theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 1
2 • THE PLAID HORSE
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 3
4 • THE PLAID HORSE
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 5
6 • THE PLAID HORSE
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 7
8 • THE PLAID HORSE
info@andrewryback.com • www.andrewryback.com • (224) 318-5445 THE OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER AT THE WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 9
10 • THE PLAID HORSE
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 11
12 • THE PLAID HORSE
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 13
14 • THE PLAID HORSE
What do a million people like to do on a Spring day?
www.nationalsteeplechase.com
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 15
NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION THE GOVERNING BODY OF JUMP RACING IN NORTH AMERICA NSA’S TENTATIVE 2019 EVENT SCHEDULE March 23, 2019
Aiken Spring
Aiken, SC
March 30, 2019
Carolina Cup
Camden, SC
April 6, 2019
Georgia Steeplechase
Kingston, GA
April 13, 2019
Tryon Block House
Columbus, NC
April 13, 2019
My Lady’s Manor
Monkton, MD
April 20, 2019
Grand National
Butler, MD
April 20, 2019
Middleburg
Middleburg, VA
April 27, 2019
Foxfield Spring
Charlottesville, VA
April 27, 2019
Maryland Hunt Club
Glyndon, MD
April 27, 2019
Queen’s Cup
Mineral Springs, NC
May 4, 2019
Virginia Gold Cup
The Plains, VA
May 5, 2019
Winterthur
Winterthur, DE
May 11, 2019
Iroquois
Nashville, TN
www.nationalsteeplechase.com
16 • THE PLAID HORSE
Publisher PIPER KLEMM, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief SISSY WICKES Art Director LISA DALY Web Director & Blog Editor LAUREN MAULDIN Advertising ALLIE CARLSON • LIZ DAVOLL
NANCY HALVEY • MINDY PLESS MICHELLE DECKER RUMANES Subscriptions KATIE ANN DIGREGORIO Contributing Writer RENNIE DYBALL Social Media Administration JESS CLAWSON Artist in Residence MADELEINE MURRAY
THE EDUCATION ISSUE
P. 18 PUBLISHER'S NOTE Piper Klemm Ph.D. P. 22 AIG: INSURING A LIFESTYLE Sissy Wickes
P. 28 SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE: BETTER THAN EVER Sissy Wickes P. 34 HEATHERLY DAVIS' EDELWEISS FARMS Sissy Wickes P. 38 MEDIVET Molly Sorge
P. 44 WIHS: FIRST TRIP DOWNTOWN Morgan Geelhaar, Claire Taylor, Ella Baltus P. 59 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SHOPPING FOR THE EQUESTRIAN Contributors P. 72 COVER STORY: MATCHMAKER LTD: UNMATCHED EXCELLENCE Sissy Wickes P. 86 CAITLYN SHIELS & MICHELLE DURPETTI Emily Riden
CONTACT THE PLAID HORSE
WRITE Piper Klemm, Ph.D., 14 Mechanic St, Canton, New York 13617 CALL 541-905-0192 WEB theplaidhorse.com EMAIL piper@theplaidhorse.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/theplaidhorsemag TWITTER @PlaidHorseMag • twitter.com/PlaidHorseMag INSTAGRAM @theplaidhorsemag • instagram.com/theplaidhorsemag PINTEREST pinterest.com/theplaidhorse GOOGLE + The Plaid Horse Mag TUMBLR theplaidhorsemag.tumblr.com SNAPCHAT theplaidhorse ISSUU: issuu.com/theplaidhorsemag ON THE COVER: HANNAH STEVENS OF MATCHMAKER, LTD. & CAPRICCIO. PHOTO © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 17
18 • THE PLAID HORSE
PUBLISHER’S NOTE:
In the Moment When I’m on some drive that never seems to end, I choose not to get gas in an obvious moment and the sky is clear and then I NEED gas and it’s pouring rain and freezing and I’m not sure if I can make it home. Then I crack and buy an energy drink or Diet Coke, both of which I know are horrible for me and expensive and stupid. I get back in the car and I can’t even. Cold, wet, freezing, overwhelmed, wanting to cry, and I guilt trip my impulses for not taking good care of me. Back on the road, I blast the heaters, savor every sip of regret, and start to look forward. I think about where we are, who I get to work with, what I saw at the horse show, and give a smile. It’s just a hint at first, just at the corner of my mouth. The more I think, the more it grows. The more it grows, the more I can’t suppress what I actually feel. I love my job. I love to work. And I love to wake up everyday and do it. Soon, I’m laughing. So grateful, the emotion could turn to tears. I think about the many years spent at the barn with all the special horses, with my family, and the trips all over the world. My life is, and always will be, all about the horse. But, while it’s always been all about the horse for me, I don’t actually get to spend enough time with horses. I work on photo spreads, answer emails, attend meetings, and promote horsemanship, but my daily cuddles are non-existent and I was super proud to, you know, go to the barn more times than I have fingers this year.
Sometimes, I get lost. I lose sight of what we are doing here and where I was headed with such ferocity.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 19
20 • THE PLAID HORSE As I prepared to teach an entrepreneurship class this fall at St. Lawrence University, I first decided to take a regular fitness class with my new regular schedule. Home every Tuesday and Thursday, I committed to Sculpt & Burn two nights a week. And then it dawned on me: I could take regular lessons too.
HappyNewYear PHOTOS OF A GREAT WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW. PHOTOS © SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY & TPH.
I signed up aspiring to learn to keep my riding nerves at bay. Maybe get fitter and gain some confidence. Maybe in 2019, I won’t shake at the in-gate. Maybe I won’t be scared of that single oxer. Or fear that I can’t ride in a straight line. Be self-assured enough to have a canter departure on a straightaway in the under saddle. Those are all goals that time will tell. What I was not expecting, however, was to fall in love with this sport in a whole new way. I drove to the barn, left my phone in my car, and walked into a moment. Completely focused on the horse, I groomed methodically. I curried without a care in the world. I picked hooves without deadline. Brushing, polo wrapping, staring at an unfamiliar saddle for estimated stirrup length — nothing was interrupted. When I finally got on, I was able to focus on riding and organizing my emotions in the saddle. After a post-ride hose and tack cleaning, I walked out to my car. Yes, I did have a pile of emails and questions and phone calls. But, no, the moon hadn’t fallen out of the sky. I started addressing them with my headset on the way home. They went quickly, my total focus applied to this context and knocking out hard work. In the midst of addressing my weaknesses - to my surprise - I discovered strength. The 2019 version of myself… hopefully stronger than 2018, more organized, and still supported by an incredible group of people. I hope to spend more time currying, less time worrying, and maybe, just maybe, I can have a horse show where I smile and feel like I belong in that division. But, if I still shake at the in-gate, fall off in a straight line, or make sure I’m in a corner when called to canter, the moon won’t fall out of the sky and we will all live to tell our favorite horse stories.
◼
BY TPH PUBLISHER PIPER KLEMM, PHD
(FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AT @PIPERKLEMM)
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 21
22 • THE PLAID HORSE
AIG: Insuring a Lifestyle How does an insurance company
become more personal than a recurring monthly payment? How does an
insurance company become a perfect
fit for the equestrian lifestyle? How can you protect all that is valuable to you? Ask AIG; they have the answers.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 23 American International Group, Inc. (AIG) has expanded its presence in the equestrian community every year since 2010. Their commitment to the industry has grown through sponsorship of events and development of products specifically designed with riders and horse owners in mind. The familiar blue AIG logo can be seen from Ocala to Menlo to Thermal as AIG rises to the cause in support of equestrian sport. AIG is the title sponsor of the storied AIG $1million Grand Prix, a marquis event on the American showjumping calendar.
PHOTO © ESI PHOTOGRAPHY.
AIG Private Client Group, a division of the member companies of AIG, provides personalized insurance products to meet the lifestyle needs of successful individuals. As David Hubbard, Vice President at AIG Private Client Group, explains, “We go beyond equestrian sport to insuring the equestrian lifestyle. We have immersed ourselves in showjumping by sponsoring and attending events over the past eight years. It is important that the community understands our commitment to their passion, their sport, and their lifestyle.” AIG Private Client Group offers a concierge level of customer care. Clients receive personalized insurance options tailored for their lifestyles. AIG understands the dedication that comes with owning, riding and competing horses. Equine ownership can make insurance needs more complex and require specialized personal, equine, farm and ranch, and business insurance solutions. AIG Private Client Group covers the personal risks of successful individuals and families pursuing their equestrian sport passions. For example, transportation is an integral part of the horse show routine, and AIG can cover personal vehicles and trailers. They partner with equine insurance specialist
24 • THE PLAID HORSE
advisors who know how to navigate the complex insurance marketplace for equine, farm and ranch, and business insurance solutions that go beyond personal risks.
We help clients understand risk and exposures to risk so that they can manage them more effectively.” AIG Private Client Group offers coverage for cyber, identify and privacy security threats and breaches and provides access to security specialists who respond and help to resolve the issues.
In addition, AIG offers policies to cover loss and damage to tack and equipment, a significant investment sometimes not fully protected by homeowner’s insurance.
Natural disaster preparedness has been a part of the national consciousness at an increased level over the last few years. Floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and winter storms have wreaked havoc throughout the United States. Every time an incident occurs, horses, property, and people are at risk. AIG provides disaster preparedness advice to help design a comprehensive plan of action in the face of a crisis to insure the best outcome for livestock, humans, and property.
One of the unique aspects of AIG Private Client Group is the personal relationship between insurance advisors and clients. Each client’s personal assets and potential liabilities are evaluated by an insurance advisor to assess potential risk. Many clients’ interests extend beyond horses to cars, fine art, wine, and aeronautics. AIG offers coverage of collectibles as well as business entities. The insurance advisors engender an interpersonal relationship with clients so that any risk contingency can be managed. A 2018 AIG survey sent to 25,000 people involved in differing dimensions of the HITS show series elements of risk management that are most important to them. The results in order of importance are: identity theft, protection of privacy and personal reputation, protection of barns and farm properties, understanding equine law and liability, and disaster preparedness. “From a risk management services point of view, “ Hubbard states, “AIG services and the resources we provide are almost as important as the insurance products themselves.
