how to drive a horse correctly while on the bit with limited aids.
H&S: The recent hunter derby at Genesee Country Village and Museum was particularly meaningful to you. What was your personal connection to it? CW: The Genesee Country Village and Museum was started by my grandfather in 1975. It is a 19th-century living history museum covering more than 600 acres near Rochester, New York. On
You have to have a thick skin in this profession. I have always tried to do the right thing even if it is not the most popular thing to do. the museum property is the historic village, a gallery of sporting art, a nature center, a carriage museum, a baseball park, and the heirloom gardens. I spent a lot of time there as a kid. I was allowed to ride there after the museum closed for the day, and I always wanted to gallop across the Great Meadow, but was never allowed to do that. So during the hunter derby, which was held on Great Meadow, it was a thrill to finally be able to ride on that beautiful meadow, even as an adult. The grin on my face was from ear to ear. I felt like I was being naughty! It was a perfect setting for the derby.
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H&S: What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced in your career, and how have you overcome it? CW: I don’t think I have had any more or less obstacles than most professionals do. It is an incredibly rewarding profession. I love seeing the horses and riders grow and learn. It’s long hours, little pay and a lot of work, but I have never been afraid of hard work. You have to have a thick skin in this profession. I have always tried to do the right thing even if it is not the most popular thing to do. I pride myself on being upfront, honest and striving to be the best horseman I can possibly be.
H&S: As you look forward to the near future, what are your goals and expectations? CW: I think my goals are simple. I will try to be a better rider and horseman tomorrow than I was today. I will continue to educate myself and my horses to the best of my ability. You are never done learning when it comes to horses. I surround myself with knowledgeable people and learn as much from them as I can. I intend to continue to excel in eventing, dressage and driving. I would like to be known as a good horseman, a successful competitor, trainer and instructor.
Opposite page: Whele's first love is the sport of three-day-eventing. Photo ©Brant Gamma Above: Whele and Arioso in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at Genessee. Photo ©Parker/The Book LLC
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1. Making sure that he got the thumbs up right. Thanks Batman! 2. Grand prix rider Callan Solem looking sharp in navy blue 3. Bliss is when the petting zoo lets you hold the chickens 4. Charlie Jayne reacts to having one fence down in the jumpoff 5. New Albany Classic Founder Abigail Wexner holds the Authentic Cup 6. A zip line for all ages 7. Kevin Babington placed 5th in the Grand Prix with Mark Q 8. Peter Doubleday, giving voice to show jumping from Ohio to Devon, and back again! 9. Shane Sweetnam accepts the keys on his new Mercedes SUV – a three-year lease was the prize for winning the Grand Prix 10. John and Beezie Madden relax before the Grand Prix
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HUNTERS . JUMPERS
E Q U I TAT I O N . S A L E S
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S
L O L LY M C L E L L A N & ROCKFORD W I N N E R S O F T H E R E G I O N S E V E N A S P C A M A C L AY R E G I O N A L S A N D U S E F M E D A L Q UA L I F I E R S GO OD LUCK IN HARRISBURG AND KENTUCKY
WENDY SUBOTICH KROHN, TRAINER
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7501 WAGNER CREEK ROAD - TALENT, OR 97540 photo © J. Goss Photo
| 415-377-2855
DESTINATIONiceland story by Erin Gilmore photos by Christina Parker
Adventures at T枚lt
Speed
WITH RIDING ICELAND
Dramatic views like this are seemingly endless in Iceland. Top right: The lines map the ground covered by H&S during our two-week trek.
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Take it from me: you will never truly know what trust is until you are riding an Icelandic horse along the skirt of a mountainside, watching the loose rocks beneath his hooves kick-up and roll off the edge of a shadow of a path below you. On your near side, the mountain’s face is close enough to reach out and touch. On the off side, there is space - nothing but space - and a falling slope that unrolls hundreds of feet straight down and away. Do not pick up the reins. Do not get in the horse’s way. In that particular moment, there is nothing to do but visualize perfect balance and look straight ahead. Trust is all you have.
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“This is how adventures begin.”
From top: One of many river crossings; handwoven wool Icelandic sweaters are popular riding attire; the author rests among the herd after a full morning of riding.
This realization set in on the very first day of a 12-day horseback trek through the stunning country of Iceland. It was the first and most valuable lesson learnt during a trip that took H&S Web Developer Christina Parker and myself on a mounted journey through every kind of environment and footing situation (the steep mountainside was a mere entrée to one of many jaw-dropping moments.) Visiting Iceland is a popular bucket list item. The entire country, just 304 miles wide from East to West and surrounded on all sides by ocean, is a remote, volcanic island that is home to less than 30 percent of the population of Los Angeles, about 320,000 people. It is a land that is still being formed by active volcanoes, a rugged place where moss and grass can grow aplenty but not trees; where sheep have the right of way on roads, and where a tough breed of horse has been shaped by the environment for the last 1,200 years.
FURÐULEGUR ÍSLENSKI HESTURINN (THE AMAZING ICELANDIC HORSE) People come to Iceland from all over the world to take part in a variety of adventures: glacier climbing, geyser hopping, remote camping in lava fields and hitchhiking from town to town. But for a horseperson, there is only one way to visit this place, and it’s on the back of an Icelandic horse. Nordic settlers brought the Icelandic horse to Iceland in the 9th century. The horses were the best form of transportation when getting from one place to another in this dramatic, harsh country of glaciers and lava fields. Natural selection and careful breeding has honed them into the animal they are today. Iceland is the only country in the world that prohibits outside breeds from entering the country, and once an Icelandic horse is exported to another country, it cannot return to Iceland.
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“There is no better way to travel across the land than to ride an Icelandic horse,” said Bjarni Páll, who has been guiding groups of adventurous riders through Iceland for over 20 years from his home in Husavik, on the northeast edge of the country. He operates as part of Riding Iceland, a touring operation that offers riding trips through every corner of Iceland. For two weeks, Riding Iceland showed us two very different regions of the country, in the northeast and in the west, with one no more or less enthralling than the other.
HESTUR LANDIÐ (LAND OF THE HORSE) The Westfjords of Iceland are finger-shaped peninsulas of land that reach out into the Atlantic Ocean towards Greenland. The flight that takes travelers there is known for one of the more risky air landings on the globe. Its approach, which hugs a mountainside before turning hairpin-style toward a small runway, is used in pilot training flight simulators. Wherever you call home feels particularly far away when the small plane banks to the left and taxis to a single-room airport on the edge of a fishing town called Ísafjörður. This is how adventures begin. Our Riding Iceland guide Hreinn Þorkelsson was easy to pick-out in the airport crowd. His piercing blue eyes and tall build follow the profile of a typical Icelandic man. As he packed us into his car and drove us to our lodging for the night, it was difficult to tell if we amused or annoyed him with our wide-eyed exclamations and questions about the landscape. But then he turned into the valley where his horses lived. “I might be persuaded to go have a look at the horses,” he said, and cracked a smile. He drove down a dirt road, and pulled-up the car next to a pasture that was shaded by a steep mountain face rising dramatically towards the sky. Small horses of every color lifted their heads from knee-high green grass and stared.
A land that is still being formed, a rugged place where moss and grass can grow aplenty but not trees; where sheep have the right of way, and where a tough breed of horse has been shaped by the environment for the last 1,200 years.
“
”
Hreinn works as a school principal when the long Icelandic winters shut down the riding tours for the year. But during the spring and summer months, he relishes taking visitors on three-, five-, and 10 day riding treks. We would learn that underneath his rough exterior, he was a passionate singer with a deep baritone voice. Along with his wife Auôur, who met us at the end of each day, and cooked our meals, and his son Haukur, who rode with us, we quickly became friends. There’s a summer-camp-like atmosphere in being thrown together with a group of people you don’t know, guides and fellow riders included. Spend six to eight hours a day in the saddle alongside a group of strangers, and they become friends by the end. Communal meals included midday stops for lunch when the horses were herded together into corrals strung with thin fishing line. Most of the time, the horses miraculously respected this “fence.” With the call of “saddles off!” everyone jumped from their mounts and pulled tack off, letting the riding horses melt into the herd of loose horses that traveled with the group. The weather, which ranged from pleasantly chilly to harsh and wet, dictated how we took our meals: with leisure, spread out in the warm grass, or standing on rocks in thick fog, trying to inhale our sandwiches before they became soggy with rain.
