Horse & Style Magazine Jan/Feb 2016

JAN/FEB

MOST INTRIGUING EQUESTRIANS OF 2015

HORSE SHOW BUCKET LIST: OLYMPIA, LONDON DESTINATION: GATEWAY CANYONS LIFE OF BARBE: THE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

2016

Stal Wilten Shines

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62 31 THE SCOUT GUIDE: MOLLY KNOTT

Lifelong horse lover and entrepreneur Molly Knott followed her passion for equestrian lifestyle from her own blog, Dappled Grey, to a position as Editor of the newly-launched The Scout Guide Equestrian.

48 TREND REPORT: A VESTED INTEREST

Perfect for over barn attire or show clothes, choose a vest for chilly days or to layer up on cool nights. This season’s options come in a variety of hues and weights for every occasion.

72 HORSE SHOW BUCKET LIST: OLYMPIA

Every third week of December, competitors and spectators flock to this sold-out Central London show to engage in some equestrian-themed holiday cheer, making Olympia one of the best destination horse show traditions in the world.

78 HISTORY OF THE RIDING HELMET

Taking a look at the history of this iconic sport from head to toe, our first piece is on helmets. The imagery illustrates how fashion and function have evolved over the years.

52 H&S’s MOST INTRIGUING EQUESTRIANS

90 BARN ENVY: MEI LUN

62 COVER STORY: STAL WILTEN

94 DESTINATION: GATEWAY CANYONS

Presenting a pick of the sport’s most interesting individuals of 2015, Horse & Style features six fascinating equestrian stories.

The Wilten family leaves little room for doubt when it comes to their beautiful brand of sport horses. Every aspect of their operation, from the state-of-the-art facility to the sparkling marketing campaign demonstrates a commitment to quality.

Now the home of E2 Show Jumpers, this stunning property in Wellington’s Grand Prix Village, with its serene European inspired architecture and fully-equipped facilities, was too good for owners Katherine Gallagher and Michael Meller to pass up.

From the breathtaking vistas of the Palisades to the rich and colorful decor of the resort and spa, founder John Hendricks has created a paradise for the adventure seeker and horseman alike at the center of five Colorado canyons.

#grateful

© 2015 HORSE & STYLE MAGAZINE

16 | 10 THINGS

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Sarah Appel

Andre Dignelli

sarah@horseandstylemag.com

18 | OUT & ABOUT

Las Vegas National Horse Show

EDITOR

20 | PROFESSIONAL POP QUIZ

Jackie McFarland

21 | BETWEEN THE LINES

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bittersweet Farm Series

Danielle Demers

22 | STYLE RIDER

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

Erinn Lew

24 | OUT & ABOUT

Longines Masters of Paris ADVERTISING & SALES

28 | NEW PRODUCT ALERT Uvida

Katie Appel

katie@horseandstylemag.com

37 | FEATURE

The Riggio Family

COPYEDITOR

Pam Maley

41 | BEHIND THE SEAMS Adi Kissilevich

50 | LIFE OF BARBE

The Level Playing Field

70 | STYLE PROFILES Stella is Stellar

82 | HORSE CORNER

CONTRIBUTORS

Alexis Meadows, Duncan McFarland, Pam Maley, Jana Cohen Barbe, Terri Roberson, Psy.D., Erin Brown, Carrie Wicks, Ph.D., Winter Hoffman, Laurie Berglie, Callie Seaman, Rebecca Walton

Transmission

84 | OUT & ABOUT

Washington International Horse Show

86 | ASK DR. CARRIE 88 | OUT & ABOUT

HITS National Sunshine Series

100 | OUT & ABOUT

USHJA Annual Meeting

103 | RETAIL SPOTLIGHT Farmyard Darlings

108 | BEHIND THE LENS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amy McCool, ESI Photography, EqSol, Christopher Demers, Kimerlee Curyl, Lindsay Brock/Jump Media, Laurent Vu, Potier and Nuno Maderia for EEM, Tricia Booker/USHJA, The Book LLC, Phelps Media Group, ESI Photography, Michael T. Dignelli, Terra Lange, Alicia Cervenka, Val Schaff, John Labbe Photography, Philippe Cheng Photography, Sarah Appel ON THE COVER: Uncle Roy (Wilten) helps Sara, only three and half years old, lead the gorgeous white pony, Frozen, for the first time.

Kimerlee Curyl

Horse & Style Magazine is an equestrian lifestyle publication that is published bi-monthly and available at participating tack shops nationwide for $10, and while supplies last at large training centers and hunter jumper horse shows. The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is legally prohibited.

Copyright © 2016 Horse & Style Magazine LLC. TM

110 | BUSINESS LISTINGS 111 | OUT & ABOUT

CP National Horse Show

112 | CAN YOU STAND IT? Sculpted Spirit

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Ariana Rockefeller

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photos: elena desanti equestrisol ad design

THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS FOR mAKINg 2015 OUR bEST YEAR YET.

AT HOmE AND AWAY-

WE CAN’T WAIT FOR WHAT’S TO COmE IN 2016.

EXCELLENCE. TRADITION. TRADITION. RESULTS. EXCELLENCE. RESULTS. Shady Lan e F arm - matt & Lindsay Archer shadylanefarmllc.com • 925.285.6361 alamo, ca • 30 minutes from san francisco

contributors

Jackie & Duncan McFarland

Danielle Demers

Pam Maley

Erinn Lew

A lifelong equestrian, Danielle Demers has always been inspired by horses. After graduating with a BFA in Painting, she worked to find a way to combine her passions for art, design, and the equestrian lifestyle. As a member of the EqSol Creative team since 2013, her interests have been melded together more perfectly than she could have imagined.

An avid former foxhunter, Pam knows well that special bond between horse and rider. With her husband she was co-owner of Dunford Farm, a Thoroughbred farm in Lexington, Kentucky, where she was involved in every aspect of the horses’ lives. Her journey with horses continues as a member of the EqSol Team.

Erinn is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, where she completed her degrees in journalism and sociology, and rode in the IHSA. Although a Bay Area native, she got her start riding on the East Coast and competed as a junior on the Los Angeles circuit in the jumpers and equitation. She brings her experience in journalism, fashion, and online media to Horse & Style as an assistant publisher.

Rebecca Walton

Winter Hoffman

Jana Barbe

Terri Roberson, Psy.D.

Rebecca Walton is the leading international reporter for PhelpsSports.com and the editor for the United States Equestrian Team Foundation. She has covered top international equestrian events including five World Cup Finals, two World Equestrian Games, the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2015 Pan American Games.

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 that included 2009 ASPCA Maclay Equitation Championship at the National Horse Show.

Jana is a Partner and Global Vice Chair of Dentons, the largest law firm in the world. A foremost authority in real estate law and business management, Jana is a frequent author and speaker on leadership, crisis management, the role of women in business and professional advancement. An avid equestrian who owns a working farm in Kentucky, Jana examines the interplay between business and riding.

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

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

Carrie Wicks, Ph.D.

Erin Brown

Laurie Berglie

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

A newcomer to the Big Apple, Erin Brown is a Southern California native working for Sirota Public Relations in Manhattan, NY. A graduate from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, Erin helps Sirota represent various non-profits and professionals within the equine community.

Laurie Berglie was born, raised, and currently resides in Maryland. She enjoys her fixer-upper farm, reading horse books, and training and competing her two OTTB’s, as well as pampering her first pony, now 34.

Her blog, “Maryland Equestrian,” began in 2011, and has evolved into an Equestrian Lifestyle Guide. She lives happily with her horses, two cats, dog, and husband James, who supports her addiction to all things equestrian.

Jackie and Duncan McFarland own EqSol, a marketing solutions company. After spending a decade in Southern California, they moved to Lexington, Kentucky five years ago and are amazed how time flies. The EqSol Team has grown, now reaching from CA to the UK, with new exciting projects knocking at the door.

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WITH GRATITUDE After all these years of owning Karen Healey Stables, you would think I’d be ready to walk away without shedding a tear. Not true. I am sad to shut the doors on those important decades. It was difficult to say goodbye to an incredible staff, who were so essential to the success of the horses and the riders. What can you say after all this time? Thank you isn’t enough.

The memories of the wonderful horses that I had the privilege to develop and compete on will be with me forever. Playing a role in the success of our clients was one of many rewards of the last few decades.

All the early morning lessons, at home and at the shows, the highs and the lows, the late night lessons at medal finals, the fifteen hour days all worth it. Teaching juniors and amateurs to ride through difficult times, difficult courses and sometimes on difficult horses, also rewarding.

From giving them their first lesson to coaching them at their last show, the students taught me as much as I taught them. Whether the goal was medal finals, Indoors or NAJYRC, each milestone is etched in my memory. Seeing them evolve into horsemen and horsewomen, learn to focus under pressure and achieve their goals was extremely rewarding. Nothing makes me more proud than to see the students I taught become successful professionals.

And as I move into the next chapter, I am humbled by the outpouring of gratitude I’ve received. By closing Karen Healey Stables I have given up that community built over all those years, but I’ve opened up opportunities to teach and coach riders in locations all over the world, meet new people, create more memories and continue to learn. And of course cook a few more gourmet meals.

So yes I have shed some tears, but as hard as it can be change is good, and I look forward to the adventures ahead.

With sincere thanks to all who have been a part of Karen Healey Stables, goodbye and good luck. To those I’ll be seeing down the road, hello.

AVAILABLE FOR LESSONS AND TRAINING AT HITS THERMAL BEGINNING WEEK 2 AND AT WEF DURING WCHR WEEK 7.

EquestriSol Ad Design

805.479.7816 | KLHKLH919@GMAIL.COM | KHSTABLES.COM Photos By ESI Photography, Flying Horse, McCool

WINTER VEST CHELSEA with hood and white gold details.

SHOW SHIRT BLANCHE Jersey fabric with fashion texture.

KNEE-GRIP BREECHES TERRY with damask print.

EquilineAmerica.com

FROMthepublisher

#grateful Dear H&S family, Welcome to 2016 and thank you for your continued support as we go forward into our fifth year as a publication.

One of the things I love most about the equestrian world is that we are all one family. Trainers, judges, riders, grooms, farriers, vendors, all sharing a bond with and a passion for the horse.

While we may not know one another personally, we are all connected through just a few degrees of separation. This year started with a tragic loss when two well-known equestrians lost their lives. Due to the power of social media the news of their accident quickly spread throughout our community, and as seen by the outpouring of emotion, it was a blow that hit our equestrian family hard. The loss of Sophie Walker and Andres Rodriguez was a brutal reminder of just how precious life is and why we should be grateful for every moment we have with the people we love and the people who love us.

I am eternally grateful for my family and especially my husband Matt and two daughters Ella (4) and Piper (20 months), who on occasion have graced the pages of Horse & Style. They fill my life with laughter, chaos and daily reminders that the most important part of life, is love.

In the first issue of 2016 we interviewed Roy Wilten, owner of the family business Stal Wilten, the new power house in European horse sales, who is announcing plans for an American presence.

Learn a bit more about the man behind the brand and why he has become a familiar name in horse sales across the country (page 62).

We also took a look back at some of the most intriguing equestrians of 2015. With so many to chose from, 2015 was an epic year in our sport, our Editor Jackie McFarland, with the help of Alexis Meadows, writes about six superior individuals on page 52.

Horse & Style Publisher Sarah Appel, her husband Matt and daughters Ella and Piper pose with the girls’ pony Sweetie in the barn aisle of StillWater Equestrian at North Peak Equestrian Center in Walnut Creek, CA. Photo by Alicia Cervenka

​​ xcited to introduce our new History of Equestrian Style series this E issue. Starting at the top and working our way down, read all about this history of how we protect our heads on page 78.

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10things

by Callie Seaman

10 things you might not know about...

Andre

Dignelli Andre Dignelli is an exceptionally well-known figure in the equestrian world. As head trainer of Heritage Farm, Dignelli and the team at Heritage Farm have developed a significant number of Big Eq Finals winners and NAJYRC champions. In 2011, The Chronicle of the Horse named Heritage their Show Hunter Horsemen of the Year.

Dignelli’s career in the sport began in the late 1980s when he was a working student at Judy Richter’s Coker Farm.

A bronze medal win at the 1991 Pan American Games aboard Coker’s horse Gaelic is one of his riding career highlights. In the quarter of a century since, Dignelli’s skills as a trainer and coach have molded many of the top riders in this country.

His high profile status may lead some to believe there is nothing new to learn about this gifted trainer. But his reserved demeanor and steadfast professionalism could mean there may just be a few, if not ten, things you didn’t know about Andre Dignelli.

1. Many people know Andre’s oldest brother and

business partner Michael, but not many know that there is a third Dignelli brother. His name is Robert and he works in construction.

5. His favorite color is brown, most likely because he is colorblind.

6. When he was a working student his least favorite jobs were body clipping and braiding.

2. This past October Andre suffered a badly broken leg

and subsequent surgery after a fall from a horse. After all the years he’s devoted to horses, this was his first riding related injury!

3. Andre does not like or eat any kind of seafood. His favorite kind of food is Italian (after all Dignelli is Italian). He loves chicken piccata, especially from Maggiano’s.

4. Dessert is his favorite part of any meal. He has yet to discover a kind of cookie he doesn’t like!

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7. He loves to shop, especially at Barney’s, and claims he works hard so he can afford to buy nice things.

His favorite brand is Ralph Lauren.

8. He has been in a committed relationship for 10 years.

9. He doesn’t drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes and never has.

10.

Two of his favorite singers are Adele and Whitney Houston.

Explore Your College Riding Options at the College Prep Invitational The Sixth Annual College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show

January 15 -17, 2016

Jim Brandon Equestrian Center - West Palm Beach, Florida

March 11 -13, 2016

Los Angeles Equestrian Center - Burbank, California · · · · ·

College Expo – Meet Coaches and University Representatives Compete in a collegiate setting (hunt seat equitation) Win scholarships in 5 different areas Educational presentations Learn about the IHSA, NCEA, and ARNC Collegiate Riding Programs

Visit www.collegeprepinvitational.com for application, event details or to make a donation to the CPI Scholarship and Educational Fund.

OUT&about L A S V E G A S N AT I O N A L H O R S E S H O W – L A S V E G A S, N V

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1. Mackenize Drazan and Waliba VDL blaze to the win in the SHJF Jumper Classic West Coast Final 2. Davin Malquist interviews Karl Cook for EqSportsNet after his victory in the Winning Round Welcome 3. Mitchell Endicott earned the Romfh Equestrian Apparel Leading Junior Jumper Rider Award, presented by English Riding Supply Sales Representative Diana Soto 4. Young and talented Augusta Iwasaki takes home the top honors in the Junior Hunter Classic 5. Brazilian Eduardo Menezes executing sleek style aboard the beautiful Catalina 6. Australian Lane Clarke showed Kyndell Nunley of KSNV News just how big those grand prix jumps can get! 7. Adoring fans loved having international show jumpers sign their programs

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Photos © McCool & EqSol

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8. Australian Matt Williams and Valinski S were third in the Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier 9. American Peter Lutz earned the big win, the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier 10. Lauren Kaye and Ohara Saint Clair in stellar form 11. As 1.30m Jumper Division Champion and winner of the Leading Professional Award, Jamie Sailor not only took home a championship ribbon and a gorgeous Horseware Ireland cooler, but a Riata Designs hat, Leading Rider Sash and a $250 Gift Certificate 12. Who is TALLER – Nayel Nassar or Jos Verlooy? Tough call... 13. Facebook contest winner Delaney Deisinger won a chance to chat with hotshot show jumper Lucy Davis

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PROpopquiz THIS MONTH’S QUESTION: What is your favorite thing to do on Mondays (your day off)?

“I think I might be boring... But my favorite thing to do on a Monday or a day off is to get a group of friends together and drive down to Miami for the day.

I like to start the morning with a soul cycle class and then hit the beach for the rest of the day. (Patricia is an avid Soul Cycler, she even takes some of the 90 minute classes!) After a day at the beach my favorite spot for dinner is Mr. Chows.