American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a leading global insurance organization.
Through its Private Client Group, a division of the
AIG member companies,
successful individuals can
access innovative protection for homes, excess liability, automobiles, private
collections, yachts and more.
AIG Private Client Group also offers supplemental services
designed to minimize property damages, safeguard fine art and other collectibles and bolster family safety.
AIG Private Client Group is the ultimate resource for insurance and risk management strategies for wealthy individuals. The company is represented by experts in insurance products for people and property, for equipment and collections, for transportation and tangible assets. In addition to comprehensive policies, AIG Private Client Group offers consultation and response to a variety of personal and business exposure hazards. AIG transcends beyond the customary level of client care to establish a personal relationship with its clients. AIG protects the totality of the equestrian lifestyle.
◼
BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES;
PHOTOS © ESI PHOTOGRAPHY, AIG
Find more information at aigprivateclient.com/equine
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 25
26 • THE PLAID HORSE
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 27
28 • THE PLAID HORSE
Private education is a challenging and changing landscape in the age of skyrocketing tuition and online options. Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, VA found itself in the same difficult conundrum as many singlesex, small private colleges in America. The challenge was to reshape and redirect into a sustainable, innovative educational institution. Sweet Briar has successfully pivoted, even earning a place on US News & World Report’s list of Most Innovative Schools.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 29
Sweet Briar College: Better than Ever Sweet Briar reinforced a strong, diverse curriculum and dramatically reduced the cost of tuition to make the college an excellent, affordable option for women. Founded in 1901, the bucolic setting of the campus is unparalleled, as are the college’s deep roots in equestrian tradition. Accompanying the curricular and tuition innovations is a major shift in
equestrian team options for students. Sweet Briar is one of just a few colleges in the United States to offer both an NCEA Equestrian team and an IHSA Equestrian team. While equestrians may not occupy a berth on both teams, there is room for every rider on one roster or the other.
30 • THE PLAID HORSE
a high GPA standard of the student athletes and our professors are sensitive to travel commitments and flexible in their academic demands.” While Sweet Briar is new to the NCEA league, they are improving with every competition. Wroten is optimistic about their future. “We are proving this year that we belong in this program. It is new for us, but we are not far off the mark. I am very proud.” The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) is a club sport offered at approximately 350 schools nationally. The IHSA team at Sweet Briar consists of 25 students who participate in Zone 4 competitions and hope to qualify for the IHSA National Finals in Syracuse, NY. The NCAA and IHSA teams form a cohesive entity at Sweet Briar. The riders assist each other at competitions with travel, horse preparation, and cheering. Wroten continues, “It really is a team effort which creates a tight-knit group here. Each rider believes in the value of her participation in the community. Every person supports the other. It is a great experience.” Mimi Wroten, equestrian coach at Sweet Briar, explains the value of supporting both options. “The dual NCAA and IHSA programs are a combination of the best of both worlds for our riders. We can offer competitive opportunities for riders who are just beginning all the way up through experienced accomplished riders. The team experience is a valuable part of Sweet Briar equestrian.” In the 2017-2018 season, Sweet Briar excelled in both formats. Makayla Benjamin, a senior last year, won the Cacchione Cup, the highest award on the IHSA circuit. She also participated in the NCAA Equestrian National Finals in Waco, TX. This season, rules do not permit a rider to participate in both formats, making Benjamin the only rider to achieve this feat. NCAA Equestrian is offered at 24 schools in the U.S. The program is available to equestrian student-athletes as an opportunity to participate in high-level competition at the collegiate level. NCAA athletes are frequently offered scholarships and may be recruited to participate in this competitive, nationally based program. Many of the best junior riders in the country end up at NCAA schools where equestrian is a varsity sport. Sweet Briar began its NCEA program in 2017 and is currently the only Division III school with a 2018-2019 Hunt Seat Team of six riders. Coach Wroten explains the Division III format. “In Division III NCAA athletics, academics come first. We require
Sweet Briar offers a robust curriculum, affordable tuition, a campus of unmatched beauty, and a well-rounded experience for its female students. “Sweet Briar’s changes to its curriculum and tuition model were strategic: They were based on the College’s existing areas of excellence to set the institution apart, and also to be relevant for 21st-century women’s leadership,” President Meredith Woo said. “Our institutional innovations are intended to prepare women leaders to innovate their own solutions to global problems.” With equestrian options that range from students learning to ride to boarding their own horses to a choice of highly competitive teams, Sweet Briar College – where academics and equestrian are the perfect mix – should be on every female junior rider’s list of colleges.
◼
BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES
PHOTOS ON PREVIOUS PAGES, IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: SWEET BRIAR TEAM PHOTO; A LONG VIEW OF THE SWEET BRIAR CAMPUS; LANTERN BEARING CEREMONY; SWEET BRIAR STUDENT JUMPING; RIDING ON CAMPUS; AN AERIAL VIEW; A RIDING JUMP; SWEET BRIAR’S ENTRANCE; STUDENTS WALKING TO CLASS. ABOVE: AWARD WINNER MAKAYLA BENJAMIN. PHOTOS COURTESY SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 31
32 • THE PLAID HORSE 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The National Horse Show, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, Oct. 27 - Nov. 4, 2018. 1. Devin Seek & Startin Monday. 2. Elli Yeager & Copperfield 39. 3. Kaitlyn Lovingfoss. 4. Mimi Gochman & Kaskade. 5. Ellie Ferrigno in the second jumping phase of Maclay Finals. 6. Jessica Stone & Odyssey. PHOTOS © EMY LUCIBELLO.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 33
34 • THE PLAID HORSE
Heatherly Davis’ Edelweiss Farms: All the Best for Horse and Rider “We are building our dream farm here,” Heatherly Davis says enthusiastically. “Edelweiss Farms at Lavender Creek is the most beautiful facility I could imagine. It is the perfect combination of function and form.” Davis has a long and impressive resume in the horse industry. A native Californian, she has spent a lifetime in the business as a rider, trainer, and business owner. Davis began her career at the storied Foxfield Riding School in Westlake Village, CA, a facility known for instilling solid foundations in horsemanship, riding, and work ethic. Davis had a fifteen year tenure at Foxfield where she taught all levels of riders, rode many different types of horses, and learned about every contingency in running a facility. The breadth of experience in a diverse facility like Foxfield is an invaluable education in the horse industry. Heatherly moved on from Foxfield to work for other trainers in California before opening her own business, Edelweiss Farms. For decades, she has been a player on the local and national levels. While building a successful career as a trainer and rider, she branched out to establish a successful horse and pony breeding operation. Heatherly is dedicated to training young horses without pressure, ensuring the best outcome for each. Her homebred pony, Macy Gray, was a prolific medium hunter pony, an example of good breeding and training. At Edelweiss Farms, Davis and her assistant trainer, Heather Chatham, combine to provide personalized training for their students and specialized care for their horses. Davis explains, “Heather and I have very similar backgrounds and ethics. We believe in the traditional form of equitation and we emphasize that the horse comes first.” They are dedicated to helping the Edelweiss riders accomplish their goals through structured, positive
training. Lessons are kept very small, with most containing only 1-3 riders at a time. Heather Chatham explains, “We teach a lot of riders that may be moving up from a riding school situation to getting their first horse and committing to a higher level of riding. In these cases, more support with private lessons will help as they enter the next phase.” The intimate, specialized nature of Edelweiss extends to the horses as well. Heatherly stresses that the well being of the animal is paramount at Edelweiss. “We try not to compete at shows more than two weeks in a row before we have down time. I try never to pound our horses and we are able to qualify for shows and finals without too much stress on them.” To keep the horses fresh and healthy, the Edelweiss facility sports large, airy stables, a treadmill and Eurocizer, and plenty of turnout. The outdoor ring contains beautiful footing and a view that Davis likens to an infinity pool. “The horses are so happy here. And, so are our veterinarians,” she laughs, emphasizing the top health of the horses.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 35
36 • THE PLAID HORSE
Team Edelweiss espouses a training program that instills good equitation technique and flatwork. Heather and Heatherly are often in the saddle, training horses in their care or exhibiting them in shows in preparation for their amateur or junior riders. Both trainers have learned from some of the best in the business and endeavor to pass on the time tested tradition of good form equals good function. They mirror the attitude and behavior that they expect from the students. Flatwork, less jumping, technique, hard work, and prioritizing the horse is the basis of their training. Edelweiss has had success on every level and in many rings - from “Rusty Stirrup” (older, beginner riders) to pony riders to national equitation finalists and pony finalists. Hunters, equitation, jumpers, ponies - all are within the scope of Heatherly and Heather. Edelweiss is
unique in its proficiency in the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines. Both trainers have extensive experience in the highest levels of competition. Heather competed in World Cup classes on her own horse as well as upper level classes on clients’ horses. As she states, “I have worked with top show barns on hunters and jumpers. I learned a lot and I love to pass it on.” As important as quality in the equine aspect of their business is quality in the personal realm. Heatherly explains, “We are both mothers and family oriented and try to be good examples for the kids in the barn. We understand that this is a sport, but we also want to teach ethics and sportsmanship in a friendly, clean environment.” Edelweiss Farms in Moorpark, CA embodies the best in facilities, horse care, and training. Trainers Heatherly Davis and Heather Chatham are a team dedicated to top results for horses and riders in every competition ring. With extensive experience in the industry, they offer individualized training programs for horse and rider. As important as a top equestrian operation is their commitment to clean sport and ethical behavior. Contact Heatherly at edelweissfarmsllc.com.