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From top: The herd skirts steep cliffs on the edge of the Westfjords; resting before the next leg of the ride
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There is no better way to travel “across the land than to ride an Icelandic horse. ”
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Riding Iceland offers trips for all levels of rider, in nearly every part of the country. Follow these tips and your trip will surely be a success!
HEAVEN IN A TÖLT Every day, each person rode two horses, switchingoff during the midday break. You may think that riding for hours and hours on end would be exhausting. You may think it would make you bone sore. If you do, you haven’t ridden an Icelandic horse. No matter the weather, everyone wanted to be in the saddle, and it was mostly thanks to the tölt. The tölt is a fifth gait that comes naturally to Icelandic horses, along with the faster flying pace. Imagine the smoothest walk you’ve ever sat, and turn that up to hand-gallop speed. The left and right legs follow each other in unison, and the rider sits back on a saddle set well behind the withers. With dressage-length stirrups and little need for rein contact, the Icelandic horse goes on his way, maintaining full speed for hours if necessary. Watching the world pass by at tölt speed was a thrill. With herds of 20 loose horses traveling with the group during week one, and over 40 loose horses with us during week two, there was rarely, if ever a dull moment. We traveled down steep hills, and straight through mowed hay fields. There were several occasions when all 60 horses, ridden and free, tölted as a group straight through the paved roads of a town, creating quite a spectacle for unmounted travelers on the side of the road. With their cameras pointed at us, we tourists suddenly became the inadvertent attraction, the staccato rhythm of 240 hooves on pavement turning every head within eyesight towards us. Whether we were skirting a road or skidding down a steep hill, the horses never blinked at the journey. For them, it was simply another day at the office. One of my favorite horses was Gloi, a small red chestnut gelding with a flaxen mane. He nimbly picked his way over large rocks without losing speed. When a stream appeared, he plunged through it. When a slope dropped us downward, he put his haunches in gear and slid down it. And when the road opened up, his tölt was smooth as a glider. When the horses turned down the valley where the ride had begun, all of them picked-up speed as they tölted towards home. In those final minutes before we took-off saddles for the last time, I forgot everything except for the loosely held reins, the sound of tölting hoofbeats, and the freedom of traveling across land on a transcendent horse. Thank you, Iceland, for the marvel of it all. Making a return trip is not a matter of “if,” but “when.”
Clockwise: Glaður and Kuldi relax in the Westfjords; young horses remain in pasture until they're four; the bridles await the next call to tack up; wild and tasty bluberries were nearly always within arms reach for picking
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H I G H T E C H L AY E R S = HAPPINESS It’s better to take layers off than to wish you had some to add! Layer up. This includes your socks.
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B R I N G YO U R H E L M E T If you are particularly attached to wearing your own helmet, packing it with you in your suitcase is well worth it. No one rides without a helmet!
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MAKE TWO SANDWICHES Lunch-making ingredients sit alongside the coffee at breakfast. Your lunch travels in your saddlebag until the midday break. Take it from us – you’ll want two sandwiches, not one!
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KEEP UP There is no pussyfoot, release-form culture in Iceland. Every man, woman and child is expected to be responsible for oneself, and very little handholding exists. When your guide sets off at full pace, keep up!
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A PILLOW FROM HOME On most treks, there are at least a couple of nights where the whole group will bed down in one-room accommodations for the night. Bringing your own pillow is not only a necessity, it’s a small, comforting luxury.
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B E P R E PA R E D T O S I N G With its long and dark winters, it makes sense that group singing is a popular Icelandic pastime. When the songbooks start being passed around after dinner, get ready to sing!
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A P O S I T I V E AT T I T U D E In adventures such as this, you must give yourself over to the events you’ve signed on for. Situations may be trying at times, but a positive attitude really does fix all when you’re far outside your comfort zone.
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REVIEW THE LIST OF SUPPLIES On their website, Riding Iceland provides a helpful packing list. Take that list seriously! Earplugs? You’ll need them. Sleeping bag? Yep, you’ll need that too. Wellies? Wear them! If in doubt, consult the list before you go.
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STYLEprofiles by Sarah Appel & Terri RRoberson oberson ob b
Trendy Trainer Equestrian Soft Suede Hobo, Ralph Lauren, $1,500 House Check Double Wrap Watch, Burberry, $495 ‘Horse Bit’ Sweater, Band of Outsiders, $445 Horse Print Scarf, Tory Burch, $175 Horse 3-Piece Ring, Valentino, $465 Horsebit-Embellished Burnished Leather Boots, Gucci, $1,350
Haute
Harvest
Hay rides, crisp morning hacks and a crimson palate are just a few of our favorite things during the fall season. Even better than the sights outside is the scenery inside our closets, as we are back in our boots, cozy sweaters and thick scarf wrapped just so around our necks to top off a perfect fall outfit. Get haute to gear up for fall horse shows and all those brisk days out at the barn!
Gorgeous Gent Pixelated Horse Head Sweatshirt, 3.1 Phillip Lim, $295 Diamante Leather Belt, Gucci, $320 Bamboo Aviator Sunglasses, Gucci, $620 Suede Chelsea Boot, Prada, $895 Blue Satchel Man Bag, Carine Letessier, $355 Men’s Double Wrap Belt, Ralph Lauren, $295
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Jovial Junior Horse Necklace, Stella McCartney, $325 Indio Zip Ultra Skinny Jeans, Paige, $229 Faire Isle Horses Sweater, Band of Outsiders, $475 Horse & Nail Rider Backpack, Free People, $870 Horse Hinge Bracelet, Sole Society, $30 Paige Tall Riding Boot, Frye, $378
Ambient Amateur Edgemont Ultra Skinny Jean, Paige, $239 Meg Top, Tory Burch, $295 Multi Tube Bracelet, Gillian Julias, $275 'Susanna-Medium’ Bucket Bag, Burberry Brit, $595 Free Rein, Ariat, $130 Oxidized 14-Karat Gold Horseshoe Necklace, Melissa Joy Manning, $165
Polished Pony Mom Marion Whipstich Continental Flap Wallet, Tory Burch, $195 Jumping Boots, Hermes, $2,725 Intarsia Horse Pullover, Stella McCartney, $693 Nouveau Rocabar Bracelet, Hermes, $725 Fringe Small Bucket Bag, Saint Laurent, $2,580 Guccissima Collection Watch with Diamonds, Gucci, $795
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feature
Story and photos by Erin Gilmore
Springsteen Stands Out at American Gold Cup T H E T R A D I T I O N OF G R A N D P R I X S U N D AY I S A L I V E A N D W E LL AT O L D S A L E M F AR M
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At the ingate, they started calling her name. She had just enough time to beam at her trainer before trotting back onto the field. As is customary at the American Gold Cup, the winner takes a quick, gallop-pace lap of honor to thrill the crowd immediately after the last horse has jumped. Then it’s back out of the ring to don the winner’s cooler, followed by a slow procession returning to midfield for the awards ceremony. All the while, her two biggest fans stood quietly at the rail, pride and excitement written all over their faces. The crowd pressed in around them, everyone eager for a glimpse of the victorious riders in the ring. Her father rested his chin on her mother’s shoulder, and they pressed a little closer together, making room for the strangers around them.
PA R T O F T H E C R O W D The atmosphere at the 2014 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W, held September 11th – 14that Old Salem Farm, in North Salem, NY, put show jumping athletes on center stage, and allowed all others to melt into the background. He may be an iconic American rock star, but during the American Gold Cup, Bruce Springsteen became part of the crowd as seamlessly as any other proud father. The moment was Jessica’s, and he was simply thrilled to witness it.
It used to be that afternoons like these were what the entire week was built upon, week in and week out at horse shows around the country. Jessica Springsteen became the headline story of the 2014 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W, held annually at Old Salem Farm, in North Salem, NY. With her decisive win of the FEI world ranking class aboard the fiery Vindicat W, her own 12-year-old KWPN gelding, Springsteen continues her steady march up the ladder in the sport of show jumping. And with another successful year, organizers of the American Gold Cup can rest well in knowing that they pulled it off again: a fantastic sporting event that attracts a community and lends ever more credibility to the show jumping athletes who so deserve it.
