World Equestrian Center Magazine April 2019

Quality. Class. Distinction.

Quality. Class. Distinction.

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April 2019

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April 2019

Riding is an Art

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April 2019

WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER

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WEC Summer I 5/22 – 5/26 C Hunter Level 3 Jumper

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April 2019

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April 2019

Contents 5

Welcome to WEC

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Stable Spotlight

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featuring Milestone Equestrian

by Emily Papa

24 Hours in the Life of Barbie Coleman as told to Emily Papa

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Equine Sales

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Junior Rider Focus

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Pampered Pooches at World Equestrian Center

Photo: Andrew Ryback

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featuring Matthew Burtard

by Candace FitzGerald

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The Kristi Raukis Story: An Extraordinary Gift

by Candace FitzGerald

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10 Reasons to Love the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

by Candace FitzGerald

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Horse Show Dad

In Praise of the Beginner Ring

by Chad Oldfather

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The Tech Equestrian

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Equestrian Style

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Hot Properties

Photo: The Scout Guide Columbus

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StableGuard™: The AI Enabled Equine Safety Solution

by Juliana Chapman

Emma Kurtz: The Perfect Combination of Style & Substance

by Candace FitzGerald

Real estate available now at Golden Ocala

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Photo: Andrew Ryback

Cover Photo: Andrew April 2019 3 Ryback

Sarah’s work features hand carved and printed Equestrian artwork. A unique take on traditional printing, this custom artwork is modern yet classic.

CONTACT: sarahlockwoodtaylor.com sarahlockwoodtaylor@icloud.com 513-872-9016 4

April 2019

Facebook: sarahlockwoodtaylorartist Twitter: @SLockwoodtaylor Instagram: @Sarahlockwoodtaylor

WELCOME TO WEC elcome to the Spring 2019 issue of the World Equestrian Center Magazine. Spring is a time of renewal and hope and this issue reflects that beautifully. From the colorful cover, to the inspirational stories of passionate horse people who have pursued and achieved their dreams, the April issue is alive with possibilities. If you can dream it, you can do it!

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Photo: Andrew Ryback

As this issue went to press, the talented artist Kristi Rauckis left Ohio to embark on a new Charismatic pony rider Matthew chapter of her life. She packed up and headed Burtard, hero of our Jr. Rider West to Sedona, Arizona, and the next phase Focus, is a terrific young rider and of her creative journey. We will miss her Photo: Tim Brown a budding entrepreneur. bright smile and infectious laugh, but we’ll cherish her ‘4 Horses’ mural, and the piece of Our Equestrian Style article follows the Junior career of her heart that she left behind at World Equestrian Center.

Emma Kurtz, an exceptional rider who made her dreams a reality with a combination of talent, hard work and Our 24 Hours features the self-described #girlboss Barbie determination.

Coleman, owner of Urban Sundry and Equestrian Sundry.

Barbie is a horsewoman and entrepreneur whose vision We bring you a fun list of ‘Ten Reasons to Love Golden for a ‘tiny store’ on wheels has come to fruition in the most Ocala’ and we think you’ll agree that it looks like heaven for vibrant way. With humor and a bit of sass, she takes us equestrians and their horses. through a day in her life that includes riding, working and caring for a bevy of Corgi’s.

New features this month include a focus on horse show dogs and the many amenities for them at WEC, as well as In this issue’s Stable Spotlight, we tour Kensley Farm, Home a Horse Show Dad feature that shares a unique perspective of Milestone Equestrian and meet a team committed to on being a supportive parent in the horse show world. creating a top equestrian facility and a place to share their passion for riding and competing.

We hope you enjoy the issue – and the longer days and warmer weather of Spring.

The Tech Equestrian column introduces us to Alexa Anthony, Founder and CEO of Magic AI Corp. and Stable God bless, Guard, an innovative digital monitoring and alert system that is transforming horse safety.

The Roberts Family

Quality. Class. Distinction.

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For Editorial: Candace FitzGerald | candace.fitzgerald@wec.net For Advertising: Erin McMurry | erin.mcmurry@wec.net

April 2019

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Stable

We take a moment to shine the spotlight on a featured Barn or Stable to learn a bit about their business, their philosophy, and just hear their story ...

Photos courtesy of Ken and Lesley Arnold

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April 2019

ensley Farm,

by Emily Papa

Home of Milestone Equestrian

Rocky J. enjoys his daily turnout time in one of the many lush pastures.

I love coming out here and seeing other people enjoying it.”

Wrendition, aka “Wren”

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ust a short drive from Cincinnati, Ohio sits 65 acres of dream-turnedreality. A true passion project for owners Ken and Lesley Arnold, Quality. Class. Distinction.

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and trainer Aubrey Sears, Kensley Farm is a horse haven.

Lesley Arnold began taking riding lessons in 2006 after a lifetime of loving horses and persuading family to go on trail rides on vacations.

Five years later she and her husband

Ken, an avid life-long equestrian, owned three horses and were looking for a new farm to board them, so she scheduled a lesson with Aubrey Sears to check out her barn. At the time, Aubrey’s clients were leasing space at a farm in Cincinnati.

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Lesley Arnold and Zuzu’s Petals take the Champion title in 2016.

We don’t have anyone here that isn’t supportive of someone else.”

Ten minutes into her lesson, Lesley knew Aubrey was the trainer for her.

Aubrey Sears and Lesley Arnold love going to horse shows together.

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Aubrey had never planned on owning her own business. She began teaching lessons at a farm in the Cincinnati area. She grew a client base and planned to stay on

that path until things went awry at the farm. “I was left with 15-20 customers. I didn’t own a truck, I didn’t own a trailer, I didn’t know the first thing about owning a business,” says Aubrey. She was lucky enough to find space at another farm, so Aubrey brought her clients, set up shop and

Stable Spotlight: Kensley Farm, Home of Milestone Equestrian

started her business, Milestone Equestrian. It wasn’t long after that Lesley and Ken found their way to Aubrey’s program.

Things were going well until the owner of the farm let Aubrey know that she would be putting the farm up for sale. Aubrey was, again, left

without knowing what she would do with her clients. It was then that Lesley and Ken knew that they had to do something. “We loved Aubrey.

We wanted to set up a situation with her that would be more permanent and benefit us as well. It just so happened that this piece of property came up for sale around

the same time. It was a 65 acre soybean field. It wasn’t really something we planned, it just happened. I had always dreamed of having my own farm, it just didn’t seem like it was possible.

Aubrey has changed my life, really.

It opened up a whole world of possibility,” explains Lesley.

It is clear that the horses come first, and that safety is a priority. It is no secret that, for those that own a horse, there’s no better peace of mind than knowing that the best and safest options are the ones being chosen for the farm.”

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So the dream began in a parking lot after riding lessons where Lesley and Aubrey would chat about what they each wanted for the farm. “We would have our late night after-lesson meetings in the parking lot about our future farm that

EXCEPTIONAL ATHLETES NEED TOP NOTCH CARE. THAT’S WHAT WE DO.

The monthly “clinic day” is something all look forward to.

2015 SW 16th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32608 April 2019 10352-392-2229

Penny loves hanging out at the farm.

Stable Spotlight: Kensley Farm, Home of Milestone Equestrian

we were going to have, and I remember us saying, ‘You draw what you want and I’ll draw what I want, and we’ll bring it tomorrow.’

And we literally drew almost the same picture. It all originated off of that one plan,” Aubrey recalls.

While Lesley and Aubrey

Ken and Lesley Arnold enjoy Quality. Class. Distinction. some time at the farm.

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functioned as the architects, Jen Nadalin of The Nadalin Company, Inc. was hired as the general contractor and Jen’s brother, Jeff Nadalin, of JANCO was the site engineer. The barn was built by John Miller’s company, 83 Construction.

The barn features 25 stalls,

with the majority measuring 12’ x 12’, and a few oversized stalls measuring 12’ x 14’ and 12’ x 16’. The entire barn has radiant floor heating that runs under the concrete, keeping the barn warm in the winter months.

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Rocky J and Lesley Arnold show at World Equestrian Center with trainer Aubrey Sears.

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Stable Spotlight

Ken Arnold and Zuzu’s Petals compete in the Adult Hunters in 2016.

Photo: Third Shutter from the Sun

Wrendition enjoys an afternoon snooze.

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We are so blessed to have the best clients The barn features a large tack room, a viewing room with a kitchenette and full bathroom, an office for Aubrey and Lesley, a laundry room, a second half bath and a full apartment so that the horses have someone on site and in the barn with them 24/7.

The indoor arena was extremely important to Lesley. She wanted an indoor big enough to comfortably hold group lessons, so the indoor area is oversized, measuring 100’ x 200’. The roof is even 16’ high at its lowest point, adding to the roomy feel of the arena. Multiple windows allow natural light to flood the arena, bringing the outside feel inside during the cold months or during inclement weather.

The outdoor arena is 120’ x 240’

and has a large, covered pavilion for viewing and relaxing.

It was a major priority that the horses have year-round turnout, so seven all weather paddocks were placed throughout the property. The property also features more than 30 acres of grass pasture, as well as a 10 acre open riding field. The entire property has perimeter fencing, and the paddocks are placed in from the perimeter fence so that a wide trail leads around the whole perimeter of the property for hacking.

Kensley Farm, the new home of Aubrey’s business, Milestone Equestrian, opened in June of 2017, and Lesley describes it as the dream she hoped it would be, “It’s Ken and my shared dream. I love coming out here and seeing other people enjoying it. I love horses, but I also love horse people.”

“We are so blessed to have the best clients,” Aubrey notes, “They end up being family. I spend more time with my barn family than I do with my biological family. It becomes more than a business relationship.

It’s a great, fun group of adults and April 2019

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Stable Spotlight: Kensley Farm, Home of Milestone Equestrian

teens. People are competitive. We show about two weeks per month.

They have goals that they work toward, but I think the fun of it is that it’s not so high pressured.

People root each other on. Clients make sure to stay throughout the show day to cheer on the next person that goes in the ring. We don’t have anyone here that isn’t supportive of someone else.”

The uniqueness in Kensley Farm lies in the true family atmosphere that fills the barn. From the boarders

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to the staff, everyone is there to support one another and help each other achieve their goals. This theme is highlighted in the monthly “clinic day” where everyone from the barn is invited to join in on one collective group lesson. The lesson can last for a few hours, with everyone riding together and learning from one another. After the lesson, everyone gathers for a potluck lunch.