◼
BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES
Heatherly Davis and Edelweiss Farms Results: Winner of Los Angeles Hunter Jumper Association (LAHJA) Medal Finals Winner of San Fernando Hunter Jumper Association (SFHJA) Medal Finals Winner of California Professional Horsemen’s Association (CPHA) Medal Finals Reserve Champion Pacific Coast Horsemen’s Association (PCHA) Medal Finals Top 10 in ASPCA Maclay Regionals Top 25 in ASPCA Maclay Finals at the National Horse Show Numerous year-end Championships in USEF, PCHA, and local association hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions
PHOTOS © SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY, TREENA HALL PHOTOGRAPHY, LAILA KLINSMANN, RICK OSTEEN, CHRIS SWEASEY, & CAPTURED MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY.
37 • THE PLAID HORSE
38 • THE PLAID HORSE
MediVet ACS is Helping Horses Overcome Inflammation to Be Their Best Lisa Thomas knows she has a remarkable partner in her horse Rhythm. She’s competed the Oldenburg gelding in the amateur-owner hunters, through training level eventing, and in hunter trials and paperchases in addition to hunting with Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds.
ABOVE: LISA THOMAS OF UNIONVILLE, PA, HAS BEEN ABLE TO CONTINUE TO ENJOY HER 17-YEAROLD OLDENBURG GELDING, RHYTHM, THANKS TO MEDIVET ACS AND ITS ABILITY TO COMBAT RHYTHM’S ARTHRITIS. PHOTO © ALEC THAYER. RIGHT: MARTHA REDMAN, OF REDMAN SHOW HORSES, HAS USED MEDIVET ACS TO SUCCESSFULLY TREAT INFLAMMATORY AIRWAY DISEASE IN HER YOUNG JUMPER, KILIMANJARO VAN’T HEIKE. PHOTO COURTESY MARTHA REDMAN.
“He’s an amazing horse, but he has not been without maintenance issues,” Thomas said. As a 4-year-old, Rhythm was diagnosed with kissing spines, a condition where the dorsal spinal processes of the horse’s vertebra rub against each other, but he improved after a year of treatment. “He’s always been arthritic and has known arthritis in his neck, which makes dressage a challenge and jumping the really big fences not so realistic at his age,” Thomas said. Rhythm, now 17, also recovered from a strained front suspensory three years ago. But Thomas, from Unionville, Pennsylvania, enjoys her time in the saddle aboard Rhythm so much, and he’s such a willing partner, that she makes it a priority to ensure that he’s as comfortable as possible. “I still want a couple more productive years out of him!” she said. “His most chronic issue is right hind, which then transfers to his left front and makes for a hard left lead canter. It’s very uncomfortable for me as I have ruptured discs in my own back.”
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 39
Thomas’ veterinarian, Dr. Celia Goodall, suggested that, in addition to Rhythm’s routine joint maintenance, they try MediVet Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS), a regenerative therapy option that can be administered intravenously to help reduce inflammation and promote healing in multiple areas of a horse’s body. Thomas has been impressed with the results. “Since beginning on the ACS, I have noticed remarkable results with his overall well-being,” she said. “He feels much sounder, and his left lead canter has improved by 50 percent. I can comfortably sit the canter for longer periods of time since using the ACS. Most of the time before I would have to get in two-point due to my back. I’ve also noticed that his wind has really improved. We have huge hills here in Unionville, and his ability to push from behind and his wind after galloping a hill is so much better.”
What Makes MediVet ACS Different? Thomas’ observations about the effects ACS has had on Rhythm’s whole body are in line with how MediVet ACS works to reduce and block inflammation in the horse. Other regenerative therapies, like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP®), also give veterinarians a drug-free way to treat injuries and conditions previously only treatable with traditional drugs. However, MediVet ACS is the only regenerative therapy option that can be administered intravenously to treat the whole horse, rather than just targeting specific tendons or joints through intra-articular injections. ACS uses the horse’s own anti-inflammatory proteins, found within the blood, to counteract the destructive effects of six different inflammatory cytokines, as well as inducing four powerful anti-inflammatory cytokines to block the progression of inflammation.
40 • THE PLAID HORSE
Being Proactive
Blood is collected from the horse, then sent to the MediVet laboratory where a patented photo-biostimulation technology applies low-level light of specific wavelengths that induces the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and upregulates growth factors cells in the blood samples. Within 72 hours of the initial collection, the blood is processed and 50 doses of MediVet ACS are received by the veterinarian. MediVet ACS is the only regenerative therapy option of its kind to induce four powerful anti-inflammatory cytokines and upregulate specific growth factors. This means that MediVet ACS is doing more to block and terminate inflammation, and enhance healing, than any other regenerative therapy, making it one of the safest and most powerful available.
Dr. Kristian Rhein began using ACS on racehorses five years ago. “I’ve used it on hundreds and hundreds of horses, and I’ve had excellent results,” said Rhein. “[You might have a] horse that has small problems—nothing you can put your finger on. In my old days I would say, ‘Well, back off, let’s give him a little bit of Bute, and we’ll see what happens.’” Now, Rhein starts those horses on a schedule of ACS treatment. “What I started seeing was horses were recovering much quicker—after works and after races,” he said. “Any elite level athlete, you’re going to have some form of micro-injury. What I really like about the ACS is I feel like it’s staying ahead of those micro-injuries before they become macro injuries.” UNLIKE OTHER REGENERATIVE THERAPY OPTIONS, EACH DOSE OF MEDIVET ACS IS ABLE TO BE ADMINISTERED INTRAVENOUSLY, ALLOWING IT TO AID IN WHOLE HORSE HEALTH AND WELLNESS. PHOTO BY JUMP MEDIA
But it’s not just injuries that ACS can help. It can help reduce the inflammation caused by inflammatory airway disease ONE COLLECTION OF BLOOD YIELDS 40-50 DOSES OF or allergies because of its whole-horse MEDIVET ACS, ALLOWING FOR ONGOING TREATMENT AND “It’s the IRAP® 2.0 if you will,” said Dr. INFLAMMATION MANAGEMENT. PHOTOS © JUMP MEDIA. effect. Hunter/jumper professional Bryan Dubynsky of Palm Beach Equine Martha Redman took advantage of ACS Clinic. “You start to see improvement to help a talented young horse in her string that was struggling with in 48 hours, and I have seen the level of that improvement inflammatory airway disease. significantly higher with ACS over traditional IRAP®.” “He’s a quicker healer with MediVet ACS,” said Redman. “Not only Not only is the anti-inflammatory capability enhanced is he managing his breathing better, but also I’ve noticed that his in MediVet ACS, but the therapy is also able to be recovery after exercise has really improved. His stamina is better. He administered intravenously, intra-articularly, or through is really physically thriving.” a nebulizer. “I look at MediVet ACS as the gold standard in regenerative therapies The option for IV administration means that MediVet ACS, because of the powerful anti-inflammatory effects combined with in addition to helping the horse’s joints, counters the the presence of regenerating growth factors,” concluded Rhein. “It’s various inflammations that occur throughout the horse’s allowing these horses to not let inflammation dictate the way that body, by traveling through the horse’s circulatory system they’re going to perform.” to pinpoint where the horse may need it most. Because Talk to your veterinarian about what MediVet ACS might be able to do of this, MediVet ACS has successfully treated various for your horse and visit www.medivetequine.com to learn more.. conditions including arthritis, synovitis, and inflammatory airway disease.
◼
BY MOLLY SORGE/JUMP MEDIA
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 41
1.
The Royal Horse Show, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, Ontario, Nov. 2-11, 2018. 1. Isabelle Lapierre & Carrera S. 2. Nicole Walker & Falco van Spieveld with Karen Hendry-Ouellette. 3. Beth Underhill & Ian Millar. 4. Sam & Scott Walker. 5. Miranda Burruano & Quixote. 6. Hugh Graham & Airborne. PHOTOS © JUMP MEDIA.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
42 • THE PLAID HORSE 1.
3.
6.
2.
4.
5.
7.
Showplace Productions’ Minnesota Harvest Festival Horse Show, The Minnesota State Fairgrounds Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, St. Paul, MN, Oct 2-7, 2018. 1. Charlie Carrel. 2. Addison Parins. 3. Mabel Cattoor. 4. Shannon Hicks. 5. Izzy Quadracci. 6. Karen Cudmore. 7. Eli Schlimovitz & Abby & Ginny Dvoraka. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 43
44 • THE PLAID HORSE
FIRST TRIP
DOWNTOWN
BY MORGAN GEELHAAR • It had been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember to show at Indoors. This past year was the first time I was able to qualify based on the division I was showing in with my horse. My horse, Beau, helped me step up to the AA’s from the Low Adults. He, like many other horses, has his own quirks, showing at indoors is definitely outside of his comfort zone. I think when a rider qualifies for this type of show experience they need to keep in mind what is a realistic expectation to set for their horse. For me, I understood that he may peak or spook while on course because this is unlike any other shows that we have been to over the past year. I think that you can not lose sight of what an incredible achievement it is just to qualify. So many people never have the chance to experience that same thing that I did. I went through a lot of personal challenges just to qualify and had to make personal sacrifices along the way. You don’t get to this point on your own without the support of your family, friends, and trainer(s). It truly does take a village. You should be grateful for not only the fact that you qualified for WIHS but also the love and support that surrounded you the entire year.
Located in the heart of Washington, DC, the Washington International Horse Show is an iconic feature on the indoor show circuit. Read about three equestrians who met the challenge of qualifying for and ultimately took their first trip downtown to participate in the WIHS.
Morgan Geelhaar & Beau
Photo © Shawn McMillen Photography.
Continued on page 82…
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 45
1.
Autumn Classic, Caledon Equestrian Park, Caledon, Ontario, September 16, 2018. 1. Asta Torokvei & Karmino Z. 2. Chris Surbey & Emergo. 3. Amy Millar & Heros. 4. Peter Gisborn & Bambino Chin P. PHOTOS
2.
© ANOUSKA HAANTJES.
3.
ANOUSKA HAANTJES HALF PG PHOTOS 4.