I then like to spend the night at the W Hotel and drive back to Wellington on Tuesday morning.”

— Patricia Griffith Heritage Farm, Katonah, NY & Wellington, FL

“Mondays usually consist of relaxing and catching up on the various projects I never got around to during the week.

I love cooking, so I often host a dinner party with my friends.” (Brianne is French and loves cooking that type of cuisine. She is really good at making Ratatouille.)

— Brianne Goutal Brianne Goutal LLC, Wellington, FL

“Ride green horses! I haven’t taken a day off in years! Although my parents say I’ve never worked a day in my life, I do go on a ski vacation with Sophie and Ty every year at Beaver Creek, so I’ll take some time off then.”

— Will Simpson Will Simpson Stables, Chatsworth, CA Every issue, a new question will be answered by hunter/ jumper professionals.

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

BETWEENthelines

by Danielle Demers

Bittersweet Farm Series

reminds me of some of my favorite guilty pleasures on TV. Just like many reality TV series, there is an abundance of drama and wealth; a volatile mixture that always sucks me right in! I never grew tired of reading about Bittersweet Farm’s gorgeous property, horses, land and the delicious meals created by their private chef. Plus, the drama between Talia and Greer provides plenty of amusing entertainment.

Barbara Morgenroth DashingBooks | Amazon.com – e-books $3.99

One aspect I love most about the Bittersweet Farm books is that all of the characters have their flaws. Even Talia, who is one of the sweetest characters in the series, is not without her faults and personal struggles with confidence and anxiety. I enjoyed Morgenroth’s refreshing view of the horse world; her recognition of the fact that horse owners all enjoy time spent with their horses differently, through a range of disciplines.

Talia Margolin calls Bittersweet Farm, a private stable located in Connecticut’s picturesque countryside – complete with a collection of talented horses – home. Unfortunately (yes, I know, how could anything following the previous sentence start with “unfortunately?”), Talia shares this fairytale-like estate with her half-sister Greer who seems to go out of her way to make Talia’s life difficult. Talia and Greer are both junior equitation riders, competing against each other at ‘A’ Circuit shows, competing for their wealthy yet absent father’s love and, finally, for the attention of their new handsome twentysomething trainer, Lockie Malone.

Sounding a bit like a reality TV show? That is exactly why I have enjoyed this series so much. The characters’ personalities and high percentage of direct dialogue throughout each book

e Fre ing e pp Shi ldwid r Wo

One of the only downfalls to this series is that each book ends rather abruptly. If you start reading Mounted, Bittersweet Farm’s first book, plan on picking up the rest of the series as it develops.

Fortunately, each book is a quick read and Books 1–11 are currently available to download as e-books.

Like many equestrian fiction series, Bittersweet Farm books are written for the young adult crowd, but I have found myself thoroughly enjoying these books as some light reading before bed each night. With Talia, Greer and all of the Bittersweet Farm characters evolving throughout the series, I am interested to read more about them as the series continues to grow.

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STYLErider

by Alexis Meadows

vv Ariana As a hardworking equestrian and dedicated designer, Ariana Rockefeller has created a widely respected name for herself in and out of the show ring. Her eponymous clothing line has rapidly gained a devoted following in elite fashion circles, showcasing a chic and sophisticated elegance that she carries into the equestrian world as well.

A New York resident, Ariana rides with Heather Hays and has been balancing her time between preparation for the Wellington winter show circuit and the launch of her Spring/Summer 2016 line. And despite her nonstop schedule, she continues to incorporate the equestrian industry into other facets of her life through her work with animal sanctuaries. She donated the proceeds of her 2015 holiday trunk show to the Duchess Sanctuary and recently represented the Humane Society as an advocate for the Equine Protection Program.

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Rockefeller uu Horse & Style: Describe your riding (apparel) style: Ariana Rockefeller: My riding style is classic and timeless. I like to stay with traditional silhouettes and a clean, streamlined look.

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

AR: I wear Tucci boots, and I usually love wearing the Tailored Sportsman

breeches in all colors. They have such a great variety. And then I always wear Equi In Style shirts for schooling – they’re so great because they have ventilation and sun protection. I’m just getting a new show coat from Charles Ascona and my show shirt is Cavalleria Toscana. They make short-sleeve shirts that have collars which look nice, especially for Wellington, where it’s like 100 degrees. It’s very nice to have light show clothes. I have a Samshield helmet I really like – helmets are always a safety priority for me.

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

AR: In the show ring I usually wear a pair of pearl earrings my grandfather gave me. They’re very simple, which is always a good thing. But I’m not that superstitious. If I forgot them, I wouldn’t have to scratch my class or anything like that.

H&S: What are your favorite equestrian brands?

AR: In addition to my head-to-toe outfit brands, I always have my Hermès

belt on – it’s my standard and so beautiful. My favorite saddle brand is Butet;

© The Book LLC Opposite: Classic style from clothing to horses. Ariana Rockefeller with her horse in upstate New York; Above: Ariana Rockefeller jumping at the 2015 American Gold Cup in New York, photo © The Book LLC

I love it; all of my saddles come from there. Equifit’s boots are amazing and provide great protection for the horses’ legs.

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

AR: Very simple; pretty much something that I can slip into once I get out of my riding clothes. Usually just jeans, one of my silk shirts, and ballet flats if I’m running to a meeting. I stick with an equestrian chic look that just flows out of my riding style. And if I can, I try to get away with wearing riding clothes outside the show ring too. Actually, the Tailoreds are so comfortable and look nice, so if you wear them with a nice blazer you can actually get away with running trips to the city.

H&S: How do you handle high-pressure situations, for example right before you enter a big class?

AR: Usually, my trainer and I take a moment and go over the

course together. I take deep breaths, focus on sticking to our plan and always try to think one step ahead of my horse. It’s really a matter of managing my anxiety and staying on top of it and not letting anything distract me outside of the ring. A philosophy of mind over matter is the way you have to approach it.

H&S: What are your riding goals?

AR: To be the best rider I can be for myself and my horses. For

me, my horse’s health, state of mind and well-being are the most important things, so my trainers and I really take it from there.

What makes sense for the horse is where we start. I have a young horse right now who’s seven, so we’re really just taking our time

with him and I’m excited to see where we’ll be in Wellington, since I think he has the potential to go very far. But with a young horse you never want to push it. When I was younger, I did cross-country eventing, and that was really exciting. I did that until I went to college. However, I also always loved stadium jumping, so when I got back into riding three years ago after quite a long hiatus, I started riding with Frank Madden and went straight into show jumping. That’s my niche now, and we’ll see where it takes me.

H&S: What are your career goals?

AR: I think they follow the same idea as my riding goals; take it

where it makes sense for my company. I hope to have a beautiful brand that represents me and my aesthetic.

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

AR: I would say finding my first horse, who’s an 11-year-old

Irish Sport Horse. Finding a horse with whom you have such a great relationship, and can envision an exciting show jumping career with, is incredible. I know the partnership with my horse is the most important thing, and when you find that match it’s wonderful, because you know your goals with this horse can be met with hard work. When you have a trainer who can help you find that, it’s truly a defining moment.

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

AR: A good attitude! And maybe my spurs too.

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OUT&about LONGINES MASTERS OF PARIS - PARIS, FRANCE

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1. French rider Patrice Delaveau and his amazing Lacrimoso 3 HDC, winners of the Longines Grand Prix 2. Gary Dourdan, Anthony Delon, Julie Ordon, Carole Bianic and friend on the Red Carpet of the Longines Masters of Paris 3. Penélope Leprevost dressed as Darth Vader for the Style & Competition for AMADE 4. French rider Simon Delestre & Hermes Ryan, 2nd of the Longines Grand Prix 5. The Bluebells Girls of the Lido de Paris and Jane Richard Philips winner of the Prix Lido during the Prize Giving Ceremony​ 6. View of the competition ring 7.

The Wild Kong statue by Richard Orlinski in the Prestige Village

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Photos © Laurent Vu, Potier and Nuno Maderia for EEM

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8. Podium of the Gucci Gold Cup with the French duo Patrice Delaveau 2 , Simon Delestre 1 and Maikel Van der Vleuten 3rd on the podium during the Prize Giving Ceremony, Giovanni Baldi EMEAIR Gucci President, Charlotte Casiraghi and Fernanda Ameeuw 9. Laiterie de Montaigu team dressed as gladiators during the Style & Competition for AMADE 10. MIASUKI Fashion Show during the Opening Gala 11.

Pedro, an iconic character of the Longines Masters 12. Gregory Wathelet and Egano van het Slogenhof, winners of the Longines Speed Challenge 13. Fashion Show presenting the collection of the Italian brand, MIASUKI 14. Private concert by the sensational French trio LEJ during the opening Gala 15. After-Party by DJ Jérémy Charlier nd

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CUFFLINK – Owned by Copper Hill

Photo: Deb Dawson

2015 NorCal Champion, Pre-Green Hunter 2015 PCHA Region 2 Champion, Pre-Green Working Htr 2015 PCHA Region 1 Reserve Champion Pre-Green Working Htr

At COPPER HILL, enjoy the privilege of a private, shared setting. We understand the benefits of one-on-one attention and consistent, flexible training for

COPPER HILL FARM

Located at Edgewood Equestrian, Nicasio California

COQUETTE – Owned by Copper Hill 2015 NorCal Champion, 1st Year Green Working Hunter 2015 PCHA Region 2 Champion, 1st Year Green Working Htr Proudly Offered for Lease for 2016

achieving goals and horse and rider success. We provide an intimate, hands-on program where your horses’ care and well-being is the top priority.

PRISCILLA TREES, Owner / Trainer

Photo: Alden Corrigan

Celebrating the Successes of Our Riders and Horses

(707) 971-9084 • Priscilla@CHFHunterJumper.com

NEWproductalert

by Sarah Appel

UVIDA SUN PROTECTION WITH STYLE

NEW SUN BLOCK ON THE BLOCK

In the last five years, sun protection at horse shows has been a legitimate concern that has turned into a thriving new market in the world of equestrian apparel.

Hats are sporting bigger brims, sunscreen for horse and rider is available at every VIP table, and we’ve seen a huge push in wearable sun protection. On fast-paced horse show days, busy trainers and riders don’t have the luxury of slathering their bodies with sunscreen at two-hour intervals, so UPF clothing has become a welcome and effective alternative.

New on the equestrian scene, Uvida will be making it’s debut on the show circuit this winter. Combining UPF 50 protection with sporty styles and flattering cuts, Uvida is quickly becoming the most sought-after brand on the market.

BRAND AMBITION

Bursting out of the gate with style, Uvida has partnered with HITS Horse Shows, and several others across the country. Uvida buyers will be able to have their barn, brand, or custom logo, screen printed on the shirts on-site at partnering shows. Blending personal brand exposure with stylish sun protection – a definite WIN-WIN!

MADE IN THE USA

Developing the perfect blend of fabrics was a two-year journey, and Uvida is proudly produced 100% in the United States. And these shirts can go far beyond the show ring. Wear them from the barn to the gym, or layer them under a sweater on a cool day. If riding isn’t your only sport, Uvida shirts are great for any and all outdoor activities.

In addition to select horse shows, Uvida shirts will be available at mobile store Soléa Equestrian, and online at LuxuryEquineLifestyle.com and UvidaSportswear.com.

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· january/february

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EQUESTRIAN INSPIRED JOURNEY shared passion shared dreams shared goals shared style

We wish a great show season to all the equestrian athletes, trainers & grooms. w w w. j u l i e b r o w n i n g b o v a . c o m

feature

by Pam Maley

From

Dappled Grey to

The Scout Guide:

Molly Knott

Molly Knott is a lifelong equestrian, a talented and savvy entrepreneur whose passion for life and work springs from her love of the horse. january/february 路

31

Having graduated Stanford in 2003 with an MA in Education Policy, Molly was working at the top of her profession; but in 2009, in search of her passion, she left that world and began telling stories of saddles and tack – and she has never looked back.

In those very early days of blogging, she founded and developed her blog, Dappled Grey, into a popular first-of-its-kind online guide to the English equestrian lifestyle. She has recently brought her effectiveness in story-based marketing, her innate creative capacity, and her expertise in communications and social media, along with her curating experience, to a new position as editor of The Scout Guide Equestrian, an elegant national publication that advocates for local businesses involved in the equestrian lifestyle. TSG Equestrian Volume 1 launches in January 2016, and will be complemented by a sophisticated and strategic online presence. In addition, there are more than 60 City Guides that feature must-have trends and items indigenous to the locale.

We asked this story-teller extraordinaire to tell us a bit more of her story.

Horse & Style: Can you describe your

background with horses, and how they have been, and still are, a part of your life?

Molly Knott: Horses are in my blood on my

mother’s side – my grandfather had quarter horses and my mom rode her American Saddlebred around the high desert of Central Oregon when she was growing up. I learned to ride as a child at the Atkinson family’s ConCar Ranch in San Mateo, California, and was lucky to be part of a group of girls who spent all their waking hours at the barn. I competed in the Hunters and Equitation in Northern California through high school. I lost my junior horse to colic on my 21st birthday and, devastated, took a bit of a break after that.

When I moved to Portland, Oregon, after graduate school, I took a job hacking horses and teaching at Dr. Kathy Waldorf’s Foxridge Farm.

One thing led to another and I purchased my current horse Fitch as a two year old in 2007.

He is definitely my horse of a lifetime and a beloved member of our family. We do dressage but I am into it more as a system of training and partnership-development than as competition.

Like most riders will tell you, ten minutes with your horse can make everything feel right in the world again. And the horse world has connected me with a diverse group of women and friends that I am so grateful for – I simply can’t imagine who I would be without the influence of horses and the horse community.

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· january/february

H&S: Can you tell us a little about your move in 2009 from

the world of policy research to the world of equestrian style?

MK: I earned an MA in Education Policy from Stanford in

2003 and moved to Portland directly after graduating, taking a job working for the U.S. Congress. From there, I joined the faculty of the Oregon State University College of Education, doing research on a special project team for the Dean. I had every intention of a long term career in academia. I was co-investigator on a research project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation focusing on innovative high schools and was traveling around Oregon interviewing teachers, parents, school board members, etc. – all the stakeholders – in places that were doing innovative, successful things. The work was intellectually stimulating but I was also having a bit of an existential crisis… The common denominator in the people I interviewed was their all-consuming passion for their work. I wanted to feel that same spark in my own work and it was clear to me that horses were my deepest well of inspiration.

I made the rather unorthodox decision to leave a very lovely academic job to start working as an assistant trainer in a Hunter/Jumper barn – at thirty-something. I loved spending days that included more horses than humans, riding one horse after the next, and I really enjoyed the teaching side of things.

It was during this time that I started an equestrian blog called Dappled Grey. The premise was that a life with horses influences almost every aspect of one’s life – what we wear, books we read, movies we watch, places we travel… essentially the “lifestyle” aspect of equestrian life before that word was as ubiquitous as it is now. I simply started seeking out products, events, movies, etc. that I was interested in and wrote about them. I guess you could say I was still doing “research,” just of a different kind.

The blog amassed a following right away. It became clear that readers were hungry for this kind of content! It was really a new segment of equestrian media vs. the traditional show results or how-to oriented magazines. I turned to Dappled Grey as a full time business in 2009. At the time, it was almost a kind of taboo: you didn’t do a blog for work; it was just a hobby. Of course, now it is an established business avenue.

H&S: How do you go about searching out and choosing

the products that you feature? Do you have some favorite products? Some favorite designers or retailers?

MK: When I started Dappled Grey, it was really sort of driven by

curiosity, my own taste and interests – getting lost down Googlesearch rabbit holes, finding mainstream fashion items that would appeal to equestrians and vice versa. Now, it has a lot more to do with relationships. I have been lucky to get to know and work closely with many equestrian brands and businesses. We keep in contact and they share new things with me.

