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The Equestrian Living Gold List has grown to become America’s leading survey of equestrians’ favorite brands, athletes, realtors, people, places, hotels, events, hangouts, fashion, lifestyles, and much more.
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WEDDINGS 2023
JULY | AUGUST 2023
Gain access to the behind-the-scenes landscape design of the Hampton Classic Horse Show. A talented creative team of horticulturalists and landscape designers work year-round to ensure the show’s exquisite grounds are in full bloom.
Photographer and writer Rachel Hulin explores the creative potential of artificial intelligence. She discovers imaginative and unexpected outcomes by providing specific prompts and placing horses front and center in her themes.
Kayden Muller-Janssen, the daughter of high-performance equestrians, chose to step away from the equestrian lifestyle to pursue a different career. Through perseverance, her journey to stardom led her to a singing and dancing career and a role in a hit comedy on the Disney Channel.
This year’s feature focuses on wedding venues that embody an equestrian spirit. Celebrating the momentous occasion in a grand arena surrounded by meticulous grounds or in a stately equestrian landmark will resonate with enchantment and grandeur.
A stunning example of modern architecture, this Terlingua, Texas, retreat was designed with the surrounding high-desert views in mind. The unique enclave of private casitas offers visitors a tranquil and inspiring escape.
The career of the lifelong artist and accomplished painter Paul Chase has evolved into the art of stone carving. Working in marble sourced from across the U.S., his preferred subjects are horses that gradually emerge from his solid stone blocks.
JULY | AUGUST 2023
12
Show jumper Schuyler Riley shares her favorites from hotels and disciplines she’d like to try to restaurants and extravagances.
14
Photographer Andrew Ryback shares an image that captures two of his favorite things—equine portraiture and aviation.
32
A selection of summer-ready essentials designed to protect you in the sun. From fedora-style hats and skin care to gloves and apparel with UPF protection.
34
The Devils Garden Colt Challenge pairs wild horses from the herds of Northern California with enthusiastic 4-H youth eager to gentle and rehome them.
16
Lightweight versions of waxed-cotton wearables, from classic barn-style jackets to asymmetric anoraks, are ideal choices to keep you dry and stylish.
20
Hang your odds and ends with equestrian-themed wall hooks and simultaneously display your personal style in your home or at the barn.
BOOK
22
Read an excerpt from In a Land of Awe: Finding Reverence in the Search for Wild Horses by social scientist and poet Chad Hanson.
26
Chef John Beriker of Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in San Diego, California, shares his recipe for Hokkaido scallops.
27
EDITOR’S NOTE 8
Whether horizontal or vertical, the versatile appeal of stripes is manifested in home décor, apparel, and an array of accessories.
Photographed
Hair by Julian
Makeup by Leslie Munsell. For full feature, see page 46.
Welcome to Equestrian Living RESOURCES 92
Look for CONTACT INFO | PAGE 92 to find the products and services in this issue.
BARN DOGS 98
With Thrive Animal Rescue’s help, Hope and Avery Glynn adopted Waffle from a litter in Mexico. Unsure of her breed, they endearingly refer to her as a Tijuana terrier.
30
Artists are finding inspiration in found objects, using everyday elements and relics of the past to create imaginative and evocative works of art.
83
Fabulous farms and ranches.
Kayden Muller-Janssen jumps from horses to Hollywood. by Equestrian Living photography director George Kamper. Johnson
Dallas is home to the American Equestrian Trade Association International Trade Show. The premier global event showcasing equestrian industry products from leading manufacturers across a variety of categories including: apparel, tack, gift, home, design, lighting, accessories, and more.
*This is a trade-only event.
August 23-26, 2023
ww w.dallasmar ketcenter.com
@dallasmar ket
Inspiration Starts Here.
And there it was. The first network television ad I’ve seen for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Cue the swooning. I recalled noting in the September/ October 2021 issue of Equestrian Living that the Paris2024.org official clock countdown had begun, and we had 1,079 days before the start of the Games. At my recent check, we were at 444 days and counting. I had to wonder, where did the last 635 days go?
The day-to-day pace of managing copious amounts of content and fashioning it into accessible and appealing formats sometimes leads me to lose track of time and, on occasion, lose sight of the star of our publication, the horse.
Equestrians show reverence for horses in innumerable ways—in where they live (visit a few farms in Wellington, Florida, or North Salem, New York) and where they compete—St. Tropez,
Paris, Rome, Aachen, Geneva, and, in roughly 444 days, the gardens at the Palace of Versailles. The grandeur of the palace, with its exquisite architecture and ornate details, will serve as a magnificent backdrop for equestrian competitions. Athletes and spectators can expect to witness world-class events in a setting of elegance amidst the rich tapestry of centuries-old horticultural design.
Closer to home, we gain a first-hand glimpse into the landscape design of the Hampton Classic Horse Show. Not dissimilar to horses and riders peaking for a significant event, so goes the strategic plant selections and planting times, orchestrated to ensure the horse show exudes its signature balance of tastefully manicured lawns, privets, and jumping rings with bursts of vibrant flowers in full bloom, holding their own against the competing flurry of fancy dresses and festooned hats.
“Venues for Horse Lovers,” the focus of the Weddings 2023 feature, places the allure of the horse at the core of the distinctive selection of venues. Their inclusion, whether grazing nearby or integrated into the bridal theme, infuses the celebration with an undeniable mystique, blending the elegance of the equestrian world with the beauty of matrimony.
And in this issue’s cover story, we meet a fascinating family immersed in equestrian sport with a strong penchant for dressage. One daughter, Kayden Muller-Janssen, also trained in dressage and jumping, exhibited a different twist
to the equestrian lifestyle than the rest of her family. Discover how her free-spirited energy led her to acting, singing, and ultimately a role on the Disney Channel’s “The Villains of Valley View.”
In artistic endeavors, we showcase horses in unexpected ways. Photographer Rachel Hulin enters the creative frontier of artificial intelligence, pairing her knowledge of photography and film with her fondness for horses to yield whimsical and vivid results. We’ve discovered artists using found objects to render equine subjects in moving and fascinating ways, and artist Paul Chase embraces the rewarding art of stone carving, creating a collection of “Stone Horses.” You’ll also find a vibrant mix of décor, travel, fashion, and culinary pages to balance out the issue. We have some time left before Paris 2024. In the meantime, enjoy the North American summer show season of Spruce Meadows, the welcomed return of the Millbrook Horse Trials, and the beautifully manicured Hampton Classic, among others.
Be sure to cast your ballot for the 2023 Gold List. One voter can win a beautiful pair of Fairfax & Favor boots this year. There are only a few days left to vote!
eqliving.com/23gold/
Our Cape Resort properties offer a wonderful gateway to the fabled East End. Each with a storied history and a waterfront location, both Baron’s Cove and The Pridwin are eager to welcome you.
All of our hotels and cottages have their own personality—but all share the same warm, vibrant spirit and reflect
our commitment to giving our guests an authentic, all-American resort vacation.
In Sag Harbor, Baron’s Cove boasts an incredible harborside location, as well as a second-floor restaurant serving fresh Long Island fare and cocktails. This beautiful 67-room inn is the perfect pairing of timeless charm and Hamptons chic, with nostalgic touches throughout.
On Shelter Island, The Pridwin shines. For nearly 100 years, this grand resort has provided hospitality—and after a recent top-to-bottom renovation, seamlessly integrates luxury amenities, service and programming for all generations.
For us, it’s the simple pleasures that matter most. We look forward to welcoming you.
VOLUME 12 NUMBER 4
EDITOR AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephanie B. Peters
SENIOR EDITOR Jill B. Novotny
PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR George Kamper
EDITORS AT LARGE Rebecca Baldridge, Carol Cohen-Hodess, Judy Richter (2015-2022)
DESIGN MANAGER Mary A. Stroup
SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEB CONTENT Maggie Carty
DIGITAL & CLIENT SERVICES Sarah Lessler
EDITORIAL MANAGER Theresa Cardamone
EQ SPECIAL EVENTS Jennifer Pearman Lammer
UK & LONDON EDITOR Bridget Arsenault
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Hope Glynn, Emily Holowczak, Andrew Ryback
PUBLISHER C.W. Medinger
PUBLISHING CONSULTANT George Fuller
PRINT John Spittle
PUBLIC RELATIONS Carrie Wirth, EQmedia.agency
NEWSSTAND DISTRIBUTION Boyd Mulholland
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FAVORITES
If you weren’t an equestrian you might have been: A chef because I love to cook and eat. I keep saying I should do a riders’ cookbook.
A riding discipline you’d like to try: I retired from eventing at 9, and after one polo lesson, I couldn’t move my arm for two weeks, so I think I’m right where I should be.
What books are on your bedside table: My most recent favorites are The Forever Dog and The Biggest Bluff.
Favorite TV show: I love Yellowstone, Outlander, Stranger Things, and The Blacklist.
Must-haves when traveling: Sierra, my labra dor and my iPad.
Favorite way to relax: Watching a sunset with friends and wine, and also golf.
Favorite hotel: The Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris. It’s the best blend of tradition and modern.
Favorite horses you’ve ridden: Oh my gosh, too many! Isis, my first love in a chest nut mare; Ilian, first horse I jumped for USET World Cup finals; Dobra de Porceyo won numerous grands prix; and, of course, Robin de Ponthual, (below) my ♥ horse.
Proudest riding achievements: Youngest rider to win the talent derby, winning the Triple Crown of Showjumping, the gold medal team at La Baule, and winning Upperville.