This feeling of warmth and care extends to the horses as well. Lesley and Ken are known for staying on top of everything at the facility.

They are both diligent about maintenance and getting things done the right way and the safe way. It is clear that the horses come first, and that safety is a priority. It is no secret that, for those that own a horse, there’s no better peace of mind than knowing that the best and safest options are the ones being chosen for the farm.

The horses are king at Kensley Farm, and Lesley is sure to note a joint project of her and Aubrey’s named Wrendition, or Wren for short.

“Aubrey said, ‘I want to get a really

At Roberts Centre 123 Gano Rd. Wilmington,OH 45177 April 2019 14 937.283.3201

Wrendition and Aubrey Sears have come a long way since Aubrey and Lesley got him as a two and a half year old.

Photo: Josh Winslow

young one and bring it along,’ so we went to a farm in Indiana that breeds Hanovarians and that’s where we met little baby Wren. He was just two and a half years old. We ended up getting him as a joint project and he’s been a joint project ever since.

He’s now almost eight. He’s been a fun one for sure,” Lesley grins.

Aubrey notes with heartfelt sincerity that she feels extremely lucky to be a part of the farm, “I wake up a lot of mornings and think, ‘How did I end up here and what did I do to deserve the Arnolds and this farm?’ ” Lesley is quick to remind her that her work ethic and pure talent are more than deserving of it all.

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April 2019

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Photo: Tim Brown

Photo: Tim Brown

Photo: Tim Brown

CORGI LOVER,

Photo: Josh Winslow

LIFE-LONG EQUESTRIAN, SELF-PROCLAIMED CITY GIRL ...

as told to Emily Papa Photo: Andrew Ryback

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April 2019

Photo: Tim Brown

I’M QUITE A SIGHT WITH MY CORGIS IN TOW; ALL OF THE NEIGHBORS KNOW ME.

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Photo: Tim Brown

Photo: Tim Brown

Corgi lover, life-long equestrian and self-proclaimed city girl, Columbus, Ohio-based Barbie Coleman has put a whimsical twist to the town and country lifestyle with her company, Urban Sundry Ltd. Her tiny store brands: Urban Sundry and Equestrian Sundry offer gift and home for both the downtown and equestrian lifestyle.

In 2017, Barbie launched her tiny store retail concept as a true reflection of her life from a pony kid to a corporate executive to a small business owner. She’s curated an eclectic collection of gift and home products for the modern equestrian.

She blended high and low in her product assortment that features casually chic items with a touch of elegance and whimsy, with a dash of humor and sarcasm.

Quality. Class. Distinction.

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We asked Barbie to take us through a day in her life and share what makes her tick.

7:30 am When I wake up I do that thing you’re not supposed to do: I get on my phone and into the black hole of Instagram. I have three accounts to manage, the two brands and my personal one, so I usually do that

because I don’t like to wake my husband up. When you live with three Corgis in your house, once you’re up, everybody’s up. If I can, I jump on the elliptical for 30-45 minutes and catch up on my shows on Netflix or whatever tweet storm I may have missed. Then I get the Corgis ready to go on their walk. In the winter time, I walk them dressed in my pajamas, down coat and Ugg boots. I’m quite a sight with my April 2019

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Barbie with her horse Claire and her mobile tiny store.

Photo: The Scout Guide Columbus

Photo: Josh Winslow

I have a smoothie corgis in tow; all of the neighbors know me.

9:00 am When we get back from our Corgi walkabout, I make sure everybody is fed and medicated. For breakfast,

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or overnight oatmeal. There’s this food delivery company called Daily Harvest that supplies organic frozen smoothie ingredients to your door. It sounds a little boujee, but it’s the only way I can really get some good grab-ngo nutrients, because I’m not a big

green vegetable person. I also have to have my Starbucks Venti Soy Latte. I’ve been drinking the same Starbucks drink for 15 years! I’m a go-with-what-you-know gal for sure!

9:30 am From Friday-Sunday I’m typically at horse shows with my mobile

24 Hours in the Life of Barbie Coleman

...SHE KEEPS ME BALANCED SO I DON’T LET THE BUSINESS CONSUME EVERY WAKING THOUGHT.

rig in the summer and in Vendor Village in the winter, so I take Monday-Thursday to ride. In the Summer I ride in the morning and during colder months I like to ride in the afternoon. I keep my horse, a dark bay Warmblood mare named Claire, at Willow Way Farm in Johnstown, OH about 30 minutes from downtown Columbus.

Quality. Class. Distinction.

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Photo: Josh Winslow

10:00 am

Claire and I spend a lot of time together. She keeps me balanced so I don’t let the business consume every waking thought. I bought her about nine years ago now, she’s as sassy as she is salty with a big, bossy mare personality and she’s always in your pocket looking for treats. That said, she’s as honest as the day is long and I trust her implicitly. She’ll jump anything from anywhere, even when I’m seeing the flyer. When I feel overwhelmed and need to rebalance myself and my priorities, I go out

to the barn and I just stick my nose in her neck and take a big whiff.

It’s amazing the effect that it has.

I’ve been riding since I was about six. It’s always been part of who I am for my entire life. Although I took a twenty year hiatus from the show ring, I always had a horse and always made it to the barn. It’s as natural as blinking to me.

12:00 pm I run all of my errands on my way home from the barn. If I have to ship online orders, I hit the post office and UPS, or if I have to go to Target or Whole Foods, that’s when

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24 Hours in the Life

I go. I am the girl you see in the supermarket in her riding clothes.

1:30 pm Lunch is a bit boring, I eat the same lunch almost every day: Thomas’ Multigrain English Muffin with half of an avocado spread on top, sprinkled with Trader Joe’s Everything Bagel Seasoning, topped off with an over easy egg. I drink a camel’s amount of water throughout the day, and snack on almonds and Craisins to satisfy my sweet tooth. Goldfish crackers are a weakness. I can crush a bag in one sitting. Sweets are my Achilles heel, Haribo Gummi Raspberries & Blackberries are my favorite, as well as Jeni’s Ice

I AM THE GIRL YOU SEE IN THE SUPERMARKET IN HER RIDING CLOTHES. 20

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Barbie gets plenty of help in the office from her Corgi assistants.

Photo: Tim Brown

Cream, which is made in Columbus, Ohio. The Brambleberry Crisp and Salty Caramel flavors are my favorites.

2:00 pm After lunch, more work. I meet with reps, fulfill online orders, source new products and restock existing customer favorites. I pay invoices, check stock and do inventory, post on social media, tweak my event schedule, follow-up with vendors and all the other stuff it takes to run a small retail business.

5:30 pm I usually get home a little before dinnertime. I let the dogs out again, and if there are any other orders I’ve gotten online, I start working on

that. In the summertime sometimes my husband and I will get on our bikes and we’ll ride to a restaurant or bar in downtown Columbus.

Since I’m away most weekends with the business we try and do “date night” on Tuesdays. We’re super spoiled in Columbus with the restaurant scene that we have. Our favorites are...

continued on page 22

HOW I BECAME THE

“CRAZY CORGI LADY ” I said I would never become:

Photo: Tim Brown

bought my first Corgi from a breeder in my midsadly lost to cancer last year. She was twenties when I lived in our first foster fail. Then somebody Palm Beach, Florida. She found this partially blind Corgi puppy. was the love of my life; the O.G. The rescue called me and I said, “I’ll just Corgi. Her registered name was foster her.” We found the perfect family EB April Fools Hudson. Born on the for her, but then my husband and I first of April, we called her “Hudson” decided we couldn’t let her go. So we which was the town I grew up in, adopted Sadie. Now we only transport in Ohio. As she got older I couldn’t dogs for Corgi rescue because I clearly bear the thought of coming home to can’t be trusted as a foster family. an empty house after she passed…

Our house is full-on chaos filled with so I got a spare. I worked with Ohio Corgis and Corgi hair, but I wouldn’t Valley Pembroke Corgi Club Rescue have it any other way. Whenever I start Division and rescued Stubby who was to get “puppy fever” my husband tells a stray in Indianapolis. Then, when me to take an Advil, no more corgis. we thought we were going to lose Hudson, we adopted Percy. Then things got a little out of control.

Photo: Tim Brown I got very entrenched with the rescue organization, and I would transport dogs for them. They got in a bind and didn’t have a foster for a dog I had picked up at the shelter for them, so I said, “Okay I’ll foster one.” So that brought us “I drive a Volvo with a license plate that says Corgi Greta, a tri-color Corgi who we Bus, because that’s what it is, a bus full of Corgis.”

Photo: Tim Brown

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Photo: Tim Brown

Barbie’s

24 Hours in the Life of Barbie Coleman

...Veritas, Lindey’s and The Pearl or neighborhood favorites like South Village Grille or Local Cantina.

8:00 pm Sometimes after dinner I go home and finish more work, or if it’s nice out we go for a walk with the dogs, and on more than one occasion,

I’m an avid gardener. I love to garden, and I like to do that in the evenings before the sun sets on my day. I think it’s very soothing getting dirty. There’s something extremely satisfying in pulling weeds as there is in clipping a horse: making things better, cleaner and prettier.

9:30 pm

we’ll walk down to one of the bars in our neighborhood and have a cocktail. My favorite cocktail is a Hendrick’s Gin and Tonic with a cucumber muddled in it.

Sometimes it’s just a glass of wine.

I like Sauvignon Blanc from the Sancerre region in France. It’s fruity and a little dry, just like me.

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I like to wind down with TV. I love the escape of another story. I’m currently watching A Million Little Things, Friends from College, Designated Survivor and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Although, I’m a sucker for a good stand-up comedy special on Netflix!

Must-Haves: Skin Care Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% Crème De La Mer Moisturizing Cream RevitaBrow

Hair Care Mason Pearson Hair Brush Davines MOMO shampoo & conditioner Brazilian Blowout Dry Oil

Equestrian Apparel Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunter Mid Rise Side Zip Breeches Tailored Sportsman, Style Stock or Oughton Limited belt Ariat Monaco Tall Boots Samsheild Premium Helmet Roeckl Gloves Horse Pilot San Soleil & Tailored Sportsman Sun Shirts

11:00 I try to go to bed by 11, but if my guys Jimmy Fallon, Trevor Noah or Bill Maher are on, I like to watch them. Late night comedy is the best. A good giggle before bed helps me clear my mind for good dreams.