I also get a lot of unsolicited inquiries. It is always fun to open an email and discover an amazing new artist or design – the thrill of discovery! In terms of choosing, it always has to be something that I love. So it really is a genuine reflection of my own taste, but also a sense that others will love it too. There’s a great gut feeling when you know something is really good and will be wellreceived on the blog. The two highest compliments for me are

when a business tells me they trust me to tell their story, and when readers react with enthusiasm to a piece.

When I was starting Dappled Grey, I was also starting my horse Fitch under saddle. I would ride in the morning and then work on the blog in my breeches and helmet hair the rest of the day. It was not glamorous but was very authentically a product of an equestrian lifestyle. A great many equestrian businesses were started and continue to operate in this same way, often times by women, combining their passion for horses with an entrepreneurial spirit. We’re a tribe and it is a great fun to support them.

I have a lot of favorites – it’s too hard to choose! Daphne Markcrow’s Oughton Limited comes to mind. We’re personally simpatico in our philosophy and her bags are just really gorgeous, timeless, and beautifully made to last forever – and they appeal to riders and non-riders alike. Or Tad Coffin, a double Olympic gold medalist in Eventing at the 1976 Montreal games who has dedicated his life and career to improving horse comfort and performance through innovations in saddlery. Every Tad Coffin saddle is conceived, designed, tested and manufactured at his incredible stable/workshop in Virginia. Of course, to see all of my favorites, check out TSG Equestrian Volume 1.

H&S: Sarah Appel, owner and publisher of Horse & Style,

has said that Dappled Grey was one of the inspirations for the magazine. What inspired you? And what does now?

MK: The unique lifestyle aspect of the equestrian world is the

core inspiration, but I have two principles that are the foundation of what I do: The first is that the equestrian lifestyle, and my content, is for everyone. You’ll hear a lot of people say that it’s silly for someone who doesn’t ride to wear a pair of breeches or riding boots for fashion, but I completely disagree. If a non-rider finds beauty or inspiration in the equestrian world, why wouldn’t we want to share that with them? So I try to select items and write about things in a way that is inclusive and universally accessible, whether or not the reader is a horse person. I also recently read a critique of sorts that described equestrian lifestyle content as essentially frivolous and less important than other kinds of equestrian media. I am a serious student of horsemanship, dedicated to continually learning and growing as a horsewoman and rider in this ever-humbling sport, and I write about equestrian fashion. The two need not be mutually exclusive and I hope to convey that in my work.

Joining The Scout Guide has influenced me to think more deeply about their mission and how it applies to the equestrian world – things like supporting small, independent businesses and the idea of buying with intention, celebrating exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail.

H&S: As an experienced blogger, and having started your

own from scratch back in the earlier days of blogging, how has the web changed over the last 6 years?

MK: It has changed so much! Technically, it feels now a bit

like we were etching on stone tablets back in 2009! Instagram didn’t even exist when I started Dappled Grey. Social media has transformed everything and it is always evolving. Everyone is a publisher now which is exciting, even though it creates a lot january/february ·

33

of “noise.” The sheer volume of content can get overwhelming.

Images are the driving force of content but I do believe that there is still a place for meaningful, ongoing conversation with an audience through blogs.

H&S: Do you feel the equestrian ‘community’ is more

The Scout Guide is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, and has editors in 60+ cities around the U.S. Everyone is extremely creative and passionate in their support of small and independent businesses – I feel like I have found “my people” and it is an extremely inspiring network to be a part of.

MK: There really is a web of connection through social media. It’s

It is worth noting that The Scout Guide is not an equestrian publisher.

As a lifelong equestrian, it is really exciting to see a mainstream lifestyle publisher exposing their broad, national audience to equestrian-related content. It’s exactly the type of thing that equestrian sport needs, to gain more traction outside of the horse community – and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

H&S: You have recently made an exciting move to become

Molly lives with her husband, her Holsteiner Fitch, her border collie, and assorted sheep on a small farm in the Pacific Northwest.

connected through your and other popular blogs? How do you feel that format helps to bring people together virtually? exciting to see engagement related to content you create. Social media has all but eliminated hierarchy – the accessibility of contact is so interesting, and good for creativity and inspiration.

Editor of The Scout Guide Equestrian. How do you feel that Dappled Grey prepared you for that position?

MK: The Scout Guide is a leading publisher of thoughtfully designed and carefully curated city guides. I was asked to join their team in January 2015 in order to launch their first national guide, focused on equestrian life. It was a very logical step forward from what I was already doing with Dappled Grey, with the added element of their unique print guides. I love the idea of combining blogging and social media with an enduring print publication. In our Vol. 1 (launching January 7, 2016) we have created a unique book showcasing a group of very special businesses that represent the spirit of the equestrian world. It is both a practical guide and a beautiful keepsake.

FOLLOW: TSG Equestrian at: equestrian.thescoutguide.com TSG National at: thescoutguide.com Photo of Molly & Fitch on pg. 33 © Terra Lange for The Scout Guide

merican Gold Cup Plantation Fields CIC*** Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Live Oak International Devon Horse Show Hampton Classic Ame old Cup Capital Challenge CP National Horse Show Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows Taylor Harris National Children’s Medal Jersey F CI3* Middleburg Horse Trials Plantation Fields CIC*** NARG Annual Meeting Buffalo Therapeutic Year End Celebration CP National Hors ylor Harris National Children’s Medal American Gold Cup Plantation Fields CIC*** Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Live Oak International D orse Show Hampton Classic American Gold Cup Capital Challenge CP National Horse Show Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows Taylor tional Children’s Medal Jersey Fresh CCI3* Middleburg Horse Trials Plantation Fields CIC*** NARG Annual Meeting Buffalo Therapeutic d Celebration CP National Horse Show Taylor Harris National Children’s Medal American Gold Cup Plantation Fields CIC*** Pin Oak Ch orse Show Live Oak International Devon Horse Show Hampton Classic American Gold Cup 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Taylor Har tional Children’s Medal American Gold Cup Plantation Fields CIC*** Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Live Oak International Devon Horse Sh ampton Classic American Gold Cup Capital Challenge CP National Horse Show Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows Taylor Harris Nationa ildren’s Medal Jersey Fresh CCI3* Middleburg Horse Trials Plantation Fields CIC*** NARG Annual Meeting Buffalo Therapeutic Year End ation CP National Horse Show Taylor Harris National Children’s Medal American Gold Cup Plantation Fields CIC*** Pin Oak Charity Hor ve Oak International Devon Horse Show Hampton Classic American Gold Cup Capital Challenge CP National Horse Show Old Salem Fa ring Horse Shows Taylor Harris National Children’s Medal Jersey Fresh CCI3* Middleburg Horse Trials Plantation Fields CIC*** NARG An eeting Buffalo Therapeutic Year End Celebration CP National Horse Show Taylor Harris National Children’s Medal American Gold Cup P on Fields CIC*** Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Live Oak International Devon 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International Devon Horse Show Hampton Classic American Gold Cup Capital Ch National Horse Show Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows Taylor Harris National Children’s Medal Jersey Fresh CCI3* Middleburg Horse T antation Fields CIC*** NARG Annual Meeting Buffalo Therapeutic Year End Celebration CP National Horse Show Taylor Harris National C en’s Medal American Gold Cup Plantation Fields CIC*** Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Live Oak International Devon Horse Show Hampto assic American Gold Cup Capital Challenge CP National Horse Show Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows Taylor Harris National Childre edal Jersey Fresh CCI3* Middleburg Horse Trials Plantation Fields CIC*** NARG Annual Meeting Buffalo Therapeutic Year End Celebratio tional Horse Show Taylor Harris National Children’s Medal American Gold Cup Plantation Fields CIC*** Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Liv terna Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Live Oak International Devon Horse Show Hampton Classic American Gold Cup Capital Challeng tional Horse Show Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows Taylor Harris National Children’s Medal Jersey Fresh CCI3* Middleburg Horse Tria antation Fields CIC*** NARG Annual Meeting Buffalo Therapeutic Year End Celebration CP National Horse Show Taylor Harris National C en’s Medal American Gold Cup Plantation Fields CIC*** Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Live Oak International Devon Horse Show Hampto WChallenge O R L D W ICP D ENational E Q UHorse I N E Show I N S UOld R ASalem N C Farm E SSpring P E C Horse I A L I Shows S T S Taylor Harris National Childre assic American Gold Cup Capital edal Jersey Fresh CCI3* Middleburg Horse Trials Plantation Fields CIC*** NARG Annual Meeting Buffalo Therapeutic Year End Celebratio PO Box 449• Middleburg, VA 20118• 800.291.4774 • www.THIShorseinsurance.com tional Horse Show Taylor Harris National Children’s Medal American Gold Cup Plantation Fields CIC*** Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Liv ternational Devon Horse Show Hampton Classic American Gold Cup Capital Challenge CP 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EQUESTRIANS supporting EQUESTRIANS

Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, Ltd.

Grand Prix Village: Br and new constr uction 20-stall barn with 4 wash stalls, 2 tack rooms, a laundry room, and a feed room on 4 acres. The owners’ lounge has a fireplace, kitchen with great room for entertaining and a wonderful view of the 220’ x 120’ competition ring. Offered at $12,950,000

Grand Prix Village: Ther e’s a gorgeous brand new 18 stall barn with two tack rooms, feed room, and lots of storage. There is a oversized 2-car garage, and a lovely one bedroom owners’ lounge with an office, kitchen and living room. The property has a grass Grand Prix field and an all-weather ring already in place.

Offered at $13,900,000

Grand Prix Village: Far m has a beautiful and spacious owners lounge with covered patio and includes a 4BR 2BA grooms quarters with storage. Property has 32 stalls total in 2 barns.

Each barn consists of 16 stalls, 2 wash stalls, feed room, tack room, and laundry room. There is plenty of storage. Offered at $11,000,000

Saddle Trail: Newly constructed 30 stall equestr ian facility with 5-bedroom, 3.5 bath pool home on 6.2 acres in Saddle Trail.

This superbly designed professional farm is complete with a new Olympic all weather sub-irrigated ring, grass jump field and 6 horse Kraft covered walker. Offered at $7,250,000

Greenview Shores: Br and new pool home with 20-stall sporthorse facility adjacent to Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. 4.5-acre farm boasts solar tunnel lighting, solar panel power, bamboo Rower & Rub Stalls. There is a 1/4 mile track, oversized paddocks and huge sand ring. Offered at $12,750,000

Grand Prix Farms at Equestrian Club: Excellent equestr ian facility on paved road in gated community. Very close to WEF and Global Dressage. 14 stall barn with over sized sand arena for jumpers and a dressage mirror. Property includes office, tack, feed, laundry, and storage rooms. Offered at $3,900,000

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

©2015 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Carr Sollak Realty, LLC licensee of Engel & Voelkers Florida Residential, LLC. 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

by Erin Brown

G I V I N G B A C K – A F A M I LY A F F A I R

O

The Riggio Family

“

f those to whom much is given, much is expected.” The Riggio family embodies this quote made famous by John F. Kennedy. For them, giving back to others is a way of life. Louise Riggio and her daughter, Stephanie Riggio Bulger, are dedicated to causes that touch their hearts. Bonded as a family through the equestrian community, the pair delight in sharing their love and respect for the horse by being active in two of the leading equine non-profits: the Equestrian Aid Foundation, and the Maker’s Mark Equestrian Center.

Louise Riggio, a native New Yorker, developed her love for animals at a very young age. Every summer her mother would take the family to a friend’s farm upstate. There she developed a fascination and love for all animals, but she was particularly drawn to the horses; and she has passed this infatuation along to her daughter, Stephanie.

Louise explains how she recognized her daughter’s equine infatuation. It started with their walks through New York City’s

Central Park. “Stephanie would see the iconic carriage horses, and was enthralled. The city offered few places and opportunities to grow her love of horses, so I decided to put her into riding lessons near our home in Bridgehampton. When Stephanie came out of her first riding lesson with that mile-wide smile, I knew she was hooked.”

Stephanie’s passion only intensified as she grew older, and she began to compete nationally, drawing the entire family further into the world of hunters and jumpers. Meanwhile, Louise and her husband Leonard, found themselves enamored with the Thoroughbred racing world, and as their involvement deepened over the years, they began their own racing stable, My MeadowView Farm.

It soon became clear to the Riggio family that racehorses have short careers, and as responsible owners they began to ask, “What happens when the crowds stop cheering and the horse stops racing?” Clearly there was a need for a program for these retirees, to guide them into a second career. Determined to help these horses, Louise began to explore the options that were available.

On one of the trips to Lexington to visit their racehorses, Louise stopped by Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center (MMSC) on the january/february ·

37

recommendation of her farm manager. Having heard glowing reports about this premiere Thoroughbred re-schooling facility located at the Kentucky Horse Park, she wanted to research it as an option for their own horses.

After a tour and a meeting with MMSC director Susanna Thomas, Louise realized she had found what she was looking for. Thomas focuses on training programs tailored to each individual horse with the goal of giving them new skill sets that they can carry with them into future careers. Won over by the center’s embrace of the breed’s physical and emotional strengths, as well as its limitations, Louise realized that she had found an opportunity to give back.

MMSC was an organization she wanted to be a part of.

She did so without hesitation, and her involvement in MMSC has grown into her present position as Vice President of the Board. Her enthusiasm has drawn both Stephanie and Leonard in, to serve in various capacities over the years. And she hasn’t stopped there; a charismatic and eloquent speaker, Louise has inspired other friends to serve as well.

Louise instilled the same spirit of generosity in her only child.

Competing successfully as an amateur-owner hunter rider, Stephanie realized that there was a need for an organization that could help people in the community who had fallen on hard financial times. Owing to the inherent danger of participating in any equestrian activity, Stephanie saw too many people lose their

livelihoods and go into debt after a serious accident or illness.

“I was injured quite badly at the National Horse Show in 2008, and that was a huge wake up call for me. After numerous hospital visits and a very slow recovery, I actually realized I was lucky.

I cannot imagine what it would have been like had I not had the means to be able to focus only on getting better,” recalled Stephanie. Realizing how fortunate she was, she wished the same for others in the community.

Stephanie first heard about the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF) from her friend, Scot Evans, who was the President of the Board at the time. Empowering their recipients and providing necessary tools to overcome adversity, the EAF offers grant-based assistance to horsemen and equine related professionals suffering from illness or catastrophic injuries. The EAF is dedicated to helping people of all ages and from all backgrounds and disciplines, providing funding for medical, rehabilitative, and other essential expenses.

Impressed by the organization’s mission and their respect within the equine community, Stephanie quickly became involved by helping to plan and organize fundraising events for EAF. Energized by the dynamic group of supporters, by 2010 Stephanie had moved into leadership roles within the organization.

With every year more successful than the last, EAF hopes to raise awareness within the horse community. They want equestrians to know that their goal is to give recipients much more than just

Previous Page: Louise Riggio and daughter Stephanie, photo © John Labbe Photography; This page: Stephanie Riggio Bulger and Brietling, photo © Val Schaff; Opposite: MMSC Board Member Louise Riggio among guests at the Sips N’ Saddles event, photo © Philippe Cheng Photography

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financial assistance; indeed, they hope to give them the tools to embark on the path to a new and better life.

Louise and Stephanie are an inspiration to all as they strive to bring awareness and aid to people and animals who need it. These two strong, pro-active women are making a positive impact within the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center and the Equestrian Aid Foundation, shining a light on the good work of each organization in their respective communities. Supporting each other by participating on each other’s boards, this family endeavors to bring the equestrian world together on all fronts.

As a new mom, Stephanie hopes to instill her family’s legacy of philanthropy in her son Leo. “I want Leo to learn from my mom’s example, to be generous for good causes. And to understand the reward of a selfless act that helps others. When he’s older I hope he’ll find a cause that he is passionate about, whatever that may be, and that it inspires him to give back in his own way.”

Louise has a simple wish for her only grandson: “Dream big and help others to fulfill their own dreams.”

These two women embody this wish.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

PHOTO: BRET ST CL AIR PHOTOGR APHY

secretariatcenter.org equestrianaidfoundation.org/hope

JOIN US IN 2016 L A EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL

FLINTRIDGE AUTUMN CLASSIC

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n esig Photo: M l Ad D cCool | EquestriSo

Congratulations A MY HILMER & STEP LIGHTLY NorCal Champion Low A/O Hunters

D EVON M AC N EIL & BONITO R An incredible year in the A/O Jumpers.