Favorite source for fashion: Karine at Hunt Ltd. and Dutton from Yellowstone.
Greatest extravagance: A really good wine, and, of course, great horses.
Favorite music on your playlist: Keith Urban, Dermot Kennedy, Ed Sheeran, and
Favorite getaway escape: diving or skiing
LES DEUX MAGOTS
Favorite restaurants: Heirloom in Midway, Ky., Devine Bistro in Wellington, Fla., and Les Deux Magots in Paris.
Hamburg and Dinard.
Iknow that we’re known for our hunter-jumper event photography, but we also specialize in equine portraiture. I am also a huge aviation fan and a pilot myself, so when the opportunity came to photograph my two favorite things together, I had to make it happen. Louisa Brackett’s father is also a pilot, and she named all her horses after Boeing B-17s (Memphis Belle, King Bee, and Aluminum Overcast). Experimental Aircraft Association’s Aluminum Overcast was on a tour of the country and had a stop nearby in Illinois. I contacted Louisa and her family, along with her trainer, Lisa Goldman, to see if we could find a way to put this all together. They were, of course, on board, so we were able to work it out with the airport and the crew to schedule a quick shoot in the morning before the aircraft was open to the public for tours. When we arrived, the airplane was in an awkward location, and the crew was gracious enough to taxi her over to a more favorable spot for the shoot. We had about 20 minutes to work, and we were able to capture some stunning images of Louisa and both Aluminum Overcasts. It was truly a shoot of a lifetime, and with the numbers of flying B-17s dwindling down to less than a handful at this point, I know it’s one that will probably never happen again.
The Montford Dry Wax jacket by Joules boasts a British style with flattering A-line shape, checked lining, curved hem, and rear storm flap. $125.
The Lightweight Beadnell waxedcotton jacket in navy by Barbour features a cord collar, handwarmer pockets, and popper-fastened pockets. $400.
Hicks & Brown Hengrave wax Baker Boy cap in olive. $86.
An excerpt from IN A LAND OF AWE by Chad
Hanson.
It’s an uneven path that leads to the top of the range. It switchbacks through stands of pine to an elevation of 8,600 feet. At the top, the trees thin out. The road runs beside the rim of a ledge that offers a view of the Red Desert stretching toward the south. At the summit, another sign directs us to the east. We plunk between ruts on the trail for a mile and then stop at a parking lot. Wild Horse Point hosts a picnic ground with a long view.
We store a pair of binoculars in the backseat of our station wagon. We use them to look for owls, but this time we train the glass on a row of dots in the distance. They look like horses, but they’re too far off. I cannot tell. They could be cows, but it’s still fun to stare into the panorama.
After we’re satisfied that there are no mustangs at Wild Horse Point, we climb back in the car. Instead of driving back to camp, we take a left on a road that winds through a meadow. Lynn admires the blue-green sage. I notice something, though. I see a patch of gold and white. It’s the back of a mustang. My instincts shoot my right foot to the brake pedal. The car lurches and Lynn says, “What?” so I point out through my window. Then we grab our cameras. We start to walk, slowly, through the brush toward the horse. He’s grazing in a gully. The sound of tires on gravel alerted him to our presence, so when we appear over the crest of the ridge, he’s not surprised. He looks at us and then lowers his head. He returns to eating.
Once we have hiked enough to take a good look at the horse, we see that he’s not alone. He is standing in the shadow of four other mustangs—a band of bachelors—gray and black males spending the summer at the top of the mountain. They coordinate their grazing. Heads shift from side to side, between bunches of grass. We hedge up to the gold and white horse. We move closer. Then he takes a step to maintain his distance. Lynn and I notice, when he walks away, the others also readjust. They shift to separate themselves from him.
Lynn says, “He’s an outsider. They won’t let him join the group.”
I ask, “Do you want to loop around and try to move in closer to the bachelors?”
“No,” she answers. Then she says, “I want to stay with Ponyboy.”
Lynn didn’t have to think long about what to call the horse. She blurted his name like it was something that she’d always known. At this point, we’d only just started into lives devoted to wild horse travel, image-making, and advocacy work. We hadn’t formally given names to any mustangs yet, at least, no names outside of “bay stallion” or the “little black and white pinto.”
In the years prior to our discovery of wild horses, we’d spent a long time observing and making photographs of other types of animals: elk, deer, and bison. We had never named any of them. In Yellowstone, for example, grizzly bears each have a number. We used to search the park looking for Bear 399. Numbers don’t lend themselves to narrative. It’s
This excerpt from In A Land Of Awe by Chad Hanson, reprinted with permission from Broadleaf Books.
tough to build a meaningful story about a number. On the other hand, the name “Ponyboy” stirs our imaginations. We talk about the character by that name in the film The Outsiders, based on the book by S. E. Hinton. We wonder if the painted horse had been marginalized on account of his two-toned gold and white coat. We ponder the question of whether horses can feel excluded. We start to build Ponyboy’s past. We begin to weave him a biography. We cannot help ourselves.
Other creatures engage the world by different means. Ospreys absorb the ground with their vision, for example. They interpret their habitat with their two eyes. Badgers live in dark and quiet haunts. They depend on their sense of touch—feeling their way through rocks and bones under the surface of the earth. A grizzly bear can smell food four miles away, but we don’t work like that. During the course of human evolution, our senses lost acuteness. We cannot see or smell or hear like other animals. Our senses provide our brains with a simple baseline of information. Upon that line, our minds go to work assembling words. We use words to give meaning
to places and events. For example, when I look out my living room window onto my lawn, I see “dandelions.” The word defines my experience of the “weeds” in my front yard. “Dandelions” are “weeds.”
When you walk through the lawn “care” aisle of a hardware store, you smell the herbicide. Pesticide. Mists and sprays and bags of granules. We must eradicate the weeds. If we fail, it becomes a commentary on our character. Dandelions in the yard serve as a sign—an indication of negligence. When homeowners allow dandelions onto the lawn, it means that they don’t care about the value of their real estate. Even worse, it could mean that they don’t care about the value of their neighbor’s property.
In some nations, when they speak of “values,” they invoke a set of principles. For some, values represent the goals and standards that they work to live up to or embody. The Sioux value commitment to community. The Navajo value beauty in their lives and in the world, but when Americans use the word “value,” we rarely refer to standards or principles. More often, we use the term to refer to the cost of goods or services. Our tendency is to reduce our understanding of both our environment
“When the first wave of Americans made their way out of the eastern forests and onto the grasslands of the West...we didn’t see the western prairie as a miracle of nature. We saw parcels of real estate.”
and ourselves to prices set in the market. For example, when our superiors set our annual salaries, they put a price tag on a year’s worth of our days. After work, we go home to our largest investment, or largest expense, our house. The story that we use to understand life is the story of economics.
It’s a potent story. When the first wave of Americans made their way out of the eastern forests and onto the grasslands of the West, we found the largest mass of migrating mammals ever known: bison. We also found an array of plants and animals living in concert with the herds, a complement of flora and fauna richer and more diverse than any that we are aware of historically. We didn’t see the western prairie as a miracle of nature, however. We saw parcels of real estate. We saw the soil as property and the grass as a means to grow commodities. Cattle, mostly. The narrative we used to explain what we found centered on finance. In our culture, we leave little room for moral and aesthetic considerations. We don’t dwell on questions of truth or rightness or beauty. Our story demands that we use “resources” to contribute to economic growth.
In the beginning, grizzly bears lived on the prairie. The marketplace does not value grizzlies. Plus, they are big and dangerous. We killed them first. Then we removed the wolves. Afterward, we turned a herd of up to 60 million bison into a group of 23 animals. We placed bounties on the heads of
coyotes and mountain lions. We poisoned the prairie dog. When prairie dog towns disappeared, we lost the predators that depend on them: burrowing owls and black-footed ferrets. In short, we turned the wildest region on earth—the Great Plains—into an enormous, one dimensional, mono-cultural, veal-fattening pen. We created “flyover country,” the geographical equivalent of a factory floor.
We’re taught to picture trees and mountains when we picture “wilderness.” The official wilderness areas protected by the government contain either forests or mountain peaks. I’ve visited many of the wilderness areas in the West. The weather is wild. Straightline winds tear at the fabric of tents. Sometimes, in the middle of a storm, it sounds like you’re stuck in the same room as lightning. Most animals know better than to dwell in places covered by snow for a large part of the year, however. Our wilderness areas are pretty, but the land is often barren. Wilderness areas rarely provide homes for large or diverse collections of animals. Some wilderness areas consist solely of rock and ice. Rock and ice possess no economic value, so when politicians went to designate wild places “untrammeled by man,” they had the tops of mountain ranges to choose from. Since we found ways to make money on grasslands, we trammeled them thoroughly, but in the past, prairies were ferocious. The Great Plains were the wildest places on the planet.
Continued on page 88
INGREDIENTS
4 each Hokkaido scallops
1 tablespoon shallots
1 tablespoon butter
1 ounce peas
2 ounces chicken stock
2 tablespoons cream
3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chives
3 each white asparagus
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon vadouvan spice blend
¼ head pea tendrills
1 tablespoon black garlic oil
1 ounce corn puree
2 ounces cooked farro
1. Reheat the blanched asparagus tips in lemon vinaigrette at low heat, breaking up the vinaigrette.
2. Cook the shallots in butter, add farro and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, add cream, and finish the farro with butter, parmesan cheese, and chives.