24 Hours in the Life of Barbie Coleman

About Urban Sundry and Equestrian Sundry

Fashion

Both Urban Sundry and Equestrian Sundry are an absolute reflection of Stubbs & Wootton Slipper Shoes me. My personality is all throughout Mother Denim the store. There’s a little bit of style Barbour and a lot of whimsy with a little Rag & Bone splash of irreverence, Silver Oak Farm Embroidered and I think shirts and sweaters that’s who I Burberry am. I describe it this way: Urban Sundry Store Brands and Equestrian Knock Knock Sundry providesMini Britches gift and home Sigikids for the town and Alexa Pulitzer country lifestyle.

Sugarboo & Co. I definitely curate Melissa & Doug to the horse Equestrian Wellness world, and the Paper Pony Co urban side is Erin Kate Photography a reflection of Dryads Dancing my downtown lifestyle. Although, even when I’m doing Urban Sundry events, there is always that one horse girl or an interior designer looking for some equestrian style. As much as the store is a reflection of me, the name and the brand is all me. I’m a horse girl through and through, I love to ride with sun on my face and the distinct smell of all things horsey, but I Blundstone

live downtown and I love the energy of a city neighborhood.

As for the brand identity, I’ve always been a fan of orange. I love the color. I love what it represents. It’s playful, it’s friendly, the color of animal welfare and homage to my luxury brand crush, Hermés. In contrast, charcoal is classic and sophisticated, so I think merging the two really worked with the aesthetic of the brand and the products we offer.

THERE’S A LITTLE BIT OF STYLE AND A LOT OF WHIMSY WITH A LITTLE SPLASH OF IRREVERENCE, AND I THINK THAT’S WHO I AM.

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When I looked to build the product assortment for the store, I started with brands that I’ve loved for a long time. A lot of the brands I have in the store are brands you’ll find in my home. Most of my buying happens at AmericasMart in Atlanta twice a year. And what I really love is working with other equestrian inspired small businesses. Many of my makers are riders too! There is a April 2019

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24 Hours

how do I marry two things I love: horses and shopping? I talked about it forever and finally opened the store about two years ago. All of my friends and family said, “It’s about time!” My only regret? I wish I had done it sooner! I’m having a blast!

pretty amazing Equestrian She-Boss community out there. I’ve also curated a collection of “Giddy Up” and “Whoa” products exclusively designed for me. I think those are good life lessons, because sometimes you have to Giddy Up and go for it, and sometimes you have to Whoa and wait for it to come to you.

Owning my own store is something I’ve always wanted to do. So when I self-selected out of the corporate world, I knew it was time. I know it’s a little cliché, but it’s the truth.

When I started, I thought,

Photo: Tim Brown

A Personal Note

Barbie From

to World Equestrian Center

Photos: Andrew Ryback

owe a lot of the growth of my business to the World Equestrian Center. The team is so supportive and a lot of fun to work with, and although I’m taking a break from showing, I love that I can still be in the middle of it and spend time with so many of my friends and make lots of new ones. I came to World Equestrian Center first with

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my tiny store in February of 2017, and now I have a permanent space in Vendor Village. I will always look on the history of my store and see World Equestrian Center as an integral part of the success of my business. I feel fortunate to be here, it has certainly accelerated the growth of my customer base from all over the country.

The Equestrian Sundry storefront in Vendor Village holds plenty of special finds. Photo: Andrew Ryback

V o l t a i r e D e s i g n . c o m Quality. Class. Distinction.

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equine SALES 24 Hours in the Life of The Fischetti Brothers

Soul Seeker 519.591.2456

Stratford, ON equitate2@rogers.com

Thoroughbred Sex Age Hands G 13 16.3

$25,000

Exceptional 3’ Hunter. Pins well over fences and under saddle. Qualified for RAWF in 2017 and 2018. “Sully” would excel in the 3’ Children’s or Adult divisions with an experienced, solid rider. He competes regularly in the 3’ TB Classics and steps out of the ring in the top ribbons every time. Sully loads, ships quietly, clips, and cross ties well.

Luminous

Versailles, KY

859.489.0481 rivermountainfarm@gmail.com

Bay Warmblood Sex Age Hands G 15 16.2

$18,000 for lease only

“Lux” is handsome, sweet, forgiving, and very quiet. His former jobs have been everything from Grand Prix to Large Junior Hunter, Big Eq, Children’s and Intermediate Adult Hunter. He takes a lot of leg and minimal prep.

Gideon

Versailles, KY

859.489.0481 rivermountainfarm@gmail.com

KWPN Sex Age G 18

Hands 16.3

$20,000 for lease only

Gil is a been there done that horse through the Grand Prix level. He loves his job and is extremely competitive in the Novice to Children’s/Adult Jumpers. Gil has no quirks, is quick, brave, and scopey.

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April 2019

Midshipman

Versailles, KY

859.489.0481 rivermountainfarm@gmail.com

Westphalian Bay Sex Age Hands G 10 16.1

$100,000

“Levato” is a Jr/AO or Child/Ad Hunter who will double as an Eq horse. He is straightforward to the jumps, has a great jump, and is a hack winner. He is lovely to work around, good with other horses, and loves attention. Lease option available.

Pocket Change

Holly, MI

248.431.4710 huntingtonridgefarm@comcast.net

Pony Sex Age M 13

$45,000 Hands 13.2

Pixie is a big bodied medium pony.

She is extremely easy and comfortable for kids to learn on. She is capable of doing walk/trot to the Medium Pony Division. Quiet, great mover, and easy lead changes. Sound without shoes. No vices. Lease for $10,000-$20,000 or purchase for $30,000-$45,000.

A Walk to Remember Holly, MI 248.431.4710 huntingtonridgefarm@comcast.net

Oldenburg Sex Age Hands G 11 16.2

$35,000

Milo is a beautiful dark bay gelding with chrome. Nicely uphill with an easy canter stride for adults or children. Great jump, good mover, and easy lead change.

No spook. No vices. Lease for $15,000 per year or purchase for under $35,000.

Mr. Blue Sky

Holly, MI

248.431.4710 huntingtonridgefarm@comcast.net

Breed Sex Age G 9

Hands 16.3

Inquire for sale price

Pony Inquire for Sex Age Hands sale price G 9 14.2 Mel is a beautiful Cremello pony that was just imported in 2018. He has a great jump, big stride, and easy lead change. Mel is very sweet and easy to live with. Green but a definite Pony Finals contender! Mid 5 figures.

List………………Check Horses into Shows………………Search………………Buy………………Sell……………

……

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www.SalesPaddock.com

April 2019

27

Send Ride Alerts……………Save Favorites

Share Listings……………Chat with Sellers...….

Holly, MI

248.431.4710 huntingtonridgefarm@comcast.net

Max is a recent import ready to do the 3’6 equitation or hunters. He is straightforward, has an auto change and balanced counter canter. Easy enough to do 3’ with a novice. He has a comfortable, uphill canter with an adjustable stride.

No spook or stop. High 5 figures or lease available.

…………...…

Mellow Yellow

With an entrepreneurial spirit and charisma to spare, this pony jockey

always lights up the ring with his best girl Jenni...

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Photo: Third Shutter from the Sun

ck

o

ot Ph

a Ryb rew d n s: A

WEC WEC MB WEC MB WEC MB

What age are you?

MB

11 Grade in school?

WEC MB

5th

How long have you been riding?

I’ve always had a pony, but I got more serious at age 7 when I started to earned $0.25 a jump and started horse showing.

What is your favorite part about riding?

Riding with no saddle!

Favorite subject?

Math

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Photo: Andrew Ryback

Photo: Third Shutter from the Sun

Photo: Andrew Ryback

Photo: Andrew Ryback

WEC EB

WEC 30

Tell us a bit about the ponies you ride. Do you have a favorite?

I’m currently riding my favorite, Jennifer Grey or “Jenni”. She is a grey small pony hunter.

Her favorite food is Nerds candy. She is so adorable.

EB WEC EB WEC

Mom leased my other 2 ponies “The Bees Knees” and “Stonewall Stratus “ because that is what she does ;)

EB

I’m hopefully going to ride Jenni’s sister, Jane Brucker, this year in the Childrens or green ponies... she is a medium version of Jenni.

WEC

What are things that you like to do outside of riding?

April 2019

EB

Selling socks, Legos, Minecraft Favorite foods?

Sushi (cucumber rolls) and Teriyaki chicken.

Do you have any pets besides ponies?

A Corgi named Slick and a Black Labrador named Dakota. We also have chickens, but they don’t have names.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A train engineer

Burtard

Matthew Matthew Burtard is the 9-year-old son of pony trainer and owner of Stonewall Farm, Emily Elek Burtard.

Spunky and free-spirited, Matthew has ventured into the equine world under the guidance of his mother, where he races around the children’s and regular pony hunters.

Matthew was born with profound hearing loss in both ears, which Elek and her husband were notified of at his newborn hearing check. Upon receiving coverage from their insurance, Matthew got cochlear implants done in each ear, but they haven’t been completely successful for him. Unlike the popular Facebook videos when a baby hears for the first time and smiles, Matthew instead cried.

“We have struggled with the cochlears because if he doesn’t want to do something, or if he doesn’t want to listen to you, those cochlears come off. [His] eyes are closed, and so you can’t sign at him.” Despite both implants working, Matthew only chooses to wear the right side, when he wears them at all.

Because of his difficulty with cochlear implants, Matthew often relies upon sign language to communicate.

At school, he is in a mainstream

Quality. Class. Distinction.

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Published in classroom, but attends a class twice a week for speech and language, as well as meeting with a specialized teacher. Additionally, in the middle of the past school year, Matthew got a sign language interpreter in his classroom, which has allowed him to stay focused for longer, and has also taught him new signs, which he then teaches to his parents.

Photo: Andrew Ryback

Thanks to his mother’s business, Matthew and his brother have always had ponies to ride. When he was little, Matthew had a Shetland pony called Spot, which he could handle by himself, making him comfortable with horses at an early age. In the past year, Matthew has gotten more serious about riding, after taking a break due to a fall when he was six.

“I decided to bribe him,” laughed Emily. “I told him I’d give him a quarter if he jumped the jump. He jumped a jump and then a gymnastics, and then expected a dollar. So, that’s how I got him jumping!”