Opposite page: For 43 years, the American Gold Cup has been one of the most sought after prizes in show jumping. Inset: Jessica Springsteen out rode a starry list of riders to take home victory in the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W. Needless to say, her own star is quickly rising
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AN IRISH RULE With the air turning crisp and cool, parents bundled their children in dapper sweaters and coats, and headed to Old Salem Farm for this special weekend. The gorgeous stables of Old Salem Farm provide quite the backdrop to horses and riders competing in three rings – jumpers only, mind you. The Gold Cup is a rarity in the United States for its singular focus on show jumping. The week began with a dominating streak of wins for Irishman Darragh Kenny, who was fresh-off an impressive 12th place finish at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, when he arrived at the Gold Cup to meet his string of horses.
Clockwise from top: Darragh Kenny’s fantastic week at the American Gold Cup included three big, back-to-back wins; over 5,000 spectators came out to Old Salem Farm for the American Gold Cup; Springsteen gives Vindicat some midfield pats during the awards ceremony; Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa blended right into the crowd unmolested as they hung on the rail and cheered for daughter Jessica during the victory gallop
In quick succession, Kenny won the $34,000 Don Little Memorial Classic on Thursday and the $100,000 Hermès American Gold Cup Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday aboard Gatsby, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Allison Toffolon. On Saturday, when he took Postage Stamp Farm’s 11-year-old Selle Francis gelding Prof De La Roque to the ring and won the $34,000 Fidelity Investments Speed Derby CSI4*, headlines started ricocheting to Ireland and back about Kenny’s incredible week.
SPRINGSTEEN STEPS-IN With his collection of blue ribbons, Kenny was the heavy favorite going into Sunday afternoon’s $200,000 American Gold Cup Grand Prix CSI4* World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix. But when he and Gatsby racked-up eight faults over Round One of course designer Alan Wade’s track, the tide quickly shifted to Springsteen, who had laid down the first clear round of the day. When she topped the five-horse jump-off, winning over second placed rider Laura Kraut, who also just happens to be her trainer, it was with jubilation and gratitude.
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event. Albeit, one that’s a few levels above your average “sporting event”, with its overflow of posh VIP attendees, tantalizing shopping opportunities, pony rides, magic shows and face painting. While high-end accoutrements are de-facto when it comes to show jumping, the Gold Cup pulls off a difficult-to-achieve balance in being both posh and welcoming. After all, even if the VIP tent is two stories tall (another unique Gold Cup distinction) we can’t all fit inside it.
“I’d never done this grand prix before, and I hadn’t been to Old Salem in about six years,” Springsteen shared after the class, while she signed autographs for a long line of fans. “The show looks amazing. It’s so great to be here, and to win such a prestigious class was incredible, I’m so happy.”
DEL MAR INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW Oct 15-26, 2014
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION
By the time the he autographsigning tablee had be been een set up midfi dfield, tthe he gleeful line off fans, yyo young oung ung and old, snaked aked ha halfway alfwa way back to the inga ingate. gatte te. Th The he chance to walk alk onto ontto tthe he field and stand and n next ext x too the tall show jumping w ju ump mpiin ng fences was en enough nough of a thrill, but bu utt combined with th ha few momentss of face-time with each of the top p riders, well, let’ let’s ’s just say thatt ma many an nyy a weekend was made. as m ade. But that’ss what wha hat Gold Cup does oes best. best. st. It It doesn’t put on a horse horse orssee or show; it creates ates a sporting sp porti po rttin ing
It used to be that afternoons like these were what the entire week was built upon, week in and week out at horse shows around the country. Over time, Saturday night feature competitions have started to edge in on that Sunday tradition. But not at Old Salem, oh no. On Grand Prix Sunday at the American Gold Cup, show jumping was both a haven for the elite, and a welcoming environment for the entry level of the sport. What they say about this event is right: it’s absolutely one that is not to be missed. See you there next September.
OCTOBER 25, 7PM Don’t miss the Annual Flash Mob and a special appearance by Michael Jackson Cash prizes for Best Costumes
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photo ©Cheval Photo
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Not that there’s any need. Families, young couples, and groups of riders lined the dogfriendly grassy slopes and filled the bleachers set-up around the grand prix field. The horses and jumps could be seen from every vantage point, whether you were the Hermès executive who’d taken a private car in from New York City, or the 10-year-old girl who’d taken the shuttle bus over from the local high school.
feature
Chicago A Stylish Hunter Derby Affair
by Katie Shoultz
The
As Frank Sinatra crooned, Chicago is “one town that won’t let you down,” and by any definition, that claim is deserved when it comes to the Chicago Hunter Derby. This year marked the event’s sixth anniversary with a weekend that delivered big time on fun, fashion and, of course, a field of some of the country’s best horses and riders. At Annali-Brookwood Farm in Antioch, Illinois, owners Carl and Rush Weeden have staked-out an idyllic piece of equestrian oasis for the CHD. Held this year from September 5th-7th, the event has become an area end-of-summer tradition in the area. Hosted by Chicago Equestrians for a Cause, the weekend gala benefits local and national charities with purse money sponsored by Canadian Pacific and Sapphire Riding Academy.
NO PLACE LIKE IT The weekend began with an International Welcome Stake, won by Tammy Provost on Libretto and a National Welcome Stake, won by Jennifer Alfano with Me Again. Saturday saw competitors vie for top spot in the National Hunter Derby (Maria Rasmussen and Memorable snagged the blue) and finished with a “Derby after Dark” party to celebrate the festivities. Sunday morning dawned with the most-anticipated event of the weekend on the horizon - the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Finding herself in the spotlight again was Provost, this time on her mount Kallisto, a 13-yearold Belgian Warmblood, owned by Kim Calamos, and whose day job finds him in the adult amateur ring. “Moose." as he’s affectionately known, had competed in the Derby finals in Lexington, Kentucky, in late August but didn’t ribbon. So, his first derby win was extra sweet. “The entire event was just fantastic, and the course was lovely,” said Provost, who has attendedPhotos the Derby every year since ©Marcin Cymmer it began. But the win wasn’t a walk in the park. After Carl Weeden and The Spy
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The large grass field that boasts rolling ground, a pond and wooded area all made for the perfect playground for course designer Bobby Murphy, who returned this year to create a course of spectacular dimensions. The Weedens keep the field in top condition year-round, and Murphy knew exactly how to punch-it-up when he came into town. Incorporating the “Year of the Horse” into his theme, Murphy constructed a 150-foot horse head and built the rest of the course around this centerpiece. “This is really the only event of its kind, and one of the last remaining events that defines what a derby is supposed to be,” said Murphy. “It’s an endangered species in a sense, but here in Chicago it’s something really special.”
MIXING CLASSIC & MODERN While spectators in their Sunday best looked on from their champagne brunch, vendors row kept busy as the latest fall fashions were on display. In a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, the Chicago Hunter Derby has become a weekend destination, and a chance for philanthropy to shine. While there were amusements for every age, the focus remained on the charitable endeavors
while engaging the crowd in the sport. The new fundraiser for 2014 was the Score 90 Challenge - an invitation to pledge a dollar amount for every score 90 or above. With the Weeden family heirloom railway bell ringing after a qualifying score came in, the cheers were audible. “This is my favorite venue for a hunter derby. It brings back the traditional splendor of the sport and the pomp and ceremony,” said Doug Boyd of Sapphire Riding Academy. New to the scene, Julie Winkel served on the four-panel judging lineup along with Jeff Wirthman, Ken Smith and Holly Orlando. Winkel appreciates the uniqueness and impact of stand-alone derbies. “They’re so valuable to our industry, and they really put the sport in the limelight. Not only is Chicago a special place to judge, but we have special horses to judge.” So as the consummate 2014 Chicago Hunter Derby is recorded in the annals, sights are already being set for 2015. This show is one for your bucket list. And just remember, no matter how far you roam, Chicago will be calling you home, if nothing else, for a weekend in the country the only way the Windy City knows how – with style.