46 • THE PLAID HORSE
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 47
48 • THE PLAID HORSE
Offered for Sale or Lease
Stonewall Spring Fever, Small Pony
Goldilicious, Small Pony
Packin’ the Heat, Small Pony
Silly Putty, Medium Pony
Vermont Golden Graham, Medium Pony
Champlain Heart of Gold, Medium Pony
Stonewall Stratus, Large Pony
Stonewall Eleanor, Large Pony
Cherrybrook Blue Holiday, Large Pony
Claritano, Horse
Boyd, Horse
Nick, Horse
PHOTOS © VYLA CARTER PHOTOGRAPHY, RANCE ROGERS, ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY, SWAN STUDIO, LLC, QUINTESSENCE PHOTOGRAPHY.
Stonewall Farm • 920-889-0028 S TO N E WA L L P O N I E S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I S C O N S I N
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 49
Congratulations to New Owners and Leasees
Brownland’s CoffeeBean, Small Pony
Rapunzel, Small Pony
Loafer’s Lodge Penelope, Small Pony
Minion, Medium Pony
Tea & Crumpets, Medium Pony
Simply Untouchable, Medium Pony
Spot Lite, Large Pony
Oliver Twist, Large Pony
Waffle Sundae, Large Pony
Moroccan Moose, Horse
Veronique, Horse
The Best Man, Horse
PHOTOS © SPORTFOT, ERICH LINDER PHOTOGRAPHY, ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY, SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY.
Stonewall Farm • 920-889-0028 S TO N E WA L L P O N I E S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I S C O N S I N
50 • THE PLAID HORSE
Hillcrest’s Top Hat “Topper” is a leading sire of performance pony hunters, who among them boast top placings at USEF Pony Finals, Winter Equestrian Festival, Devon, Capital Challenge, Pennsylvania National, Washington International, HITS Coachella, and the Royal Winter Fair. For Breeding Information: Maye Show Ponies Cheryl Maye: 703-431-9096 mayeshowponies@gmail.com mayeshowponies.com
Stonewall Farm • 920-889-0028 S TO N E WA L L P O N I E S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I S C O N S I N
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 51
Currently Winning Ponies by Hillcrest’s Top Hat
Stonewall Texas – Large Pony Hunter
Stonewall Eleanor – Large Pony Hunter
Top That – Large Pony Hunter
Ribbons Capital Challenge
Ribbons Pony Finals 2015, 2016, 2017
2nd Under Saddle WIHS, Top Ribbons Devon & all Indoors
Stonewall Stratus – Large Pony Hunter
Stonewall Top Call – Large Pony Hunter
Enano – Small Pony Hunter
Ribbons Pony Finals
Ribbons Pony Finals
Winner Pony Finals
Broodmares & Youngstock Available Stonewall Above All - yearling
Stonewall Sunny Day - 5 year old
(Hillcrest’s Top Hat x Good Heavens, by Blue Rain)
(Cherrybrook Blue & Gold x Stonewall Sunflower,
Stonewall From Above - 2 year old
by Hillcrest’s Top Hat)
(Hillcrest’s Top Hat x Good Heavens, by Blue Rain)
Stonewall Brightside - 6 year old
Glenridge Alibi - 3 year old
by Gayfields Vida Blue)
(Lands End Adagio x Hillcrest’s Silver Lining,
(Gayfields the Thief x Hillcrest’s Silver Lining, by Gayfields Vida Blue)
Red Drum’s Patriot Frozen Semen Available.
PHOTOS © THE BOOK LLC, EMMA DUBINSKY, & ADAM HILL.
Stonewall Farm • 920-889-0028 S TO N E WA L L P O N I E S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I S C O N S I N
52 • THE PLAID HORSE
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 53
54 • THE PLAID HORSE 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Del Mar International World Cup Week, FEI $36,500 Grand Prix Qualifier, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar California. October 19, 2018. 1. Ashlee Bond onboard Belo Horizonte. 2. Jenni McAllister onboard Escada VS. 3. Lindsay Archer onboard Jarpur. 4. Nicolette Hirt onboard Fast Lucca. 5. Jenni McAllister onboard Colvados. 6. Giving thanks, Lindsay Archer onboard Jarpur. 7. Ali Leopold-Moreno onboard Ulysse. PHOTOS © TREENA HALL.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 55
Turn the page to shop the annual TPH Gift Guide. Find the perfect holiday item for the equestrian on your list and read about a few of our favorite charities.
Giving bring us joy. Giving brings us closer to creating the world we would want to live in. Fellow equestrians have found their purpose.
Live. Love. Contribute.
58 • THE PLAID HORSE
info@andrewryback.com • www.andrewryback.com • (224) 318-5445 THE OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER AT THE WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 57
TuckerTweed.com
Custom Handcrafted Bows and new Prima Donna Charm Bows amanda@ballerinabows.com ballerinabows.com
56 • THE PLAID HORSE
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 59
CharitiesAmong Us… Laura Kraut, Olympian, Ambassador to Brooke USA • Brooke USA’s mission is to significantly improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people they serve throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need. Renowned Olympian and show jumper Laura Kraut became an official ambassador for Brooke USA in 2015, and has ultimately raised funds and awareness through her involvement for a variety of programs, including Women 4 Donkeys, Buy a Donkey a Drink and most recently, The Full Tummy Project, a new campaign focused on addressing nutritional challenges in the developing world. Kraut also worked with Brooke USA partner, Beauty For Real, to design an exclusive lip balm as part of their Lip Revival All Natural Lip Balm line, of which 20% of each sale benefits Brooke USA. A prominent horsewoman and competitor on the global stage, Kraut is no stranger to advocating for a better world. "My involvement with Brooke USA began when I first heard the stories and saw the photos,” Kraut commented. “Although they initially bring you to tears, you see that your involvement in this organization leads to hope for families and their working equines. It’s their approach to serious equine welfare issues that motivated me to become an ambassador. The truth is, while we may compete for sport, these owners are counting on the income generated by their animals to keep their children from going hungry each night." Through Brooke USA funded programs, Brooke, the largest international equine welfare organization, helps equine owners, service providers and governments in the developing world to implement scientifically-proven, practical, sustainable and culturally relevant solutions to enormous animal welfare challenges. Brooke USA raises funds to support a wide variety of programs for working horses, donkeys and mules to help them become (and remain) healthy and happy now and in the long-term, which also benefits the very poor families who depend on those animals to help them earn a living.
Please support Brooke USA in their effort to raise $120,000 toward this important project. Learn more and donate: www.FullTummy.org or www.BrookeUSA.org.
60 • THE PLAID HORSE
CharitiesAmong Us… FRIENDS OF DOG MOUNTAIN There aren’t many perfect places on earth, but the Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury, Vermont is one of them. Folk artist Stephen Huneck and his wife bought the 150 acre mountaintop property in 1995. Stephen turned an old barn into his art studio where he created woodblock prints of the Vermont countryside, farm animals and above all else — dogs. Mostly Labrador retrievers, often in the likeness of his own black lab, Sally. The prints feature smiling, blocky bodied dogs sledding down snowy hills or swimming in the water with wide, brown sticks in their mouths. At the bottom he often adds a simplistic phrase in capital letters. 2’s COMPANY - 3’s A PACK! LIFE IS A BALL! DOGS MAKE PEOPLE HUMAN. Dogs are so integral to Huneck’s art and lifestyle that they are always welcome off leash at Dog Mountain. The grounds around Stephen’s studio were made into a canine paradise with an agility course, hiking trails, swimming pond and at the epicenter of it all — the Dog Chapel.
The inside is covered with artwork devoted to the dog. Pews line the main room, with hand carved wooden Golden Retrievers and Black Labs holding up the benches. Stained glass windows glow the tiny room, each decorated with dog motifs and a block letter inscription at the bottom. A dog surrounded by wild ivy says, Peace. One swimming for a ball in the ocean, Play. Another covered in hands petting its black fur, Friend. It’s friendship and love that are the heart of dog chapel, because even as impressive as Huneck’s art is in the space, it’s what the visitors that have brought that makes it perfect. Every square inch of the walls are covered in handwritten notes, pictures and cards for beloved pets that have passed. The colorful squares of paper and glossy photos taped to the wall sway and shuffle when a breeze kicks in through the front door. People have traveled from all over the country, the globe, to tack up a picture of a dog or cat they loved. The tributes crawl into the ceiling, because the chapel can barely contain all of the love.
I first visited the Dog Chapel with my late husband and our two dogs. We walked our pups quietly through the pews, glancing over the cards and photos on the walls. My husband’s Boston Terrier snuffled on the ground, The tiny, 1820’s Vermont style church is Stephen’s most beloved artwork. After suffering a severe illness which left snorting up smells from all the other dogs who had walked him in a coma for two months, Stephen came up with the through that space. After losing my husband and his little idea during a long recovery. “I thought a lot about life and dog, I searched for a perfect place to leave their remains. I death,” he said in his book, Even Bad Dogs Go to Heaven. wanted their ashes, mixed together in a small wooden box, to rest under beams of light in love. So seven years after “I pondered the rituals we perform when a person dies my first visit, I returned to the Dog Chapel. I taped a little [to] bring closure for the living. Since dogs are family members too, I thought it would be wonderful if we could note to that bug-eyed Boston Terrier up on the wall, and left the wooden box in the corner. create a ritual space to help achieve closure and lessen the pain when we loves a beloved dog.” The result is This little building is a haven for animal lovers from all the Dog Chapel, an approximately 500 square feet open over the world. It serves as a place of beauty and healing. room at the base of the mountain by Stephen’s studio. Friends of Dog Mountain, established in 2015, operates The sign out front says: with the mission to steward, manage and sustain the 150-acre Dog Mountain property as a public community WELCOME for dogs and people. The Dog Chapel and surrounding ALL CREEDS property is not only a perfect place – it’s a gift to all who ALL BREEDS pilgrimage there. ◼ ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY TPH WEB DIRECTOR
NO DOGMAS ALLOWED
& BLOG EDITOR LAUREN MAULDIN
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 61
62 • THE PLAID HORSE
CharitiesAmong Us…
Boots For Troops Shane George, Trainer & Judge • Written by his daughter, Lindsey George Rogers, Co-Founder of Boots for Troops
My husband, Jimmy Rogers, came up with the idea for Boots For Troops while deployed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt with the U.S. Navy in 2015. He saw himself and others getting care packages from family back home, but noticed that so many never received any mail. Getting something from home while you’re deployed is like Christmas morning and really makes a difference in morale. There were organizations out there that sent packages, but nothing was customized to one person, everyone got the same thing. He knew we could do better. He knew that the men and women service over seas deserved the very best love and support from back home. On that deployment, Jimmy launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the startup costs for the organization. Many in the horse industry supported our dream and sent us our very first donations. Those first donors helped to launch what has become today a thriving, young non-profit organization designed to boost the morale and mental wellbeing of our deployed service members. Since its formation, Boots For Troops has been able to send out 650 completely custom care packages all over the world, each with a brand new pair of boots selected by the service member. We have also been able to fly 75 service members back to their hometowns to enjoy the holidays with their family. We hold a Concert in the Country event once a year in the fall at Show Sports Farm in Magnolia, TX and also a Gala in the Houston area. The Care Package Program has become so popular in the military community that we currently have hundreds of requests waiting.