Thank you Cindy and the Northern Run team for another great year. Thank you James Hagman, Katie, Javi, and Kay at Elvenstar for your support and excellent instruction.

Looking forward to a successful 2016!

CINDY BROOKS - 650.740.0123

BEHINDtheseams

by Erinn Lew

Adi

Kissilevich

If there’s any philosophy that Adi Kissilevich has garnered from the riding world, it’s that the details count. From the accuracies of showjumping to the subtleties of dressage, she knows well from both arenas that whether it’s a perfect trip or a perfectly chic handbag, quality and performance start with the little things. Each of her bags is distinctive and impeccably crafted, featuring Italian leathers and a different horse bit. In the past three years, her handmade equestrian-inspired handbags have made it from her studio in Tel Aviv to the shoulders of the sport’s elite, riding on her commitment to elegance and practicality. january/february ·

41

Shortly after she was born in Israel, Adi moved with her family to Guatemala, where she lived until she was eighteen. A rider since age six, Adi’s passion for equestrian style was sparked early, as she tailor-made her own boots and show jackets when only a junior. “I was the one that decided the style of both the boots and jackets: the colors, the seams, even which type of leather. It was here that my love for craftsmanship grew.” Equestrian style was second nature to Adi, who’s now spent over 20 years surrounded by horses.

of space in all of my designs.” True to her word, The Hackamore and Snaffle, for example, feature two leather-lined pockets, a cellphone pocket, key holder, and two lateral hidden pockets to drop car keys, parking tickets, and other items that need to be readily accessible. Her focus not only on craftsmanship, but functionality and versatility, are what make her bags more than just pretty objects. Her designs are made to be well used, and to be used interchangeably depending on the day or the outfit.

Following high school, Adi moved to Milan to study Fashion and Textile Design, graduating in 2009 with a number of stage and job offers from designers such as Ralph Lauren. Instead, she moved back to Israel, wishing to get back to her roots and focus on her own designs. The decision not to join an established fashion house was a bold and independent one, but one that has proved the best for her brand. “To be honest, I felt ready, I had so many experiments and projects at the university,” she recalls. “ I’m glad that I followed my instinct.”

Since the launch of the accessories line in 2013, Adi continues to be personally involved in all aspects of the design and production process. She wear-tests the new prototypes herself in order to ensure comfort and practicality, as well as to identify modifications that need to be made, or as she puts it, whatever it takes “in order to arrive at perfection!” Even after the new models are available to clients, she likes to get feedback to take into consideration for future designs.

Even though her focus was Fashion and Textile Design, Adi made time to study accessories as well, intrigued by the endless possibilities in the field. “After graduating, I wanted to focus on leather, since I’d always worked with it in my childhood. I took a snaffle from one of my horse’s bridles, brought it to my studio, and created my first handbag: The Snaffle Bag.” While dining with her Snaffle Bag prototype at one of Tel Aviv’s chic restaurants, Adi found herself surrounded by admirers and showered with compliments. “Someone even asked me if it was from Gucci’s new collection!”

So the next day, she gathered up almost all of her horses’ bits and headed back to her studio. The Snaffle, Ring, Clutch, and Hackamore were the first creations born into her original Cruiser Collection, each bearing its own piece of authentic equestrian hardware.

“As a style vision, I wanted to create elegant and chic designs with a twist,” she recalls.

Not only are her bags for women and men stylish, they are satisfyingly practical. “I always like to create little ‘surprises’ in my designs that make everyday life easier and more organized. I try to have as much organization as possible, and a wise use

“The brand is always focused on [combining] clean lines, elegance, and the highest quality of leathers with the eternal inspiration of the equestrian world. I always experiment with new styles and a variety of different hides. I’m always searching for innovative sewing techniques, different textures, details, and of course, bits.” Luckily, Adi has her own creative provider of horse bits, one who has even custom-made some unusual styles for her. The bit on the Passionate Travel Bag, she cites, is a reproduction of a bit found last in the Victorian Era. In addition to her bit producer, Adi relies on a passionate and talented team of managers, seamstresses, photographers, graphic designers, accountants, and two logistics teams in order to bring her designs to life and to customers. “They know my strong attention to detail and my drive for perfection,” she confirms.

Adi’s eye for detail shines through in each of her thoughtful creations. Every model is constructed from soft Italian-imported leather and cotton, and differs based on the size and style of the bit used. “My designs are identified by clean, round lines incorporated into the body of the bag for a complete, elegant look; but it’s all about the details that make my product different. The secret pockets, key holders, adjustable and removable straps, the leather, tassels—make my designs completely different and unique.”

It comes as no surprise that Adi Kissilevich designs are carried by riders and members of the international

This Page: Adi Kissilevich Ring Bag in Black; Opposite: Detail shots of a selection of Adi Kissilevich handbags.

42

equestrian community such as Pius Schwizer, Emmanuelle Perron-Pette, Bliss Heers, as well as the wives and partners of riders such as Alberto Michan, Pedro Veniss, Julien Epaillard, and Gregory Wathelet.

Although men have a place in Adi’s line, she chooses to focus mainly on the needs of women, who make up the bulk of her clientele. Outside the horse industry, fashion lovers searching for a unique accessory appreciate the refined lines, high quality, and variable use of Adi’s bags.

Today her bags can be found in store locations in Uccle, Belgium, in the Imoda pop-up shop in Amsterdam, and in Adi’s own pop-ups at prestigious horse shows throughout Europe and the U.S., such as the Global Champions Tour, Stephex Masters, Dinard, and Olympia. Adi Kissilevich designs are also readily available online through her own website, Horse and Style Magazine, and Stefanie van der Brink’s Imoda shop.

At the same time, the brand is branching out into different spheres. In addition to handbags, Adi has recently dedicated time to an upcoming jewelry line and foulard collection, and is now gaining further recognition in the fashion world. This January, she’ll accept her invitation to WHITE, one of Milan’s premier fashion events. “WHITE,” she explains, “is the international contemporary fashion showcase, and also functions as a cultural reference for a generation of designers, stylists, and artists who consider the fair in Via Tortona a valuable means to launch a product line.”

The new year looks bright for Adi, who was also invited to New York Fashion Week in February 2016. “My dream, ever since I was a young girl, was to make a change in the prevailing taste and style. I love to spot my designs on women (and men!) at the biggest equestrian events, and I aspire to develop myself not only in an equestrian environment, but also in the fashion environment.” No matter the path she takes, Adi Kissilevich designs continue to showcase her enduring love for her sport and for fashion.

AdiKissilevich.com  Facebook.com/AdiDesignWorld Photos courtesy of Adi Kissilevich

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· january/february

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· january/february

LIFEof barbe

by Jana Cohen Barbe

The Level Playing Field WHAT BUSINESS CAN LEARN FROM EQUESTRIAN SPORTS On July 18, 2015, four women represented the United States in the Nations Cup of the Mannheim CSIO. After two rounds of jumping, the United States was tied with Germany and Belgium for first place. The incomparable Beezie Madden was called upon to ride in the jump-off, and, as she has so many times before, she delivered.

The United States won that day and once again equestrian sports demonstrated that women can compete with men, without gender bias, without drama, without handicaps, allowances or concessions.

But equestrian sports remain the exception, one of just two Olympic sports where men and women compete against each other (the other being sailing). As such, our sport carries important lessons for intergender competition in the business world – lessons that could level the historically unbalanced playing field in more traditional workplaces.

W H AT W E G E T R I G H T

Empowerment from the earliest age. In our sport, the girls

out-number the boys exponentially. The end result? Girls get used to winning, and the girls who do not win, grow accustomed to seeing other girls win. It is a sport where, at the earliest ages, girls dominate and there is no self-doubt based on gender. There may be self-doubt and insecurity about the quality of riding or the caliber of pony, but I suspect that if we asked a young girl at pony finals whether she can compete against the boys, our question would be met with giggles over its silliness. The positive effects of this accumulate and even mature over time, and are ultimately illustrated by women in our sport demonstrating a high degree of confidence and self-reliance.

Women in our sport do not hesitate to accept new challenges because they are empowered by a lifetime of success.

Equal Treatment. The rules are the same in our sport for boys

and girls, and for men and women. We do not create structural allowances or concessions based on the assumption that females require different or lesser standards of performance, and we do not then foster the messages of inequality inherent in the creation of different performance standards for boys and girls or for men and women. The time allowed is the time allowed regardless of gender. Our sport values and rewards skill, knowledge, judgment,

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physicality, fitness, stamina, consistency and courage. These are all gender-neutral attributes. Ours is not a sport of brute-strength.

Separate rules or facilities are not required when these attributes are abundant in all of our athletes – men and women.

Role Models. Our sport is filled with extraordinary women at

every level of nearly every equestrian discipline. We have women instructors, women trainers, women barn managers, women grooms, women show managers, women professional riders, women judges and women Olympians. For young girls who grow up in this sport, there is no shortage of women to admire and emulate, and no perceived limitations attributable to gender.

Our Partners Have Four Legs and No Biases. Horses are at

once very simple and very complicated animals. They can have very strong opinions and very well defined preferences (mine, for instance, would prefer I stop randomly pulling on the left rein), but I have yet to meet a horse with a gender bias. A superb rider is a superb rider, and the horse will respond accordingly, regardless of gender. There is also the thrill, the joy and the love of riding, and the unquantifiable impact that has on a girl’s or a woman’s spirit. I know of no more empowering feeling than that sense of flying on horseback. I can only speak for myself, but I cannot measure the impact riding has had on my psyche, on my confidence and on my well being; and all of that matters immeasurably in the quest for equality.

Men Play an Important Role. Just as the women in our sport

grow up believing in and trusting their own abilities, the men in our sport grow up believing in and trusting the women around them.

Maybe it is the women trainers they had when they were young, or maybe it is the young women friends they faced in jump-offs time and time again as a junior rider, but when they come to be adults in our sport, the men simply demonstrate a lack of gender bias that is almost unmatched in any other environment. Has any one of us heard a man complain, after a major competition, that he “lost to a woman?” He may be angry with himself for the mistakes he made on course, he may be angry with the course designer, he may be angry with the judges, but does he think any less of himself because he lost to a woman? No, not in our sport, and that, sadly, is all too rare in our world.

S O, W H A T C A N T H E R E S T O F T H E W O R L D LEARN FROM EQUESTRIAN SPORTS?

Empowerment Must Begin Early. From the earliest ages, a clear

and unequivocal message must be conveyed that girls and boys, while different, are of equal ability. Since we cannot put all of them on ponies to learn that lesson, that means, in the classroom, when hands are raised, we must insist that our daughters are called on with the same frequency as our sons; that means in the gym, girls should not be relegated to lesser activities while the boys are assumed to be more physical; that means that we cannot assume that boys are more capable in math and science than girls; that means we all must convey in words and in actions the belief that girls and boys can each accomplish their aspirations, regardless of the aspiration or the gender

Sun Protection with Stand-Out style

Role Models Are Key. While the equestrian world is filled with

successful and highly visible women, the corporate world is still “playing catch-up”. There are not enough women in the C-Suite or on corporate boards, and in certain professions there are very few women generally.

So, we must highlight those women who have broken through, and we must also call on men to serve as role models for and sponsors of women in the workplace. I have been very fortunate in my career to have been encouraged, supported and mentored by men who became very much vested in my success. We need more men to do the same.

Men Need To Lead By Example. And while we are on the subject of

men… gender equality is as much a male issue as it is a female issue.

Are men not husbands, brothers, sons and fathers? Do men not want to work in an environment where advancement and compensation are based on merit and performance and not impacted by unspoken biases and antiquated stereotypes? For the men in our sport, gender equality is second nature because it is how they live. It is that mindset we should seek to emulate and men must assume a leadership role in the effort.

Messages Should Be Clear. We must consider the messages we

convey to women. Do we reward long hours spent in the office in lieu of effectiveness and efficiency? Do we value hard-earned skill and judgment to the same degree we value the flashy or the expedient? Put differently, do we reward the workplace equivalent of “brute strength” in lieu of skill, experience and judgment? Ours is a sport that takes decades to learn, and even then, the great horsemen spend a lifetime learning. An environment where knowledge is viewed as differentiating is an environment that does not favor one gender over the other.

Equal Opportunity Is A Must. The horse is an “equal opportunity

partner.” In a way, the horse is the great equalizer. He levels the playing field. Ride him well and you will be rewarded. And when women are presented with equal opportunities, there are no limitations other than our own ability, our own work ethic, our own level of commitment and our own self-discipline, but we should rise and fall with those attributes.

This is about merit, free of gender bias, not gender bias determining merit.

Our sport is imperfect, for sure, and the headlines about it are not always kind, but it is a sport that has enabled women and men to excel on equal footing and to fulfill their dreams to an unparalleled degree.

There is much to be learned from that. It is one of the unexpected lessons and great gifts of our sport.

Jana is a Partner and Global Vice Chair of Dentons, the largest law firm in the world. She also owns Henley Farms, an 80-acre working farm in Lexington, Kentucky.

Opposite page: Photo © McCool

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feature

by Jackie McFarland & Alexis Meadows

Horse & Style’s Most

Intriguing Equestrians

2015

of

Luciana Diniz

LCGT CHAMPION AND GROWING

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McKayla Langmeier MAKING HISTORY WITH MOM

Setting out to choose six interesting equestrians is not a simple task. The challenge is not in naming the group, it’s in narrowing the list down to a select few. Our sport is full of intriguing individuals and we are honored to include six of them in this issue.

To be an equestrian, in our definition, is to be an individual with a driving passion to be a part of, and to influence the sport, notably in 2015.

McLain Ward

Connie Sawyer

I T W A S A L I L LY, A N N I E & B O N G O Y E A R

THE BUZZ BEHIND-THE-SCENES

Jennifer Alfano

Derek Braun

ACCOLADES, MILESTONES & BONDS

ADVENTURES OF A VISIONARY

Image credits: Julia Rau​/Rau Photo, Emily Riden/Phelps Sports, Phelps Media Group, Tricia Booker, SEL Photography

53

Luciana Diniz

LGCT CHAMPION AND GROWING quickly moved up the ranks. To further her show jumping education, she left Brazil to work with Olympian Nelson Pessoa in Belgium.

Eventually Luciana settled in Wachtberg, Germany, where she now runs her own competitive training barn with Rothschild, who has been an intrinsic part of her career and is an accomplished equestrian in his own right.

“

But beyond being a talented international show jumper, Luciana is GROWING. In conjunction with one of her greatest friends and supporters, Edouard de Rothschild, she is creating a foundation that promotes emotional intelligence and development in children, youth, and adults. Using the GROW acronym, the four concepts of setting a Goal (G), creating a Reality (R), realizing the Options (O), and Working hard (W) will come together to grow the human initiative.

Luciana sets the standard for the GROW mission, both in and out of the show ring. Currently ranked 12th in the world, and one of only three women in the top 15, her all-encompassing approach to riding models the deep respect and connection with equines that she encourages in her organization’s work.

Both her luciana-diniz.com,and her inspirational growing-ld.com sparkle with photos of her sharing special equine moments, and illustrate poignant insight (in German). She states, “It’s a goal to be in unison with horses. It’s important to find a mental, physical and spiritual balance with the horse that goes way beyond riding and the sport.”

Born into an equestrian family, her mother, Lica, is an eight-time Brazilian National Dressage Champion and her father an excellent polo player. Her brothers, Fabio and Andre, have both been top contenders on the polo field. Luciana was introduced to horses through dressage, but when she began jumping her talent was apparent. As the Children’s Jumping Champion at age 12 and 14, she

54

“

T

he journey begins overseas where we tracked down the Gold Medalist of the 2015 Longines Global Champions Tour, Luciana Diniz. Along with LGCT wins in Madrid, Vienna and Doha, on her mounts Fit For Fun 13 and Winningmood, she was also one of the top ten in the IJRC Rolex Standings in Geneva, standing alongside riders such as Allen, Farrington, Beerbaum, Leprovost, Deusser and more. She also won the 2015 Leipzig Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier with Lennox, as well as top ribbons and trophies in the 1.45–1.50m division with Lady Lindenhof and Sakann.