3. Pan sear the scallops with butter and oil until you get a nice sear.
4. Add vadouvan, 1 tablespoon of butter, and a pinch of salt. Note: do not overcook the scallops. They should be finished in a saute pan.
1. Plate the farro off the center on the left side of the plate. Place the scallops on both sides of the farro.
2. Put the asparagus between the scallops. Pipe the corn puree between the scallops.
3. Drizzle black garlic oil around the corn puree.
4. Garnish with pea tendrils.
With over 30 years of experience, Chef John Beriker of OMNI LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA has traveled the globe cooking in some of the world’s best kitchens. John learned the hospitality trade at a young age from his father who was a hotel general manager. He grew up roaming kitchens in hotels which sparked his passion for cooking. After honing his skills at culinary school, John went to work for Wolfgang Puck at the world famous Restaurant Spago in Hollywood, California. His passion would take him to Australia for his first executive chef position at the five-star Swissotel Merchant Court, and later to Germany where he would earn Best New Chef of the Year from the prestigious Gault Maillau at the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg. In his career, John has also owned award-winning restaurants and penned a cookbook for the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. He has spent the last few years honing his skills in Asia with stints in Thailand, Guam, and Singapore where his restaurant would garner Best New Restaurant of the Year by the Ministry of Tourism.
The Omni La Costa Resort and Spa features an award-winning resort spa, eight sparkling pools, and two championship golf courses. Located just north of San Diego, it is within easy reach of beaches and popular tourist attractions, like Legoland, Birch Aquarium, and the San Diego Zoo. The multiple restaurants offer endless appetizing adventures where experienced culinarians provide freshly prepared cuisine and attentive service to ensure an exquisite culinary experience.
CONTACT INFO | PAGE 92
Whether HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL, the versatile pattern adds a fresh appeal.The Nautical Company’s white and royal blue cotton Elbow Sleeve Breton Top. $75. The French made Beanie Striped Hat in dark navy/cream combination in wool by The Nautical Company. $31.50. MindtheGap’s Oregon Stripes Lampshade in orange-washed linen. Price upon request. The Sorrento Stripe Suitcase in caramel by Koko Blossom with black personalized initials. As shown, $168. Koko Blossom’s Personalized Passport Cover in Sorrento sage PU (vegan) leather. $25. Micucci Interiors Pharos Tea Set includes two porcelain mugs and one teapot with 24-karat gold accents. $615. MindtheGap’s Transylvanian Roots Szépviz Wallpaper in indigo/white. $185 per roll. The Retro Fun Stripe Duvet in organic cotton with button closure at base by Antipodream. $135.50.
This private and peaceful estate is situated on 10.83 acres in the heart of Wellington’s premiere gated equestrian subdivision of Palm Beach Point. The 5BR home also boasts stone floors, center-island kitchen with gas cooking, a spacious master suite with his and her offices and a home gym. The riders in the family will love the 12- stall courtyard barn, 8 generous grass paddocks, round pen and arena. The property lends itself to a covered arena and or a grass grand prix field. Every detail of this beautiful farm was painstakingly thought through and must be seen to be truly appreciated. Offered at $9,800,000
5.24 - acre equestrian estate with 4BR/5BTH home with open concept living with expansive walls of glass & views to outdoor spaces. The center-island kitchen offers Porcelanosa cabinets, quartz countertops, gas cooking, double ovens & large walk-in pantry. The master-suite showcases a luxurious dressing room & bath with a double sided gas fire feature, digital shower & soaking tub. Entertain poolside at the summer kitchen or on the 2nd story sundeck. 8 stall courtyard stable & stunning tack room & viewing lounges, jumping arena, exercise track, hotwalker & treadmill. Offered Furnished at $9,500,000
Private equestrian property with 3Br/3Bth home plus bonus room on 5 acres with a 7-stall center-aisle barn, round pen & beautiful grass paddocks in a gated equestrian community. A prime location near all of Wellington’s competition venues. A must see. Offered at $2,399,000
13.79 acres situated in a prime location in the heart of Loxahatchee Groves. Cleared and fenced, this tract is comprised of 3 individual parcels with access off both E & F Roads with a new 35’ wide concrete culvert for large horse trailers or semi-trucks. There is a 5Br/2Bth income producing home onsite, perfect for staff housing or business offices. Custom build your private equestrian estate or develop into 3 farm sites. Offered at $1,950,000
This freshly updated 14.5-acre farm has everything the serious equestrian desires. The center-aisle barn has 20 stalls, 2 tack rooms, covered patio overlooking the 100’ x 213’ covered riding arena with mirrors, observation platform and new footing. The farm also boasts an outdoor riding arena with mirrors, round pen, 51’ x 86’ storage garage and detached staff housing with 3 bedrooms & studio apartments. The 4-bedroom plus office main residence with pool has been completely updated from top to bottom with a new floor plan. Simply a must see! Offered at $4,500,000 • SOLD
Selling Wellington and the Palm Beaches
M +1 561-313-4367
matt.johnson@evrealestate.com
Learn more at mattsells.com
Imaginative artists create whimsical and elegant works of art using everyday elements and fascinating relics from bygone eras.
Teacher, 2019 by Cathy Rose. Handformed clay assembled with altered wood and found objects. The artist’s brother, who was her teacher, inspired this piece. It represents the bond between teacher and student. *
Unicorn by Miloslav Jaro Š. 15-20 centimeters in height. Price upon request.
Folk Art, 19th-century. Decorative Carved Wooden Horse in original paint. Made in France. 43.31 by 39 by 7.8 inches. $2,9620.14. At 1stDibs.
Release, 2014 by Cathy Rose. Hand formed and fired clay, assembled with leather and altered wood. This sculpture was from a series exploring the grieving process. The horse represents a theme of being carried through loss. *
Hero by Bridget Hoff. Incorporates reclaimed wood, stringed instrument tuning pins, yarn spindles, and wooden spoons. Adorned with Air Force wings and tail hair from the artist’s Andalusian. 11 inches tall by 9 inches long. Price upon request.
1. The Cool Comfort Ice Fil jacket by (in lagoon) is ideal for morning rides. Features UPF+50 sun protection and includes two frontzip pockets. $129. 2. The navy matte One K Defender Avance wide brim helmet offers added sun protection. Outer shell is polycarbonate and advanced ABS composite. $299.95. 3. Leonard II E sunglasses in tortoise/gray combination by Illesteva are both stylish and practical. $260.
4. Supergoop’s Resetting 100% Mineral Powder sunscreen offers SPF 35+ protection. $35.
Rare opportunity to purchase a new construction equestrian facility on one of the largest lots in Wellington, 18.52 acres! The property will include a sophisticated 20-stall center-aisle stable with a covered viewing terrace, large lounge with kitchen and a full bath, office, full laundry room, 2 tack rooms, 2 feed rooms, 4 interior wash stalls, medical room, storage room, and covered exterior walkways. Offered at $27,750,000
Featuring a total of 4,300 square feet under air, this waterfront property offers 6 bedrooms, 4 full and 1 half baths, a 3-car garage, and boasts lake and golf course views! Curated with designer touches throughout the two stories, the interior boasts vaulted ceilings, stunning dark wood floors, an eat-in kitchen with a wet bar plus a formal dining room, family room. Offered at $3,100,000
Professionally designed by JMA Interior Design, the modern, bespoke interior is warm and welcoming, boasting a main house with 5 bedrooms, 5 full and one half bathrooms, an exceptional outdoor space with a pool and a cabana guest suite. Outfitted with rich wood floors, volume ceilings with custom lighting, elegant wainscoted walls and countless other luxurious finishes, every detail has been carefully curated for a more refined way of living. Offered at $6,416,331
Situated on a pie shaped lot at the end of a cul-de-sac, this property boasts panoramic lake front views with the Dunes preserve just beyond that. Hand curated by the renowned Marc-Michaels Interior Design. The sprawling single level home features 4 bedrooms, 4 full and 1 half baths and an oversized 2-car garage. Offered at $6,195,000
13951 50th Street S
12270 Sunnydale Drive
3192 Blue Cypress Lane
2289 Golf Brook Drive
Modoc County, a relatively small region in the far northeastern corner of California, is home to the largest U.S. Forest Servicemanaged wild horse herd. Though California’s wild horses don’t compare in number to those in other places like Nevada, Modoc County has one of the largest populations of wild horses in the state.
The Devil’s Garden wild horses live on a high volcanic plateau in Modoc County. Today’s population descends from the working horses of local farms and ranches and cavalry mounts from the area. “We have about 2,000 wild horses now in Modoc County, and our
appropriate management level is between 200 and 400 horses,” explained Laura Snell, the livestock and natural resources advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension in Modoc County, California. As with other overpopulated species, this abundance of horses has negatively impacted the ecosystem through riparian habitat damage and annual grass conversion, jeopardizing the rural economy.
“When I came to Modoc County in 2015, there were just about 4,000 wild horses,” continued Laura. “So, we’ve made some impact on getting our horse numbers down. At that time, the U.S. Forest Service had never completed the gathering of horses, adoptions, anything like that on their own; they had always
let the Bureau of Land Management do all the work for them. Then, there was a falling out between the two agencies, so we got a group of people together: myself, forest service people, and local government to talk about solutions. How are we going to gather horses? How are we going to find homes for horses? And some of that conversation is what ended up leading to what became the colt challenge.”