Packages range from $250-300 and can be sponsored monetarily or put together by a family. Donations can be made at www.boots4troops. org or by mail to 32931 Wright Road, Magnolia, TX 77355.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 63
GG
64 • THE PLAID HORSE
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 65
HAPPY HOLIDAY WISHES FROM ALL OF US AT TPH!
66 • THE PLAID HORSE
CharitiesAmong Us… THE SLOTH INSTITUTE OF COSTA RICA By Penelope Ayers, Amateur Hunter Rider, President of The Sloth Institute
The Sloth Institute (TSI)’s mission is to improve and advance the welfare of Sloths through research on their behavioral ecology and habitat needs; as well as how to successfully re-integrate orphaned and injured Sloths back into the wild, while promoting Sloth conservation and education.
It’s hard not to love Sloths and react to their wonderful demeanor and expressions. I fell in love with them several years ago when I saw a Natural Geographic special on wildlife specialists who were raising orphaned animals to return to the wild. One of the caretakers was Sam Trull, the co-founder of The Sloth Institute in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Now, I have the honor to be the president of TSI and be directly involved in helping these special animals. While Sloths are not endangered, they face a host of problems from the loss of habitat due to development. Their lives are primarily spent in the trees and they use these as roadways to travel to other areas. As trees disappear they wander onto power lines and face electrocution or try to cross roads where they can be killed by cars or dogs. At TSI, we study their behaviors and rescue, raise and rehabilitate as many Sloths as we can to release back into the wild. We track the Sloths we release to get a picture of how they are managing and faring in the wild. TSI partners with The Toucan Rescue Ranch in San Jose
on a project called Saving Sloths Together. This great project allows us to save more Sloths by utilizing the animal hospital at TRR for severe injuries as well as the rearing of very young animals. We also operate a second release site with TRR to return Sloths to the wild. Visit The Toucan Rescue Ranch at toucanrescueranch.org and The Sloth Institute at theslothinstitutecostarica.org.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 67
THE BEST IN EQUINE REHAB.
• myofascial release • kinesiology taping red light therapy • rehab programs • massage Katelyn Barrientes, CESMT • 512-644-3162 Servicing horses all across Texas.
Outfit you and your pets with top quality, beautiful accessories.
www.justfurfunonline.com
68 • THE PLAID HORSE
CharitiesAmong Us… The Peeps Story Josh Dolan & Alex Granato, Founders of The Peeps Foundation, Story and Peeps’ photo courtesy thepeepsfoundation.com
The Peeps Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that seeks to help miniature horses in need to receive the special care they deserve and ultimately be re-homed into loving families. From the founding of the organization in 2014, it has been a joyous venture watching over 400 minis recieving the special care they need to survive and then get the endless love they deserve when rehomed. Many do not realize that despite these minis being small and cute, they have special needs, especially the dwarf minis, and require more attention than any regular horse. That’s where Josh Dolan and Alex Granato, founders of The Peeps Foundation, made it their mission to help these selfless animals. Alex Granato, co-founder of The Peeps Foundation and professional Jumper rider of Mad Season, LLC comments, “I felt how fortunate we are and that something needed to be done to help these minis!”. Alex goes on to talk about the daunting reality that has become all too common, as minis continue to be rescued once many realize the amount of worked required to go into them. Partnered with Josh Dolan, The Foundation has come so far in helping these minis experience love and life. With the help of their team members, special veterinary attention and Curtis Burns, inventor of the Polyflex shoe, it has been a commitment to helping these selfless animals with no turning back. We continue to help the miniature horses and dwarf miniatures seek the care that they deserve to live their best life. Please pledge your support to the needs of Peeps and rehoming her friends to forever-homes!
Peeps (above) is one of a kind that’s for sure, whether it’s her pink mane, or her diva personality, she represents the spirit of the Foundation. So, if Peeps was to be most associated with any rider, I would say she is a perfect blend of both her parents, Alex Granato and Josh Dolan. Peeps’ spirit is so contagious and makes us all smile thinking about the true reason we are here to help the minis in need and the ones that need a loving home. Be sure to visit our website at www.thepeepsfoundation.com and make Peeps the reason to help all the miniatures of the world!
Danny and Ron’s Rescue Established after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 by esteemed horsemen, Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta, Danny and Ron’s Rescue has saved almost 10,000 dogs. Unique to the rescue is their belief that abused or neglected dogs need to learn to trust again by living in a loving home. Danny and Ron have turned their own home into a personal safe haven, sometimes living with 40 dogs at a time. Recently, a movie about the rescue titled “Life in the Doghouse” was released to select theatres and is now available on iTunes. All proceeds from the film and monetary donations pay for food, medical care, spay, neuter, supplies and housing. It also assists those who cannot afford medical care for their pets. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES
Visit their website at dannyandronsrescue.org or their Facebook page to see the marvelous dogs available for adoption.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 69
Horsemanship Learning For Kids. Equestrian Inspired Gifts Visit: allpony.com
Lukens Horse Transportation
800-621-1225 • www.horsetransport.cc serving the show horse industry for over 30 years • weekly trips to florida
COMING UP NEXT… THE STALLION ISSUE
70 • THE PLAID HORSE 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Washington International Horse Show, Washington, DC, October Dates, 2018. 1. Beat Mandli & Galan S. 2. Catherine Tyree & Catungee. 3. Georgina Bloomberg & Paola. 4. Devin Ryan & Florida. 5. Andrew Kocher & Haya v d Wezelse Heihoeve. 6. Brian Moggre & Mtm Vivre le Reve. 7. Amanda Derbyshire & Roulette Bh. 8. Aaron Vale & Major. 9. McLain Ward & Gigi's Girl. PHOTOS © JULI PHILLIPS/VISPERA PRODUCTIONS.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 71 7.
8.
LEGENDS FEED 1/2 V
9.
72 • THE PLAID HORSE
M
atchmaker, Ltd, in Barrington Hills, IL, is a twenty one acre farm dedicated to excellence in horsemanship and horse care. Mother and daughter
team, Connie and Hannah Stevens, operate a family based stable where both horses and riders thrive. Hannah describes the farm as “horse heaven,” a bucolic setting with a tree lined drive, ample turn out, and a peaceful ambiance. Hilly topography, unusual to the area, surrounds the farm to create a quiet haven for the horses. An immaculate fifteen stall barn is surrounded by an expansive outdoor ring with an attached jump field and a heated indoor ring with premium footing.
CONNIE FIXING A KEEPER FOR HANNAH (ON DARSINO).
Hannah and Connie Stevens’ Matchmaker Ltd. Unmatched Excellence
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 73
Connie Stevens raised Hannah as a single parent working full time
Hannah graduated from Miami University in
in the horse business. While her daughter grew up immersed in the
Ohio with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing.
industry, Connie emphasized the importance of education. Hannah
With her mother’s encouragement, she was
learned at a young age to juggle the demands of a successful junior
aimed toward a job in New York when she
career with an arduous curriculum. Hannah explains, “ I was always an
reconsidered her career options. “My mother
on-top-of-it student. I was responsible and diligent. Because of horses,
had some health issues and needed to make
I learned the value of hard work, determination, and organization.” As
some changes. I jumped in, turned professional,
a junior, Hannah rode at the highest levels in the hunter, jumper, and
and we started to work together. The first few
equitation rings. She had the good fortune to train with some of the
years were a tough learning curve in terms of
best in the industry and Matchmaker Ltd provides the same opportunity
where I fit in as a young professional, but it has
through the clinics held at the farm with legends such as George Morris
been great. A few years in, we bought the farm,
and Anne Kursinski.
moved, and I just love it here.” An accomplished rider, Hannah has also found
COLBY HASSFURTHER WITH D’INZEO WINNING THE SATURDAY NIGHT GRAND PRIX IN ST. LOUIS, 2017.
74 • THE PLAID HORSE An accomplished rider, Hannah has also found an affinity for teaching. Matchmaker Ltd. is uniquely poised to meet the needs of all levels of riders. From a client competing at the highest levels of showjumping to young equestrians just starting out their careers on ponies, Hannah and Connie devote their energies to each rider’s individual goals. Hannah emphasizes the breadth of Matchmaker Ltd.’s scope and dedication to its clients. “We have a real mix of clients from kids on ponies to adultssome of whom have been with us for more than twenty years. I love our long- term clients who are so dedicated to the farm. It makes for a real family atmosphere.” The youngest rider is four years old and Hannah and Connie love teaching her as much as the more accomplished riders. Matchmaker Ltd. provides full care, but encourages riders to become involved with their animals on a personal level. Grooming, trail riding, and understanding horse care are all part of the experience for their clients. The horse show schedule at Matchmaker Ltd. consists of twelve to fifteen shows per year. While most clients attend the larger shows and go to Wellington for part of the show season, Hannah emphasizes that she also schedules competitions for those riders just starting out. “We go to local shows with the kids who are just starting out. The cost is reasonable, it’s a good experience, and parents can gauge the kids’ interest in riding. They don’t have to spend a fortune to learn and have fun.” Hannah emphasizes the personal strength and positive experiences promoted by equestrian sport. “Unlike other sports, riding has the additional element of the horse, teaching us about compassion. We understand hardship and the idea that it is not just about one person. And, when you take a tumble or have a bad day, you get up and get back on. What a great lesson for life.”