Because of his spitfire personality, combined with his hearing loss, Elek is careful about his riding at horse shows. She tries to find a quiet warm up ring, where they spend a short amount of time getting ready, and then sends him into the ring in hopes that he actually knows his course. Additionally, Matthew only recently started doing flat classes. Elek has not gone about getting permission to communicate electronically with Matthew, and so he must rely on watching what others are doing instead of hearing the announcer.

In 2017, Matthew attended his first USEF Pony Finals, where he successfully competed in the Small Pony Hunter division on Jennifer Grey. To his and his family’s delight, he was awarded a Betsy Fishback Sportsmanship Ribbon and his pony won the Best Turned Out Pony for the Small Division. Matthew is a well known character at the horse shows, loved and amused by all.

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April 2019

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April 2019

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PAMPER Photo: Tracy Emmanuel

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April 2019

Photo: Andrew Ryback

RED

T

here’s no doubt that dogs are part of the family at World Equestrian

Center. From our dog friendly Cabin Village and Home Away from Home accommodations, to the free bowls and treats at Registration check-in, we want our furry friends to feel the love as soon as they arrive on site.

POOCHES

Photo: Tracy Emmanuel

Quality. Class. Distinction.

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World at Equestrian Center

by Candace FitzGerald

April 2019

35

Left page photos: Tracy Emmanuel Right page photos: Andrew Ryback

After all, it’s not just horses that get to compete at World Equestrian Center, our monthly post-Grand Prix dog races and costume contests add a level of fun competition for dogs and their humans too!

But perhaps our best canine amenity of all is our NEW Shaggy Chic Pet Parlor featuring the innovative iClean Dog Wash. This high tech, car washtype canine cleaner allows the user to select a number of "washes" for their dog including a shampoo, a flea wash and conditioner. There is even a blow dryer so that your pooch can get a styling at the end of the cycle!

selection of languages from which to choose. The video screen uses short videos to show the user exactly how to use the dog wash.

The Shaggy Chic Pet Parlor features a touch screen that provides users with countless options including a large

The iClean Dog Wash includes many safety features, including clips to hook to a dog's collar so that the dog cannot

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April 2019

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April 2019

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Photo: Andrew Ryback Pampered Pooches at WEC

jump out of the dog wash. The dog wash is at a comfortable height for washing, so smaller dogs can be lifted in and heavier dogs can just hop in.

The system is entirely self-serve as the machine accepts credit cards, as well as exact amount of cash and coins. Clean towels are provided for use at the Shaggy Chic Pet Parlor and dog treats are compliments of World Equestrian Center!

Find the Shaggy Chic Pet Parlor next to Dark Horse Coffee Co. in the Vendor Village.

Photo: Andrew Ryback

Photo: Third Shutter from the Sun

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April 2019

Photos: Tracy Emmanuel

TRIBUTE PRODUCTS

are available for purchase at the

WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER Quality. Class. Distinction.

â„¢

April 2019

39

THE

STORY

KRISTI RAUCKIS

40 April 2019

Photo: Andrew Ryback

by Candace FitzGerald

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April 2019

41

It

is December 12, 2018 and the normally bustling World Equestrian Center is dark and quiet.

There is not one horse on the property. The officials, starters, announcers and jump crew have gone home for the holidays. There is no music in the arenas and no announcements over the PA system. Both the Paddock Club and the International Café are closed and no lights shine in the shops of the Vendor Village or A Sudden Impulse boutique. The huge indoor arenas and barns sit empty, awaiting the start of the 2019 show season.

But as 2018 draws to a close, there is one person still at World Equestrian Center, working from dawn ‘til dusk. It is a young woman who is working tirelessly on a gift for the entire World Equestrian Center family to share.

That woman is Kristi Rauckis, a 25 year old, self-taught equestrian artist, driven by a lifelong passion

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April 2019

As 2019 marked her third year as an artist in residence at World Equestrian Center, she felt it was time to give back.

The World Equestrian Center was the place where she had established herself as an artist and grown her business, and to her, the atmosphere of support had enabled her to grow creatively as well.

Kristi and WEC manager Brandon Saxton at the unveiling of ‘4 Horses.‘ Photo: Andrew Ryback

for horses. Her gift is a spectacular 115’ x 20’ mural called ‘4 Horses’ that will grace the far end of the Sanctuary arena for all to enjoy.

In November 2018, Rauckis had approached World Equestrian Center with the idea for the mural.

With only two weeks to complete the work, Rauckis worked tirelessly each day climbing into a boom lift, and hoisting herself 25 – 40 feet off the ground to paint the massive ‘canvas’ with broad, sweeping brush strokes.

Her brushes were huge, the kind you might see being used by professional house painters.

Photos: Andrew Ryback

‘‘

‘‘

... 11 Gallons of Exterior House Paint In 15 Different Base Colors.

To create the mural, she used more than 11 gallons of exterior house paint in 15 different base colors.

During the process, she mixed paints to make additional colors.

Finished just after Christmas, the dramatic mural was unveiled during the first week of the 2019 show season to accolades.

4 Horses The finished mural, named ‘4 Horses’ is a colorful celebration of equine athleticism.

Some horses depicted in the massive mural are jumping towards the viewer, while others are galloping free and all are captured in dynamic, free-flowing movement. The chestnut jumper with the brilliant white blaze at the center of the piece is a favorite of the artist recognizable as Bugatti, a fabulous jumper who recently won the Longines World Cup™ qualifier at Sacramento with Wilhelm Genn.

Quality. Class. Distinction.

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... A colorful celebration of equine athleticism.

We sat down with Kristi to learn a bit more about the reason behind the gift, the process she used to create the mural and about the artist herself.

With her flowing blonde hair and dancing blue eyes, she is lightness personified - bright and engaging with an effervescent personality. Her smile is contagious and she is quick to laugh.

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The Kristi Rauckis Story: An Extraordinary Gift

What’s your philosophy?

My motto is “The world is my canvas and my life is my masterpiece.”

I feel like it’s fun to play around and see what the possibilities are. I play a lot – in my life. I really believe that if you’re doing what you love and coming from your heart, then great things just happen.

The world is my canvas and my life is my masterpiece.

Tell us a bit about your background – were you always artistic?

Yes, I was always the artistic person in my grade at school. Early on my Dad noticed that my brain worked differently than others – for example, by age 7 I was drawing compositions that other children my age would not have done. So he really identified that there was something different there when I was young.

Did you go to art school?

I grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan, and have lived there my whole life. I’ve only taken high school art classes. I did not go to college.

After high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do.

But I told myself that I did not want art to be my job because I thought that I’d start to hate it. I was terrified

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April 2019

of going into debt – that was something I did not want to do, so I took a year after high school to ride horses and figure out what I wanted to do.

I started to play around with paint and people started asking me for things, and so it started that way.

...It’s fun to play around and see what the possibilities are.

The Kristi Rauckis Story: An Extraordinary Gift

Junior Rider Clinics

LEARN EARN

Horsemanship Skills CREDITS

for Showing

at

WEC

Portrait of Izzy Beisel and Weebiscuit, 2018 Devon Champions.

Do you ride?

I am a third generation horsewoman. My Grandma rode until she was 75 and my Mom grew up riding. I started riding when I was 6. I had a pony and did schooling shows, but I didn’t have the money to do anything more until I graduated from high school. After I graduated I had one more Junior year to do the equitation thing. I also groomed a lot at horse shows to supplement my income.

Photos courtesy Andrew Ryback Photography

Every Saturday at 7:30 am during WEC shows.

Register for Cadets on horseshowing.com, enter class 2000.

For more information email: Erin.McMurry@wec.net

Quality. Class. Distinction.

®

Quality. Class. Distinction.

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Wilmington, Ohio • www.wec.net •

April 2019

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The Kristi Rauckis Story: An Extraordinary Gift

If you’re doing what you love and coming from your heart, then great things just happen.

So how did you decide to make a living with art?

While I was grooming I’d do pencil drawings (of horses) and sell them. That’s how I began marketing myself through the horse world. In terms of commissions and portraits, a friend paid me to do a 3’x4’ for above her fireplace and that started it all. I’d do one every two months, and it just built on itself to become enough to make a living.

Your work is really soulful – it captures so much expression. What’s your process?

My process has to do with my passion for horses.

I love horses. People would call me Snow White when I was growing up because the animals always flocked to me. It was like a different connection – I could always see them – the horses especially. I feel like I can connect on that level, I feel the love and connection on that level that the people have for their horses. That is most important for me to portray on the canvas so I go meet the horse, take photos and I paint them from the favorite pose from our session. If I cannot take the photos that’s OK, but I really like to meet the horse so I can see their personality.

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April 2019

Kristi painting live at her gallery in the Vendor Village. Her finished works hang in the gallery.

What brought you to World Equestrian Center?

This is my third year here. I had heard a lot about the facility and I had been going to GLEF and there was a lot of talk about it. In 2016, I was trying to decide what to do for the Winter so I thought I’d check it out. Right away it was like family and the atmosphere was amazing, I was totally drawn in.

Her smile is contagious and she is quick to laugh.

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Photos: Andrew Ryback

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April 2019

The 4 Horses mural graces the far end of the Sanctuary arena.

How has WEC influenced your business?

I’ve gotten a lot of really interesting commissions from WEC. I’ve met clients here who are repeat clients and that has been really cool. The atmosphere here is so relaxed and friendly, it helps people create better relationships. There’s a different dynamic here and people are more apt to connect.

What made you think of gifting the mural to WEC? I knew there was something that I wanted to do (in appreciation for WEC), but I wasn’t sure. Also

Quality. Class. Distinction.

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my confidence was not that high then because I was just starting out, but I knew that I wanted to do something. I just felt this drive to want to do something for WEC. I’ve grown so much in the last few years – envisioning larger things, learning how to be able to envision bigger things, act on things and be ok with taking no for an answer. I don’t bring myself down to match my belief at the moment - I am always striving to do things bigger.

My process has to do with my passion for horses.

And is it true that this is your first large-scale mural?

Yes. I did a mural for my high school (9’x12’) near Detroit and April 2019

49

The Kristi Rauckis Story: An Extraordinary Gift

Photo: Andrew Ryback

Photo: Andrew Ryback

Photo: Third Shutter from the Sun

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April 2019

The Kristi Rauckis Story: An Extraordinary Gift

then a horse-themed mural for a nursery, but that’s the extent of my experience. So this one is by far my biggest.

How did you accomplish it?