The Devil’s Garden Colt Challenge, now in its third year, is a program that pairs up horses from the Devil’s Garden wild horse herd with California youth, ages 9 to 19, that are involved with 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America). The youth then have six months to work with the horses to prepare them for a show in June, where they demonstrate
Pairing WILD HORSES with ENTHUSIASTIC YOUTH has rehomed over 100 wild horses.their basic skills in a showmanship class, an obstacle course, and a halter class. The classes are divided by age group, with an overall $1,000 cash prize.
It started locally, with just a few neighboring counties, expanded to include all of Northern California, and now allows 4-H and FFA youth statewide to participate.
“We work with the Double Devil Wild Horse Corrals, outside of Alturas, California. And we identify horses that would be good for the program. These are horses that don’t have health concerns, have good conformation, and those kinds of things. Then we get pictures of horses, and we sometimes have little videos of them, too. The kids pick their top 10 favorite horses. We then randomly assign each kid a number, and it works a little like a lottery; the kids get some choice in which horse they’re assigned.”
The youth work with their horses, doing ground gentling, with standards set by the Bureau of Land Management’s Trainer Incentive Program (TIP), which specify the requirements that must be met for the horse to be considered “gentled” and, therefore, adoptable. These
requirements include leading, loading in a trailer, allowing human contact for grooming, and picking up all four feet.
“Upon completion of the program, the youth actually get the title to their horse,” Laura explained. “And after the competition, many of the kids keep their horses. But most of our older youth that are, say, in FFA later in high school, will sell their horse to someone who’s going to continue the gentling process and even go on to ride them as well.”
This year, there are 40 participants in the program from all over California. Interestingly, they are not only on ranches. Snell explains that there is a wide range of participants, from kids who bring the horse to live out on their family ranch to San Francisco city-dwellers who pay to board the wild horse at a stable near the city, where they work to train them.
“We’ve placed a little over 100 horses so far,” explained Laura. “We have gotten more audience support every year we’ve done it, though not a huge group. But for me, it is amazing to see how many local people have come. Last year was an interesting year because from the time the youth picked up their horses
to June when they were coming back to compete, we saw huge fluctuation in gas prices. And suddenly, trailering your horse all the way up to Alturas was a considerable financial burden. The program weathered COVID and now gas prices. We’ve had to adapt as we’ve had these kind of challenges. And the challenges have nothing to do with the horses; they have to do with everything else, like skyrocketing hay and gas prices and those kinds of things. I was kind of amazed that we had as many youth sign up this year as we did.
“The winner of last year’s colt challenge actually sold her ground-gentled horse to a local resident in Modoc County, who is in his 80s,” Laura said. “And it is probably going to be the last horse that he breaks to ride in his career. He’s broken hundreds of horses over his career and was someone who was very negative about wild horses, saying thatthat they wouldn’t amount to anything. The last horse that he breaks is going to be a wild horse from the Devil’s Garden. I think that’s so cool that he’s had that change in attitude.”
IT TAKES ALL YEAR TO HAVE THE HAMPTON CLASSIC READY FOR JUST ONE WEEK.
The Hampton Classic Horse Show, renowned for its esteemed end-ofsummer competition, stands as a testament to equestrian excellence and Hampton-style grandeur. With over 1,400 horses and riders and an impressive 50,000 spectators, this show
has solidified its position as one of the United States’ largest and most prestigious events.
Kate Soroka, the assistant site manager, is one among the tireless individuals who toil year after year on the 65-acre Snake Hollow Road property in Bridgehampton, New York.
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PHOTOGRAPHER
RACHEL HULIN
PLACES HORSES FRONT AND CENTER AS SHE EXPLORES THE CREATIVE POTENTIAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
Photographer, writer, and book author
Rachel Hulin has worked in New York as a photo editor for notable publications, including Rolling Stone , Radar Magazine , and Nerve.com , and has given lectures about her work and professional practices at the School of Visual Arts, Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University, and Parsons School of Design | The New School. Her work has been shown in the Jen Bekman Gallery, The Bronx Museum of the Arts, and Clamp Art Gallery, among others.
Her editorial clients include The New York Times , Martha Stewart Living , The New Republic , Real Simple , and the Huffington Post
She published Flying Henry, a fantasy children’s series, in 2013, and Hey Harry, Hey Matilda , lauded as the first novel to be told on Instagram, released in 2017.
She has a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University and a Master of Arts from New York University.
What was your initial inspiration for the equine-focused images?
I have always had a fondness for horses but have had a hard time finding horse imagery that has a certain level of playfulness and levity—and especially a splash of color! So, I decided to create some of my own.
What type of prompts did you provide for A.I. (Midjourney Showcase)?
I think creating very specific prompts for A.I. is part of the artistic process. Because I am also a writer, I tend to make long briefs that include details on every aspect of the image, such as the color of the horse, the rider’s outfit, and the background of the image. I also wanted these images to feel filmic and therefore specified the aspect ratio to mimic a movie screen.
Can you elaborate on some of the technical particulars you requested?
I included specifics about what camera
to emulate, what film stock to use, even what aperture to shoot at. A.I. tools truly are remarkable. Some of the details are still a surprise—stripes in certain colors, or hats can appear. And often there are glitches that I edit out; a horse will have five legs, for example. Culling is a large part of the process. I probably use one out of every 20 images that I generate.
What are your thoughts on the creative scope of A.I.?
It’s remarkable how quickly these tools have become available and how incredibly pervasive they already are. It’s hard to stay on top of the technology, as it is changing so fast. I do worry the scope of these tools will make jobs for creatives out of reach or obsolete. For right now, however, it’s an exciting development and allows for a lot of playful idea generation.
“ OFTEN THERE ARE GLITCHES THAT I EDIT OUT; A HORSE WILL HAVE FIVE LEGS, FOR EXAMPLE. ”
Kayden Muller-Janssen
has traded horse shows for Hollywood. The daughter of international dressage trainer Kerensa Muller, and Dutch national Olympic team dressage coach, Sjef Janssen, Kayden will always have horses in her blood. Her father won a bronze medal in team dressage at the 1991 European Dressage Championships and now produces a string of international dressage riders and horses alongside his partner, Anky van Grunsven. Meanwhile, Kayden’s mother, Kerensa, trains clients of all skill levels at the Muller farm in Florida. But even with two star dressage trainers as parents, a call to a different stage led Kayden to pave her own way to become an actress and singer.
Raised by her mother, Kayden grew up in the equestrian haven of Wellington, Florida, riding ponies before she could walk. From a young age, Kayden’s proclivity for art and music could often be seen on display in the stable. “She would clip her horse in the wintertime,” Kerensa says, “and make a wing design, or when we practiced our dressage moves, she would pretend she was a horse and she would video herself.” In addition to dressage training, Kayden took jumping lessons once a week. But did she ever practice? No—she opted to shoot scenes and practice acrobatics with her ponies instead. Kerensa laughs, saying, “You could tell that she had
a different twist to the equestrian lifestyle than we did. I have a picture of her when she was two years old or something like that—she always had a tutu over her riding clothes. One day I actually found riding pants that had a skirt attached, so I had to buy that for her.” Alongside her older sister, Klendy, Kayden adored growing up on a farm where her free-spirited energy could flourish.
Kayden’s larger-than-life personality eventually found a home in acting and singing. At a young age, she first performed for fun in front of audiences, including friends and family, in local stage plays. She even entered Robert Dover’s American Equestrians Got Talent competition in 2015.
Kerensa enrolled Kayden in a proper acting class in middle school, which took students to Los Angeles
Continued on page 54
M“Music has always been her passion. She loves acting, but don’t get me wrong, music has always been her passion.”—KerensaTop and below: Kayden with her co-stars of Villains of Valley View. Center and upper right: Kayden’s new album cover. Opposite page: From her album cover photoshoot, photographed by EQLiving’s photography director George Kamper. Makeup by Leslie Munsell and hair by Julian Johnson.
Continued from page 48
for a showcase. “Managers and agents come, and the kids perform,” says Kerensa, “And she got five requests from five different agencies to represent her.” Soon enough, Kayden’s journey to stardom began. Beginning at the age of 14, Kayden would audition in Hollywood for the next six years, flying back and forth from the Muller’s farm in Florida to California. While Kerensa traveled with Kayden to attend auditions, from the age of 16, Klendy stayed back home in Florida to take care of their farm.
Kayden’s years of hard work eventually paid off, leading her to break into the Hollywood spotlight by way of the Disney Channel, where she landed the role of Hartley in the hit comedy “The Villains of Valley View.” Kayden described her character to TresA Magazine in 2022, saying, “When I first read the script, Hartley immediately reminded me of my younger self. I always describe her as a giant ball of
sunshine. She has a very bubbly, silly, and caring personality; I was definitely drawn towards her.” Kayden has earned critical acclaim for her role, and the show was recently picked up for a second season. Not only does Kayden enjoy acting, but she is also a singer who specializes in the R&B, soul, and pop genres. A Disney fan through and through, Kayden became inspired as a child by listening to one of her sister’s CDs featuring Christina Aguilera’s “Reflection” from Disney’s “Mulan” as a child. Kayden started writing and singing original music about five years ago. She found early success with her hit, “Kiss Kiss Baby,” which reached the number one spot on Radio Disney, and the music video reached the top five most requested on Music Choice. More recently, Kayden dropped her debut EP “Unraveled,” in 2022. One song called “No Maybe,” was written with Dustin Atlas about one of
Y“You could tell that she had a different twist to the equestrian lifestyle than we did. When she was 2 years old, she always had a tutu over her riding clothes.” —KerensaAbove: Kayden, age 9, with her pony, Showoff.