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 75 For riders who would like to compete at a high level, the Stevens team has proven their success. Connie has had decades of experience in the show horse world and brings an invaluable cache of knowledge and success. As a junior and now as a professional, Hannah has garnered top finishes in premier horse shows across the country. While she loves more experienced horses and hopes to compete at the International Hunter Derby Finals in 2019, Hannah also enjoys developing green horses. “You learn a lot making up green horses. My mother used to grab ponies out of the field for me to make up. It was fun to work with them and figure out what you had. And she has a great eye for young ones.” Clients of Matchmaker Ltd. have enjoyed continued success in every ring. Hunters, jumpers, ponies, and equitation divisions are within the scope of the trainers. In addition, the Stevens operate a robust sales operation. One of their skills is starting young horses and introducing them to the show ring. Their expertise has been proven in the successful careers of the young horses they began. In addition, Hannah and Connie enjoy the challenge of helping underperforming show horses to reach their full potential. They enjoy finding gems in the rough, developing them, and selling them into successful careers.
HANNAH & DARSINO.
PHOTOS ON PREVIOUS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
Named for Connie’s proven ability to match horses with riders, Matchmaker
LONGTIME CLIENT COLBY HASSFUTHER WITH HOUDINI (LEFT) & OPTIMIZED (RIGHT).
Ltd. is a beautiful facility in the heart of the Midwest. The mother and
BRIDLES IN A ROW.
daughter team endorse a high level of individualized care for horses and
A LOVELY SCENE ON THE TWENTY ONE ACRE FARM.
riders. Fat, happy, and relaxed horses are the most important factor to
HANNAH ON SUSAN FOWELL’S CAPRICCIO. FOWELL, A COMPETITOR AND LOVER OF THE SPORT, IS A GENEROUS SUPPORTER OF HANNAH’S CAREER AND THE FARM.
the Stevens as well as helping their clients to achieve their riding goals.
CORGI KEEPING AN EYE ON THINGS.
Matchmaker Ltd. suits riders and horses of all levels.
With superior teaching and training in an upbeat, relaxed atmosphere,
◼
BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES, PHOTOS © 3RD SHUTTER & ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY
76 1. • THE PLAID HORSE
2.
3.
4.
5.
World Equestrian Center Fall Classic & Invitational, World Equestrian Center, Wilmington, OH, Oct 24, 2017 - Oct 29, 2018. 1. Asta Torokvei & Karmino Z. 2. Aizlynn Radwanski. 3. Emma Crawford. 4. Jodi Scudder. 5. Megan McMillan. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 77
Rated Dec. 14-16 “A” Dec. 21-23 “A” Jan. 11-13, 2019 “A” Feb. 8-10, 2019 “A” Mar. 15-17, 2019 “A” Mar. 30, “C”
Schooling
For more information call:
Jan. 26 WHVPHA
(845) 564-6658
Schooling Hunter Derby
GARDNERTOWN FARM
Hunter Derby
EST. 1979
822 Gardnertown Farm Rd. Newburgh, New York 12550
Feb. 17 Schooling Mar. 9 Schooling Hunter Derby
Two indoor arenas, lessons, and indoor arena polo
VISIT US AT:
www.gardnertownfarm.com
78 • THE PLAID HORSE
After a rare disease claimed three of her limbs (and nearly her life), Jessica Thoma is back in the saddle with big goals Jessica Thoma is a lifelong equestrian whose world got turned upside down last year. Beginning in the spring, she battled a mysterious ailment that began with a rash, joint pain, fatigue and nausea. She saw a slew of doctors but it wasn’t until she fell gravely ill months later that she finally got a diagnosis: Polyarteritis Nodosa, a rare disease resulting from blood vessel inflammation. Doctors amputated her legs and arm on January 3, 2018. Just two weeks after being discharged from the hospital, Thoma, 25, was back on her horse. Throughout her ordeal, “I knew I would absolutely ride again, no matter what it took,” she tells The Plaid Horse. Less than a year after the amputations, Thoma is working toward the Paralympic Games in dressage, and ultimately hopes to be a “triple amputee eventer.” Back in May, she made that title her Instagram handle because, “It’s not just a name, it’s who I am, and what I intend to be.” She spoke with TPH about her incredible comeback.
“I Don’t Think I’d Survive Without Horses” TPH: What was it like to get back on a horse that first time? JT: It’s really interesting because I’d been in the hospital for five months, and being back on my mare Sugar again, it felt like I never stopped. Being able to move with the horse is no different than it was before. Using different aids came relatively easily. My new horse Charley is 21 and he has show jumping and dressage training. The first time I rode him, he just stood there, like, lady, where are your legs? All his life he’d been used to leg pressure. But by the second time I rode him, he was moving off my seat very easily. This whole process has taught me how incredibly smart these animals are. They don’t see people’s differences, but they understand.
TPH: What sort of adaptations and tack do you use to ride now? JT: I have a piece of PVC on the reins that’s about a foot long to help with steering. The reins thread through it and it’s wrapped in Vetrap to give me more grip because I don’t have very good dexterity in my right hand anymore. Then I have these
belts that go under the channel of my saddle and over my thighs. They give me a little bit more security, but I can still fall off (laughs). They’re allowed in competition with a 1-inch overlap. I went to a para-dressage clinic in Texas over the summer and the trainer there came up with some adaptations for me.
TPH: How do you mount now? JT: It’s a bit of a task! For a while I was using my mom’s farm hand, a 6’4” guy who would dead-lift me onto Sugar. But she’s only 14.2. It takes about 3 or 4 people to get me on Charley, who’s 18 hands. One to hold him, one to keep his butt from scooting over and one to let me put my knee in their hands like a leg up. Once I’m on, it’s like whoo hoo!
TPH: Did you make a conscious decision to start riding before you got your prosthetics? JT: I wasn’t going to wait for those prosthetics. I’ve only ridden in them once. To ride in para-dressage I can’t wear any prosthetics so I have to get used to it and learn how to do everything an able-bodied person could do and use what’s left of my calf muscle, my seat and my thighs to communicate with the horse. It’s work and I had to learn. I’ve got great people who help me out, my trainer, Kaylen Moon, and Jennifer Bolen from Benchmark Farms, who is my biggest support. Eventing is one of my goals, but I’m trying for the Paralympics first in dressage.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 79 I’m back at work now part time at Tractor Supply Company, but for the most part, horses are my thing. Always have been. I don’t think I’d be able to survive without horses. I make up all of their feeding schedules and supplements, take their blankets on and off, schedule the farrier and the vet, and that gives me real purpose, like any other horse owner. I make sure that they’re healthy and happy. I can’t have kids due the immune suppression medicine that I’m on, so horses are my big, furry kids.
TPH: What made you decide to share your story so openly on social media? JT: I figured people needed it. And it turned out that was true because so many people tell me I’m helping them to overcome their fears, or to stop being lazy or crying about their lives. It’s really amazing how a picture or a few words can change a person’s outlook. People have said I’m inspirational but I don’t feel like it. I’m just Jessica from a tiny town in Tennessee, riding this big 18-hand horse.
TPH: How do you work through the darker times? TPH: That’s an amazing goal to have so soon. JT: As the able-bodied rider that I was, I never thought that I could get to the Olympic level. I always wanted to do my thing, maybe get to 1-star eventing, but now that I’m a triple amputee it’s like all these windows have kind of opened for me and I want to pursue these dreams. The Olympics is the goal I’m shooting for.
TPH: You’ve shared several videos online of working at the trot. Have you tried cantering again? JT: I cantered once on Sugar and I loved it but I was utterly terrified. She got a little heavy to the inside and I started to lean. My legs were trembling and I was like, that was fun, let’s not do it again! I will try again with Charley but I’m relearning how to walk and trot first. If I get to the Paralympics, I’m going to look into jumping after that. I know I can do it. I don’t want to sound cocky, but I do.
JT: If I can’t wear my legs one day because I’m sore, I can’t drive myself to work or to occupational therapy to work on my hand, and someone has to drive me. I can’t even put on my legs myself. My fiancé, who is amazing, by the way, I always say he’s burdened. Nobody likes it when I say that word, but that’s how I feel sometimes. That’s where the darkness comes from, me feeling like a burden to my family. I used to be such an independent person. Now my whole life has changed and the only constant is my horses.
TPH: Do you have any fears when it comes to riding? JT: I fear letting people down that have put so much faith and time into me. And falling off an 18-hand horse wouldn’t feel too good but hey, I have less bones I could break now!
TPH: Why did you want to show so soon, just a few months after getting back on?
TPH: You’ve said that your followers on social media inspire you. How so?
JT: My mom always told me that I don’t have a stop button. And I don’t! I just push and push myself to be better. That show came up, it was close by, and I was like, let’s go! I did an individual intro A test and I got pretty good scores. I scored an 8.5 in position in the walk trot, which was really exciting.
JT: The outpouring of support that I have from people I don’t even know really drives me to be better and to keep going. It just shows them that if I can do it, so can you. That really helps me.
TPH: What does riding feel like now, both physically and emotionally?
TPH: What do you hope people will learn from you?
JT: If you look at the high-level dressage riders, it’s all about using their seat and thighs, and that’s how I’ve learned to ride, with my seat, and I can use my knees and what’s left of my calf to squeeze. If that doesn’t get the point across, I go to my voice and a tap with the whip. The emotional aspect of being able to ride is very strong. Riding horses is literally one of the only things that I can do with my life right now.
JT: Don’t take life for granted. Your whole life could change in a split second, so live for the day. You can’t stay angry at someone, you can’t walk away from a horse after a bad ride. You just have to keep going and know that it will get better.
◼
BY RENNIE DYBALL
80 • THE PLAID HORSE 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
8.