My horses and I want to share with the world a different message in our sport. We want to inspire all of us to live with an open heart for what we love.

Her family continues to be the backbone of her support group.

She calls her family and two children the “source of her power” and credits them with helping her maintain a holistic and spiritual philosophy towards training and managing her string of international champions.

By focusing on developing strength from within, Luciana finds that her connection with the horses takes on the bond of a true partnership. She knows their personalities intimately and takes just as much pleasure in a countryside hack as she does competing on behalf of Portugal in international finals. Taking the time to unite with each horse she rides has unquestionably paid off in the ring.

In nearly every photo, her gratitude towards her horses is clearly visible through the hugs and huge smiles.

“Horse and rider need to form a team, offer their complete trust, and accept and respect each other in their individuality,” notes Luciana.

“To find a mutual direction with them is my daily challenge and dream come true all at once.”

Her illustrious career has not been without its hardships and obstacles, but Luciana takes each setback in stride as an opportunity to develop herself further as a rider, friend, mother, and family member. As she continues to lead the show jumping community towards new levels of sportsmanship, through personal example and the launch of her new foundation, there are no limits to what 2016 has to offer for Luciana and her string of horses. Rio is in sight.

“My horses and I want to share with the world a different message in our sport,” she explains. “We want to inspire all of us to live with an open heart for what we love.”

Image credit: Julia Rau​/Rau Photo · january/february

McKayla Langmeier

MAKING HISTORY WITH MOM

A

s one of the most prestigious and competitive medal finals, the ASPCA Medal Maclay has been an important date on the horse show calendar since its inception in 1933. Although stories of victories and defeats have accumulated over the decades, in 2015, its 82nd year, an unprecedented triumph occurred. With over 150 entries in the class, winner McKayla Langmeier earned a place in Maclay history alongside her mother, Linda Kossick Langmeier.

As the 1983 champion, Linda, who trained with Paul Valliere, had to participate in two work-offs to earn her win. After the top four switched horses, then the top two, Linda and Clea Newman, had to ride the course without stirrups. She took her victory gallop in Madison Square Garden, recollecting the experience like it was yesterday. “I do distinctly remember the look of the Garden when we walked the second course. The stands were packed, not a seat to be had! People were dressed to the nines and the ring had a feeling of greatness.”

The intensity of her daughter earning the acclaimed award was quite incredible. “That day [in 1983] for me as an athlete was unforgettable, and as I stood in the Alltech Arena [with McKayla], every single emotion and memory flooded through me all over again, like it was déjà vu,” she explained. “We have so much respect for each other knowing the accomplishment of that victory and how hard each of us had to work to obtain that title.”

McKayla’s superb performance stemmed from more than a genetic pool of talent. As a child of a trainer, fifteen-year-old McKayla started young. “While my mom was teaching lessons, she would walk me around on my pony when I was less than a year old.”

A combination of dedication, determination and a life spent in the saddle has led her to multiple victories in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings. And her performance at the National Horse Show added to her resume of championships. Esteemed judges Chris Kappler and Ralph Caristo were duly impressed with her performance throughout the Finals, but most especially because she drew first for the initial jumping phase, nailed it and never looked back. Caristo dubbed the young yet accomplished equestrian the “American Pharaoh” of the competition, as McKayla stayed on top of the leader board throughout the new two-day format.

Despite what others would consider a supremely unfortunate draw in the order – her co-trainer Missy Clark walked out of the room when her student’s name was drawn first – McKayla saw nothing but opportunity in the situation. “I wasn’t really nervous, so I was glad to go out there and not have to ponder and overthink the course,” she said. “I also liked the new format because it gave each rider and horse a chance to relax and prepare for each section.”

Capping off the 2015 show season in such a monumental fashion has only inspired the rising star to continue her astronomical ascent. Juggling schoolbooks and saddles is a challenge for any young rider, but McKayla has years of experience making the most of both her passions. One of her goals is to earn her college degree after she finishes high school, while simultaneously keeping her eye on her equestrian aspirations as well: winning the three other major equitation finals and earning a gold medal at the Young Rider Championships. She also plans to stay consistent in all three rings, training with her mother year round and meeting up with Clark at shows.

McKayla’s mother Linda Kossick Langmeier shortly after her Maclay win in 1983

With a maturity beyond her years, McKayla acknowledges all of the lessons she has learned inside the show ring and their importance outside the arena as well. “Horses have taught me to be responsible and care for others,” she says. “Be humble and work hard. Have fun and enjoy being able to do something you love every day.”

Image credit: Rebecca Walton/Phelps Sports, Lisa Peterson january/february ·

55

McLain Ward

I T W A S A L I L LY, A N N I E & B O N G O Y E A R her a few years ago, when others, including McLain said ‘No. Too difficult, too wild, too expensive,’ when the mare was a five year old.

Mathy took the time to bring her along, knew she was special and contacted McLain to come back and try her again. And the rest is looking like it may develop into show jumping history.

O

n February 9, 2015 Lilly Kristine Ward was born.

McLain and Lauren planned it beautifully, she entered the world on a Monday, the proverbial equestrian day off, and during the early part of WEF in Wellington, the one location where the Wards and most of their friends live for several months. So during her first two months he could work and be a dad without having to do much traveling. And the first international championship of the year was in was in April in Las Vegas, NV, not far for the family to go.

“She was always a big mare with an incredible stride and jump, and a bit of blood, but also a bit unbridled in the beginning. When I went back she was better broke, more mature, and still had that superb jump; and she had been with people i trust who had done great work with her,” said McLain. “But best of all is that it’s such a great story for these two men who are involved with horses for all the right reasons, to own this great mare together.”

When asked, the goal for ‘Annie’ is obviously Rio. Rothchild (‘Bongo’ in the barn) is also ready for Rio. The veteran of the two horses, Bongo proved his prowess once again in 2015 when he and McLain earned the Individual Gold at the Pan American Games in Toronto.

“Our major goal in 2015 was the Pan Am Games. It was a challenging individual and a great win for Bongo, his owners and all involved.”

As any parent knows, becoming one is life altering. There is, as McLain explained, that wonderfully surreal experience of seeing what you love about each other in this tiny being, your child. “It’s a pretty indescribable feeling, incredible actually. I always wanted to have a family,” he said.

Sleeping? Not much. “I’m still not sleeping through the night; she’s not a great sleeper. And like many parents with their first, we are letting her sleep in our bed.”

Luckily Lilly’s dad has a few big classes under his belt, so lack of sleep didn’t take him too much off his game. Since many of the grand prix classes were in the evening, McLain could compete at WEF and the Longines FEI World Cup Finals while Lilly slept.

As the months went by, McLain admitted that he loved being a dad more and more, but there are aspects that are a bit overwhelming for his personality. “I have to say I like all of it but I am not a huge fan of the eating right now, it’s a little messy for my OCD. And one day Lauren tricked me. She told me it was just number one when it was my turn to change the diaper. Not true. She knows that I only change the wet diapers,” he said with a laugh. “But Lilly always wakes up in a great mood. Smiling. She’s got a great personality, very happy.

Those are truly special moments for the three of us.”

Also early in 2015, another fabulous female entered McLain’s world when HH Azur, known as ‘Annie’ in the barn, became a part of the Double H string. Owned in partnership by his longtime business partner Francois Mathy and Hunter Harrison’s Double H Farm, the bay Belgian Warmblood mare is an absolute ‘10.’ But the story began before 2015 and it was Mathy who was willing to take a risk on

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McLain and Lilly on FEI TV ‘Bongo’ has a bit of Barney (McLain’s dad) in him. This was another mount that McLain tried and said ‘No thank you.’ But his dad bought him anyway. “Bongo has been a life lesson in a lot of ways. I think as you go along in your career and unfortunately get older, one of the benefits is you gain experience and open-mindedness,” said McLain, sounding wise and mature. “It is another great story. Sometimes you have to meet a great athlete in the middle.

You can’t insist on doing it one way, the modern show jumper has more blood, more quality, more personalty and you need to adjust.

Bongo is quirky but once you know him he’s quite simple.”

As February approaches and Lilly is about to turn one, ‘Annie’ ten and ‘Bongo’ sixteen years old, life will continue to be intriguing for McLain.

Image credit: Spruce Meadows Media, Jump Media

Connie Sawyer

THE BUZZ BEHIND-THE-SCENES

C

onnie Sawyer LLC is a behind-the-scenes driving force in the sport of show jumping. A relationship that began two decades ago, when Connie began working at John Madden Sales in her off-time, evolved into a lifelong connection. Among a list of interesting clients, Connie now works with the FEI as Manager of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League.

“

Connie was born loving horses. She grew up in riding and competing in the Northeast, with fond memories of galloping through the hay fields and learning to ride a perfect circle in the snow where she could see her tracks.

I usually stay very much behind the scenes, so that the spotlight is always on my clients... they are a group of tremendously motivated, productive people with great vision and ability.

“

After graduating from Cornell, she was working as the English Riding Director at SUNY Morrisville. Moving to Albany with her husband, she took a position with a well known PR Firm, Ed Lewi Associates, gaining valuable event planning and marketing experience, that serves her well to this day. When John, Beezie and others started the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament, Connie jumped at the chance to apply her skills to the discipline of show jumping.

“The Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament holds a vast array of great memories. Two in particular stand out in my mind – the night that Beezie Madden and Judgement set the 4-Bar record at 6'4" and the night of Judgement’s retirement ceremony. Both were amazing nights with an electric atmosphere; the fans in Syracuse are truly the best around.”

Post Syracuse, Michael Taylor of Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) convinced Connie to take on additional clients. That led to working with THIS, the American Gold Cup at Old Salem Farm and The Dutta Corp.

“I usually stay very much behind the scenes, so that the spotlight is always on my clients. And I must say they are a group of tremendously motivated, productive people with great vision and ability. I just take their vision and organize the logistics to turn those visions into reality.

Working with the FEI is incredibly exciting for me because they have such strong vision and direction for the future of our sport.”

Because she envisions tremendous opportunity for growth and change, Connie took on the new and challenging role of Manager of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League. She sees the League as show jumping’s NHL or NFL on this continent, one that could shape the future of equestrian sports for the better. As Manager of the League, Connie is working with the community of event organizers

to transition what were once individual international events into international events that are an essential part of a global series.

“Of course, with great opportunity comes risk, and it is up to us as the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League to put our absolute best foot forward to showcase North American Show Jumping to a global audience,” she explained. “With the competition that exists to be a top event on a rider’s calendar, event organizers know that they must offer the best facilities, the best competition schedules and the best prize money, as well as points to attract the best riders. This is what competition is about, and we must continue as a series to ensure we are delivering events of the highest international caliber to the league.”

She continued. “It is incredibly rewarding for me to see the Longines FEI World Cup™ North American League events placed on the FEI platforms and media outlets beside events like London Olympia, Zurich, Dublin and Barcelona. We have some growing into our new status to do, but our 14 events and our organizers deliver really great sport and have the ability, history, knowledge and motivation to grow this league into its full potential.”

In addition to the national broadcasts on CBS Sports and NBC Sports in the US, most people in North America don’t get to see that several of the NAL events received international television distribution in Europe, Australia, China, and French-speaking broadcasts in Canada. Historically in North America this has not been as much of a focus, so the first steps towards change are certainly underway.

Amongst all this Connie is a mother of two. When asked how she juggles all of the work with global time zone demands and travel, plus being a mom she praised her husband, Randall, her own mom, Barb, and a great network of professional moms who all support each other. And Amazon.

“Amazon one-click buying is my secret weapon, and my house is never in perfect order, but it’s a small price to pay to love what you do, raise your family yourself, and enjoy an incredible community of friends and the sport that we all adore.”

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Jennifer Alfano

ACCOLADES, MILESTONES & BONDS involved since the beginning – I did the first derby,” she recalls.

“When it started, you could ride most any hunter in a derby but it’s getting to the point now where you need a specialized horse and I think that’s great. It’s made us all better horsemen and better riders.”

One aspect outshines the million-dollar notch on her belt, her two-time USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Professional Championships, and her spot as a National Show Hunter Hall of Fame inductee – her sincere love and appreciation for her horses and her team.

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ennifer Alfano is by all accounts living the dream – and setting records in the process. In 2015 the 2012 USHJA International Derby Finals champion earned yet another accolade: surpassing the $1 million dollar mark in lifetime hunter rider earnings. It is superbly fitting for this to occur in 2015, the year that Jennifer celebrated a quarter century partnership with Susie Schoellkopf’s SBS Farms, Inc. Wrapping up a tremendous show season at the 132nd CP National Horse Show in Lexington, KY in November, Jennifer earned a tricolor in the Second Year Green Working Hunter division aboard her own Candid; and after her High Performance Hunter Stake Class win with Helen Lenahan’s Miss Lucy, she took home the “Edyth B. Linder” Challenge Trophy. The icing on the cake was when Susie Schoellkopf and the SBS team, as well as family and friends, threw her a surprise party to celebrate the 25 year mark.

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The fact that I’ve gotten to do what I’ve dreamed of doing since I was a little girl is pretty amazing.

Jennifer rode her superlative string of hunters to countless championships throughout the year. Exceptional highlights include a one-two finish with Jersey Boy and Miss Lucy in the $15,000 International Hunter Derby at the Kentucky Spring Show, a top-five spot in the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship with Sharon O’Neil’s Castle, impressive top ribbons with her own Miramar in the International Hunter Derbies and High Performance Hunters, and a fourth place in the International Hunter Derby Championship aboard Billie Steffee’s Maggie May. Mind you, this is after suffering a fall off a green horse on the first day, one that would have stopped other riders from pressing on, but not Jennifer.

Since its inception in 2009, the International Hunter Derby series has served as a winning platform for many SBS Farm horses – most notably, Jennifer’s beloved and feisty chestnut partner Jersey Boy, or ‘Lewis’.

“Obviously winning Derby Finals on Lewis is a highlight, but being a part of the program as it’s grown has been incredible. I’ve been

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“I feel that I owe so much to the horses, the owners, the grooms – they all have earned this with me. The whole team. SBS really was my first riding job. When I first started working for Susie, I just wondered if I wanted to be a rider and if I would ever be good enough to do this. The fact that I’ve gotten to do what I’ve dreamed of doing since I was a little girl is pretty amazing.”

Each bond Jennifer cultivates with each horse is a testament to that love that began as a horse-crazy child galloping through the fields behind her parents’ lesson barn. “I’m very hands-on with my horses. I feel like I have a really special relationship with each horse that I ride. That’s why I like to be so involved in the daily management of the barn, because it’s fun to know them and their personalities and how different they all are.”

This affection and first-hand knowledge of each horse’s individual quirks and manners speaks volumes about Jennifer’s tailored style in the ring. She carefully approaches each class, no matter the significance or size, with the detailed eye and feel of an equestrian who respects the precedence of “horse” before “man” in the term horseman, and coaches each aspiring rider she meets to put equine welfare above all other goals.

“The most important thing in this business is to be a good horseman. Forget about being the best rider – you have to be the best horseman you can be. Even for young people starting out – the key is to surround yourself with people who know more than you do. Hire the best farrier, the best vet, the best manager and the best team you can find. The horsemanship and the care of the horse is the ultimate priority. If you master that and concentrate on being a good horseman and doing right by your horses, that makes you a good rider and good competitor.”

Jennifer’s hopes for the future are simple and heartfelt. Her career has taken her around the world, to the top of the sport riding some of the industry’s most talented equines, and one might wonder where, exactly, she sees herself ten years from now.

“You know, if everything went the way I wanted it to, in ten years it would be just the same as it is now. I honestly have an amazing group of horses, an amazing group of owners, and amazing people in the barn that work for us. When you’ve got such a great thing, you just don’t want it to change.”