I created a sketch to get the composition correct and used a projector to help get the image large enough.

The technique I used didn’t require tons of paint because there is a free feeling to the piece, it is not so super detailed on all of it – some of it is faded out.

Congratulations on the completion of 4 Horses! It’s amazing. Are you pleased with how it came out?

I am extremely happy with the way the mural came out, especially because this was a completely new experience for me! Of course, I try to learn as much as I can from every painting I do. So, I definitely see things I would take and improve on for future projects. I’m a perfectionist that way. I love the surprises that happened during the process of painting the mural, for example, the colors and texture that happened along the barrel of Bugatti. I didn’t expect the purples to happen and it was so exciting when that started to appear.

What are people’s reactions to it?

The reactions have been amazing. I especially love the response to the photos that are going around from Andrew Ryback of people showing their horses with the mural in the back. Sometimes the photos are like the horses are jumping with the painting. As Andrew said, ‘‘Life imitating art imitating life imitating art...

Photo: Third Shutter from the Sun Quality. Class. Distinction.

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The Kristi Rauckis Story: An Extraordinary Gift

some crazy photo/painting inception going on here.’’

I loved that. Not to mention, I was totally humbled by the love and support that everyone gave during the ceremony. I’m still overwhelmed with everyone’s kind words about it.

You’ve recently become involved with One Tree Planted. Tell us about that.

I was looking for a company that plants trees, one whose integrity aligned with my own business. In my research, I found One Tree Planted.

They are a non-profit that plants a tree for every dollar donated. They plant the trees during the most prime times to plant, so that the

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April 2019

trees have the most success in growth. I have this big dream to be more of a positive impact and voice for the environment. So I decided to make a small step towards that larger goal by partnering with One Tree Planted. I now plant five trees with every painting sold or commissioned. I hope to increase the amount of trees donated as I go and join them in one of their planting locations to get my hands in the dirt myself!

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SKU

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10 L

Reasons to

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April 2019

ove

Photo: Andrew Ryback

by Candace FitzGerald

The Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club is a private sanctuary nestled in the rolling landscape of Ocala, Florida, Horse Capital of the World.

With its magnificent gated entrance and majestic live oak trees lining the drive of the exquisitely landscaped grounds, Golden Ocala epitomizes the luxurious equestrian lifestyle.

Although it is hard to choose, we’ve curated our top ten reasons to love Golden Ocala.

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10

T

GOLF COURSES

he stunning Ron Garl-designed 18-hole Championship golf course featuring eight holes that recall some of the world’s finest golf courses including Augusta National, Royal Troon, Baltusrol, Muirfield and St. Andrews.

Play a round, take a lesson or hone your skills on the 6-acre short game area, two practice holes and a driving range. Visit the Golf Shop to find the latest trends in golf clubs and stylish attire.

T 56

April 2019

TENNIS ANYONE?

9

he Golden Ocala Tennis Club features six all season Har-Tru Hydro Grid courts, the finest clay surface available for day and night play.

Members have a variety of options for playing tennis from taking lessons, group clinics, USTA, social events, interclubs and tournaments and a highly trained professional staff to create a customized program for you.

8 M

THE SPA

e time. The Spa at Golden Ocala is the ideal setting for luxury living indulgence. The relaxation garden and treatment rooms are designed for pampering and rejuvenation of your body and soul. Enjoy a facial, take advantage of the salon for a new hairstyle, get a mani / pedi or schedule a soothing massage. The Spa at Golden Ocala experience will give new meaning to your Mondays off.

7

HORSE HEAVEN

G

olden Ocala resident members can rent four to eight stall barn suites, featuring a tack room and office space. Ride in the ring with perfect all weather footing or enjoy a hack on maintained trails that meander throughout the rolling hills and among the majestic April 2019oak trees.

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Photos: Andrew Ryback

Photo: The Ganeys

6

5

THE CLUBHOUSE

T

ravel back to a more elegant time. Bask in the stunning architecture and unique equestrian décor of the magnificent 77,000 sq. ft. Golden Ocala Clubhouse. Equestrians will be in their element among the artwork including hunt scenes and the marvelous portrait of ‘Mary and New Castle Poppy 1926’ by Edmund Charles Tarbell, an American Impressionist whose style echoes the great Sir Alfred J. Munnings.

FINE DINING

M

embers can opt for a post spa luncheon by the pool from Café on the Green, drinks and appetizers at Knickers Bar & Grill or elegant fine dining at Raspberries, featuring sumptuous cuisine by Chef Rick Alabaugh.

Don’t forget the amazing wine list.

Photo: Andrew Ryback

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4 Photo: Andrew Ryback

G

WEDDINGS

olden Ocala is the ultimate dream-wedding destination for the equestrian bride. If you’re lucky enough to be among the 25+ weddings the Club hosts each year, we’d recommend the grand staircase and luxurious gardens dotted with horse sculptures as the perfect backdrop for your wedding party photos.

Quality. Class. Distinction.

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April 2019

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FITNESS GOALS

G

3

et motivated to work out in the modern, state of the art Fitness Center at Golden Ocala. You may be training next to your equestrian idols among a champion WCHR rider, a WEG gold medalist and even an Olympian!

2

H

REAL ESTATE

ome to some of the most exquisite real estate in Marion County, from elegant rental homes to custom luxury homes, Golden Ocala is the place to find the home of your equestrian living dreams.

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S

PROXIMITY

tarting in 2021, your nextdoor neighbor will be the World Equestrian Center Ocala, the ultimate equestrian destination and you’ll be just a golf cart ride away!

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April 2019

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WEC / Chagrin Mobile Boutique Coming to a horse show near you!

Photography: Andrew Ryback 62

April 2019

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April 2019

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DAD

HORSE SHOW

by Chad Oldfather Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Professor of Law and Horse Show Dad Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI

Sometimes the secret to being an effective horse parent is just being there.

IN PRAISE OF THE

BEGINNER RING

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April 2019

orse shows, as we all know, involve long days filled with highs, lows, and a tremendous amount of monotony. The phrase “hurry up and wait” may not have been coined by a horse show person, but there are few places where it’s more apt.

H

I’ve still got the all-important checkbook, though. And I just like being there, so I still end up at most shows.

It’s a different experience than it used to be, and not only because my daughters no longer need intensive parenting. The most salient indicator of the passage of time, for me, is my perception of the jumps. It’s easy for me to say, I suppose, since I’m not the one jumping them, but what once looked huge now strikes me as modest. What once looked big now Ada and Cash, at a show in northern Wisconsin. "Cash was the first horse we owned, and the girls shared him at shows for a year." looks small.

There’s lots of time to be killed, and these days that usually means reaching for our phones. There’s always something in that little rectangle to help pass the time. I’m as guilty of the habit as anyone.

At the last horse show I attended I tried out a different way of passing the time. I’m going to recommend

it, especially for those of you who have been at this for a while. It’s this: Walk over to the beginner ring, find a seat, and soak it all in.

I’m at the stage of horse show parenting where I do at least as much looking back as looking ahead. We’ve been at this game for Quality. Class. Distinction.

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thirteen years now. My oldest is mere months away from college, and her younger sisters are only two years behind. Nobody needs me to be their chauffeur anymore. I’m still good for the regular reminder that “you know, you should probably eat something sometime today,” but for the most part my daughters take care of themselves.

But it goes beyond that. It’s been my experience as a parent that I tend to see the world through my children’s eyes, especially when it comes to parts of the world, like its equestrian corners, that are new to me, too. In the beginning the main ring was a foreign land, a “maybe someday” sort of place filled with giant jumps and otherworldly horses.

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These days the big ring is just part of the routine. The other riders, and their horses, tend to be familiar.

Everyone’s been traveling the same path together, and very little is new.

Changes are incremental, and the improvement is, too. Somewhere

along the line we might’ve become a little bit jaded about it all.

If you’re in a similar position, a walk over to the beginner ring might do some good.

...WALK OVER TO THE BEGINNER RING, FIND A SEAT, AND SOAK IT ALL IN.

Because it’s there, in important ways, that the sport takes place in its purest form.

It won’t take you long, sitting there, to see all the things that can go wrong during a trip around a show ring. Stops,

swaps, and bad distances. The wrong lead and the wrong diagonal.

Ponies that just aren’t having it. The pure heartbreak of the occasional young rider who ends up in the dirt and isn’t quite able to hold herself together long enough to make it out of the ring.

But all of this will be punctuated by moments of perfection. Maybe it’s just for a couple lines, maybe it’s for an entire course. You’ll recognize it, though, after all those years you’ve spent watching. The turns

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Energy Pellets of America is also the Official Premium Fuel Pellet Provider of the World Equestrian Center. Our fuel pellets are currently used to fuel the boilers that heat The Sanctuary Arena, with future plans to expand to other WEC facilities.

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Get your WEC gear at

gifts • home goods • clothing accessories • and more

Visit us today 68

in Roberts Arena!

April 2019

Photos courtesy Tracy Emanuel Photography

Audrey and Cash, in a beginner ring in northern Wisconsin

are good, the distances perfect, the lead changes as smooth as can be. It’s easy to imagine that it’s those moments, the ones where everything just comes together, that keep the kids coming back for more.

Success in the beginner ring comes in its most basic form: making it around the ring with no obvious problems. The trainers might themselves be a little jaded about all of this, but they mostly hide it.

They’ll offer effusive praise for the things that went well, and gentle Quality. Class. Distinction.

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suggestions about what might have been done just a little bit differently.

The parents are often not jaded at all. They are fresh-faced and nervous and not always entirely sure where they should be. Sometimes there will be grandparents in tow.

When things go well the pride is palpable, and mixed with that combination of relief and joy that appears whenever one’s child succeeds at something so important to her. (Of course, the emotions can run just as strongly in the other

... what once looked huge now strikes me as modest. What once looked big now looks small.

April 2019

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direction when things do not go well. But let’s leave that aside for now.) The hopes and dreams are fresh and large, the future seems unbounded.

If you’ve made it to the big ring, or if your child has made it to the big ring, congratulations.

Not everyone does. I hope that it’s all you imagined it would be. And if you find that you’ve become a little bit jaded, and that things seem just a little too routine, then wander over to the beginner ring. Put your phone away for a few minutes and look, and listen.

‘‘

from the big ring. You wanted to be them, and now you are.

Top: “My daughters rode for several years before making an appearance at a recognized show. The debut was a happy one.”