Dutta Corp Fair Hill International, Fair Hill International, Elkton, MD, Oct, 18th-21st, 2018. 1. Courtney Sendak & DGE TheManInTheGlas. 2. Alexandra MacLeod & Newmarket Jack. 3. Savannah Fulton & Captain Jack. 4. Emily Beshear & Olney Uncle Sam. 5. Boyd Martin & Long Island T. 6. Hannah Hawkins & Digderidoo. 7. Boyd Martin & On Cue. 8. Buck Davidson & Archie Rocks. 9. Frankie Thieriot Stutes & Chatwin. PHOTOS © JULI PHILLIPS/VISPERA PRODUCTIONS.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 81
PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.
LEGACYRIVEREC@GMAIL.COM | LEGACYRIVEREQUESTRIANCENTER.COM 630-552-7997 | 17 ASHE ROAD, LOT J SUGAR GROVE, IL 60554
We Specialize in Happy Horses! 1.
2.
TREENA HALL DEL MAR HALF PHOTO PG 3.
Del Mar International World Cup Week, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA, October 19, 2018. 1. Carolos Hank onboard Jemousin. 2. Simon McCarthy onboard Cooper. 3. Mandy Porter onboard Pasilla. PHOTOS © TREENA HALL.
82 • THE PLAID HORSE
FIRST TRIP
DOWNTOWN
Continued from page 44…
BY ELLA BALTUS • The night before I flew out for Washington D.C. to compete in the WIHS Adult Hunter Championships for the first time I received a text message, “Congratulations, you have been pulled off the waitlist for the 3’3” Amatuer Owners!” I couldn’t believe my eyes, I hadn’t shown in the 3’3” since May and never in a million years did I think I would qualify to show in such a competitive division at a prestigious event like the Washington International Horse Show. The only word I can think of to encompass my entire WIHS experience is indescribable. My trainer, Emily Elek, had been describing Washington to me for close to a year, but it’s just something that words cannot really capture. Between my horse literally sleeping on a closed off Washington D.C. street to nearly a hundred people taking out their phones to take pictures of my horse on the walk to the ring, the WIHS is definitely one of a kind! My horse, Z, brought everything he had to the ring for me that week and acted as if he had been there a million times. Literally nothing phased him, not even when I kept pulling up in a panic in the crowded underground parking garage turned schooling ring. He’s the horse of a lifetime and I’m so happy I got to share this once in a lifetime experience with him. It’s safe to say I have a new favorite horse show!
Located in the heart of Washington, DC, the Washington International Horse Show is an iconic feature on the indoor show circuit. Read about three equestrians who met the challenge of qualifying for and ultimately took their first trip downtown to participate in the WIHS.
Ella Baltus & Amadeo
Continued on page 91…
HEMLOCK HILL FARM theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 83
A Family-Owned Business • Established in 1972
Mon-Wed-Thurs-Fri: 8am-6pm Sat: 8am-3pm Closed Tues & Sun
• Hay, Straw, Feed, Shavings, Wood Pellet Bedding, Horse & Pet Supplies
WINNIE’S SPECIAL:
15% Off
All Horse Treats.
732.842.5270
260 Phalanx Road Colts Neck, NJ 07722 • Visit us online at www.hemlockhillfarmnj.com 1.
1.
3.
US International Horse Trials, Galway Downs, Temecula, CA, Nov. 3, 2018. 1 and 2. Cross country jumps. 3. Jessica DiCostanzo onboard Cocoa Z. PHOTOS © TREENA HALL.
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 84
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 85
FROM YOUR HORSE, TO YOUR BUSINESS, TO YOUR FARM...
HORSEWORKS HANDLES IT Lisa Kaplan and Virtue Sagamore Hill Stables Huntington, NY
PHOTO © ESI.
HorseWorks Insurance Specialists, LLC
MORTALITY | MAJOR MEDICAL | LIABILITY | FARMS
877-636-8114 • (fax) 866-877-0921 • HorseWorksInsurance.com
86 • THE PLAID HORSE
A
sk anyone what they think it takes to make it in the equestrian industry, and, while you may get a myriad of answers, there is likely to be a resoundingly common one: money. In today’s hunter/jumper sport there is the perception that it is only with vast financial means that one can achieve success. While there is a kernel of truth in this opinion, there are several qualities that carry greater weight when it comes to succeeding and fulfilling dreams in equestrian sport than simply the ability to sign large checks. Those traits include a clear vision of one’s goals, the determination, discipline, and often dogged stubbornness to go after those goals, and, if you are lucky, a strong support system around you of people who believe in your ability to achieve them. For professional rider and trainer Caitlyn Shiels and amateur equestrian and businesswoman Michelle Durpetti, those traits are present in spades, and together – Shiels, as the founder and owner of True Stables, and Durpetti, as one of True North Stables’ very first clients – are putting those traits to use to fuel their dreams and their pursuit of their greatest goals in the sport. “I really believe that voracious tenacity, steady faith, good, old-fashioned discipline, and a great team of people around you are the secret to life,” said Durpetti. “Anyone deserves a shot at their dream, and it’s with those ingredients that dreams can become reality.”
Driven From the Start
MICHELLE DURPETTI & CAITLYN SHIELS.
Whether individuals come by these traits through “nature or nurture” can always be up for debate, but for Shiels and Durpetti, they seem to have been exhibited from the start – and only further fostered over time. The two led parallel paths following their dreams in their youth they before they joined forces. Growing up in Massachusetts, Shiels started taking recreational riding lessons alongside her mom, who had begun pursuing the hobby for fun. Then, when Shiels was eight, a family friend gave Shiels and her
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 87
Determination, Discipline, and Teamwork Make the Dream Work for Caitlyn Shiels and Michelle Durpetti
parents a horse of their own. “He just donated it to us so that I, a horse-crazy kid, could have one of my own right in the backyard!” said Shiels. “I started going out there every day to clean the stall and take care of my horse. I learned that horses were a lot of work, but also incredibly rewarding.”
Just a few years earlier in Chicago, a young Durpetti was learning similar lessons and enjoying a comparable introduction to the sport. She began riding lessons at the age of nine and leased a 15-hand Appaloosa, quickly learning a lot about the time, care, and commitment that goes into having horses. Into their junior and amateur years, Shiels and Durpetti both began to go after their competitive equestrian goals with tenacity. At 15, Shiels became a working student for Andre Dignelli at Heritage Farm, ultimately placing in the top 10 of all of the country’s major equitation finals. Durpetti spent her junior years competing successfully under the tutelage of Katie Kappler and then began to see the same success in the amateur rings under trainer Lynn Jayne. After winning both individual and team gold medals at the 2004 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) on her first project investment horse, Memphis, Shiels launched her professional riding career. At the same time, Durpetti was launching her own professional business career. Ultimately, she founded her own event planning business, Michelle Durpetti Events, and began working as a managing partner of her family’s Turnkey Hospitality Group in Chicago, which presently includes Gene & Georgetti Steakhouses, The Estate wedding venue, and a new restaurant, Bar Ida, opening soon.
“I can tell you that Caitlyn’s ability and attitude is beyond compare. I absolutely adore her, and I respect her as well. She has a knack for understanding the horses she rides and bringing out the best in them, and she does the exact same thing with the people she teaches. She gets such satisfaction out of seeing her students excel that it is both motivating and really confidence building,” said Durpetti. “She is goal-oriented, so motivated, and she genuinely loves what she does.” For Shiels, one of her goals had long been running her own business, and so, in January 2018 – after more than a decade working with leading riders and trainers including Jonathan and Christine McCrea, Ken and Emily Smith, and McLain Ward – Shiels took a leap of faith and went for her biggest goal yet: launching her own business, True North Stables. By mid-summer, Shiels had established a barn full of horses and riders of all ages who are passionate about the sport and tenacious in achieving their goals – whether that goal is to jump 3’ or a grand prix – and she and Durpetti alike had both checked numerous other goals off of their lists.
The Tenacity to Get to the Top
In January, Durpetti competed her nine-year-old W\warmblood gelding, Cassius, in the AmateurOwner Hunters for the first time – and earned wins and a reserve championship at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
Shiels was the assistant trainer at Canterbury Farm in Illinois, where Durpetti was riding, when the two quickly realized that they shared the same drive, determination, and goal-setting mentality. They also recognized that many of their goals closely aligned, and they had a way of bringing out the best in each other as both student and trainer and as friends.
In May, Shiels rode her project horse of five years, Cavalier II, to his very first grand prix win, topping the $25,000 Maffitt Lake Grand Prix after bringing him along on her own since the gelding was six years old.
It was not until 2012 that Shiels and Durpetti’s paths converged.
88 • THE PLAID HORSE
PHOTOS, TOP TO BOTTOM: MICHELLE DURPETTI & CAITLYN SHIELS WITH CASSIUS; CAITLYN SHIELS & CAVALIER II; TRUE NORTH STABLES RIDERS INCLUDING, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, EMILY BRITTON, MARISA MALEVITIS, MICHELLE DURPETTI, CAITLYN SHIELS, & KATIE HAWKINS; MICHELLE DURPETTI & SERAFINA.