Opposite page: Tammy Provost and Kalisto. Photo ©Aullmyn Photography
D EL MAR I NTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW WELCOME WEEK Oct. 15-19, 2014
Grand Prix of the (8O oO CSI-2*
WORLD CUP WEEK Oct. 22-26, 2014
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Above, clockwise: No detail was neglected in the elegant VIP; Chicago Equestrians for a Cause facilitates charitable giving; a foxhunter and her hounds. Photos ©Marcin Cymmer
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W W W. W E S T P A L M S E V E N T S . C O M
moved-up from their sixth place finish in the classic round to first in the handy after a brilliant track was laid with true handiness on display, Provost had her work cut-out for her. But, no sign of intimidation was evident as Provost coolly took Kallisto around to edge Weeden by a point and a half in the final score tally.
OUT&about
THE AM E RI C AN GOLD C U P C SI 4 *- W — N O R T H S A L EM , N EW Y O R K
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1. A perfect place to chill for Wilton Porter - a grassy slope in the sunshine 2. The one horse show dad who needs no introduction - Bruce Springsteen! 3. The student mirrors the teacher: Sydney Shulman and Brianne Goutal 4. Kama Godek has a pony kid moment as her mount grabs a snack on the grand prix field 5. Shane Sweetnam gives some last minute tips to Lorcan Gallagher 6. H&S Editor Erin Gilmore with Meagan Nusz, winner of the Horse & Style, Style of Riding Award – East 7. Nicole Bellissimo heads to the ingate to support her trainer, Candice King 8. He’s got her eyes! Georgina Bloomberg with her son, Jasper 9. Daniel Bluman at the autograph-signing table Photos ©Erin Gilmore
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Looking towards Belmont House from inside the walled garden.
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BARNenvy Story and photos by Erin Gilmore
Belmont House Stud COUNTY OFFALY, IRELAND
When Andrea Etter first arrived in Ireland over 20 years ago, it was presumably to stay for just a few months. Originally from Switzerland, she grew up riding and competing from her family’s Etter Sportpferde AG in Schweiz. When her parents purchased an Irish extension of their business as a base for their young horses and breeding, Andrea came over on a temporary visit to do some riding and work on her English. Twenty-two years later, her English is perfect and it’s easy to see why she never left County Offaly in Southwest Ireland. Belmont House Stud’s stunning 150 acres are home to a busy breeding and training program that, under Etter’s direction, has become a sought after producer of Irish Sport Horses. Andrea continues to work in partnership with her father Gerhard Etter and two brothers Daniel and Marc, taking on the performance horses when they’re ready to be retired to stud, and sending prospects to Switzerland to be developed or sold. The 250-year-old Belmont House was originally built as part of a 300-acre estate called Belmont Mill. Today, the renovated interior of the grand main house is designed to accommodate guests for a week or more who wish to come try horses without the pressure of a quick stop. But be warned: with the opportunity to unpack your bags in one of its stately rooms, look out over vast pastures of mares and foals, and ride out on green grass fields every day, you may never want to leave Belmont House Stud at all.
Clockwise, from top: The main house, stables, collecting yard and saddling yard are all connected by a series of walls; the young horses of Belmont House Stud spend their early years together on this 100-acre pasture. Pictured are a group of two- and three-year-olds; The house of Belmont House Stud is a jewel that sits on a slight rise on the 200-acre property. On the second floor, five bedrooms are available to guests from around the world who come to Belmont House to visit their foals, try young horses, and view the stallions; looking in on a four-year-old colt by Smooth Operator B out of Jamie B; Connemara broodmare Caoran Beauty with her three-month-old foal by Cap Nord D.
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Counterclockwise, from top: Rider Roberto Lubrano schools Toscana B, a four year old Irish Sport Horse gelding by O-Piloth, out of Princess B; Bruce, one of three friendly resident Rottweilers, keeps an eye on the stable yard from his stairwell perch; a 45-acre field bordered by two rivers and lined with crosscountry obstacles makes for a fantastic environment to school young horses out in the open; eighteen-year-old O-Piloth (Epilot x Burggraaf) is one of three stallions that stand at Belmont House Stud. A KWPN performance stallion, he was ridden by Jeroen Dubbledam during his competition days, and has sired generations of successful progeny during his breeding career.
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OUT&about
CHICAGO HUNTER DERBY - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
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1. WGN Chicago's Dina Bair served as emcee 2. Cassandra and Mathew Lawton 3. Tony Durpetti enjoys a Kentucky mule from sponsor Angel's Envy 4. Two of this year's esteemed judges, Julie Winkel and Ken Smith 5. Exhibitor Ashleen Lee with Lindsay Bowman 6. Course designer Bobby Murphy looking mighty fine 7. Exhibitor Caitlyn Shiels goes over the course with customers 8. Caroline Weeden, President of Chicago Equestrians for a Cause and Cynthia Paquette of Liza Hennessy, presenting awards to the high point amateur and junior rider 9. That's Wally Sieruga, General Manager of Operations for Canadian Pacific on the left, helping to present awards Photos 漏Marcin Cymmer
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LIFEofpessoa by Alexa Pessoa
A Break in Routine class proved to be extremely challenging for him.
When the barn door is pulled open at 7am, it’s the cue for many equine faces to shoot out of their stalls in greeting. Ears pricked forward, they whirl in circles as they watch their caretaker, waiting for their grain to be tossed into a feed bucket. Another day has begun in the life of a show jumping star.
This year the horses only behaved differently to the experienced eye. Eventual champion Jeroen Dubbeldam’s horse, Zenith, appeared to be very sensitive and the other riders seemed to have a hard time adjusting to him. Even the newly crowned “Best Horse” of the event, Cortes ‘C,’ seemed agitated, continually chomping his bit while under the saddle of the three foreign riders.
No matter where they are in the world, the people around top show jumping horses will go to every effort to make sure the comforts and routines of home are in place. Much like small children, horses depend and thrive on the rituals put in place for them. The perfect balance of hay, grain, treats, hand grazing, treadmill, exercise, trail rides, and on, all compile into a successful day in the life of a show horse.
STILL THE HIGHLIGHT
These details came sharply into focus during the show jumping events at this year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Normandy, France. Show jumping is one of eight equestrian disciplines held at the WEG. What makes the WEG different is having the regular championship format capped by a ‘Final Four’ competition. The top four, overall finishers from the championship switch horses in a rotation and jump a course set at a 1.50m. It typically makes for a thrilling finish to an already very exciting week, and this year was no different.
The WEG continues to be the most demanding championship in our sport for both horse and rider.
A CONSIDERABLE QUESTION The challenge laid out by such a class is immense. For the riders, who are oh-so-close to a world championship title, the pressure is considerable. Also undoubtedly on their minds, is the question, “How will my horse handle this class?” There are definitely certain horses that are less bothered by change than others. Asking them to break from their longtime rider and jump around the course a few times with someone else is not a big deal, especially when that “someone else” happens to be one of the best riders in the world. But for others, this class has the potential to be extremely challenging. During the WEG in Aachen, Germany, 2006, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum’s horse, Shutterfly, was visibly distraught by being tacked-up in the area while thousands of people cheered-on the other horses and riders. Being as sensitive as he is, the Final Four
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For horses accustomed to living in such harmonious routines, this event proves to be a considerable challenge. Since the WEG’s inception in 1990, the Final Four has been a highlight of each event. Some argue the class is not fair to the horses; both because of the significant amount of jumping they undergo and the stress of the rider change. As show jumping horses get more and more expensive, more objections seem to be levied against this class. Several top riders chose to focus their horses on the team portion of the week and then depart in an effort to save their horses for other competitions.
However, for now, it seems the fantastic competition that the class provides prevails over any possible drawbacks. The WEG continues to be the most demanding championship in our sport for both horse and rider. It will be interesting to see in years to come, if there are alterations made to this event, as many riders feel it is too much to ask of such valuable animal. Having jumped a total of nine rounds over the course of six days, I am sure that Cortes ‘C’, Zenith, Casall Ask and Orient Express were happy to return home to business as usual. We can be sure that, as always, the horses were most content when waiting for their barn door to open early in the morning, in anticipation of their next mouthful of grain.