Bottom: Audrey and Rosie after a successful round at the Wisconsin Hunter Jumper Association Fall Finals.

The hopes and dreams are fresh and large, the future seems unbounded.

If you’re a parent, not so long ago that was your child in the ring, and that was you standing ringside, not quite sure what you were watching and doing your best to capture the round on video without jerking

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your hand with each jump. If you’re a rider, that was you. Once upon a time you hoped just to make it around without making any mistakes. Once upon a time you looked in awe at those older riders

But remember that you’re also still that kid from the beginner ring. See if you can see the world through her eyes again for a few minutes, if you can remember what it was that drew you to horses in the first place, if you can stretch even further back to the time when you weren’t thinking about ribbons or points or show coats. You were just fascinated, for reasons you probably can’t even put into words, by these majestic creatures.

There’s a purity to the beginner ring. Less jadedness, more pride and excitement in the simple fact of being there. If that’s where you are as a horse show parent, I am envious. I would do it all over again a thousand times. If the beginner ring is a thing of the past, spend a little time there. Soak it in. Remember. You might find yourself a little bit refreshed, and your phone will still be there when you’re done.

Quality. Class. Distinction.

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STA B L E G UA R D : ™

The AI Enabled Equine Safety Solution

By Juliana Chapman

The Tech Equestrian recently caught up with Alexa Anthony, CEO of Magic AI Corporation and parent company to StableGuard™, to find out more about how their monitoring and alert digital system is transforming horse safety.

E A R LY D AY S A N D D R E A M S Alexa Anthony grew up in Seattle riding horses under the guidance and influence of her mother, Cara, a successful horse trainer and professional and alongside her older sister Carly Anthony, an accomplished show jumper. Anthony had a dream of going to the Olympics and would train in Europe in the summer while she attended the University of South Carolina as a student athlete in the NCAA riding program. However with horses, as we know, comes risk and during her senior year Anthony suffered a severe back injury. This setback was a wake up call for her and, “the harsh reality was that I needed to pursue another career,” said Anthony.

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Video cameras mounted in the stall provide computer-vision based machine learning – the core intelligence behind the StableGuard product.

“M Y H O R S E , M AG I C , WAS E V E RYT H I N G

TO M E , M Y PA RT N E R I N A L L AS P E CTS O F M Y L I F E .

”

After college, Anthony landed a job at Bellevue, Washington based Intellectual Ventures, a private equity firm specializing in high tech incubation. “This was a great opportunity to get a feel for the start up culture and process,” she explained. It was also when she met her friend and now colleague, Jacob Sullivan, whose background as an entrepreneur and engineer would be a perfect fit for their future company.

A SA D E N D I N G T H AT L E D TO A N E W B E G I N N I N G “Our company is incorporated under the name of Magic AI Corp. and specializes in collecting and analyzing data on animals through computer-vision based machine learning,” Anthony said. Unfortunately, a tragedy that could have been prevented led to the idea and name for the company. “My horse, Magic, was everything to me, my partner in all aspects of my life,” she shared. One Christmas night, Anthony went to the stable at 6pm for night check and by 8am the next morning Magic was already toxic with colic. “Having a device to notify me of his situation would have likely saved his life,” she pointed out. Anthony started doing research and discovered that colic is the number one cause of death in horses, aside from old age. Armed with this knowledge and the help of Jacob (who is now CTO) they came up with the idea for StableGuard, Magic AI Corp’s first product.

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“HTOAVNI NOTG I FAYDME VEI COEF H I S S I T UAT I O N WO U L D H AV E L I K E LY SAV E D HIS LIFE.

”

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The Tech Equestrian: StableGuard™: The AI Enabled Equine Safety Solution

, OUR “W I T H STOHLUE TPIOWO NE CAR ONF KDATA E E P YO U I N FO R M E D accordingly based on your individual horse’s movements. “With the power of data, our solution can keep you informed to help with early detection of not only emergency issues, but also health issues,” Anthony continued, “That is part of our roadmap which is to expand from loss prevention to performance improvement.” The health and wellness monitoring is beneficial for detecting slight changes in your horses’ eating, resting, and overall behaviors giving you time to assess and act.

TA R G E T B U Y E R S INTELLIGENT BEHAVIOR BASED VIDEO MONITORING StableGuard uses proprietary technology video recordings 24/7 to capture all of the activity that takes place in a stall. The user can keep an eye on the horse through a live stream video. If there are any anomalies in a horse’s behavior, you will receive an alert via the mobile app. The beauty of machine learning is that over time the software can detect patterns and adjust

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“We typically sell to private stable owners and trainers, veterinarian clinics, quarantine facilities, and major horse show facilities,” explained Anthony. She is proud to report that in less than two years, StableGuard is now protecting hundreds of horses. The system is installed for private stables that have 10 or more horses. “We have customers in the United States and Canada and will eventually expand to Europe as we determine the best solution for adhering to the security and privacy laws,” said Anthony.

TO H E L P W I T H E A R LY D E T E CT I O N O F N OT O N LY E M E R G E N CY I S S U E S , B U T A LS O H E A LT H I S S U E S ,

”

FUTURE THOUGHTS A N D C O L LA B O RAT I O N As a standard question in all of The Tech Equestrian interviews, I ask ‘where do you think the horse world will be in five years as it relates to technology adoption?’ and Anthony replied, “I’m excited to see the up-and-coming riders embracing the benefits of technology. As long as what is offered to equestrians doesn’t get too gimmicky then I believe the opportunities and adoption levels will be high in five years.”

Anthony and her company are already in partnership with other equine technology providers including founding companies BarnManager, Equo and Jumpfax and have called it the ‘Equine Tech Collab’ “I am proud to be part of the collaboration working

“IS’EME ETXCH EI T E D TO UPANDCOMING RIDERS E M B RAC I N G T H E B E N E F I TS O F T E C H N O LO GY.

”

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The Tech Equestrian: StableGuard™: The AI Enabled Equine Safety Solution

O F T H E C O L LA B O RAT I O N WO R K I N G “IA LOA MN GP SR IODUED YOTOU NB GE , PAI NRTN OVAT I V E , PAS S I O N AT E E N T R E P R E N E U R S W H O WA N T TO L E A D T H E WAY FO R T E C H N O LO GY D E V E LO P M E N T I N T H E E Q U I N E I N D U ST RY.

”

alongside young, innovative, passionate entrepreneurs who want to lead the way for technology development in the equine industry. Our goal is to provide horse owners and riders with the tools they need to simplify their daily routines of horse care, management, and showing. We are excited to continue to support the growth and expansion of high-tech companies in the equine industry.” Today, the Equine Tech Collab has grown and continues to be strengthened by adding new partners including Electronic Vet, Epona Exchange, Etalon Diagnostics and Event Clinics.

As the tech collaboration helps expand

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES mindshare and brand exposure with equestrians, StableGuard also incorporates a mix of social media and sponsorships. “We provided cameras at the recent Thunderbird Horse Show in British Columbia, Canada as an ‘in kind sponsorship’ in

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The Equine Tech Collab from left to right, Steven Bluman, CEO Equo, Nicole Lakin, CEO BarnManager, Alexa Anthony, CEO StableGuard, Alicia Heiniger, CEO Jumpfax.

exchange for branding and promotion throughout the event,” cited Anthony.

A majority of the marketing is done through social media along with ads

and digital ads placed with well-established horse publications such as The Chronicle of the Horse.

“One of our goals is to have our system installed at

The StableGuard logo proudly displayed on a saddle pad.

The Tech Equestrian: StableGuard™: The AI Enabled Equine Safety Solution

competition facilities, so users can log-in to the app while on the road,” said Anthony, and “in terms of next steps we are looking to expand our product offerings by not just focusing on safety, but on horse health features specifically.” She also mentioned that horses are just the start and they are researching alternatives for the AI tool they created. “This is a new beginning of an incredible journey as data from watching horses and humans can lead to better ways of living.”

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W E B S I T E : M YSTA B L E G U A R D . CO M FAC E B O O K : @ STA B L E G U A R D I N STAG RA M : STA B L E G U A R D T W I T T E R : @ STA B L E G U A R D E Q

JULIANA CHAPMAN NORWALK, CT Juliana is a technology marketing professional and lifelong equestrian who grew up in Rhode Island riding pony and children’s hunter in the local show circuit and later showed adult hunter in the Bahamas. She recently launched her equine technology blog: The Tech Equestrian to provide insights on the latest technology products, software, apps and wearables that are becoming more prevalent in the horse world. In addition, Juliana has written articles for Horse & Style, Connecticut Horse and The Plaid Horse.

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AND EQUESTRIAN ART GALLERY

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For more information: www.wec.net |

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| Wilmington, AprilOhio 2019

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Photography: Third Shutter from the Sun

E Q U E S TRIAN

Emma and Carl competing in equitation at WEF. Photo: Katherine Hay

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The Perfect Combination of

By Candace FitzGerald

& Substance Arguably one of the most decorated young equestrians in the United States, Emma Kurtz has piloted some of the best ponies and horses in the country to top awards at the USEF Pony Finals, the Devon Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, the Washington International Horse Show and the Winter Equestrian Festival. By all accounts she is a privileged young woman.

But behind all of the ribbons and smiling awards photos, there is a young rider who has earned every opportunity and faced adversity, disappointment and tragedy with humility, composure and grace beyond her years.

and events that shaped this young woman who has become one of the most respected young equestrians of her generation.

Auspicious Beginnings When Emma was a small child her mom Kris would bring her to Devon each year to watch. At age five, Kris took Emma for lessons with her childhood trainer in NJ, but Emma seemed to enjoy playing with the barn cats more than riding.

The next Fall, Emma asked if she could take riding lessons. Her instructor, “Miss Susan” had her spend almost an entire year on the lunge line learning the basics of equitation and developing the foundation of a solid position in the saddle. A shy child, Emma was not interested in competing at first.

According to Kris she just “didn’t like to be the center of attention.”

Although she was very athletic, “she played soccer and was a great gymnast”, competition held no interest for her. The following year

With a storied Junior career now behind her, we take a look back and see the many choices, opportunities Quality. Class. Distinction.

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Equestrian Style: Emma Kurtz

Miss Susan retired and, without a trainer, they ended up at another local barn.