Image credit: Emily Riden/Phelps Sports

Derek Braun

ADVENTURES OF A VISIONARY

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rom winning the USET Talent Search Finals to participating on Nations Cup Teams, Derek Braun has competed successfully in the United States and Europe as a junior and a professional. In doing so he not only garnered solid miles in the saddle, but as he traveled, he envisioned bringing the European horse show experience to the states.

As Derek can attest, visions take significant time to become reality.

Requiring intelligence to plan, capital to fund and then the right team to make it happen, Derek was determined to produce a type of horse show that didn’t currently exist in this country.

Beginning with location, Derek chose Lexington over a decade ago.

He opened the doors of Split Rock in 2002, but realized if he wanted to expand he needed more space, so purchased his current farm in 2009.

Far from ready for prime time, the 10-acre property had a small house and a tobacco barn when he bought it. “I love creating and building new things. With three arenas, including an indoor, five staff apartments, my house, and 36 stalls, we developed Split Rock into a working facility with a full time staff and the potential to host an event.”

The ‘events’ commenced a few years ago,when Split Rock began hosting one-day jumper shows at the farm. A low pressure, low cost day, especially good for young horses, these shows emulated the small one-day shows in Europe. Derek began honing his skills as a show manager, in preparation for the next phase.

“When I had the opportunity to compete in Europe, I felt the competitions in America were behind. I wanted to build the European type of show in the U.S., with an atmosphere that impresses sponsors and top competitors, and a place where fans can enjoy great sport. The model that everyone talks about loving in Europe but can’t find here,” he explained.

From a team of people who helped each trailer unload and settle in, to the gorgeous VIP adjacent to the main arena with different dining options daily, including a candy bar and an evening gala, to the easy going schedule, exhibitors and owners noticed the efforts. The most appreciated aspect was Derek’s attention to detail. Any issue was addressed and attended to, if not immediately as soon as possible.

“I do feel like we achieved the goal but it is a constant progression, always looking to do better. We are working this winter to improve the experience for next year, and expand the concept to other locations.” Derek is also spending time with his four-year-old daughter, Esme while pursuing his Split Rock vision.

Although he will always be a rider, and still aspires to be at the top of the sport, Derek is riding and showing less for the time being, in order to make this vision happen. And his vision is only just beginning to unfold. Constantly thinking, driven to excel, his concept continues to evolve.

“I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to details – in everything I do.

I’ve learned a lot through running these events. The experience has taught me to be a better person, to treat people with more respect and compassion,” he admitted. “My team has much so much pride in this and that is really important to me. If your team and staff are behind you, the possibilities are endless.”

In 2015 he made a giant leap from under the radar one-day events to hosting not one but two CSI3* FEI events at his farm.

His vision had become a reality. The first event on the aptly named Split Rock Jumping Tour, The Lexington International, was in May, followed by The Bourbon International in October.

Derek stated that there will be two events in 2016, one at Split Rock in May. The details of the other event are yet to be Split Rock Jumping Tour award cooler revealed. “I named it ‘Tour’ because I “Structurally organizing my farm to envision taking the concept to other facilities and farms, to establish accommodate everybody, that was the biggest challenge. I wanted to a nice series of events for show jumpers,” he said. “My goal is to create a perfect flow for the horses, riders, sponsors, and spectators, add one show a year over the next several years. Establishing a with no hassles. It is a working man’s farm, not a fancy facility, so to brand is important. We are looking to keep our standards high create a special feel and atmosphere was the most challenging part.” everywhere we go.”

Image credit: EqSol

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ONthecover

by Jackie McFarland

Stal Wilten Shines From print ads that pop to pristine horses to purchase and a facility to match, Stal Wilten is impressive from start to finish.

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the development of sport horses, and moved to Nieuwleusen, Netherlands. After dreaming of having a fabulous showcase facility, Stal Wilten opened its doors.

In 2006, after twenty five years, the Wilten family decided to change their focus from a riding school to

The barn in Nieuwleusen has two state of the art arenas, indoor and outdoor, a beautiful set of jumps, a Eurocizer, grass and sand paddocks, a lunging arena, and many other key ingredients for the comfort and training of sale horses. Roy often invites fellow professionals from the States come and help him ride, and promote the horses and ponies. The list includes Victoria Colvin, Shawn Casady, Sean Leckie, Lauren Scott and several others.

tal Wilten is a family affair. On any given day, morning, noon or night, you can find the Wiltens in the barn. Paul Wilten competed at an International level in two European Championships as a junior rider, and later worked at the legendary Schockemohle stables in Germany. Roy Wilten rode at an International level with his ponies, and then again as a young rider. He went on to gain tremendous experience working in Spain, Canada, and the United States.

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IMPRESSIONS Since 2006, the young, energetic and innovative Roy has taken over the business reins for Stal Wilten and driven it into the mainstream. How? Hard work, nice horses, impressive follow through, professional standards and magnificent marketing.

“I am an extreme perfectionist. Some people might say that I care too much about the details. I don’t stop until it’s perfect, so everything takes much longer. We don’t have much staff, just two employees, so a lot of it I do myself with my parents. Together we handle 20 horses at home, and we work brilliantly together. They have guided and supported me throughout this endeavor and have taught me so much about how important it is to blur the lines between work and passion,” Roy said.

Roy realizes that impressions count. First impressions, media impressions, lasting impressions, and he is consistently impressing the audience. Through extensive and eye-catching marketing, he makes a visual statement about quality. Every detail is attractive,

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and with a distinctive look. He encompasses each angle of good marketing, starting with professional photographs and videos. He develops striking ads and runs them in numerous magazines.

The gorgeous white pony, known as Frozen, that brightens the H&S cover this issue is quite the model. Not only very photogenic, he took care of little Sara who had never ridden. His You Tube video on the Stal Wilten channel features Sara’s first ride plus footage of him jumping with another adorable child and has over 32,000 views.

With over 40,000 ‘likes’ on Facebook and close to 10,000 Instagram followers, Roy is on top of social media, posting often and garnering a big following. The Stal Wilten web site is well-designed and easy to navigate. He keeps it up to date with news on horses for sale, horses sold and winning, as well as a nice collection of testimonials from all over the U.S. Each step of the Stal Wilten experience is handled with care. Roy knows that a satisfied customer is the best tool for marketing and he has plenty of them to sing his praises. “Each year I

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My time spent in the Netherlands with Roy Wilten and his family was one of the best and most memorable experiences of my riding career.

Roy’s dedication to helping me find young hunter prospects with a limited budget was unparalleled and ultimately very successful, as I brought home two wonderful horses.

Thank you to Roy and his family for showing me a wonderful time, opening their home, and helping me to find great horses... A++ experience!

A view of Stal Wilten’s courtyard; Three-anda-half year old Sara and Frozen; Meredith Newman with both of her Stal Wilten horses

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— M E R E D I T H N E W M A N , VA

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All the best to you and your business! Hopefully, we will get to work together again.

— K E L LY , J O E & G I A G U L I N O , I L

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Roy helped Gia Gulinno find the perfect horse; Stal Wilten’s pristine indoor arena; Victoria Colvin and Sandman

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Cappello is everything you said he would be and more! After a month of getting to know each other and getting used to Americans, Cappello went to his first hunter show, was Champion in two divisions and won the NAL Childrens Hunter Classic. We couldn’t be happier! Top all that off with the lovely keepsake photo book you sent us of your horses which include our new horse and well, we feel pretty special to have a horse from Stal Wilten!

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I have worked with Roy over the past few years and have been amazed by his professionalism and detailed method of representing horses for sale. I worked with Roy on the purchase of a very special horse that was bought sight unseen, which can be a bit scary. However, the horse is EXACTLY as he represented it. Everyone

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is very happy…

— MARY MORRISON, CA

get better. I find things that can improve all the time.

My strength is my weakness. I always think it can be better. And I love it when people are impressed,” he admitted. “Some clients make suggestions and provide feedback and I love that too.”

Settled in for the season, Roy has horses in Ocala with South Carolina trainer Daniel Geitner and in New York with Jenna Weinfurt, First Blue, LLC. He also has several horses showing (and winning) at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

Stal Wilten welcomes clients year-round and is always happy to make travel arrangements in order to ensure a pleasurable and stress-free journey. And Roy thought he should clarify any ‘Stal’ confusion, “Stal is stable in Dutch. So Stal Wilten is our family business. I think with all the marketing out there I confused people. They would call me up and ask for ‘Stal’. You can call me Roy.”

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SEE MORE…

StalWilten.com ROY CELL: 914-621-2253 U.S.

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‘Stal Wilten’ on YouTube Facebook.com/stal.wilten Instagram.com/stalwilten

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Victoria Colvin and Carollo; Roy Wilten and Splurge; Sean Leckie and Albatross

One might say that horses are in Roy Wilten’s genes. And there has never been question for him or his family, that the ‘stal’ is where he wants to be. As a result of his concerted efforts, Stal Wilten is one of the premier locations in Europe to purchase sport horses. Now also available in the states, Roy is ready to help clients find their shiny new horses.

STYLEprofiles

by Sarah Appel & Terri Roberson

Trendy Trainer ‘Mors de Bride’ Necklace, Hermès, $1,675 Black Binx Falabella Loafer in Velvet, Stella McCartney, $525 Falabella Mini Backpack, Stella McCartney, $1,120 Julia High Rise Trousers, Stella McCartney, $544 Horse Print Jumper, Stella McCartney, $845

Stella is

Stellar Stella McCartney’s latest equestrian-inspired collections have, once again, left us in awe of her design talent. She has evoked her passion for the horse in these pieces that are simultaneously sophisticated and edgy. Adorned with the right mix of style, these pieces can definitely suit any occasion!

Ambient Amateur Leather Studded Strappy Sandals, Christian Louboutin, $795 Horsebit Bracelet Stainless Steel Watch, Gucci, $850 Black Amelie Printed Dress, Stella McCartney, $1,200 Long Horse Bit Necklace, Fornash, $45 Black Falabella Shaggy Deer Purse, Stella McCartney, $425

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Jovial Junior Elgin Bomber Jacket, Stella McCartney, $2,545 Small Twisted Bit Clutch, Rebecca Ray Design, $250 Sienna Ankle Boot, Golden Goose, $375 Black Leather 5 Strand Bracelet with Diamante Crystals, Style Reins, $22 ‘The Dre’ Cropped Skinny Jean, Rag & Bone, $210

Pony Set ‘My Little Pony’ Crossbody, Fashion Accessory Bazaar, $12 Grey Pop High Top Trainers, Stella McCartney, $58 Bow Cuff Legging, Janie and Jack, $20 Betty Sweatshirt, Stella McCartney, $100 Pony Power Bracelets, Katherine Lily, $18

Polished Pony Mom Hudson Mini Suede Shoulder Bag, Chloe, $1,890 ‘Bernadette’ Horse Bit Bracelet, L. Erickson, $125 High Waisted Jeans, Ksubi, $220 Horse Intarsia Cardigan, Stella McCartney, $1,065 ‘Derby’ Riding Boot, Tory Burch, $495

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feature story by Danielle Demers photos by Christopher Demers

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THE HORSE SHOW

BUCKET LIST

Olympia The London International Horse Show

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lympia checks all of the boxes regarding the attributes we look for when adding a new event to our Horse Show Bucket List.

What criteria must shows meet to be added to the list? They must make their mark as a true event in terms of quality, atmosphere, location, and level of competition. Lovers of equestrian sport, as well as internationally acclaimed riders, plan months in advance to attend this Winter Wonderland of horses in the heart of London.

Opposite: Each evening the Household Cavalry performs a musical ride as part of the pre-show entertainment; This Page: Great Britain’s Ben Maher and Boomerang, winners of the €23,500 Christmas Masters

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The best horse show in the world!

– BEN MAHER

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Based on the above criteria, how could this glamorous central London show not make the list? Book your tickets soon for 2016!

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Santa and his elf, AKA power-duo Scott Brash and Ben Maher, winners of the Martin Collins Enterprises Pair Relay; Tiny jockeys and ponies race for the chance to win The Shetland Grand National

CHRISTMAS CHEER The Olympia Horse Show is widely known as “The Best Equestrian Christmas Party.” Taking place during the third week of December each year, the show’s atmosphere is certainly one of holiday cheer.

Festive music, decorations, special Christmas-themed competitions, the champagne bar and the show’s fabulous Shopping Village all make Olympia the perfect place to kick off your Christmas holiday.

Each evening, the show’s program concludes with the Christmas Finale, a Camelot-themed performance complete with knights, jousting and an appearance by Father Christmas himself. Trading in his eight reindeer for a team of gorgeous white horses, Saint Nick leads the crowd in singing Christmas carols, filling each attendee with Christmas cheer.

SAVE THE DATE The crowds that attend Olympia are impressive! The venue, which can accommodate 9,500 spectators each day, was completely sold out in 2015. Riders – especially those competing for the United Kingdom – love Olympia’s passionate, buzzing crowd. English rider Ben Mayer named Olympia, “the best show in the world,” and went on to say, “The show has been sold out every day. It’s great to see such a big following for the sport!”

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Tickets for the 2016 Olympia Horse Show (December 13–19) will go on sale in late April, so mark your calendar!

LONDON CALLING Did you know that the Olympia Horse Show is located just down the road from where William and Kate live? Olympia is actually named after the venue in which it is held. London’s gorgeous Olympia Conference Center is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea – at the end of Kensington High Street to be exact.

This Central London location makes Olympia one of the best destination horse shows in the world. Book a hotel, explore London’s tourist attractions during the day, dine at Michelin starred restaurants nearby and spend evenings at the show.

Olympia is served by a train and tube station directly outside it’s front doors, as well as several public buses, so taking time to explore the city is a breeze! Take a short ride to browse Kensington Palace, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the British Museum; tour St. Paul’s Cathedral and Dennis Sever’s House; enjoy the festive Christmas trimmings at the Kew Royal Botanical Gardens; and spend some high-end shopping time on Oxford and Regent Street.

French trainer Jean Francois Pignon’s liberty performance with a herd of 11 horses was breathtaking! Petit Coeur, Pignon’s Shetland Pony almost stole the show. Actually, she totally stole the show!

A BRITISH TRADITION 2015 marked the Olympia Horse Show’s 44th anniversary. The show has become such a tradition amongst those who travel into the city from the English countryside that Hastings Diesels offers a special “Olympia Express Charter” route on their antique trains each year.

And those who cannot make it to the show can follow it live on BBC Two, one of the UK’s largest television networks.

While Olympia boasts competitors from 16 nations, the show has also become an annual destination for generations of UK competitors in particular. England’s most famous equestrian family, the Whitakers, have been competing and enjoying success at Olympia for decades. Brothers John and Michael Whitaker, John’s son Robert Whitaker and his cousin William Whitaker, all competed in 2015.

ENTERTAINMENT Jean-Francois Pignon’s breathtakingly beautiful liberty performance heralded the start of each evening’s program. Pignon, a French horse trainer, author and actor, performs with eleven horses ranging in size from a Shetland pony to an Andalusian stallion. Without the use of any tack, Pignon directs the herd through an impressive series of synchronized movements and tricks.

Next to enter the arena were the tiny Shetland Pony Grand National jockeys and their mounts. These miniature teams traveled from as far away as the Shetland Isles to race at Olympia. True to tradition, each race began with a paddock parade after which the jockeys were given a leg up by their grooms and led to the starting line. Always a crowd pleaser, the competition was fierce!

The evening’s pre-show entertainment concluded with a very special demonstration by the Household Cavalry. The Household Cavalry has served as bodyguards to the sovereign for over three centuries.

The musical ride they performed for the Olympia crowd was executed just as it would have been when it was first conceived in 1882, with horses and riders dressed in the livery reserved for state events.

IMPECCABLE FOOTING Creating 1.60m+ courses that are a perfect balance of challenging and safe in a tight indoor venue is always a difficult task for course designers. Bernardo Costa Cabral, Olympia’s FEI Level 4 course designer, praised the show’s extraordinary Martin Collins Enterprises footing. Seventeen competitors – he was aiming for twelve– made it into the Longines FEI World Cup Show Jumping jump-off without a slip, instilling confidence in the riders, and eliciting praise from both riders and announcers.