Kerensa says, “Music has always been her passion. She loves acting—but don’t get me wrong—music has always been her passion.” She gets to sing on her Disney show, “The Villains of Valley View,” and Kerensa continues, “That’s already right up her alley. That’s what she would love to continue doing—if she can act with music.”
While in Hollywood, Kayden spends her free time volunteering at a local riding club, where she guides tourists on horseback to see the sights of LA,
including the famous Hollywood sign. Kayden also loves rescuing animals and has adopted multiple dogs over the years, which she takes back and forth to LA
Her penchant for helping animals in need also led Kayden to support Brooke USA, a foundation dedicated to raising awareness for the plight of working horses, donkeys, and mules around the world. Kayden offers her talent and fame to fundraise, advocate, and educate on behalf of Brooke USA.
As for the future of Kayden’s career in entertainment, she wishes to continue acting and performing, as well as taking her music on tour. She also sets her sights on writing and directing her own movies one day. “She loves that stuff—the creation of it,” says Kerensa, “She has a strong, huge personality. She fills the room because that’s who she is.”
surrounded by dressage horses or polo ponies or celebrating in a grand arena amid meticulously groomed grounds and stables.
Equestrian centers epitomize elegance by blending architectural grandeur with the rich legacy of history and excellence. These venues boast top-quality facilities and attention to detail, ensuring a beautiful backdrop for both intimate gatherings and grand festivities.
Whether it be the regal splendor of equestrian landmarks or the rustic charm of a barn, these venues can provide a canvas on which you can paint the event of your dreams. Embrace the grandeur of horses and the timeless allure of these unique locations, allowing the celebration to resonate with grace, romance, and the enduring enchantment of the equestrian world.
This beloved equestrian landmark is a secluded and hidden gem located in bucolic Gladstone in the heart of the fox-hunting country of New Jersey. The historic stable, grounds, and show ring are available for horse shows, weddings, festivals, corporate functions, and other events of all kinds.
Hamilton Farm is located a half mile down a country lane, close to major roads, but quietly situated, surrounded by a beautiful golf course. Best known as the home of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, Hamilton Farm was the first training headquarters for the team, with the original barns, rings, staff quarters, trophy room, and more still there and in use. While it’s no longer the training center for the U.S. teams, it is the headquarters for the USET Foundation staff. It has become a historic landmark of the sport, giving it deep meaning for many equestrians.
The Rotunda’s arched central entrance leads to an octagonal space with fired brick walls and floors, decorated with plaques from international competitions. A high glass ceiling surrounded by glazed tile makes for an unforgettable space that is a historic and stately place for a wedding.
A door off the Rotunda leads to the second-floor Trophy Room that features hand-carved walnut panels and trophy cases depicting the history of the United States Equestrian Team. In the center of the room is a glass floor which allows guests to observe the Rotunda below.
With idyllic outdoor spaces and horses as a backdrop, there is ample opportunity for beautiful photography and memorable moments.
Nestled in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley wine country, Alisal Ranch is an exquisite venue for weddings and events. This historic ranch, a member of Historic Hotels of America since 2021, traces its roots back to 1946 and has played host to distinguished guests such as Clark Gable, Gregory Peck, and Ava Gardner.
Spanning over 10,500 acres of stunning landscapes, Alisal Ranch captures the romance and rustic charm of the Old West. It offers a range of beautiful venues, including the enchanting Sycamore Grove, the historic Adobe, the awe-inspiring Proposal Point with its view of the private lake, and the intimate Creekside Lawn. Couples have endless options to create their dream wedding, with these venues comfortably accommodating up to 200 guests and ensuring a memorable experience for all.
Guests can indulge in local specialties, such as the authentic Santa Maria BBQ, which adds a delightful touch to the dining experience. Alisal Ranch’s culinary expertise in offering fresh classics with a Western flair truly captures the essence of the region’s cuisine.
Accommodations at Alisal Ranch consist of 73 charming cottages that can be reserved either in their entirety or as needed. This allows the wedding party and guests to relax and enjoy the festivities while immersing themselves in the ranch’s tranquility and natural beauty.
To add an extra touch of magic, couples can choose a memorable exit with a romantic horseback ride into the sunset. With over 100 horses and 50 miles of trails, this unique departure creates an enchanting and adventurous end to the celebration.
Situated on 378 acres, the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, offers an awe-inspiring setting for a truly unique destination wedding. Surrounded by lush forests and picturesque landscapes, the venue features a captivating non-denominational chapel adorned with locally crafted stained-glass windows, Swarovski crystal chandeliers and elegant pointed arches. Just a short horse-drawn carriage ride away, guests can enjoy the luxurious accommodations of The Equestrian Hotel—a full-service hotel boasting 248 rooms, seven restaurants, a spa, a pool, and high-end retail experiences.
A hidden gem within The Equestrian Hotel is the enchanting Rose Garden—an intimate and open-air venue ideal for receptions. Nestled amidst tall hedges, delicate rose bushes, and vibrant flower gardens, the space exudes an air of tranquility. When in full bloom,
the garden becomes a breathtaking sight, with countless pink rose petals. Throughout the sprawling property, guests can stroll along walking trails beneath majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss while equestrian competitors of Olympic caliber can be seen mingling with guests. The World Equestrian Center hosts weekly equestrian competitions that draw competitors from around the globe. You don’t have to know anything about horses to enjoy the tradition and pageantry.
Additionally, the patio of Stirrups, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, provides a stunning vantage point overlooking the Grand Arena, making it a picturesque location for wedding receptions. The Saturday night Grand Prix is a prestigious event and an extraordinary spectacle. With up to 7,500 spectators in attendance, the Grand Arena becomes the stage for majestic equine athletes competing for substantial prizes, often exceeding $100,000.
The National Polo Center (NPC), formerly the International Polo Club of Palm Beach, serves as the focal point for polo in the United States, allowing the United States Polo Association to host tournaments, nurture American players, and cultivate an environment that fosters excellence. Located in Wellington, Florida, this premier facility features exceptional amenities, such as five fields, a grandstand, restaurants, a clubhouse, a social club, a swimming pool, a gym, and tennis courts. It has established itself as the central hub for top-tier equestrian competition, attracting and retaining players while promoting the highest standards of the sport.
In addition to its unmatched value to polo as a sport, the center is a remarkable wedding venue known for its luxurious and distinctive experience. Situated on a vast 250-acre property, the venue offers a stunning setting for both wedding ceremonies and receptions. The manicured lawns, lush green fields, and beautiful palm trees create a serene and romantic atmosphere, providing an ideal backdrop for exchanging vows and capturing timeless wedding photographs.
The center offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate different wedding styles and sizes. Couples have the option to choose an intimate garden ceremony or a grand affair in one of the elegant spaces which can accommodate large guest lists. The venue’s experienced event staff works closely with couples to bring their vision to life, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed.
One of the standout features of the facility is its exceptional polo field. Couples can say their vows in front of the crisp green expanse or time the ceremony to coincide with the thrilling grace of galloping ponies as a backdrop. The venue also offers the opportunity for polo exhibitions during the cocktail hour, allowing guests to enjoy the excitement and action of the sport up close.
In addition to its breathtaking aesthetics, the National Polo Center offers top-notch amenities and services. From world-class catering and a full-service bar to state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, couples can expect nothing less than perfection on their special day. The venue’s dedicated team of professionals ensures that every aspect of the wedding, including the decor and cuisine, is flawlessly executed, leaving couples and their guests with unforgettable memories.
Sweeney Barn, located in Manassas, Virginia, offers an exceptional wedding venue that has gained popularity for its unique characteristics and charming atmosphere. With three distinct spaces available, couples have the opportunity to create a truly personalized wedding experience.
The outdoor lawn is an exquisite choice for couples seeking an open-air ceremony. Set against the backdrop of the barn, this picturesque space provides a stunning setting for exchanging vows and capturing timeless wedding photos. During cocktail hour, guests can enjoy the relaxed ambiance while mingling around wine barrels that serve as high-top tables. Fire pits adorned with bistro lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere, and lawn games add a touch of fun and entertainment to the celebration.
The barn’s lower level serves as a versatile area often chosen for wedding ceremonies. The neutral tones of the room beautifully complement any floral arrangements and decor. In case of inclement weather or extreme temperatures, the lower level is also utilized for indoor cocktail hour, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for guests.
The great hall upstairs at Sweeney Barn is exclusively reserved for wedding receptions. This spacious and inviting area offers ample room for tables, a dance floor, a buffet, cake, DJ, and other entertainment options.
The barn’s history adds to its charm. Though it is not a farm, and is in fact located in an industrial part of the city, it was originally built in 1939 as part of Prince William County’s thriving dairy industry, the barn stood abandoned for years until it was purchased and renovated by the Sweeney family in 2018. The barn’s transformation into a state-of-the-art wedding venue has preserved its original features, such as the roof integrated into the hallway wainscoting and the original hay crane still hanging in the upper level. The silo, with its striking spiral staircase, has become a favorite spot for capturing breathtaking wedding photos.
Guests attending weddings at this unique venue can take advantage of the area’s nearby amenities. Within a short drive are hotels, rideshare services, breweries, wineries, and live music venues. The Black Sheep Restaurant, located in a renovated barn on a neighboring dairy farm, offers a remarkable dining experience for rehearsal dinners or additional events.
With its unique spaces, charming ambiance, and attention to detail, Sweeney Barn offers couples a distinctive and customizable venue for their wedding day. Whether opting for an outdoor ceremony on the beautiful lawn, a romantic ceremony on the lower level, or a grand reception in the great hall upstairs, the barn ensures an unforgettable experience filled with love and cherished memories.
