STYLE RIDER by Sarah Appel
Priscilla Trees
A familiar face on the NorCal A-circuit, freelance rider Priscilla Trees feels blessed to have had the good fortune to pair up with high quality hunters that have helped her make a name for herself in recent years. Trees assists the barns of Northern Run and Avalon both at their home bases and at shows, keeping her calendar busy with a rotating schedule. With several derby wins and the Timeless Hunter Award at the 2011 Menlo Charity Horse Show under her belt, Trees is on the right track to continue building her resume while competing against seasoned professionals in the hunter ring. As she relates to H&S, her style is on the right track as well; simple, elegant, and with just the right amound of flash. Horse & Style: Describe your riding style. Priscilla Trees: Simple, traditional and classic with a few pops of color or pattern. H&S: What is your head to toe riding outfit? PT: My favorite piece of riding apparel are my Casa de las Botas tall boots. I had them custom fitted in Argentina while on my honeymoon. Ariat Pro Circuits are my go-to breeches. They have a classic fit and are incredibly comfortable. I tend to lean towards traditional collared button-down shirts for my day to day riding, and I really like Essex Cool Max and Cheval shirts for the shows. They are very breathable, which is a necessity when you are showing all day. All my show coats are by Grand Prix. They have beautiful fabric options, fit great and are more traditional than a lot of other brands that I like. And of course sunscreen! H&S: Do you wear any pieces of jewelry or clothing for good luck? PT: Yes, I always wear a diamond heart necklace that my grandfather gave to my grandmother, my mother and I in Holland. It’s really special to me and always brings me luck! I also have lucky show shirts and coats.
H&S: What are your favorite equestrian brands? PT: Ariat for their clothing, and Equisport for their horse products. H&S: How would you describe your non-horse show style? PT: I consider my style to be pretty classic. I tend to favor skinny jeans, ballet flats, and light weight clothing. H&S: What has been your biggest accomplishment as a professional rider? PT: It was a dream come true for me to be able to transition into the open hunter ring with success this last year. I was USEF reserve champion in the Green Conformation division last year on Diamond River, and I moved up into the Regular Conformation Division this year and was champion at Thermal, and champion both weeks at the Woodside Horse Show. I’m incredibly thankful to Cindy Brooks for giving me the opportunity to ride such a talented horse, and for helping me become a more polished professional. H&S: What are your riding goals for the future? PT: I hope to have continued success in the open hunter divisions, and I would love to do some more riding in the jumper ring as well! H&S: If you weren’t a professional rider, what would your dream profession be? PT: I love working on my farm in Petaluma, taking care of my livestock and producing cheeses. I also board a group of retired horses, which I really enjoy. It’s nice to continue to give them a great life after the hard work they put in for their riders. I have a huge passion for California native landscaping and have designed and planted my own garden and hedgerows, which will hopefully appear one day as part of the Sonoma Garden Tour. Top: The stylish Trees poses with an equine friend. Left: Trees and Diamond River compete in the hunter ring at Woodside
JUNE | JULY
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