Writer ALEXA PESSOA, an amateur rider and business owner, is profiled on page 6. From top: Riders quietly, and somewhat anxiously watched each others’ rounds during the Final Four; Cortes ‘C’ awaits his next ride in the very public warm up area Photos ©Erin Gilmore
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HORSEcorner by Katie Shoultz
The 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Happy Z might not be the flashiest, biggest or most powerful horse, but for rider Wilhelm Genn, that never mattered. Genn knew there was something special about the little chestnut mare with the underdog beginning, but there was no way he could have known just exactly how special she would turn out to be. Her long and successful career would produce the winningest record in show jumping history. This past July, Happy took her final lap around a grand prix arena in a fairytale ending to her amazing career. On July 31, 2005, Happy and Genn recorded their first grand prix victory together at Horse Shows by the Bay, Traverse City, Michigan. Almost nine years later, to the day, Genn and his lively chestnut mare claimed victory again at the same venue, this time in the $40,000 CMJ Cherry Capital Classic Grand Prix, marking their 60th grand prix win on the eve of Happy Z’s retirement. Happy has always been Genn’s go-to girl. Throughout her career, he was her only rider in the ring and their long partnership of over a decade is evident. Genn, who grew up in Germany and has carved a successful professional path in the United States, certainly has a knack for bringing along talented jumper prospects. But as anyone who has been around this business long enough will say – it’s always a gamble. For Genn, Happy became that proverbial long shot to defy the odds.
A FINAL TIME TO SHINE Genn knew that the $40,000 CMJ Cherry Capital Classic Grand Prix would be Happy’s final start in the ring; her retirement was planned. Before the class, he speculated that a win would be a fitting cap to he career, but he never expected it to actually happen.
Happy Z Above: Happy Z and Wilhelm Genn victory gallop following their win in the $40,000 CMJ Cherry Capital Classic Grand Prix Opposite page: Happy Z and Wilhelm Genn on their way to Happy’s final grand prix victory of her career Photos ©Tricia Booker
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A rainstorm blew through the area as the class was underway, and when the weather really started to come down during the jumpoff, some riders began to doubt their horses. But not Genn. He laughed off the win, and stepped-up his riding to guide Happy to a clear, winning jumpoff time. A celebratory tribute to commerate her stunning achievements had already been planned by show managers Alex Rheinheimer and Patrice Schreiber, and the special cooler, ribbon and treats she received added a final flourish to an already amazing day for Genn and his team.
I just knew I wanted to keep her. We got along so well. After her final turn in the spotlight, Happy returned to Genn’s home base of Rheinland Farm in Lebanon, Ohio with no more shows on her schedule for the first time in 10 years. She is now enjoying a schedule of relaxation in anticipation for her broodmare debut in the winter. Her days include turnout in a paddock with an extra high fence she may be 16-years-old, but Happy continues to have a notorious knack for jumping out of her paddocks.
HIGH VALLEY Z HAPPY Z ANAIS-ANAIS Z
AHORN URIKA ALME Z OPALINE FANTASQUE
For Genn, the mare’s transition from grand prix powerhouse to a life of leisure is bittersweet, but he’s looking forward to seeing what type of offspring Happy will produce in the coming years. With plans to breed to the likes of superstar stallions Flexible and Hickstead, he’s also excited to be able to give his two sons, professional riders themselves, the opportunity to make up some nice young horses. In noting that Flexible and Happy together have won over 100 grand prix classes, “even if it’s not the perfect match by looking at them, how could you not try it?” he posed. Happy Z has left her mark in the horse world as the most winning grand prix horse in the United States with accolades at nearly every major horse show venue, but it took Genn’s elbow grease (aka plenty of gymnastic work) and belief in the agile mare to really make her shine.
D Y N A M I T E I N A S M A L L PA C K A G E During a trip back home to Germany in 2003, Genn couldn’t help but take notice of a five-year-old mare with extraordinary lightness off the ground and a certain spark to her big brown eyes. She didn’t look to be super scopey, but “something about her just really struck me,” he recalled. Happy came home with Genn to the United States as an interesting prospect; Genn describes her as a sales horse that didn’t get a lot of interest. “We just weren’t ever able to sell her, so I kept working and working with her,” he said. But under his patient tutelage, Happy blossomed. When she jumped her first grand prix as a seven-yearold, Genn knew his initial gut instinct about the mare had been on the money. She wound-up second in that class, and her record just continued to get better from there. “At first she was so careful, that I had a hard time getting her across the oxers. I didn’t jump her high at home because she didn’t have the confidence, but then it’s hard to tell the scope,” Genn recalled. “If you’re only jumping 1.20m or 1.25m, you don’t know where you’ll end up.” But, what Happy has always had is plenty of heart. Well, that and a feisty spirit that Genn has been careful to leave alone. “She gets ornery and explodes and takes-off. She has always had that and still does. I never wanted to take that out of her. That spark is what made her who she is,” Genn mused. Early in their partnership, her trademark move did result in a broken hand for Genn. After one of Happy’s first times in the ring, she spooked, landed, stopped and spun. Genn parted ways and landed a little too heavily on that hand. “I’ve never been unseated so quickly before by any other horse,” he said. But at the time, it wasn’t the broken bone that was on his mind – instead he left the ring wowed by Happy’s display of athleticism. Gaining momentum and consistency, Genn began to get offers for the mare who had been overlooked just a few years prior. But this time, it was Genn who didn’t show any interest. “I just knew I wanted to keep her. We got along so well.”
LEAPS OF FAITH Even among the most confident, there come those challenges that can plant seeds of doubt. For Genn, such a challenge came during a particularly memorable grand prix in Atlanta that included plenty of talent in the lineup. “Happy was just turning eight, and it was her first time to jump a true 1.50m class. I walked the course and thought it might just be a little too big for her,” he said. But, Happy had other
ideas and ate up the wide oxers and tough turns. Genn’s admiration for his horse’s efforts in the competition was summed-up in one word: amazing. And yes, the story’s ending was happy – she swept the class handily. Through it all, Genn has always honored his little mare’s heart the best way he knew how – to always listen to his gut. With Happy always surprising Genn in the ring with her competitive willingness, he began to think about a World Cup class. Telling his wife that he didn’t care if he lost the entry fee, Genn wanted to see if the mare was up for it. “We had never jumped anything higher than 1.50m at home. She ended up jumping around really well! I didn’t pursue that path with her because I could feel it might take its toll, but I was always so impressed with her effort,” he said. Not pushing the mare and allowing her to be successful in her own way paid-off. Genn knows Happy has been an extraordinary gift in his life. “I don’t think I’ll come across another one like her. I’ve had a lot of grand prix horses, but there’s not going to be another Happy.” october/november ·
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feature by Lauren Fisher
VICKI LOWELL RIDES AND RUNS THE WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW
Although she shows all year to qualify for the year-end final just like her fellow exhibitors, and she feels the pressure of the moment walking into the impressive arena at Verizon Center just like every other rider, Vicki Lowell is not your typical amateur rider. While she’ll blend in with the horse show fabric while competing in the Adult Jumper Championships at this year’s edition of the Washington International Horse Show, she plays a much larger role in the event than many of her fellow riders may know. The Washington International Horse Show is unlike any other with its unique location – a major sporting venue downtown in the nation's capital; its incredible history – 56 years of first ladies, presidents and VIP attendees; its major year-end championship event and World Cup qualifier status; and its wonderful and enthusiastic spectators – more than 26,000 of them! WIHS comes together each year with the work of many devoted and highly skilled individuals, and as President of the horse show as well as Executive Vice President of Marketing at Animal Planet and TLC at Discovery Communications, Lowell is particularly invested in the event.