In the winter of 2007, the trainer took the reluctant Emma to a schooling show at Chagrin Valley Farms where she was (over) mounted on a 17h school horse. Shortly after arriving to the schooling area, the trainer wandered off and Emma was riding unsupervised in the busy schooling ring. As Kris recalls, “There was 7 year old Emma, trotting around

It was at this horse show where Kurtz met Dana Miller, now her friend and business partner at Chagrin Saddlery. Animatedly Dana explains, “… here was this tiny girl trotting around in the treacherous schooling ring, but with complete control of this giant horse and an absolutely perfect position! We were looking around saying, “Who is that little girl with the perfect equitation on that huge horse?

She belongs on a pony!” Kris and Dana bonded over the experience.

-Amanda Lyerly VIP Z Equitation.

Photo: Katherine Hay

Emma, Mike and Amanda KY National Horse Show 2017 Maclay Regionals. Photo: Kris Kurtz

unfazed with riders all over the place in every direction. It was not a safe situation.”

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Emma and Quicksilver Butterfly.

Photo: Shawn McMillen

Emerging Talent The next week, Emma moved to Stepping Stone Farm to ride with Cari Gleeson in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

Cari specialized in kids and ponies and made it a very fun, confidence building experience for all of her young riders. Still convinced that Emma didn’t want to compete and on a very tight budget, the family purchased Bling Bling, a 12 yearold small green pony without a lead change, given to being fresh and naughty. Unfazed by his antics, Emma rode the pony and patiently brought him along, teaching him his lead changes. The next summer they were 11th over fences at Pony Finals, which signaled a major turning point for Emma. She now wanted to ride and compete, full time.

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Equestrian Style: Emma Kurtz

“Emma is an A+ perfectionist,” says Kris. “Once she got hooked, Emma wanted to compete at the highest level. But as a family, we couldn’t afford more than one pony so we sat her down and told her that if she wanted to ride all the time, then she’d have to make it happen.

A Turning Point Fortunately for Emma, there was a Welsh pony breeding farm nearby called Quicksilver Ponies owned by Melinda Zalesky that would allow Emma to ride their youngsters.

Kris recalls thinking that as long as the ride was safe, Emma was getting valuable mileage riding an

assortment of ponies. Always proactive and driven about her riding, Emma spent six days a week, riding as much as she could.

2011:

• Small Green Pony Reserve Champion at Pony Finals

2012:

When a gentleman named Bob Jank bought a pony called Quicksilver Butterfly from the farm he allowed Emma to keep riding the pony. This proved to be her breakout moment as Emma piloted Quicksilver Butterfly to Reserve Champion in the Small Greens at the 2011 Pony Finals.

This meant that at age 10, Emma had proved herself as a determined and capable catch rider.

• Winner of the Sportsmanship Award at PNHS • Small Pony Hunter Champion at WIHS • Best Child Rider on a pony at WIHS • Large Pony Hunter Champion at Capital Challenge • Large Pony Hunter Reserve Champion at Devon • Medium Pony Champion at PNHS

2013:

• Small Green Pony Champion at Pony Finals • Medium Green Pony Champion at Pony Finals • Large Pony Champion at Pony Finals • Grand Pony Hunter Champion at Pony Finals • 2nd at Pony Medal Finals • Medium Pony Champion at PNHS • Grand Pony Champion at PNHS • Winner of WIHS Pony Equitation Final

2014:

• WCHR Pony Hunter National Champion • WCHR Handy Hunter National Champion • Large Pony Champion at PNHS • Grand Pony Champion at PNHS • Medium Pony Reserve Champion at PNHS • Grand Pony Champion at PNHS • Best Child Rider on a Pony at PNHS • Medium Pony Reserve Champion at Pony Finals • Best Child Rider on a Pony at WIHS • Large Pony Reserve Champion at WIHS • Large Pony Champion and Grand Champion at Capital Challenge • Best Child Rider on a Pony at Capital Challenge

2015:

• Large Pony Champion at Devon • Medium Green Pony Champion at Pony Finals • WCHR Junior Hunter National Champion • Small Junior Hunter Champion at PNHS • Champion Large Junior Hunter at PNHS • Champion Small Junior Hunter at WIHS • Top 25 at Maclay Finals • 10th in the Hunterdon Cup

2016:

• 3rd in North American Junior Equitation Championship at Capital Challenge • 5th at Medal Finals • 8th at WIHS Equitation Finals • Small Junior Hunter Champion and Grand Champion at Devon • 2nd in the Hunterdon Cup • Reserve Champion at Maclay Regionals • WCHR Junior Hunter National Champion • Small Junior Hunter Champion at PNHS • Small Junior Hunter Champion at WIHS

Photo: Katherine Hay

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Catch Riding & Life Lessons

2016:

• Best Child Rider on a Horse at PNHS • Small Junior Hunter Champion at Junior Hunter Finals • Large Junior Hunter Champion at Junior Hunter Finals • Grand Champion at Junior Hunter Finals

2017:

• Christy Conard Leading Equitation Rider at WEF • 10th in the George Morris Excellence in Equitation Championship at WEF • Circuit Champion in the Medium Jr Jumpers at WEF • Large Junior Hunter Champion and Reserve Champion at Devon • Small Junior Hunter Champion at Devon • Best Child Rider on a Horse at Devon • 3rd in the Medal at Devon • 3rd in the Maclay at Devon • Zone 5 Sportsmanship Award • Winner of the Zone 5 Equitation Championship • 2nd at Maclay Regionals • Champion of the North American Junior Equitation Championship at Capital Challenge • Large Junior Champion and Reserve Champion at Capital Challenge • Small Junior Champion at Capital Challenge • Small Junior Champion at PNHS • 11th at Medal Finals • Large Junior Champion at WIHS • Grand Junior Hunter Champion at WIHS • 2nd in the jumper phase of the WIHS Equitation Finals • 11th overall at WIHS Equitation Finals

2018:

• Christy Conard Leading Equitation Rider at WEF • Circuit Champion in the Large Junior Hunters at WEF • Circuit Champion in the Small Junior Hunters at WEF • Young Riders Zone 5 Team Gold Medal Winner • Large Junior Champion at Capital Challenge • Small Junior Champion and Grand Champion at Capital Challenge • Best Child Rider at Capital Challenge • WCHR 3’6” National Junior Hunter Champion • Small Junior Champion at PNHS • Large Junior Champion and Grand Champion at PNHS • Best Child Rider at PNHS • 10th at Medal Finals • Small Junior Reserve Champion at WIHS • 4th overall at WIHS Equitation Finals • 6th at Maclay Finals • Recipient of the Iris McNeil Trophy for Sportsmanship and Horsemanship at the National Horse Show

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After this, in a turn of events that would define her young life, Emma met Mike Rheinheimer and Amanda Lyerly of Madison Hills Farm in Gates Mills, Ohio. Mike and Amanda were both wellrespected horsemen with the solid reputations and contacts to ensure Emma would have opportunities to catch ride. But as every professional rider knows, she had to deliver.

That year Emma went to the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, for the first time with Mike and Amanda. On one of her first catch ride rounds there she added in a line with a green pony. When she came out of the ring, the trainer was unhappy with Emma’s ride and sternly told her that if she wanted to catch ride, then she could not afford to make those “beginner” mistakes. Although Emma was shaken by the comments, it was her first glimpse into the reality of catch riding. The experience strengthened her resolve and instead of letting it defeat her, she channeled that into working harder to give each pony she rode the best, most accurate ride possible.

Highlights: • Sportsmanship Award winner at PNHS, WIHS, Zone 5 and National Horse Show • Best Child Rider at Devon, Capital Challenge, PNHS and WIHS • Grand Championships at Devon, Capital Challenge, PNHS and WIHS • Grand Champion, 5 time Champion and 2 time Reserve Champion at Pony Finals • Grand Champion at Junior Hunter Finals • WIHS Pony Equitation Champion and USEF Pony Medal Reserve Champion • 3 consecutive Top 11 finishes at Medal Finals and WIHS Equitation Finals • Winner of North American Junior Equitation Championship • 2 time Leading Equitation Rider at WEF • 3 time WCHR National Junior Hunter Champion • Owner/rider of USEF Medium Junior Jumper Horse of the Year in 2017 • Zone 5 Team Gold Medal winner at Young Riders

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The skills Emma developed as a young rider prepared her for life and have given her valuable perspective.’’

Photo: Katherine Hay

From that year on, Emma went to Florida the day after Thanksgiving and stayed until the beginning of April, working with Amanda and catch riding ponies. She remained enrolled in school in Hudson, Ohio but lived with Amanda and managed her school work with the

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aid of tutors at #1 Education Place in Wellington.

While catch riding offers a lot of riding and showing opportunities, it means that the rider almost never gets to create a long term relationship with an animal, because they are all ultimately for sale or

lease. Emma loved the ponies that she rode and felt a connection with each one, but at an early age she had to learn the hard lesson of letting go and saying goodbye to them as they were sold or leased.

Within a year, Emma was riding ponies for some of the most high

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profile trainers and owners in the industry including Charlie Moorcroft, Marigot Bay Farm, Scott Stewart, the Gochman Family and Dr. Betsee Parker.

Bit of Love Dr. Parker first noticed Emma when she was just 8 years old and was struck by her natural ability. She describes Emma as a beautifully poised and graceful rider, who could get any horse to cooperate and even want to please. She notes Emma’s obvious love for the animals, and her desire to really connect with the ponies and horses she was riding. Most importantly to Parker was that Emma was a ‘cool reactor’ who calmly managed any situation in the saddle.

Dr. Parker remembers noticing Emma’s talent and thinking, “I wanted to be part of helping Emma be the best she could be.” In all, Emma rode more than a dozen ponies and horses for Dr. Parker during her Junior career including Million Reasons, Dedication and Bit of Love, a small pony that Emma had to essentially retrain. In 2013, Emma was competing Bit of Love

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Photo: Katherine Hay

at Pony Finals and just as she went into the ring, the skies opened up.

Emma rode through torrential rain to a 4th place finish overall.

Now ridden by Maddie Tosh, Bit of Love earned the 2018 USEF Horse of the Year in the Small Pony division. According to Dr. Parker, Bit of Love is now the winningest small pony in US history, and this is 100% due to Emma’s influence.

As young riders age out of the pony ring, it can be tough to find catch rides on horses, as there are more professionals available to ride them.