A wedding to be remembered.ROB JINKS PHOTO AMANDA WOSE PHOTO KARIS MARIE PHOTO
The epitome of an equestrian venue.
Set amidst the rolling bluegrass hills, and a hub of equestrian life, the Kentucky Horse Park is an ideal venue for couples seeking a wedding that encapsulates the spirit of Kentucky and equestrian sport. The vast 1,200-acre property offers indoor and outdoor spaces, including historic barns, charming buildings, and breathtaking views of the park that are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Couples can exchange vows in front of the renowned statue of Man o’ War, surrounded by sprawling green fields, gentle fountains, and vibrant blooms. Barn entrances, green fields, and horses along the fence lines make the park a wedding photographer’s dream. To add an extra touch of elegance, the park offers enchanting horse-drawn carriage rides, infusing your wedding celebration with a sense of old-world charm.
Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand affair, the Kentucky Horse Park boasts a range of versatile facilities to accommodate weddings of all sizes. The Big Barn, located near the Man o’ War memorial, houses the draft horses and carriage displays, and is a light, romantic space with an equestrian feel. Stepping out onto the Big Barn’s patio brings you right into the center of the park, surrounded by fenced pastures and lush bluegrass. The patio’s stone wall gives a sense of intimacy to the outdoor space.
Another choice for couples is the Cove, a lush green area, set down into a forested glen. The bridal procession can descend the historic stone staircase to greet their guests, seated in the meadow dotted by wildflowers.
The Kentucky Horse Park is an equestrian couple’s dream wedding venue for its beauty, its versatile venues, impeccable service, and deep ties to the equestrian sport.
THE STUNNING TERLINGUA, TEXAS, RETREAT WAS DESIGNED WITH VIEWS IN MIND.
Willow House, located just outside the historic town of Terlingua, Texas, is a stunning example of modern architecture nestled in the rugged beauty of the high-desert landscape. This unique enclave of 12 private, stand-alone casitas situated on over 250 acres of land offers a perfect retreat for visitors seeking a tranquil and inspiring escape that magically marries remoteness and accessibility.
BY STEPHANIE PETERS
The design is a masterful blend of contemporary and traditional elements. Its sophisticated, modern lines are complemented by natural materials (sourced locally when possible), textures, and neutral palettes, creating a harmonious connection with the surrounding terrain. Expansive glass walls provide unobstructed views of the desert and the Chisos Mountain Range, effectively blurring the line between interior and exterior spaces.
Guests can enjoy an equally serene community space on the property with an open-plan living area, a modern kitchen, and comfortable seating areas ornamented with an informed curation of original art. In the evenings, stargazers can gather outside to enjoy the warmth of the firepit and convivial conversation.
While Willow House imbues a minimalist aesthetic, the casitas are a peaceful retreat after a trail ride, a day’s hike in Big Bend National Park, or an excursion to Marfa, the West Texas desert city gaining international acclaim as an arts hub.
The large windows in each room offer endless views of the surrounding landscape, and plush bedding affords well-rested guests to wake up to the beauty of the desert each morning.
Situated in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert, the panorama is characterized by rugged mountains, arid plains, and sweeping vistas, making it the perfect backdrop for outdoor exploration and adventure and a chance to experience the region’s unique beauty firsthand.
Whether you are visiting for a restorative escape, a creative rejuvenation, or simply to recharge, Willow House will instill a lasting impression. PAGE
PAUL CHASE’S WIDE-RANGING ARTISTIC CAREER HAS LED HIM TO CARVE HORSE HEADS FROM STONE.
Wild White Mustang White Marble
6 by 10 by 15 inches
The Prince Tennessee Red Marble 8 by 13 by 20 inches
High Mountain Spirit Marble 12 by 17 by 6 inches
Artist Bio
Paul Chase and his wife, Mary Weck, live in Galena, Illinois, the location of Paul’s studio. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Communications degree from the University of Wisconsin (UW) Platteville and received an Education degree from the University of MontanaMissoula. He has taught art, commercial art, and graphic arts at the high school and college level for over 30 years in Washington, Montana, and Illinois. Paul’s art has evolved extensively through the years, beginning with watercolor landscapes through large format portraits of guitars and portrait paintings while simultaneously developing his stone carving techniques. His guitar-inspired art has been displayed at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Most recently, Paul presented a tribute show to the late Georgia O’ Keeffe, to whom he is related, consisting of 10 portraits of O’Keeffe based on the iconic photographs of Alfred Stieglitz and four marble sculptures inspired by her work. His latest “Stone Horses” collection is now in the forefront of his creative energy.
Can you tell us a bit about your career as an artist? When did you know it was what you wanted to pursue?
I discovered I was an artist when I was about 10 years old. It was natural, and I thought at the time that everyone had artistic talent. I continued to create and draw consistently through my youth and into college in Wisconsin and graduate school in Missoula, Montana. I taught art for six years in the Missoula High School and commercial art/photography for 25 years at a vocational program in Illinois. Teaching all aspects and techniques of art allowed me to be proficient with multiple mediums for expressing my creative ideas.
Did you always know of your relation to Georgia O’Keeffe? Was it always important to you, or did it grow to be after your art career began?
When I was in high school, I would often visit my grandparents on the way home from school. They had an old cover of Life magazine tacked on the basement wall with the painting of a cow skull and a rose and the name Geor-
gia O’Keeffe. I asked my grandfather about it, and he said, “Oh, that’s your grandmother’s cousin. Who would ever buy a painting like that?” I pondered it for a while, but it would be years later, while in college, that the artist Georgia O’Keeffe became more significant to me personally. In 1976 my wife and I went to her home and studio in Abiquiu, New Mexico, hoping to meet her. We were greeted by the housekeeper, who sadly informed us she was no longer taking visitors. She was 88 years old at that time. I did receive a card from her thanking me for the visit. I was influenced greatly by her large flower series, and it inspired me to create my own series of large format close-up paintings of guitars. Those paintings are in homes, recording studios, and galleries worldwide.
Did you have experience with horses or riding? What is it about horses that inspired you to carve them?
My riding experience is limited. While living in Montana, we had a pony for our children and horses that belonged to others in the corral on my property. Years
Artist Paul Chase
Arizona Rough Rider Marble with Turquoise Stone Inlay 16 by 15 by 4 inches
later, my wife and I visited a dude ranch in Montana where we experienced being a “cowboy” but, more importantly, developed a close-up connection with the horse. This experience led me to create a series of large format paintings of saddles. I displayed the works at the Midwest Horse Show and various galleries. I also created paintings that combined saddles and guitars, and several became CD covers for country music artists.
Can you discuss your other work involving music and guitars? Do you see any connection between that and your Carved Horse Gallery?
My art has evolved over the years as outside forces and inside forces have dictated. Many years ago, I was happy and successful in landscape painting. After learning to play the guitar, I became fascinated by the shape and design of the instrument. That fascination exploded into over 150 large format paintings of guitars. As I began to explore stone carving, it was natural to turn to the design of the guitar as inspiration. I have completed many stone guitar and guitar player sculptures. Nothing to do with horses…yet. The owner of the Arizona Marble Quarry allowed me access to the quarry to gather loads of marble pieces. As a thank you to him, I decided
to sculpt a horse head, which led to the creation of “The Bronc,” which was my first horse head sculpture.
A few years later, I was given a large piece of red Tennessee marble. It became “The Prince” and the beginning of the “Stone Horses” series. I find excitement in using detailed realism as well as simple geometric shapes to express my vision of the horse. I favor the horse just exploding from the rock and the action it provides. Each piece is a new challenge and often captures the essence of the horse with little detail…a return to the quick “brush strokes” of impressionism.
What are your goals when you create your work? Do you begin with a complete story in mind, or does the idea evolve as you create the piece? What informs your choice of materials?
Painting on canvas is very different in the initial design and goals for the completed piece than carving in stone. Often the
design of a painting evolves as it is completed. Stone carving opens multiple avenues for design, technique, and the evolvement of ideas. This is why I have come to love it and dedicated my passion, talent, and abilities to stone sculpture. I have a wide variety of raw marble around my home/studio, and piles of carving stone decorate the yard. I have purchased blocks of marble from quarries in Colorado, Arizona, Vermont, and Tennessee. Often, I have been able to walk through the quarry and take what I want from the scrap piles. I love to look at rough chunks, just pushed out of the ground, wild shapes, textures, and colors and choose those pieces for future projects. When I walk by the stones, I look at them and ask, “What will you be, what is hiding in you?” Then it happens, suddenly a particular stone calls out, and I know what it will be.
As I begin carving my idea or design, I listen to what the stone directs. “Oh, you want to go that way.” It really is exciting when the stone tells me to change direction. At times it is a very loud announcement to change when a large chunk of the stone simply falls off! That can mean the end of the first idea and the beginning of a completely different sculpture, or tragically that stone becomes too small for a suitable gallery piece. It’s like the loss of a close friend.
Uptown Girl
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:
–10.3 acres
–4,193 sqft
–3 bedrooms 4 bathrooms
–Brand New barn, in ground heated pool with hardscaping, run in shed, and fencing with additional three stall barn.