MUST SEE, MUST DO As a competitor at WIHS, Lowell brings a unique perspective and understanding of the dedication and hard work required to qualify for the prestigious championships. The firsthand experience of showing also adds to her desire to make the competition a “must do,” “must see” and “must be there” event for top riders, spectators and sponsors. “I have always been inspired by the history and tradition of the big qualifying shows like WIHS, Devon, and the National Horse Show,” Lowell says. “I qualified for WIHS the first year I started riding again as an adult. It was my first big show experience, so it really meant a lot to me.” “It is very special to compete at WIHS,” she acknowledged. “It can feel a little intimidating (especially in the warm-up area), but it is super fun. I love taking the metro in to the show from work. In 2001, I even took the metro home, wearing my riding boots and with my
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championship cooler in my hands, although I did get a few odd looks and questions!” Lowell grew up in Oklahoma, where her love of horses began at a young age with a two-year-old Quarter Horse in a Western saddle. She took riding lessons throughout childhood, eventually moving with her family to New Jersey, where she went to see her first “A” rated horse show at the Sussex (NJ) County Fair. While Lowell's ambition was to compete at the “A” rated level, she took a 12-year hiatus from riding to attend Bryn Mawr College and Wharton Business School, and then turned her sights on a successful business career. She has lived in the D.C. area most of her adult life, and now resides in Brookeville, MD. After returning to the sport, Lowell now rides and shows as much as possible in the adult and low amateur-owner jumpers, coordinating around a busy work and travel schedule. With the help of trainer Kim Prince since 2005, Lowell rides every weekend and competes at about 15 to 20 shows a year.
I have always been and continue to be completely obsessed with horses, and I cannot imagine my life without them. I have always had to work hard to have horses in my life, and I actually think that makes me appreciate them all the more.
“I have always been and continue to be completely obsessed with horses, and I cannot imagine my life without them,” she declared. “I have always had to work hard to have horses in my life, and I actually think that makes me appreciate them all the more.”
A PROMINENT LIFE Although it is not always easy, Lowell has become adept at juggling a prominent career with the demands of riding, showing, and attempting to keep a balance in her everyday life. Lowell's great love for her horses and her sport have brought a special impetus to her work at WIHS, and her career at Discovery Communications has given her the experience to push the show to greater heights. “I have always enjoyed marketing because it involves understanding how to connect your brand with an audience,” she noted. “It is creative, but also has a business side with measurable results and involves a lot of teamwork. If you are lucky, you get to work on brands you are personally passionate about, and who doesn’t love Honey Boo Boo and Puppy Bowl? I also get involved in show production when it involves horses, as I did with 'Horse Power: Road to the Maclay’.” About five years ago, a mutual friend introduced Lowell to Juliet Reid, who was then-President of WIHS. Reid was looking to reenergize the show and wanted to bring in Animal Planet as a partner. Given that Discovery is headquartered in the D.C. area, it made sense for them to build a WIHS partnership. Lowell became a board member, then Secretary, and then moved up to become President. She continues to partner with Reid, who is Chairman. “My job at Discovery has helped me at WIHS because ultimately, WIHS is also about entertaining an audience,” Lowell explained. “We
have worked hard to improve the entertainment value of the show with videos on the jumbotron, popular and fun exhibitions, interviews in the ring with top riders, creative marketing, and partnerships to bring people to Verizon Center for a one-of-a-kind equestrian experience. My experience working on televised equestrian events with Animal Planet has been valuable too. We televised WIHS in 2012 on NBC Sports Network, and my goal is to see it on TV again in the near future.”
D E TA I L O R I E N T E D As President, Lowell works closely with the WIHS Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, the WIHS office team, and the show manager. Her focus is on the strategic vision for the show, sponsorship, building the team, the financial plan, the entertainment value of the event, and of course, the marketing. She is also on the Board of Directors for the USEF, which has helped by giving a broader perspective on equestrian sport overall. “I am pretty detail oriented, which can drive everyone a little crazy, but I believe execution is just as important as a good strategy,” Lowell admitted. “It really takes a huge team of experienced people to pull off the show, and it is 24/7 during show week. Bridget Love Meehan, our Executive Director, David Distler, the Show Manager, and DJ Johnson, who makes sure all the horses make it in and out of the city, are three people who are at the center of it all. At the end of the day, the horse show is one big group project. It is not any one person who makes it a successful show.”
Vicki and Tippitoo competing at the Washington International Horse Show. Photo ©Shawn McMillen
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AUGUST WINNERS! THE BRITTNI BREECH BY EQUINE COUTURE Congratulations to our winners, Gina Friendman and Jasmin Gelder! Two lucky riders won a pair of Brittni Breeches by Equine Couture. A line of rider and equine apparel offered by JPC Equestrian, the Brittni Breech features a front zip and silicone paneling knee patch design, a Euroseat, wide waistband and two front pockets with contrast detailing.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SEPTEMBER WINNER!
D-TEQ BY EQUIFIT One lucky rider won a pair of fully customized D-Teq boots from EquiFit! D-Teq sets a new standard of support, protection and excellence in front and back equine boots. EquiFit boots are antimicrobial and breathable, with three straps that eliminate pressure points on the leg while ensuring a snug fit.
OCTOBER GIVEAWAY TUCKER TWEED IPAD CASE AND LONGSLEEVE TEE Win a pebble grain leather iPad cover and protect your iPad 2, 3, or AIR in luxurious equestrian style! The Tucker Tweed iPad Case has four adjustments for tablet viewing. Embossing options include Hunter/Jumper, Foxhunting, Dressage, Tucker Tweed Signature Series. Bonus – the winner will also receive a fantastic Tucker Tweed Tee!
SAVE THE DATE 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival January 7 - March 29, 2015
Main Grounds at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center 3400 Equestrian Club Drive, Wellington, FL 33414 | www.equestriansport.com | 561.793.JUMP (5867)
VENDORspotlight
Skiffington’s Boutique For the times (however rare) that riders venture away from the barn and dress themselves in something other than boots and breeches, they can count on Lisa Skiffi ngton and Skiffi ngton’s Boutique to style them. The mobile boutique is stocked with fi ne apparel, accessories and jewelry to fi t a rider’s lifestyle. Skiffi ngton’s business snowballed from a few simple items to entire lines of apparel, to carefully sourced brands that she oversees herself. Skiffi ngton and her husband Randy Cole can be found manning the boutique themselves, from Wellington, Florida at the Winter Equestrian Festival in the winter months, to shows in New York, New Jersey and Vermont during the summer. Find out how true love infl uenced Skiffi ngton’s Boutique’s humble beginnings, and why the business is successful today.
Above: Lisa Skiffington in her boutique Next page: The Skiffington’s set up at the 2014 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show Photos ©Dr. Piper Klemm
Horse & Style: Where, when and how did Skiffingtons start? Lisa Skiffington: Skiffingtons started 20 years ago from my golf cart. I have shown horses all of my life, and I always loved fashion and creating things. First, it was making one-of-a-kind crystal designed belts. Then I moved on to jewelry design. I studied design in college, both jewelry and architectural design, so I always had that passion. My friend Ina and I would make necklaces and we sold them like crazy! Lots of turquoise mixed with pearls was my favorite. By then my daughter Alex was competing in the pony divisions, so I was doing a lot of sitting on golf carts with plenty of time for creating. Later we moved on to combining vintage fur with tote bags and Levi jackets. I always moved-on to something new after a few years as I would get bored with it, and I assumed that my clients would also! Next Gretchen Hunt of Hunt, Ltd and I became friends. She asked me to come on board with her women’s clothing business. We had a great time together, traveling all over the country to many horse shows and going on big buying trips in New York City. We complimented each other as we had different styles that worked well together.
H&S: What inspired you to go into business, and how have you grown? How do you measure success? LS: Long story short: I had been separated, then divorced from the father of my children since 2000. In 2007 my high school boyfriend, Randy Cole came back into my life. We had known each other since seventh grade and dated as seniors in high school and a bit in college before going off to pursue our different lives. Two years after reconnecting, Randy and I ended-up marrying! I moved with him to Newport, Rhode Island, and held onto my farm in Florida, where I had raised my two children, Alex
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I went to Florida with a few lines of jewelry, a line of cashmere, and some of my items. It really just snowballed. and Thomas. With the move to RI, I soon had to leave Gretchen and Hunt, Ltd as it was too much travel now that I was married.
H&S: What have you learned, both about equestrian style and the business world, since founding Skiffingtons? LS: I never planned to go into business other than doing trunk shows at my home in Wellington, FL. But I had so many friends from up north asking me to sell their products on consignment, and since business was not good up north during that time, I went to Florida with a few lines of jewelry, a line of cashmere, and some of my items. It really just snowballed. I began purchasing some lines that I had found, always careful to never buy merchandise that could readily be found in department stores. Finally, I took the plunge and got a booth at the horse show. The rest just grew from there.