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Opposite (top to bottom, L-R): Oliver Tuff and Show Me Again, winners of the H&M Mistletoe Mini Stakes. “She is a great pony,” Oliver announced as he received his award; Hans-Dieter Dreher and Colore competing in The Olympia Grand Prix; Hannah Barker and Balllybur Oh Jessie competing in the H&M Mistletoe Mini Stakes; Jur Vrieling and the gorgeous VDL Zirocco Blue N.O.P. competing in The Olympia Grand Prix; This Page: View of the lower level of the Olympia Shopping Village; Stevenson Brother’s Rocking Horses, one of the Shopping Village vendors. The gorgeous rocking horses are hand crafted just an hour outside of London.

YOUNG RISING STARS The next generation of Britain’s great show jumpers really has a chance to shine in Olympia’s ‘Mini Major’ and ‘Mini Stakes’ competitions for riders aged 12 or younger. The H&M Mistletoe Mini Stakes, featuring a 1.15m course, was truly impressive. Tiny ponies and equally tiny riders flew around the Bernardo Costa Cabral designed course, conquering difficult combinations just as well as the big horses had in the day’s earlier Longines FEI World Cup Show Jumping competition. The crowd adored these classes, holding its collective breath over each jump, laughing at particularly naughty or feisty ponies, and erupting into applause after each clear round.

Olympia hosts heritage breed classes, a number of smaller show jumping classes, and Kennel Club Dog agility and jumping classes.

SHOPPING VILLAGE For those who prefer to do their shopping inside the venue, Olympia’s impressive Shopping Village covers two stories and features fashion, artwork, tack, gifts, and riding apparel, from over 230 vendors.

Show-goers are able to finish any last minute Christmas shopping – and do quite a bit of shopping for themselves – between classes.

VARIETY OF COMPETITION

A much loved and enthusiastically anticipated event, the Olympia Horse Show deserves a place on the bucket list of horse lovers the world over!

Riders and spectators alike love Olympia’s varied program, with its diverse list of classes. The Show opens with two days of Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage competitions, followed by FEI World Cup Driving, Longines FEI World Cup Show Jumping, and The Olympia Grand Prix. Interspersed between these prestigious competitions,

For information regarding the 2016 Olympia Horse show, visit OlympiaHorseShow.com january/february ·

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HISTORYofstyle

by Laurie Berglie

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History of the

Riding Helmet “Every Ride, Every Time.” That’s the motto most of us equestrians live by when it comes to our helmets. Keeping our noggins safe is our number one priority, but that wasn’t always the case. When riding headwear was first introduced two centuries ago, it served one main purpose – fashion.

A variety of hats emerged in the 1800s: the top hat and the bowler hat. Foxhunters were fond of wearing these out in the field because they exuded style and class. The top hat, also known as the high hat, silk hat, or chimney pot or stove pipe hat, was invented in 1797. Sometimes called the “topper,” this hat is tall with a flat crown and broad brim. While foxhunters no longer ride to hounds displaying such finery, the top hat is still worn by advanced level dressage riders.

The bowler hat, also known as the bob hat, billycock, and most notably, the derby hat, was invented in 1849. With a hard felt shell and a rounded crown, the bowler hat was originally created for the British soldier and politician, Edward Coke. Shortly after the end of the Victorian Era, it became popular in the United Kingdom with middle and upper class equestrians because it looked tasteful and would not blow off easily while riding.

Opposite: “Helen Buchanan,” 1912, from the Harris & Ewing Collection, courtesy of the Library of Congress, Reproduction # LC-DIG-hec-00773; This Page: Top: “Washington Horse Show,” 1914, the National Photo Company, courtesy of the Library of Congress, Reproduction #LC-DIG-npcc-27870, Bottom: “England’s Oldest Hunt, being chapters of the history of the Bilsdale, Farndale and Sinnington Hunts,” 1907, Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine, Wikimedia Commons

In 1911, Charles Owen began manufacturing cork helmets in London for the military. By 1928, the cork helmet was being covered with a hard exterior and became the first motorcycle helmet. Ten years later, Owen developed its first racing helmet, and the equestrian world was changed forever.

However, these initial helmets lacked the safety features that we have today. These caps were typically just hard plastic shells covered in fabric, and they did not have chin straps for security. They were, however, still fashionable. Sleek and refined, these caps were covered in black (and sometimes brown) velvet or velveteen and were the final piece of an equestrian’s stately riding habit.

Not just fashionable pieces, helmets are used as communication tools too. Have you ever wondered about the significance of the ribbon on the back of your helmet? These ribbons were strategically placed pointing up or down in order to communicate with riders while out foxhunting. The Masters and other professional staff signify their positions by turning their ribbons to point down.

Amateur staff and other members of the field should have their ribbons pointing up. While out in the hustle and bustle of the field, a quick glance at the back of a hunt cap will let you know the ranking of the foxhunters riding alongside.

By the latter half of the twentieth century, those who partook of the more dangerous riding disciplines, such as show jumping and racing, were beginning to be required to wear headgear that also served a protective function. In 1986, the United States Pony Club asked the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) to develop a helmet for equestrians. The first ASTM/SEI certified helmet was developed in 1990.

Today, while helmets are mainly worn for safety, we equestrians also want to make a statement in the show ring. While the traditional black velvet or velveteen helmet is still prevalent, the “skunk helmet,” a recent creation, is gaining in popularity in the hunter/jumper world. These helmets have a smooth finish, a slightly textured plastic shell, and an attractive ventilation strip down the center, giving rise to its nickname.” Less conservative by design, these helmets make a statement, allowing riders to display some individuality in the show ring for the first time ever. Some even adhere bright, colorful monogrammed stickers to the back.

It’s a great time to be an equestrian. Our current helmets are safe and fashion forward. We have the luxury of showcasing our distinct personalities, adding some pizazz in the show ring, all while knowing that our heads are sitting pretty, safe and sound.

L-R: “Annual Washington horse show opens at the riding and hunt club. Mary Parker Corning, daughter of Parker Corning, congressman from New York, with her two entries ‘Joy’ and ‘Red’,” 1909, National Photo Company Collection, courtesy of the Library of Congress, Reproduction # LC-USZ62-97714; “Miss Elen Rasmussen,” 1911, from the Harris & Ewing Collection, courtesy of the Library of Congress, Reproduction # LC-DIG-hec-00243

L-R: “Ann Boney Taylor, seated on her horse Anadarko, mountains in background, Colorado,” 1967, Toni Frissell photographer, courtesy of the Library of Congress, Reproduction #LC-DIG-ds-01003; “Snowman, Harry del Leyer up, takes a jump in the opening event of the Garden Horse Show today, the Open Jumper,” World Telegram & Sun photo by Wm. C. Greene, 1962, courtesy of the Library of Congress, Reproduction #LC-DIG-Ds-04377; Bertram Allen and Quiet Easy at the 2015 Longines Masters of Los Angeles, photo © McCool; Equitation Riders TJ O’Mara, Katherine Strauss, Lucy Delauliers and Ally Worthington at Old Salem Farm in 2015, photo © Lindsay Brock/Jennifer Wood Media january/february ·

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HORSEcorner

by Winter Hoffman

CAVALIER ROYALE TRANSMISSION GINA XIV

COR DE LA BRYÉRE LIGUSTRA DIAMOND SERPENT UNKNOWN

legend Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. A dedicated show jumper, Sheika Latifa is an Ambassador of the international humanitarian outreach organization Just World International.

Marion’s dream is to clone Transmission so that future generations of riders can benefit from his rarified skill and exceptional attitude.

Bred and trained in Kilkenny, Ireland, by Marion Hughes, Transmission won the Seamus Hughes Memorial Trophy in Ireland as an outstanding four-year-old, before he crossed the channel to achieve great success with British Olympian Nick Skelton.

Transmission O

n January 8, 2016, my wonderful and talented show jumper Transmission, whom I care for in his dotage, traveled to the extraordinary South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas (home of the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Las Vegas in November) to receive the California Professional Horseman’s Association ‘Equine Lifetime Achievement Hall of Fame Award.’

As the 2015 honoree, he joins the legendary Robinson, Double Take, Petrus, Glen Eagle, Amadeus, Y2K, Flexible, and Rumba in an elite cadre of equine superstars.

Bred and trained in Kilkenny, Ireland, by Marion Hughes, Transmission won the Seamus Hughes Memorial Trophy in Ireland as an outstanding four-year-old, before he crossed the channel to achieve great success with British Olympian Nick Skelton. Later purchased by Meadowgrove Farm in Los Angeles (Dick Carmin, Susie Schroer, and Francie Steinwedell) for talented young rider Richard Neal, Transmission went on to a great career stateside in Florida and California. The duo quickly qualified for the developing rider traveling team where they continued to top the ribbons in Europe before returning victorious to the States.

Currently partnered with Miguel Bravo, Marion Hughes now trains Sheika Latifa Al Maktoum, daughter of Godolphin Stables’ racing

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Recapping the historical timeline, Gina (by Diamond Serpent), the dam of Transmission, was sold by Seamus Hughes (Marion’s dad) to the eminent Swiss horseman Max Hauri. Amongst the esteemed group of horses trained by Max and Seamus were Special Envoy and Loro Piana Vivaldi, ridden by Nelson Pessoa; and Jessica, ridden by Heidi Hauri Robianni to a bronze medal at the LA Olympics.

Max returned the mare to Seamus when she was retired, and her first and only foal, by Cavalier Royale, was Transmission.

Gina was scheduled to be bred back to Cavalier Royale, who was standing at Williamstown Stud. While being loaded onto the van with Transmission by her side, Gina had a fatal accident.

Transmission, now an orphan, relied on humans for his survival, and in so doing developed a close bond and a delightful attitude towards both riders and barn staff. This wonderful demeanor persists to this day, making him beloved of all, and eminently deserving of this special award.

Thank you to the CPHA for singling him out; and thank you to riders Richard Neal, Marion Hughes, Nick Skelton, Mitch Endicott, Julie Welles, Laura Kraut, Leslie Howard, and Victoria Cohen for being a part of Transmission’s life. I have the great privilege, through my daughter Zazou Hoffman, an assistant trainer at Meadowgrove Farm, of being the current owner and caretaker of this exceptionally joyful and still talented show jumper.

This Page: Nick Skelton and Transmission winning the 2009 $25,000 Fidelity Investments 1.50m Classic at the Winter Equestrian Festival, photo © Randi Muster Photography; Opposite: Transmission with owner Winter Hoffman

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OUT&about WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW - WASHINGTON, D.C.

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1. Harrie Smolders and Emerald celebrate a $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, victory 2.

Top three in the WIHS Equitation Finals, presented by SAP, Victoria Colvin, Madison Goetzmann and Hunter Holloway 3. Horses star in this selfie by Washington DC locals 4. A nursery school outing on the streets of DC meets Nicole Bellissimo’s Harley David 5. Kaitlin Campbell and Artani 2 star in the Gambler’s Choice Costume Class as “African Pharoah”

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3. WIHS fans experience the puissance wall 7. Nicola Philippaerts meets with press after his third-place finish in the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC Photos Š Lindsay Brock/Jump Media

ASKdr.carrie

Q: A:

I am an equitation/medal rider approaching my last junior year. I have high hopes to compete in all of the national medal finals. If I were to focus on one thing every time I go in the ring, what would you recommend?

Riding complicated tracks requires multi layers of focus and each layer requires present-moment awareness. If you have a practice that supports your brain to be present under pressure, you will have access to all of the tools you have honed for your entire junior career at any given moment. This concept is also referred to as “mindfulness” and is most reachable by taking time daily to sit in quietude, disconnecting from narrative thought and focusing on your natural breathing patterns.

When the brain is trained to be in the here and now in a relaxed atmosphere, the heightened focus necessary in the show ring comes easily. Additionally, when

Q:

riding and jumping courses, the mind has to transfer seamlessly between intuitive feeling and narrative thinking. Contrary to popular belief, the brain is unable to multi-task or pay attention to many things at the same time. However, the brain can be trained to flow between paying attention to the specifics of a track or a plan, and feeling where you are in time and space while being connected to your horse’s stride.

The real trick to this is committing to sit in silence every day to train the brain. Personally, I spend 5-10 minutes every morning soon after I wake up on this task. I am sure that it works because when I skip my morning practice, my attention in lessons is noticeably less crisp. Try it and let me know how it goes!

I am an older amateur rider with an accomplished 1.45 horse that is still young and game to jump the big jumps. I ended the season with a solid round in the 1.20s and really hope to build from there next season. How do I sustain the confidence I had at the end of the season, through the off-season and into the New Year?

A:

Sustaining confidence in and out of the show ring requires designing and committing to an overall selfcare practice that supports your mind and body to have the strength and focus needed, rather than focusing on the emotion you felt after completing that 1.20 class. This practice can include sitting in quietude as I described in the question above, as well as generally living your life like an athlete.

Fill your menu with the foods your body thrives on most, eat regular meals, and an early, light dinner.

Cross train with cardio and stretching so your body has the strength and flexibility necessary to feel strong on a horse. Commit to an ‘early to bed and early to rise’ routine, as aligning your sleep cycles with the natural light creates energy. Spend time

heightening awareness of all your senses, especially when you are outdoors as this will sharpen your ability to sense what your mount senses, thereby creating an aligned partnership.

All of these practices will help you sustain and grow your confidence. This level of self-care communicates confidence to your mind and body and will pay off in spades when under pressure. Confidence and physical prowess present in many ways, and what you closed last season with, will likely shift into something new as you grow. There is courage and confidence in all aspects of the training and showing journey. Keep your mind broad so you can come to know the elements necessary for your personal version of sustained confidence to emerge.

If you would like to ask a question for this column or ask about a complimentary Performance Strategy session, please contact Carrie.

Carrie Wicks, Ph.D. |

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carrie@carriewicks.com

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OUT&about HITS NATIONAL SUNSHINE SERIES – THERMAL, CA

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1. McLain Ward and Rothchild on their way to a $100,000 Coachella Valley Classic win 2. Erica and Penelope Rickard 3. Patrolling the showgrounds 4. Lane Clark and Semira De Saulieu in the $30,000 SmartPak Grand Prix 5. All smiles at National Sunshine Series!

6. Nicole Peterson and Fast Flo float across the ground Photos © ESI Photography

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Photo credit : Elise Genest

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7. Lucy Davis and Barron win the $350,000 Sunshine Grand Prix FEI CSI-5* 8. Hide-and-go-seek in the desert palms

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BARNenvy

by Rebecca Walton

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hen building a new equestrian business with top young horses, it’s important to have the right facility. In 2015, Katherine Gallagher and Michael Meller were searching for a short-term base for their new business, E2 Show Jumpers. With just four horses competing in the United States last winter, the team was looking for a lease, but when the opportunity to purchase “Mei Lun,” a stunning equestrian facility in the highly sought after Grand Prix Village of Wellington, Florida, presented itself, they were tempted to change their plans.

When Gallagher and Meller first saw this special property, they decided not to wait another year to buy a new farm, as Mei Lun was too perfect to pass up.

With its European aesthetic and castleinspired architectural design from the outside; and gates that lead to a luxurious stable, the property at Mei Lun is uniquely elegant and exquisitely ideal. The twenty-stall barn is divided into two sections, with a tack room that has individualized lockers for each horse. From the stall windows, the horses can gaze serenely out at their individual turnouts, the grass jumping field and a jumper ring with all new footing beyond.

Inside the barn, just past the fully equipped kitchen and lounge, a spiral staircase leads to the groom’s suite, which includes a bedroom and an office.

The facility provides a welcoming place to entertain friends and clients. E2 has already hosted several superb gatherings, in addition to offering complete amenities for the horses.