Welcome to this private park-like sanctuary set on over 10 acres of fully fenced property with direct access to the North Salem bridle trails. Winner of the Pinnacle Award for best restoration/renovation, the home is masterfully designed. Enjoy an open-concept living space including a chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry, island appliances, and granite counters. Beautiful hardwood flooring throughout the home including two bedrooms on the main floor. Spectacular views out every window. Private main suite on the second floor with a Juliet balcony overlooking a serene babbling brook. New in-ground heated pool with backwash system. New automatic entry gate, fencing, 36’x48’ 1½ story barn and run in barn. Everything completed with new landscaping and seed for all the paddocks. The home features Geothermal for maximum efficiency with an automatic generator for the home. Everything thought of to move you and your four-legged friends in. Come check out this one-of-a-kind property. Just 54 miles to New York City. $2,650,000.
MARCIE NOLLETTI
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson NY & CT
Coldwell Banker Realty
338 Route 202, Somers, N.Y. 10589
Cell: 914 424-5545
MVNolletti@gmail.com
marcienolletti.com
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Not long after Lynn and I discovered that there were wild horses in Wyoming, we learned that the term “wild” is not universally used to describe them. In Wyoming, and other states with herds of mustangs, organized groups are fighting to remove the word “wild” from conversations about horses. In particular, agribusiness people who graze cattle on public land want the term “wild” removed from our vocabulary. They prefer the word “feral.” In English, we define the terms similarly. Synonyms for both include “savage,” “untamed,” and “undomesticated.” But the connotations of the words differ. We use “wild” to suggest a state of freedom and originality. In contrast, we use the term “feral” to describe domestic animals that have escaped.
The term “wild” conjures romantic feelings in our culture. When we see wild animals through the windows of our cars, we’re often thrilled. We’ll pull off of a road and stop to admire a wild animal. We make photographs and post them on the internet. As a resident of Wyoming, I can attest: people travel for thousands of miles to drive the roads of my home state, just for the chance to maybe see something wild. The term feral does not move us that way. We don’t plan summer vacations around feral animals. With regard to the feral—we feel disdain. Animals are animals. Even so, some we like and some we don’t. We take naps with some of them on the couch. Some we butcher and eat. We love German shepherds, but we built a federal office charged with trapping, poisoning, and blowing up the dens of coyotes. We snuggle with huskies, but in most of Wyoming, anyone can shoot a wolf on sight. Scholars have only recently begun to give attention to the significance that we attach to animals. In contrast, social scientists have spent years giving thought
to the ways that we treat each other. Sociologists have spent a century trying to understand the relationships that form between groups of people. Among those who study such relations, the work of Gordon Allport stands out as distinctive. In his book “The Nature of Prejudice,” he describes the processes that lead to bigotry.
Allport suggests that our first contact with a group can shape our attitudes toward them for generations. His theory hinges on the power or status of people when they meet one another for the first time. Allport’s model predicts that two different cultures will enjoy respect-
who own horses, free roaming mustangs represent a threat to the established order. Westerners often see wild horses as having moved up beyond their station. This point of view can breed contempt. Many in the West look at mustangs with the same sort of condescension that we usually reserve for barnyard animals that manage to escape the farm.
ful relations when their first contact occurs at a time when they are equal. On the other hand, when groups of what people consider “unequal status” meet, the encounter results in racism, or a scenario where the dominant faction fails to accept the humanity of the other. Of course, such views provide the make-believe justification for wars, imperialism, and enslavement.
When we see horses for the first time, it is nearly always in the context of a domestic setting. They pull our carts, buggies, and handsome cabs. Sometimes, we cinch a saddle on their backs and we ask them to carry us. We come to know horses as property, although most of us will never possess the land or resources needed to keep them. However, for many in the West, particularly those
It should come as no surprise to find stock growers working to change the way we talk about wild horses. The word “feral” reduces the romanticism and admiration that we feel toward mustangs. From the standpoint of those who use our public lands for their own personal profit, the foals of wild horses appear on the prairie as weeds. They are “unproductive.” In the minds of many ranchers, mustangs deserve the same kind of disrespect that we apply to dandelions sprouting uninvited on suburban lawns. The wild horses that roam free in the West have never known owners or domesticity. Even so, lobbyists for agribusinesses have begun a campaign to define the American mustang as a “feral” animal. If they succeed, it is conceivable that horses would suffer the same fate that we prescribe for other animals that we refer to as feral: poison, traps, and bullets.
Agribusiness people have an economic agenda. They look at the public grasslands of the West through a lens shaped by the workings of the marketplace. When it comes to the prairie landscapes that belong to all of us, in permanence, they tend to see monthly allotments of food for their own private herds.
The language of economics animates the stories that we tell about the western states. The market that provides us with goods and services shapes our worldview to such a degree, the practice of reducing everything to economics can feel
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The term “wild” conjures romantic feelings in our culture. When we see wild animals through the windows of our cars, we’re often thrilled. We’ll pull off of a road and stop to admire a wild animal.
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inevitable. But within the scope of history, the market-based approach to life is relatively new. Historically, human beings tempered the judgments that take place in the market with folklore. In the past, we used legends and myths to provide members of society with lessons, ethics, morals, and aesthetic preferences. Cultural narratives offered a way for human beings to reduce the intensity of our obsession with finances. Folktales and parables allowed people to sidestep concerns about what is profitable in order to focus on questions like, “How should we live?” or “Where lies the truth?” or “When is something beautiful?”
During the time of their empire, Greeks found so much meaning in horses that they began to imagine a race of creatures that combined the body of a horse with the torso of a man: the centaur. Greeks valued the freedom of wild horses. Observing the beasts gave them a reason to consider the contrast between the willfulness of nature and the constraints we feel as members of societies. Centaurs possessed the traits of both horse and man, but their character leaned toward that of the animal. In Greek mythology, centaurs appear feisty and spirited. That is, with one exception—the centaur Chiron—brother of Zeus and the tutor of Achilles. For the Greeks, Chiron represented patience, skill, and kindness. He served as a role model for those who would later become physicians. Myths and allegories serve the function of helping people to entertain the promise of a better world. For ages, horses have been a part of that promise.
As societies like ours evolved, we used the science and economics stories to banish our other narratives. Even so, for most of American history, horse stories gave us meaning. In the middle of the last century, we used horses as characters
to help us define who we are, but we’re two generations removed from culture-forming films like My Friend Flicka and The Black Stallion. The romance has waned. We now use cold calculations to provide the rationale for removing wild horses from public land. We’re left with the hollow characterization of the prairie as a commercial landscape. At times, it can feel like we are caught in a Greek tragedy. In the production of a tragedy, a principle is set in motion. Then the principle plays itself out—all the way out—despite the efforts of those who understand the plot leads downward to a melancholy end.
Adopt-a-Mustang program sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management. It’s a good program. Or, at least, a necessary one. Adoption is a better fate than a glue factory for horses that threaten to eat the grass that a small number of us would rather feed to cows and calves. Government agents round up the horses that they find. Then they offer them to potential owners, for a modest charge. Of course, in the arrangement, wild horses become property. They are broken. Although we like to say that they are “gentled.”
Mustang trainers will repeat a horse’s name until the animals develop new identities. Horses are smart. You don’t have to echo their names too often before they start to recognize them. Knowing one’s name is the first step toward taking on all of the obligations that go along with being somebody. “Buttercup,” for example. If you can get a horse to accept the name, that is the first step toward getting them to fulfill the responsibilities involved in being Buttercup.
Buttercup holds still for a halter.
Lynn and I watched Ponyboy, off and on, for seven months. He stayed in the margins. We’d find him eating grass twenty feet from a group of bachelor stallions. Then, one day, we found the group that he tended to lurk near, but no Ponyboy. Through the winter, and into spring, Lynn and I would ask each other, “Where is Pony?” It became a meme. Now it’s been years since we’ve seen the gold and white horse, but we still ask each other, “Where is Ponyboy?” It makes me wonder where he went. I also wonder how many other people knew the horse. It makes me curious about the names they might have given him. The last time we saw Pony, he had grown accustomed to cars on the road through his favorite meadow. He might have a thousand other names.
Much has been written about the
Buttercup stands quietly in her stall. Buttercup walks into the barn to eat her grain.
And so on, in an effort toward domestication.
Having a name is like having a job. Ponyboy may have a thousand names, but the lucky horse does not know one of them.
Lynn and I keep planning new trips into the sagebrush. Part of me hopes to find Pony. There is also part of me that hopes he’s hiding somewhere in a valley or a canyon, out of reach—far from tourists and government officials. Near the end of the film The Outsiders, the character Johnny says something to the namesake of the horse that we met at the top of Green Mountain. He borrows a line from a poem by Robert Frost. He whispers, “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.”
Adoption is a better fate than a glue factory for horses that threaten to eat the grass that a small number of us would rather feed to cows and calves.
Welcome to Copper Meadows Eventing Center, Southern California’s premier equestrian facility in Ramona, CA. Spanning 61 acres of picturesque low mountain terrain, our state-of-the-art barn complex
prioritizes the safety and comfort of your horses. The ranch features 48 stalls, tack rooms, feed rooms, wash racks, and a spacious office for administrative tasks or relaxation. Additional amenities include a twelve-stall self-contained area, wash racks, electricity for tack rooms and lights, as well as twelve 30amp plug-ins for RVs/horse trailers.