H&S: What have been some of the adventures along the way? LS: When I was married to my children’s father during the 80s and 90s we were involved in horse racing at the highest level. We had horses racing in New York, Florida, Chicago, Maryland, New Jersey and California, depending on the time of year. We also traveled to Japan and Canada by invitation to participate in major international races. We would travel to Deauville and Chantilly, France, Great Britain and Ireland - all to purchase race horses. I loved watching the most fashionably dressed ladies in the world of racing, both casually attired and dressed by the top couture houses of the world. We attended embassy parties in Washington DC and spent time in the casinos of Deauville with the likes of Omar Sharif. Let’s just say it was a handson adventure in fashion. I believe that I soaked it all in, and to this day my favorite thing to do is to find special things for clients. I love dressing them for events.
H&S: How have your own travels around the world influenced your selections that fill the racks in your store? LS: I try to find new and unusual styles. I am fortunate to have the help of Madison Johnson and my daughter Alex. Between my extensive
research and their help, we are able to keep every age group happy. We take chances with new, young designers and that has paid-off well. We also make sure to have many price points. Cashmere from $200 to $1,200. Handbags from $125 to $2,000. Handmade leather jackets from Italy alongside fun faux leather designed by a girl from London.
H&S: Describe your greatest challenge, and how you’ve overcome it. LS: I am a nomad at heart. I am always looking for the next event, the next location. I have tried a few brick and mortar stores, but it’s just not for me. But I also don’t want to be away from my husband for long periods of time. Skiffington’s grew so quickly, and when I needed help, he was retiring from his business and was ready to hit the road with me. He now travels with me. That said, being on the road is not for everyone! When it’s 90 degrees out and you are trying to sell clothing out of a tent... well, you get the picture. But it works overall. We have a group of other vendors that we see at various shows, and it’s always fun catching up with everyone. We eat at wonderful restaurants when traveling and meet new people wherever we go. It is hard work but we have a captive audience at each horse show and new clients who keep in touch through social media, which plays a big part in our business.
H&S: What’s next for Skiffingtons? LS: Within the next year we plan to be traveling to other countries to shop for new special items. We will be traveling to Italy this fall to see my son who lives there, and we are planning on visiting some designers while there. We have a beautiful web site but it may never launch! Possibly we will just put our accessories online; we want to stay small, unique and personal so we shall see.
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Congratulations to the 2014 $50,000 Princeton Young Jumper Champions Presented by B.W. Furlong & Associates
B.W. Furlong & Associates Leading U.S. Bred 5 Year Old Eros Scf Owner: Lauren Gristwood
The Hunter Farms Best Young Jumper and $15,000 Newsprint Farm 6 Year Old Champion Don Juan VI Owner: Bylthe Masters
Denise Kalfayan
B.W. Furlong & Associates Leading U.S. Bred 7/8 Year Old Royal Flush, Owner: Kathy Kamine
$25,000 Ri-Arm Farm 7/8 Year Old Champion Primo Calypso Owner: Michael Hayden
The Newsprint Farm Leading Young Jumper Best USA Breeder Kathy Kamine
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e q u i s p o r t s
THE LAS VEGAS NATIONAL THREE THRILLING EVENINGS! THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH 5:30pm - Markel Insurance 1.40m Series Finals 7:30pm - FEI Welcome Jumper Classic presented by EquiFit, inc.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH 4:00pm - iJump Team Challenge Finals presented by Bruno Delgrange
7:30pm - Las Vegas 1.35m Speed Classic presented by Equ Lifestyle
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH 3:30pm - 1.40m Winning Round Classic 7:30pm - $75,000 Las Vegas CSI-W Grand Prix
Held in the Equestrian Center at the
SOUTH POINT HOTEL & CASINO 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, NV 89183 Visit Showpark.com for more information Ph P hoto o By By Fly F in ing Horse se e Ph Photo o graph hy | Eque estr tr ris iso s l Desig gn gn
ASKdr.carrie
Q:
What do I do when I have tons of down time after the course walk or between rounds at big events like medal finals? I get so tired just hanging around and don’t know what to do!
A:
This is an important aspect of single-focus events as they require a different approach to developing the desired heightened focus at the appropriate time from typical show days. On a typical horse show day I encourage athletes to have awareness of their attention in terms of a spiral. It starts when you wake-up and engage in a short, simple mindfulness practice to engage the mind-body connection and start the day with intention. The center point of the spiral is the goal for each time you enter the show ring. The outer edges of the spiral are the goal for rest and transportation times. Being aware of where you are on the spiral throughout the day helps you to be purposeful about how you are spending your energy and where you are allowing your thoughts to travel. On a single event day, if you have an early lesson and then walk the course first thing in the morning but don’t actually compete until afternoon, consider the spiral with two parts. Get focused, physically warmed-up, and mentally sharp for the lesson and the walk. Your goal for this part should be to aim for a sensation of heightened, task-oriented focus without the intensity needed for a winning round. Be sure to eat regular meals and keep hydrated so as to keep mind and body balanced with calories to burn at game time. Watch no more than ten rounds in the beginning and then take yourself for a walk, purposely disconnecting from the show ring. Take some time to visualize the course and your intended plan in your mind’s eye periodically. But allow your mind to focus on other things too so it doesn’t become dull. Avoid the horse show stupor that results from watching horses going around for too long. Stay off your phone and social
Stay off your phone and social media as these are mental energy drains and have the potential of triggering negative self-talk.
Carrie Wicks,Ph.D. |
media as these are mental energy drains and have the potential of triggering negative self-talk. Be careful not to socialize much as this too burns a lot of energy. Reading a book, studying and writing are excellent ways to keep the mind engaged without emptying the focus tank. Check-in again with the ring and watch no more than ten more rounds a couple of times intermittently. Take time to stretch your body out as well as rest with feet higher that your heart so as to restore energy. While resting or stretching, visualize your intended round from your perspective as the rider, from your horse’s perspective, and from the judge’s perspective. When it is time to get dressed to ride, do some breathing exercises to center and channel your mounting adrenaline. At this point you are on one of the inner circles of the spiral. Notice your heightened focus and how it is challenging to think about anything else. If your heart races a bit too fast for your comfort, inhale slowly through your nose for up to six counts and exhale slowly through your mouth for as long as it takes to completely empty your lungs. Repeat three times. Be sure to get one last glimpse of the course before you warm-up so as to be sure it is sharp in your mind. Aim for connected, energetic, and bold in your warm up, not perfect. Hear your trainer’s instruction and make minute adjustments as a result. Notice your attention sharpening. As you approach the back gate, recognize your heart rate as a signal to tighten your mind-body connection. Focus on your breath in the back gate area. Review the plan once more. Trust that your analytic mind will tell you what to do when. Enter the ring with awareness that you are now at the center of the spiral. The next one to two minutes are all about the connection between mind-body-horse. Be present for each moment as it comes. Stay sharp and calm. Be clear with the cues you give your horse. Enjoy the ride -- as you have arrived!
(707) 529-8371 | carrie@carriewicks.com | drcarriewicks.com
Dr. Carrie founded The (W)inner’s Circle for Equestrians, a membership-based program that supports riders to develop a mental practice for peak performance. She regularly consults with riders and trainers. She is also a parenting guru who guides teens and parents through challenges while deepening their bonds and navigating adolescence. Dr. Carrie was a top Junior/Amateur competitor, a young professional rider, and mother of an elite gymnast and an equestrian. She has worn all the hats! Her doctoral dissertation, “Adolescent Equestrienne Athletes’ Experiences of Mindfulness in Competition” is in the Library of Congress and is currently being revised as a book for the public. If you would like to ask a question for this column or ask about a complimentary Performance Strategy session, please contact Carrie.
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Mark Watring
ENJOY YOUR TIME IN THE SADDLE...
2003, Pan American Gold Medalist
Rode in the 1984 and 2004 Olympic Showjumping
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Dear Horse & Style Fashionista, My daughter is going to move up from the pony ring to the main hunter ring next season. We’re both going to miss the fun of brightly colored bows! How can she keep the spirit of fun from the pony ring, and still look professional in the main hunter ring?