Founded in 2014, E2 Show Jumpers is a global operation, with top young

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show jumping prospects based in the United States and Europe. This season, a total of sixteen horses will be competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival under the E2 Show Jumpers banner. Meller, known for his keen eye, with his European partner Dan Walsh, hand selected each horse for its potential to go on to win at the top level of the sport. Such a large group of young talent is rarely seen in the United States. With a super end to their fall tour, E2 Show Jumpers Robin De Ponthual, and rider Peter Lutz, won the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Las Vegas; they are ready to jump into the 2016 season.

In surroundings fit for kings, the horses receive top-notch care and training as they prepare to make their U.S. debut during the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival. Mei Lun is an ideal home for E2 Show Jumpers.

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by Sarah Appel

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The Palisades provide a scenic backdrop for the Gateway Canyons resort. 路 january/february

Gateway Canyons G A T E W AY, C O L O R A D O EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED As a lover of travel and horses, when I was invited to Gateway Canyons in western Colorado, I eagerly accepted. John Hendricks, founder of the Discovery Channel, has built a visionary luxury resort at the center of five canyons. Providing a breathtaking backdrop for the luxury resort are the picturesque Palisades, which seem almost too beautiful to be real, and offer an endless opportunity for adventure selfies. I can confirm however, after driving a UTV to the top of one of the Mesas, that they are in fact the real deal!

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MI CASITA, SU CASITA Upon arrival, and after I had finally stopped taking photos of the alluring scenery, I was taken to my private casita, where I was greeted by a blue door with a brass knocker in the shape of a sun. Once inside I was instantly infatuated with the design. The rich color pallet of reds and blues in bold patterns struck a perfect balance with the rustic wood barn doors. It is truly a design masterpiece and without question, the most luxurious and well designed accommodations I have ever had the pleasure to stay in. I quickly learned that this was a standard at Gateway Canyons; details are never missed.

plenty of turbulence, there was something peaceful about the whole experience. Perhaps it was because we were the only people on the trail, or maybe it was the vibrations at our feet as we made our way up the side of the Mesa. The UTV turned out to be just a taste of the adventures awaiting. A private helicopter tour, luxury car rentals, customized adventures, all were available to explore one of Colorado’s richest areas. If you’re like me and need some time to re-coup from an adventure-packed day, the Spa was far and away one of the best parts of the trip. Like the rest of the resort, it was elegantly decorated, and the treatments were sublime.

A LA CARTE ADVENTURE One of the most unique features of Gateway Canyons is the wide variety of adventures available to guests. The resort was nearly at capacity the week of my stay, yet I felt as though I had been handed the keys to my own private Colorado oasis.

CURATOR OF CURIOSITY As I began to get a peek into the culture of Gateway Canyons, it was no surprise that they have one of the most interesting people in the world on staff: Zebulon Miracle, whose official title is the ‘Curator of Curiosity.’ The mission of the Curator of Curiosity is to enable guests and visitors to see, hear, and experience first hand, the

We started our day off in UTVs; taking turns driving, we climbed to the top of one of the mesas. While the rocky terrain provided

Opposite: The vibrant blue, welcoming doors that lead to the individual casitas; This Page: Gateway Canyons’ horses turned out in large multi-acre pastures, photo by Sarah Appel, The Gateway Stables staff are professional and friendly led by head wrangler, Ross Bronson (left).

The resort was nearly at capacity the week of my stay, yet I felt as though I had been handed the keys to my own private Colorado oasis.

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natural and man-made wonders of western Colorado. Mr. Miracle, ‘Zeb,’ illuminated the experiences which included a tour of the auto museum, an off-resort excursion to see dinosaur tracks, and probably my most favorite, his story about how the stars fell into the sky, a Navajo legend involving a mischievous coyote. Zeb exemplified the passion and knowledge that was apparent in all of the Gateway Canyons staff.

HORSE HEAVEN Of course it was thrilling to ride in a helicopter, and extremely tranquil at the spa, but like any horse girl, I really wanted to get to the barn. My first outing with the horses was a trail ride with our group to a Cowboy Cookout. The lead wrangler instantly spotted me as the rider in the group; it was either my natural way around the horses, or my head-to-toe Ariat ensemble, complete with cowboy boots! After all, it’s not often that someone from the Hunter/Jumper world gets to trade paddock boots for boots with embroidered flowers and pointed toes.

After the initial ride, I was invited back to the ranch the next day to go on a three-hour trail ride with the head wrangler, Ross. The stables were just down the road from the resort and had a very similar feeling of calm and beauty. The horses mostly roam on acres of grass fields, with brief stays in the barn. Everything about the experience was truly amazing. The horses were well cared for, the trails were breathtaking, and the wranglers were true horsemen.

My only regret is that I didn’t have another day to enjoy more of the horses and trails.

I’ve been fortunate to travel quite a bit in my life, and there are few places across the world that have become engraved into my fondest memories. Gateway Canyons has been added to that list, and I can’t wait to go back and share the magic of Colorado with my friends and family.

LEARN MORE AT:

GatewayCanyons.com Photos courtesy of Gateway Canyons unless otherwise noted.

This Page: Sarah Appel outfitted in Ariat headed out on the trail; The beautiful, rustic gate leading to Gateway Canyons’ stables; Opposite: Between the ears

...like any horse girl, I really wanted to get to the barn.

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OUT&about USHJA ANNUAL MEETING – HILTON BONNET CREEK, ORLANDO, FLORIDA

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1. The crowd at the annual Evening of Equestrians 2. Enjoying the reception; Roy & Denise Perry with Betty & Ernie Oare 3. Karen Healey & Fred Bauer 4. Presenting the 2015 President’s Distinguished Service Award Winners: Charlie Moorcroft, Bill Schaub, Summer Stoffel, Carl Weeden, Pat Boyle, Sally Ike, Diane Carney, Larry & Marnye Langer, John Bahret, Cheryl Rubenstein, Lori Cramer, Geoff Teall and Mary Babick 5. USHJA President Bill Moroney along with Marla Holt present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Richard Watson. When accepting he explained that he was a Polo player, but one of his students wanted to jump. “I said, ‘OK just run down there and he’ll jump it.’ But the horse stopped. When she looked at me, I said, ‘You have to ask him.’ And she said, ‘But what do I say?’ And I’ve spent the last 60 years trying to answer that question.” 6. Mary Babick, Adele Einhorn and Chuck Mayer Photos © Tricia Booker/USHJA

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RETAILspotlight

by Sarah Appel

Farmyard Darlings Country Chic at its Best

At the end of November 2010, Kim Berry and Carole Sinclair – cowgirls at heart – left their corporate jobs and combined their retail business and marketing skills to form a company devoted to repurposing vintage wares and creating one-of-a-kind custom furniture pieces from reclaimed wood.

Both Berry and Sinclair are Lafayette, California residents, but despite the fact that neither grew up on dusty roads, both have a fond attachment to rural, ranch-style living, and anything horsey. They successfully capture that sensibility with the products and services that they offer. january/february ·

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n an interview with Horse & Style, Berry and Sinclair told us that first and foremost, everything they do is based on a sense of partnership. Both grew up riding, and they know that if your horse didn’t respect you as a partner, no bond is possible. Their successful business relationship is based on a mutual respect for each other – just like that between a horse and rider.

Horse & Style: What was the inspiration for starting Farmyard Darlings?

Farmyard Darlings: We’re cowgirls at heart, and we wanted to

incorporate our cowgirl smarts, country sass, and city class to create a viable business that would blend these talents.

H&S: Who are the Farmyard Darlings?

FD: Kim Berry and Carole Sinclair, a small team of two with big

ideas and endless energy. Both Lafayette residents, Berry is a San Francisco/East Bay native, and Sinclair is originally from La Jolla in Southern California. Expert sleuths in unearthing farmilicious finds, they are also skilled in designing custom furniture from reclaimed wood.

H&S: What is the most exciting thing about owning and running Farmyard Darlings?

FD: Besides having an exceptional repeat customer base and being able to incorporate our love of horses into our brand, it would have to be the opportunity to create successful new products (i.e. elk

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Top: Farmyard Darlings founders Carole Sinclair and Kim Berry; Below: Farmyard Darlings Wooden Stars

antler wood boxes, cowhide handbags, cowhide iPhone holders for the saddle, cowhide flasks to fit into saddlebags, cowhide keychains, horse silhouette pillows, etc.), and the ability to be hands-on with our custom furniture made from reclaimed wood.

H&S: How did you come up with the name?

FD: We were flipping through vintage cloth children’s books

from the 1940s, and we came across one with images of adorable farmyard baby animals. We both thought the farmyard babies were just so ‘Darling!’ It was an ‘Ah hah’ moment; we looked at each other and commented simultaneously, “Farmyard Darlings would be a great name for our company!”

H&S: What has been your greatest challenge, and how have you overcome it?

FD: One of the many challenges has been to work with

artists who ‘steal’ our designs and use our brand for their individual success. But one thing we’ve learned from

horses is that they never forget anything! Their memory is nearly infallible, but also like horses, we FORGIVE.

H&S: What is the definition of a Farmyard Darling?

FD: Children often ask us, “What’s a ‘Farmyard Darling’?” We answer, “A Farmyard Darling is someone who has the courage to follow the dustier path, knowing there will be falls; and the spunk to get up, brush yourself off, and get going again.”

H&S: How did Farmyard Darlings start?

FD: It all started because we are both creative souls and

collectors at heart, and we design our worlds to fill this innate need of creating something from basically nothing. We quickly learned that our talent and our country chic aesthetics appealed to many folks, and we began offering to visit people’s homes where we were allowed to arrange once forgotten pieces (i.e. old ladders, frames, vintage photographs, saddles, miscellaneous tack, etc.) with girlish glee and reckless abandon.

We also wanted to sell some of our farmilicious finds and vintage treasures that we had collected over the years. We sent out an email to our pals as a sort of Beta test about what

Clockwise from top-left: burlap sack; Farmyard Darlings Burlap Horse Shopping Totes; Farmyard Darlings mirror and chicken feeder lights

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This Page (Top to Bottom): Farmyard Darlings Table; Farmyard Darlings Barn Door, Farmyard Darlings ‘Never Spur a Willing Horse’ Framed Sign; Opposite: Carole and Kim seated at a Farmyard Darlings Custom Conference Table

loot they were looking for, and their price range. The first few months we gathered a lot of ‘purchasing knowledge’ and realized that there was a great demand for finding vintage treasures, assisting with interior design projects, doing house visits, and creating custom furniture.

H&S: What are your plans for the future of Farmyard Darlings?

FD: We anticipate a continued, steady financial growth, more

H&S: What makes customers love Farmyard Darlings?

FD: There are several things. Farmyard Darlings specializes in

H&S: What is your history with horses?

Kim: I grew up trying to ride anything that wasn’t tied down. I

items with a farmyard flair. Working with several local furniture artisans, we have our own product line of custom furniture (i.e. benches, farm tables, coffee tables, swings, barn doors, arbors, barn wood bars, mantels, etc.). We provide services that aren’t necessarily available with other shops: we will assist with country themed events (i.e. weddings, birthdays, etc.), stage houses prior to a sale, conduct house visits, and rent our products. And we give back to the community by donating to local schools and participating in non-profit events.

H&S: Since its inception, how has the business grown?

FD: We’ve grown in many ways. In the beginning we had guest

vendors to fill the space in the shop. Now all Farmyard Darlings products are curated, created, and/or designed by us. We started with one (borrowed) truck, and we now have four trucks and a trailer. Our mailing list has grown exponentially year after year; it’s now over 5,000. Our monthly gross sales and customer attendance numbers have increased month over month. At the beginning we were only selling vintage items from the shop, but we now offer custom barn wood furniture, rent our loot for birthdays and special events, and conduct design ‘get ‘er done’ house visits. In 2015, we sold above and beyond our expectations of custom farm tables, benches, chalkboards, American flags, and barn doors, grossing more in December than in any month since our inception. We have a coffee table book, we did a pitch/sizzle reel for TV networks and have heard back (stay tuned), and we have a website.

H&S: What other services does Farmyard Darlings provide?

FD: We work with stagers, realtors, designers, event planners, and individuals who want custom furniture built and/or rented.

With our popular house visit service called ‘GET ‘ER DONE,’ we will add a little bit of farmilicious flair to any style home.

relationships with vendors and customers, increased media attention, and a continuing demand for custom furniture.

would make bridles out of rope and jump on any horse. I had no real background; I just knew that I loved them. Horses trusted me because I trusted them. Obviously, they are good judges of character!

Now I’m a trail rider extraordinaire and ride 5-7 times a week. And I will still get on just about any horse!

Carole: I grew up riding English (mostly Hunters and eventually Jumpers) and being around horses because it was the only thing that was important to me. I dreamt of riding, and my parents were supportive because they realized that this just might be something that would keep me out of trouble during my teenage years. (It did.)

Now I’m really loving Cowboy Dressage clinics and trail riding.

Anything to learn something new while connecting with my horse!

H&S: How have horses inspired your store?

FD: Everything that we are and do has been somehow related to

horses and what they taught us from childhood into adulthood. They have given us the confidence to move forward, trust our instincts, keep alert, forgive, but most importantly, to be a good partner.

If you love the rural ranch-style aesthetic, all things horsey, and authentic country chic, that and more can be found at:

Farmyard Darlings Furniture 3295 Mt. Diablo Boulevard Lafayette, California 94549

Farmyard Darlings Mercantile & Gifts 20 Lafayette Circle in downtown Lafayette

WWW.FARMYARDDARLINGS.COM

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BEHINDthelens

Curyl Kimerlee

Loving everything ‘horse’ from the moment she could breathe, the unfolding of Kimerlee’s life makes perfect sense. The Hollywood dream moved her west from Minnesota but it was the heart of a horse that changed everything. Having worked on both sides of the camera, Kimerlee has the natural ability of capturing emotion.

She delivers imagery that is unique, dramatic and evocative. With a style that is uniquely her own, she has traveled the globe capturing the essence and spirit of stunning horses.

Her work reflects passion, purpose, and is fused with environmental consciousness. She has become a small voice for those who don’t have one – our remaining wild Mustangs. We built this land by holding onto their manes and riding the spirit of their hearts. We can honor that gift by being their voice. These magnificent creatures are a living, breathing history museum, a vital element in our heritage and our humanity.

To lose them would be a tragically irresponsible disrespect to our past, present, and future.

Kimerlee’s hope is to inspire others to appreciate the beauty of these creatures, and to take an interest in helping to preserve their place on this land.

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OUT&about CP NATIONAL HORSE SHOW - LEXINGTON, KY

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1. Stephanie Danhakl grins after winning two classes, earning the A/O 18–35 Championship with the gorgeous Golden Rule 2. As Leading Jumper Rider, Kent Farrington drove away from the CP National Horse Show in a luxurious Audi Q7 from Audi of Lexington 3. McKayla Langmeier wins the 2015 ASPCA Maclay Medal Final thirty-two years after her mother, Linda Kossick Langmeier 4. A fairy princess at a horse show! 5. Beezie Madden and Breitling LS in fine style 6. Karen Polle sails through the air aboard With Wings 7. Show Jumping Hall of Fame President George Morris and National Horse Show President Mason Phelps present Daisy Farish of Versailles, KY 1st place in the SJHF East Coast standings 8. L–R: Tom Davidson, Alex Crown, Reed Kessler (still dressed as Snow White from the Accumulator Class), Rob Gray, Teddy Vlock and Amber Henter Photos © Phelps Media Group

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55075 MONROE ST., LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA. Exquisitely built, this 4+ Acre Manicured, Equestrian Estate is one of a kind.

Offered at $3,999,000. Call me for your personal Viewing today.

Two 20 Acre Farms Coachella/$90,000/acre

10 Acre Date Farm with House/Thermal/$899,000

10 Acres/2 Barns/Mobile/ Thermal/$899,000

20 Acres/Near HITS/Barn Mobile/$1,500,000 MEET KIM KELLY

SEARCH ALL PROPERTIES HERE

Somewhere between work and home

T H E R E ’ S A P L A C E W H E R E YO U C A N C R E AT E H A P P I N E S S It’s a place where you’re welcome any day of the week, a place you can escape to on the weekend, and a place that simply takes your breath away.

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