And in August, they together traveled to the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) International Hunter Derby Championships, where Cassius and Shiels finished 17th out of 85 horses. “Taking the step of going out on my own has felt like such an immense accomplishment; being at Derby Finals this year with True North Stables and being able to walk in there and be in the top 20 is pretty kick-ass,” said Shiels. “Everyone keeps asking, ‘Well, how did it feel?’ and I’m so happy with the way things are that it almost hasn’t sunk in yet. So much of this year hasn’t really settled in yet. It has been full of so many emotions! “With [Cavalier II] too, to see all of the pieces of the puzzle and the five years of sweat, tears, hard work, time and money come together in the grand prix ring is an absolutely incredible feeling,” said Shiels. It’s that feeling and the love of the sport that keeps both Shiels and Durpetti going doggedly after their goals, and it is having the support of one another that has made it all possible. “Michelle and I have been on this journey together from the start, and I wouldn’t want to do it with anybody else,” said Shiels. “This year, I started a new business, and we took this leap together, and that’s been huge. Without her, I don’t know where I’d be. She’s such a role model for me, a sister, and a mentor. The really amazing thing is how she believes in me. Knowing someone cares for you and trusts you that much makes me feel so much better.” With any triumph and successes come losses and disappointments, but Shiels and Durpetti know that with clear goals, determination, dedication, and the support of each other, the hardest days are surmountable. “Sometimes you have those brief moments where you think, ‘Maybe do I hang this goal up? Do I really just not have the pocketbook? Do I not have the ability? Am I overshooting for my horses? Should I maybe downsize my dreams a little bit?’” concluded Durpetti. “But I quickly realize that’s not me, and that’s not Caitlyn. So you shake off that sting, you find that determination and dedication, and you go back out the next day and keep trying!” ◼ BY EMILY RIDEN/JUMP MEDIA; PHOTOS © FINE ART HORSES
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 89
Buy • Sell • Consign FREE SHIPPING • 7 DAY TRIALS ANTARES • CWD • DEVOUCOUX • BUTET • VOLTAIRE
www.OldDominonSaddlery.com • 914-621-6814
ORION FARM LINDA EVANS • KIM FERRO SALES • TRAINING • BOARDING
413-530-9685 • orionpny@aol.com • Massachusetts • Wellington, FL
Always a great selection of nice horses & ponies available.
Available for Sale or Lease Dreamboy
Adult Amateur hunter Champion 2018 WEF, Saratoga, Northampton, Fairfield , Zone I Finals Champion, Grand Hunter Champion at The Eastern States Exposition. Leading USHJA Zone I and CHJA. ESP Holiday and Horses Circuit Champion Children’s Hunter Horse. SFHJA Pre-Green Hunter year end Champion. This is a great horse, will do the derbies, very brave and ready to go.
Godiva F 15.3 3/4 h bay mare. Champion - Low Childrens Hunters at WEF. Great Childrens Hunter or Jr hunter prospect. Champion - Saratoga in the 2’9 division & ready to move to 3’. Great mover, very brave, and easy.
Others Prospects Available • Can be Seen and Tried in Wellington, FL
90 1. • THE PLAID HORSE
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Plantation Field International Horse Trials, Unionville, PA, September 23, 2018. 1. Alice Roosevelt & Fernhill Zoro. 2. Amanda Beale Clement & Carlson. 3. Caitlin O’Roark & Lucky Devil. 4. Joe Bowersox & Minotaure du Passoir. 5. Janelle Phaneuf & Strattonstown Lewis. 6. Emma Ayre & Dad Arewethereyet. 7. Sydney Shinn & Paprika. PHOTOS © JULI PHILLIPS/VISPERA PRODUCTIONS.
Continued from page 82…
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 91
FIRST TRIP
DOWNTOWN Located in the heart of Washington, DC, the Washington International Horse Show is an iconic feature on the indoor show circuit. Read about three equestrians who met the challenge of qualifying for and ultimately took their first trip downtown to participate in the WIHS.
BY CLAIRE TAYLOR • I first heard about the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) when I was eight or nine years old. From that moment on, WIHS—along with the Pennsylvania National Horse Show (Harrisburg) and Madison Square Garden—became the pinnacle of horse showing goals for me. It was the best of the best: the fanciest hunters and the scopiest jumpers. It often felt like an unattainable goal, but at the end of last year, my trainer suggested I sign up to try to qualify for the WIHS adult hunter finals. When she said this, I had to take some time to process it. Indoors always felt like it was meant for someone else; certainly not for someone busy parenting a toddler, working, and often shoehorning rides in as I drove into work or before birthday parties. However, I also saw this as a chance to focus on self-care and reaching a lifelong goal. Just setting the goal seemed like a huge step towards something I’d wanted for so long. And finding out that I qualified for the show was the realization of a dream in and of itself. Driving into the city, I was so excited that I was babbling away to my toddler, who had fallen asleep in the backseat almost as soon as we’d left home. It takes a lot to get me to drive into downtown DC, but the show was certainly worth it. To my surprise, WIHS wasn’t how I imagined it, even after years of dreaming about competing there. I never thought about a marching band playing outside our stalls—nonstop for hours—but it did. I’d never put much thought into schooling and warming up the horses, either, but like every aspect of the show, that proved a unique experience as well. We were able to hack in the arena the night before our classes and at 5:00 am the morning of my class... which wouldn’t begin until 8:00 pm. Schooling at Washington, I kept thinking, “These are the some of the best amateur and professional riders in the country in the ring with me right
now. I just wish there were fewer of them so I could get to the jump…” One thing that I definitely gained from showing at WIHS is that I cannot imagine ever having warm-up ring anxiety again. The Capital One Arena was not built for horses, so warming up entails turning to a jump set two strides out of the corner and right next to a gigantic column. Neither my horse nor I had ever done any of the Indoors shows before this year. However, my Oldenburg, Pluto, was absolutely perfect at Harrisburg the week prior—earning 10th place—which made it hard for me to enter Washington with no expectations. Still, I tried to set attainable goals to enjoy the experience and see what it’s like to show at such a high-profile show. As I walked into the ring and looked around at the crowd and the impressive jumps, I felt a thrill that it was actually happening. Then Pluto spooked at a jump and brought me right back to reality. I ultimately let my nerves get the better of me for the first couple of jumps and didn’t find the distances of my dreams. After the second jump, I remembered to breathe and focus on my canter and trying to soften my hands. I don’t know that I ever did actually soften my hands, but I was able to kick my brain into gear and find the rest of my jumps. Pluto handled the show so gracefully, and I could not be more impressed with him and his performance. I didn’t win a ribbon at Washington this year, but this doesn’t change the fact that getting to show there was truly a dream come true. It was the culmination of years of hard work, dreaming, and goal-setting. I did not enter the show in order to win a ribbon. I wanted the experience of competing in such an old and hallowed show, and it did not disappoint in the least. I wanted to achieve a lifelong goal, and I got over every jump in that ring and met that goal. I can only hope that I will be lucky enough to get to show there again. ◼
92 • THE PLAID HORSE
Kat Fuqua on the Rise After a stellar year in the show ring, eleven year old Kat Fuqua carried the momentum right through the indoor circuit. Competing at the Pennsylvania National, Washington International, and The National Horse Shows, Kat carried 16 ribbons, a Reserve Championship in the Washington International Pony Equitation Finals, and a Large Pony Hunter Championship back home to Atlanta, Georgia.
SW: What do you enjoy the most about riding?
In the 2018 show season, Kat competed three small, three medium, and two large ponies as well as five horses. Under the tutelage of Michael Newman, the poised fifth grader successfully transitioned at each show from the Medium Pony ring to the Large Pony ring to the Junior Hunter ring and even to the difficult International Hunter Derby ring. She currently leads in national USEF Horse of the Year points in the Small Junior Hunter 15/Under division, is first and fourth nationally in the Large Pony Hunter division, and stands second in the Medium Pony Hunter division.
SW: What were your favorite moments at indoors this year?
Amidst the accomplishments and accolades, it is easy to lose sight of the young equestrian behind them. TPH caught up with Kat Fuqua en route to a competition in Conyers, GA, in November.
KF: I really enjoy competing. I love being in the ring and working all of the jumps out. That’s what I find the most fun. My favorite division is definitely the Junior Hunters because I love riding those horses. SW: What do you do when you aren’t riding? KF: When I am not riding, I am jumping jumps on my feet. Or, I swim at my house in the summer and ice skate in the winter.
KF: My favorite moment was walking out of the ring at Washington and the in-gate starter telling me I was Champion. I had no idea. At Harrisburg, my favorite moment was winning the hack. I had never won a big hack at indoors, so that was really cool. [The National Horse Show] in Kentucky was amazing. The ring was set up so beautifully and it was really fun. The ribbons were as tall as me. SW: If you could go back and do anything differently this year, what would it be? KF: I could have done better at Devon. I didn’t have the best luck there. It was the first time for all of the ponies I took there. My junior hunter had been there before, but my ponies had not. The ponies were nervous and I was nervous and we weren’t very successful. I was really nervous in the big junior hunter ring [the Dixon Oval].
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 93 LEFT PAGE: KAT PHOTOGRAPHED BY ICONIC FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER PATRICE CASANOVA. THIS PAGE ON LEFT, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: KAT & BRIGHTON JUMPED TO RESERVE IN THE WIHS PONY EQUITATION CHAMPIONSHIP; RS LEVITATION, CURRENTLY RANKED FIRST IN THE SMALL JR HUNTERS NATIONALLY; BRIGHTON, CHAMPION LARGE PONY HUNTER, WITH KAT & HER TRAINER MICHAEL NEWMAN; LARGE PONY CHIC IN TIME. BELOW: KAT & BRIGHTON IN THE LARGE PONY HUNTER STAKE – AWARDED “BEST PONY HUNTER STAKE ROUND”.
SW: What do you look forward to in the upcoming show season? What are your goals for 2019? KF: I am really looking forward to WEF which has always been my favorite show circuit. My goal is to do well at Devon and be consistently in the ribbons on all of my horses and ponies. There is a Pony Derby Championship in Kentucky before Pony Finals and I am really looking forward to that. I love the Pony Derbies- any Derbies are fun! I did my first International Hunter Derby in Saugerties, NY, last summer. My horse thought we were finished because I wasn’t really steering him. So, I aimed him toward the standard and he just circled. After that, we were great and it was so much fun. It was a big highlight for the year. SW: What do you want to do after high school? What do you want to do for a career? KF: Well, I am only in 5th grade! I haven’t given college much thought. But, for a career, I would like to do something with Gumbits (her family’s company) or start my own company. I am definitely going to ride; I am never going to stop riding. SW: What advice would you give a rider just starting out? KF: It is always better to go forward than to go slow. I have learned that for sure. Don’t push yourself to the point of being uncomfortable. And most important, I think, is to believe in yourself.
◼
INTERVIEW BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES, PHOTOS © SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
94 • THE PLAID HORSE
theplaidhorse.com • December/January 2018 • 95
96 • THE PLAID HORSE