©Katie Sroka
DEARfashionista
~Moving-On-Up
Dear Moving-On-Up, Congratulations! Your little girl is growing-up. But yes indeed, the days of cute bows and paddock boots in the show ring are gone, as you are now entering a new horse showing era. Never fear, worried mommy, your tween can still look great in the hunter ring without losing her fun points. A few of the best ways to show a secret pop of color are inside her collar on her show shirt, her belt and dare I say it – her party socks! And for all those non-show days in the barn at home, there are so many great color combos of breeches and polos. There are many more fun and colorful days ahead for your savvy equestrian!
Love, Fashionista
The Pony Belt, Deux Chevaux, $248 Competition Pro Air Longsleeve, Kathryn Lily Equestrian, $74 Equine Couture Kids Bindia Knee Patch Riding Breeches $53.96 Party Socks, Thetackroominc.com, prices vary
Do you have an equestrian fashion question for the H&S Fashionista? Send your questions to fashionista@horseandstylemag.com
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Presenting the rd
3 Annual
Assistant of the Year Let’s not beat around the bush. The life of an assistant trainer can be downright brutal, from morning rides before the sun comes up, to staying late to check on the horses, managing the barn schedule, braid list, feed, meds, and just about everything in between. Assistant trainers do it all and then some, why the long hours, physical labor and down right dirty duties? It’s a labor of love for every young rider who grew up saying they want to be a horse trainer when they grew up. Every top rider in the world started out working and learning from someone else. The road may be long, but it can always reap great rewards for those who are lucky enough to make it in the tough horse show industry. Once again, we at Horse & Style Magazine salute assistant trainers who stand out, and thank them for their hard work and dedication to our sport.
Thank you to our generous partners for donating wonderful prizes to the deserving H&S Assistant of the Year Winner and Runners-Up! Winner Allie Qutub Receives:
A Custom Pair of Signature Spurs Natasha Grasso Horse Shoe Necklace Kathryn Lily Longsleeve Show Shirt Organic Cotton Tee of Choice by Tara Kiwi Sarm Hippique Breeches Custom H&S winner's jacket The Deux Chevaux Wristlet
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· october/novemeber
Each Assistant of the Year Runner Up Receives: A Custom Pair of Signature Spurs SmartPak Piper Breeches H&S Saddle Pad Charleigh’s Cookies Mrs. Conn’s Bath Day Enriched Sponges
!
Winner
Allie brings an amazing amount of experience, a wonderful sense of humor, a calm presence that can get you through a challenging ride and calm your nerves at the in-gate, the kind of discipline that encourages us all to work harder and an incredible patience that's appreciated by riders and horses alike. From babies, to rehabbing horses, to derby winners to grand prix horses, Allie gives every horse a beautiful ride and can coach a junior and amateur to do the same. She treats everyone in the barn with a level of respect that results in strong riding, a spotless barn and beautifully turned-out horses. Most importantly, Allie is a horsewoman. With her caring for the animals, even a way overprotective horse-mother like myself can rest easy knowing no bump or cut or stumble will go unnoticed, and on especially hard days at work, you can count on Allie to send a picture of your horse, just chilling in his paddock waiting for your post-work ride.
Leah Rappaport
Allie Qutub ASSISTANT TO BUDDY AND VANESSA BROWN DERBY HILL FARM, STANFORD, CA
115
Runners Up!
Dustin Goodwin ASSISTANT TO JEFF
AND
SHELLEY CAMPF
OZ INCORPORATED, CANBY, OR
ASSISTANT TO RACHEL
AND
BRITT MCCORMICK
ELMSTEAD FARM LLC, PARKER TEXAS
Dustin epitomizes ‘horse’ and ‘style!’ He is always
It is with great confidence that I nominate Grace Falconer
impeccably well turned out – at the barn and at shows
for the Horse & Style Assistant Trainer of the Year. Grace
— and watching him on a horse is nothing short of
is without exception, the most motivated and fun assistant
spectacular. Simply rattling off all of the hard work that
trainer I have had the pleasure of knowing. She is a
Dustin does to make everything flow at the shows and at
tremendously talented rider who possesses both the drive
home would just not do justice to how amazing he is. But
and the ability to make anyone excel in the ring. Grace is
it’s worth mentioning that he’s always willing to give an
always very gracious with my endless questions, both in the
early or a late lesson, handles heaps of show entries, fields
rides from dawn to dusk six days a week. He is undoubtedly
She is very attentive to each horse and rider and able to identify and work through any issues or habits with clear and concise direction. On a personal note, she is
one of the hardest working and most talented riders
a person of the highest character and the most gracious
Dustin spends extra time making everyone feel special and capable – human and equine alike. He always
of social skills. She is fun to be with, and has a unique
has a smile and a ‘hi doll’ for you. I have ridden my whole
become all to uncommon.
emails from overprotective owners and clients, handles nervous kids and amateurs with kindness and humor, and
I’ve ever seen on the back of a horse.
life and have met many great assistant trainers, but Dustin is truly a star.
Briteney Mercer
116
Grace Falconer
· october/novemeber
saddle and on the ground.
charm that puts all around her at ease. In both social and professional settings she exhibits a sense of grace that has
Paige Scheer
Natalie Hansen ASSISTANT TO KATHLEEN CAYA
AND
ROBERT CHESKA
INTEGRITY FARM, OCONOMOWOC, WI
Kaitlyn Bradley ASSISTANT TO KELLY VAN VLECK, VAN VLECK STABLES, RANCHO MURIETA, CA
Without Natalie Hansen my business would not have
Kaitlyn keeps everything organized so Kelly can focus
the integrity and success it has now. She is great with the
on her horses and students, which is absolutely necessary
customers, compassionate with the horses and very driven
given the number of horses and riders that Kelly brings to
to succeed. She has been with me from before the start of
horse shows. Each day, Kaitlyn executes the plan that she
my own business and has stuck it out with me, even when it
and Kelly developed the night before, getting each horse
hasn't been easy. She is very trustworthy, which is something
and rider to the correct place and prepared at the correct
very hard to find in this business. When I was hurt this
time. Kaitlyn’s knowledge of Kelly’s system allows for
winter, she without question stepped up to the plate, and in true Natalie fashion went above and beyond what was asked of her. She is great with all levels of clients and wants them all to succeed in their own goals, in and out of the show ring. She teaches them to respect the horse and the
training and showing to proceed at home when Kelly takes a group of students elsewhere. This past March, while Kelly went to Thermal, my daughter competed at home
discipline of riding and to not take it for granted. She is a true
reinforced Kelly’s instructions and provided confident coaching, which increased my daughter’s confidence in showing in the 3’6” medal classes. My daughter
asset to the sport, to the business and is a true friend to me.
resumed her lessons with Kelly upon her return without
Kathleen Caya
under Kaitlyn’s care. Kaitlyn
missing a beat. At home or away, Kaitlyn keeps the barn organized, and she does it with a smile and a sense of humor. Kaitlyn treats everyone with kindness and respect, and Team Van Vleck is very fortunate to have her.
Laura Gill
117
BEHINDthelens
Dominic
James
Dominic James specializes in photographing sports with an emphasis around polo and motorsport, using his distinctive ability to capture the people, athletes and lifestyles unique to these sports. His expertise revolves around getting under and behind what makes luxury tick, from how a car is designed and made to documenting grooms preparing ponies for a polo match. He has a strong eye for the detail that matters in delivering a premium service in the luxury sector and masterfully captures these fine elements. He is commissioned by brands, agencies, patrons of polo teams and owners to document their tournaments around the world. James has over 23 years of creative experience. He understands the need to provide visual, hard-working, innovative, professional solutions that reward the audience, and his work is regularly used in conjunction with brand collateral, websites and publications around the world. He is currently working on a polo book and an accompanying exhibition to be revealed in 2015. In his spare time, he loves to travel and take in the local culture. He sails his yacht and dinghies with his son and his dog Henry, who accompany Dominic wherever he goes in his native UK‌ and his cameras are never far away.
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¡ october/november
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Timeless Tribute
Longines is no stranger to luxury and equestrian sports. To celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse and all things equine, the Swiss watch brand presented this exquisite pocket watch in rose gold. Inspired by an original 1927 model that now takes-up permanent residency in the Longines Museum in Sant-Imier, this classic timepiece is an investment in splendor. The Equestrian L茅pine, Longines $35,000
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