Discover five exceptional riding arenas, including regulation dressage and jumping arenas, a lighted arena for early morning or evening rides, and warm-up arenas for jumping and dressage. Our cross-country course, designed by Hugh Lahore, boasts over 200 obstacles, including water features, bank complexes, and ditches for all levels. The course is USEA, USEF, and internationally approved, having hosted renowned shows from 2000 to 2021.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views and tranquility of inland north San Diego County as you explore the endless possibilities of designing your custom home equestrian estate on this expansive property. Just 45 minutes from downtown San Diego, Copper Meadows is the ideal location for equestrian events, clinics, and training sessions. Whether you’re a professional rider, trainer, or an enthusiastic equestrian, this property caters to your every need. The ranch is zoned for one-acre minimum parcels with subdivision potential. Additionally, the seller may consider selling three adjacent two-acre lots and an adjoining residence with a pool. Don’t miss out on this remarkable opportunity to pursue your equestrian pursuits.
FAVORITES
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A Favorite Shot
Andrew Ryback andrewryback.com
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Sun-Ready Essentials
EltaMD eltamd.com
Eric Javits ericjavits.com nordstrom.com
Illesteva illesteva.com
Kastel Denmark kasteldenmark.com
Kerrits kerrits.com
One K onekhelmets.com
Riata Designs riatadesigns.com
Roeckl roeckl.com
Supergoop supergoop.com
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The Devils Garden Colt Challenge devilsgardenucce.org
FASHION
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Waxed to Perfection Barbour barbour.com
Hicks & Brown hicksandbrown.com
LL Bean llbean.com
Joule’s joules.com Toast us.toa.st
DÉCOR
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Hooked on Style 1st Dibs 1stdibs.com
Boulot Dodo etsy.com/shop/boulotdodo Designs By Loriece etsy.com/shop/ DesignsByLoriece Forged Commodities forgedcommodities.com
InfoStore 88 etsy.com/shop/ infostore88
My Home Hardwares etsy.com/shop/ myhomehardwares
Tack Room Studio etsy.com/shop/ tackroomsstudio
Upper Dutch upperdutch.com
Willow Skye Vintage etsy.com/shop/ myhomehardwares
BOOK
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In a Land of Awe
Chad Hanson 2022 Broadleaf Books broadleafbooks.com
FOOD + DRINK
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Omni La Costa Resort and Spa omnihotels.com/hotels/ san-diego-la-costa
STYLE
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The Thick and Thin of Stripes Antipodream antipodream.co.uk
The Basket Room thebasketroom.com
Koko Blossom kokoblossom.co.uk
Micucci Interiors micucci.co.uk
MindTheGap mindtheg.com
The Nautical Company
thenauticalcompany.com
Ruff and Tumble ruffandtumbledogcoats. com
DESIGN
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Creative Inspiration in Found Objects
1st Dibs 1stdibs.com
Bridget Hoff bridgethoff.com
Miloslav Jaroš instagram.com/jarosmilo milojaros.sk/ Cathy Rose cathyrose.com
CLASSIC GARDENS
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Hampton Classic Horse Show hamptonclassic.com Marders marders.com
HORSES OF A DIFFERENT COLOR
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Rachel Hulin rachelhulin.com horseofacolor.com
WEDDINGS 2023
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Alisal Ranch alisalranch.com
The Equestrian Hotel equestrianhotel.com
Hamilton Farm uset.org/ historical-hamilton-farm
Kentucky Horse Park kyhorsepark.com
National Polo Center nationalpolocenter.com
Sweeney Barn sweeneybarn.com/ weddings
World Equestrian Center worldequestriancenter. com/ocala-weddings
WILLOW HOUSE
Page 70 Willow House willowhouse.co
GALLERY
Paul Chase Page 78 paulchase.com
BARN DOG
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Thrive Animal Rescue thriveanimalrescue.com
It is a little-known fact that maintaining the splendor of this place is a year-round labor of love. “The one thing unique to us is that we have the grounds for 52 weeks a year to prepare for one week or so. There are no other events held on the property. And then, all of a sudden, in August it becomes a whirlwind of activity,” notes Kate Soroka, “culminating in a resplendent Grand Prix VIP tent adorned with exquisite floral centerpieces.”
Silas Marder of Marders
Nursery began riding leadline ponies as a boy at the show and is now a board member and the longeststanding current Hampton Classic sponsor. The Marders have a neighboring 18-acre family nursery and landscaping business with a retail store and gallery. Kate says that Marder and his team play an integral role in bringing the show to life with their creativity and ability to infuse the showgrounds with an inviting ambiance with meticulously chosen and placed flowers, plants, and trees. Marders was among the first businesses in the nation to own a large-scale tree spade that enables moving and transplanting mature trees. “In the two weeks before the show, we bring over full-size trees, which, I think, give a sense of permanence,” Silas says.
Marder’s creativity in reusing
materials is noteworthy. For example, his team took discarded steel driveway edging and wove it to create a screen (Lower left, page 38). “We’ve also brought in giant boulders and large evergreen trees, but the boulders were really interesting, with us trying to keep kids from climbing on them,” says Silas.
Executive Show Director Shanette Barth Cohen added, “Marders has been a vital partner of the Hampton Classic for decades and is a huge reason the Hampton Classic is, in my opinion, the most beautiful horse show in the country. Silas Marder’s exciting showground installations and creative arena islands keep our show looking fresh and new while never straying too far from the ‘Classic’ in our name.”
Both Soroka and Marder fondly recall the influence of Agneta Currey, a revered board member and former chairwoman who dedicated nearly three decades of her life to the Classic. Currey, alongside her husband Brownlee O. Currey Jr., played an instrumental role in elevating the event’s floral aesthetics. The Curreys also owned numerous successful hunters and jumpers, including Touch of Class, the celebrated Thoroughbred mare ridden by Joe Fargis to double gold medals in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Throughout the years, Soroka relished Currey’s visits to the show, accompanying her as they strolled through the grounds,
listening to her invaluable recommendations. She recalled in Behind the Hedges, “You never knew when she was here. She would just roll up, you’d see her car, and you knew she was wandering somewhere in Hunter 1 or in the Grand Prix Ring, just looking to see what plants had come back in spring.”
In honor of Currey, the Hampton Classic named the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden after her—an enchanting space that hosts over 70 vendors during the show, making it one of the most frequented areas on the grounds. Shanette remarks, “We think naming the Boutique Garden in her honor is a most fitting way to ensure that she remains part of the Hampton Classic forever.”
When planning, the team considers the visibility of the flowers and plants from a distance, particularly in the rings. Larger foliage and flowers tend to be more suitable, ensuring that even those observing from afar can appreciate their beauty. Moreover, the crew prioritizes safety when adorning the rings, considering the potential impact on horses and riders.
Then, when the tents, crowds, and horses are gone, “The grounds get a nice rest until winter, and we don’t cut anything back until spring,” says Kate. And the deer wander back to munch on the arborvitae and hydrangeas.
Traverse City Spring Horse Show
Presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel June 7–25, 2023
Great Lakes Equestrian Festival
Presented by CaptiveOne Advisors™ July 5–Aug 13
Traverse City Tournament of Champions Aug 30–Sept 17
Hope Glynn is a California mom with a remarkable career in the equestrian industry as a hunterjumper professional, “R” judge, and horse- and farm-insurance agent. She started riding at the age of 4, and after co-running a successful training and showing farm, she now focuses on running Hope LLC, a horse sales operation, and coaching her daughter, Avery, who is following in her mother’s footsteps. Hope is passionate about the equestrian industry and gives clinics to promote better horsemanship, riding, and training.
Having a dog in my life since birth has been a true blessing. I often thought that those who were raised without a pet were missing out on an essential aspect of life. With a dog by my side, I always had a loyal friend to play with, visit the farm with, and greet me with joy at the beginning and end of each day. Regardless of socioeconomic status, a dog can help lift our spirits during tough times. Throughout my life, my dogs have never failed to be there for me, wagging their tails, bringing delight and happiness to my days.
With few exceptions, I’ve always had rescue dogs. Living in the countryside, we often encountered stray dogs in
need of a loving home, and I’ve come to appreciate their many benefits. In my experience, rescue dogs are generally healthier, more grateful, and easier to train than other dogs. However, after losing our beloved dog to cancer, I recently turned to Cece Bloum’s Thrive Animal Rescue, whose work I admired, for a new companion for my daughter, Avery, and me.
Cece told me about a female dog with a litter of puppies in Mexico, and I trusted her to select the best puppy for us. We decided to drive down to pick up our new addition, Waffle, but we also
wanted to help other dogs in need, so we offered to transport any that needed a ride back to Northern California. With the overwhelming response, we rented a minivan and set up crates for eight dogs, which we safely delivered to their welcoming new homes.
Waffle, the last dog remaining after delivering the others, has become my constant companion. Although we don’t know her breed, we consider her a perfect dog. We often laugh and tell people her fancy breed is a Tijuana terrier. Her unique appearance often attracts attention, and I do think I even resemble her, making us a scrappy terrier duo. One amusing anecdote about Waffle is her love for water, which we discovered when she plunged into the pool and joined my dad swimming laps at my parents’ house. In response, my dad built her a diving board for easy access to the pool, and he has since transformed the pool into Waffle’s personal play area.
Waffle is an amazing dog. Every time I adopt another rescue dog, I question whether I can ever find a dog as wonderful or loveable as the one before. Yet, each new dog keeps surprising me because they are just wonderful, and I can’t help but love them and think; I have the best dog ever.
HOPE GLYNN thinks her Mexican rescue is the best dog ever.Follow @USEquestrian & @USEFNetwork on social media for behindthe-scenes coverage of USEF Pony FInals
Sign up for a Free USEF Fan Account today to watch the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms, August 8-13 on USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV
For more information, visit usef.org/fan