Once Emma outgrew ponies and transitioned to horses, the stress

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and pressure of catch riding was even more intense. Winning is paramount because the horses you are riding must be qualified and perform well at top shows like Devon and Indoors to promote them for sale or lease. Emma was now in high school, and spending up to 50 weekends per year at horse shows, because not being available could cost the opportunity to ride.

developed a close bond with VIP Z over the two years that she rode him. There is an enormous amount of pressure in the ‘big eq’ equitation and the competition among riders is intense. Emma qualified for the ASPCA Maclay Finals all five years, while at the same time catch riding and working to qualify horses for Devon and Indoors.

Mike R, Emma and Chloe White.

Photo: Katherine Hay

I wanted to be part of helping Emma be the best she could be.”

Horses: Highs and Lows In 2014, Emma had begun to dabble in Equitation and was given the opportunity to ride Tori Colvin’s former equitation horse, VIP Z. Emma loved the precision that the equitation demanded and Quality. Class. Distinction.

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Photo: Katherine Hay

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Equestrian Style: Emma Kurtz

In 2015 tragedy struck at the Devon Horse Show when Cambridge, a Small Jr. Hunter Emma was showing for Scott Stewart died in the show ring after a freak rotational fall.

Emma was badly shaken by the fall and devastated by Cambridge’s death. She went back to the barn and sat in VIP Z’s stall, grieving in private. Later that day, given the choice to leave the show by her parents, owners and trainers, Emma opted to go back in the show ring, believing that if she did not, she might never be able to again. The owners and trainers of her second mount, Prologue, said that they believed in Emma and were 100% supportive of any decision she made. The epitome of composure, she dug deep and laid down a beautiful trip that earned second place. Over the years she has said repeatedly that she would not still be riding if it were not for Prologue.

The next year, instead of letting the Devon Horse Show become defined as a place of tragedy for her, Emma returned to Devon and won every class in the younger Small Junior division on the Gochman family’s Evermore; earning Champion and Grand Junior Hunter Championship

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honors. The following year at Devon she was named Best Child Rider.

During the 2015 show season, Emma rode Kahlua, a horse who was newly transitioning from Jumpers to Hunters.

Emma showed her as a Small Jr. Hunter, as the owner was hoping to get her qualified for Indoors. Kahlua was sold to the Aldridge family at the end of the summer, but when she qualified for Harrisburg off the waiting list, Leah Aldridge graciously offered Emma the ride since her daughter, Isabelle, had not yet moved into the 3’6” Juniors. In her first time at Harrisburg, Kahlua was Champion in the Small Junior Hunters 15 and Under.

As a class winner, she was invited to compete in the Winners Stake, where she was the final horse to compete out of 18 first and second place winners. The pair laid down an incredible round and won the class to the huge roar of the crowd. Just a few weeks later, they went on to win the Small Jr. Hunter Championship at Washington.

Catch riding is something most kids aspire to do but I don’t think they realize the amount of pressure that goes along with it. Emma does an amazing job

performing under

In 2016, Emma got a taste of consistency when she was given the ride on Dedication, a fabulous Large Jr. Hunter owned by Dr. Parker. Realizing the challenges of being a catch rider, Emma’s trainer Amanda Lyerly was always looking for consistency. When Dr. Parker offered to bring “Matt” out

Equestrian Style: Emma Kurtz, The Perfect Combination of Style and Substance

of retirement for Emma to show, the team jumped at the chance!

Over her final 2 years, Emma and Dedication won championships at Devon, Capital Challenge, Harrisburg and Washington. In October 2018, Dedication was retired to Dr. Parker’s Virginia farm.

In addition to the hunters, Dr. Parker also provided Emma with top equitation horses. In 2016 she had the rides on Patrick and Clearway.

After top 10 finishes on Clearway at Medal Finals an WIHS, he was sidelined with quarter crack during the start of WEF 2017. Not wanting

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Emma to be without a horse, Amanda made a call to her lifelong friend, Emil Spadone. Emil sent Carl, an Equitation horse that was available for lease and the pair just clicked. It turns out that Carl was the equine embodiment of Emma, he was Type A and a perfectionist and they were completely simpatico.

At their first show together at WEF, Emma and Carl won the Maclay, the WIHS overall and finished 3rd in the Medal. Suddenly everyone was interested in Carl and it was almost certain that Emma would lose the ride on him. But for the generosity

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of Dr. Betsee Parker who stepped in and leased Carl, the ride on Carl was secured for Emma’s final two Junior years.

Kris believes that the experiences Emma had with horses in and out of the saddle served to shape her daughter. “The skills Emma developed as a young rider have prepared her for life and have given her valuable perspective,” Kurtz shared. “Anything can happen and how you deal with success and with adversity can make all the difference. It is important to always

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Equestrian Style: Emma Kurtz

be humble and appreciative.

One of the most important influences on Emma as she grew from ponies and on to horses was the knowledge and wisdom she gleaned from working with top trainers like Mike Rheinheimer, Amanda Lyerly and Scott Stewart and the kindness she experienced with owners like the Gochman family and Dr. Betsee Parker.”

Over the years, Amanda and Mike had become pivotal figures in Emma’s life, almost like a second set of parents. They were with her through all of her pony and junior career including the successes, disappointments and even through tragedy. But then the unspeakable

happened when Mike passed away suddenly on December 1, 2017.

That day Emma lost one of the most important and influential people in her world. Through lots of tears, she and Amanda completed the final year of her junior career without him. To this day, Emma carries a patch in her pocket from Mike that says: ‘You can only ride the horse you have that day’ - a bit of wisdom imparted to a young rider by her mentor.

The Next Chapter In 2018, Emma graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hudson High School in Hudson, Ohio, never having been able to live the life of a “normal” teenager. Her college

Emma and Mike 2017 CC NA Champ.

Photo: Katherine Hay

essay was titled “I’ve been employed full time since I was 11 years old” and detailed the lessons she’d learned from working with different personalities during her catch riding career.

Emma earned an equestrian athletic scholarship to Auburn

I can’t say enough great things about Emma! She is unbelievable talent but her mental toughness is what gives her the edge. There are few people I know who can handle pressure the way she does.’’ -Amanda Lyerly 92

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Photo: Katherine Hay

Photo: Katherine Hay

Carl NA Junior Equestrian Champion 2017 Photo: Laila Klinsmann

Emma signing for Auburn University with parents Dave and Kris Kurtz.

University where she is currently a Freshman majoring in business in the Honors College where she holds a 4.0 GPA. She is a member of the 2018 National Champion Auburn Equestrian Team, competing in the National Collegiate Equestrian Association.

No one can predict the future but there is one thing for certain, whether Emma decides to continue riding as a professional or an amateur, she is an exceptional young horse woman who will continue to be a positive influence in equestrian sport.

Photo: Third Shutter from the Sun

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History The Therapeutic Riding Institute (TRI) was founded in 1973 to improve the health and lives of children and adults with special needs through PATH International Premier accredited and goal oriented Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies.

Program and Goals Today TRI relies on 200 trained volunteers, 8 staff members (6 credentialed instructors), 7 horses and a board of directors to assist with programs and operations serving nearly 200 individuals each year.

Equine Participants Benefits Increased physical strength · Improved balance · Spatial awareness and visual perception · Improved cognitive function, hand-eye coordination and reasoning · Enhanced self-confidence, teamwork and independence · Increased self-awareness · Increased relationship building skills

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270 ACRE TRAINING FACILITY

700 ACRE TRAINING CENTER

Beautiful rolling hills and pastures with 22 barns with 748 horse stalls, 143 paddocks, 12 round pins, 3/8 mile dirt track, 1 mile dirt track and 7/8 mile turf track. 5 additional employee residences, office with 2 bedroom apartment, equipment and mechanic barn. Main house has its own private 6 stall barn and screen enclosed pool with 7600+ square feet. The property consists of approximately 700 acres, and can possibly be divided. There are 17 acres available for commercial use.

An excellent opportunity to own a 270+/- acre training facility. McGuire Farm is ideally situated in NW Ocala close to shopping, OBS, and less than 5 miles to the World Equestrian Center. Multiple Paddocks with great soil and several residences. New metal roofs on all barns. The main barn is a center aisle concrete block 20 stall. Also on property is a 16 stall center aisle, a stud barn that is currently being renovated, and 2 shed row barns. Round pens, a eurociser and a 5/8 mile irrigated track with starting gate complete this fully functional training farm.

Price: $4,900,000 | MLS: 545054 Blake Hunter & Cynthia Kerr | 352.286.5574

Price: $22,000,000 | MLS: 546856 Mary Luster & Jeff Magoteaux | 407.488.4069

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RoyalShellSales.com 352.269.3505 April 2019

Official Real Estate Brokerage for

C A L L N O W T O B E P L A C E D O N O U R V I P L I S T F O R W O R L D E Q U E S T R I A N C E N T E R R E A L E S TAT E U P D AT E S !

NORTHWEST OCALA

• 108+ Acre Training Facility • 4 BR, 3 Full BA, 2 Half BA + Office • Fully Functional $2,350,000 MLS 548435 Blake Hunter & Cynthia Kerr 352.286.5574

NEAR GOLDEN OCALA

• Ocala Horse Property • 4 Bedroom Triple Crown Home • Within One Mile from WEC $1,295,000 MLS 548353 Mary Luster and Jeff Magoteaux 407.488.4069

GOLDEN OCALA

• 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, 3 Car Garage • Pool/Spa, Waterfall, Summer Kitchen • Fully Equipped to Entertain, Furnished $2,100,000 MLS 547502 Linda Doyle 352.361.0424

NEXT TO WORLD EQUESTRIAN CTR.

• Updated 4 BR, 2.5 BA, Open Floor Plan • New Roof, Siding & Interior Finishes • 4-Stall Barn w/Feed/Tack, 3 Paddocks $389,000 MLS 548958 Lisa Guess 386.801.2225

Florida Locations: Bonita Springs/Estero, Cape Coral, Captiva Island, Fort Myers, Naples/Marco Island, Ocala and Sanibel Island Quality. Class.

Distinction.

April 2019 ™

North Carolina Locations: Cashiers, Highlands and Sapphire Valley/Lake Toxaway

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As the World Equestrian Center approaches completion, it’s time to claim your prize.

Secure your place now. Custom estate homes for sale. Stables for lease.

GoldenOcala.com | 855-80-OCALA GO L F April | T2019 E N N I S | E Q U E ST R I A N | F I T N E S S | P O O L | S PA | D I N I N G | E V E N T S 100