theplaidhorse.com • February 2017 • 1
The Stallion Issue
North America’s Premier Horse Show Magazine • February 2017
Inside
Louise Serio and Derbydown... Pass It On
Winter Destinations • Open Minds Academy • Carrico • Marc Grock Westporte • The Withers Winery • Patagonia in Winter • Shine
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LOUISE SERIO & EAGLE
CHRISSY SERIO & WORLD LADY
LOUISE SERIO & EL PRIMERO
JULIE OLIVER & BOSSA NOVA
MARY JO SERIO & WILLOW
LOUISE SERIO • DERBYDOWN, INC • KENNETT SQUARE, PA Chrissy Serio 484-432-0647 • Julie Oliver 913-370-2475 (610) 444-6163 ride@derbydown.com • www.derbydown.com
Photos © Al Cook, Wendy Janesky, and Sportfot.
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THE STALLION ISSUE
Publisher
PIPER KLEMM, Ph.D.
P. 54 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Piper Klemm
Editor-in-Chief
P. 58 MARC GROCK’S HIGHLAND FARM Sissy Wickes
SISSY WICKES
P. 60 OPEN MINDS ACADEMY IN WELLINGTON Sissy Wickes
Art Director
LISA DALY
P. 62 THE WITHERS WINERY: A TOAST TO INSPIRATION Sissy Wickes
Web Director
BETSY KELLEY Advertising
NANCY HALVEY KATIE COOK MALORY SCHALL LIZ DAVOLL Digital Media Director
STEPHANIE ROLOFF
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
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P. 64 CARRICO: A STALLION FOR ALL RINGS Sissy Wickes P. 88 COVER STORY: DERBYDOWN, INC. Sissy Wickes P. 94 TRAVEL FEATURE: PATAGONIA Andrew Ryback P. 102 GENETICS OF COAT COLOR Irene Elise Powlick P. 104 GOLD MEDAL STALLION BIG STAR Juliana Chapman P. 108 STALLION RULES & REGULATIONS Emy Lucibello ON THE COVER: LOUISE SERIO AND ROCK HARBOR (OWNED BY JENNIFER BURGER), AT THE UPPERVILLE HORSE SHOW (VA). PHOTO © TERESA RAMSAY.
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Open Minds Academy
Offers Options for Elementary Education The robin’s egg blue walls and orderly rows of classic children’s books welcome visitors to Open Minds Academy in Wellington, Florida. A friendly greeting from behind the safety glass window is followed by a door opening and the outstretched hands of the elementary school’s co-founders, Sara Frost and Tyler Shernoff. Both with Master’s Degrees in Education, the young women have carefully designed an individualized approach to learning at Open Minds Academy. Established in 2014, Open Minds is a beautiful space where every detail is tailored to meet the needs of its elementary aged students. The mission of Open Minds is to provide an academic experience that is customized to the child and responsive to their families’ schedules. The school is mostly comprised of seasonal students whose families are in Wellington for equestrian activities. In addition, it offers a full time, year round, online program for students who do not want to be in a traditional school setting. Frost and Shernoff are sensitive to the many demands on a family in transit, including changing work schedules, interfacing with home based schools, and the social challenges of transtion. The approach of the professionals at Open Minds is holistic as they endeavor to enhance all aspects of the experience of the child and family. Open Minds collaborates and communicates with the child’s home -based school in order to follow the same academic programs. It seeks a seamless transition for the students by ensuring that they follow the same academic schedule as their classmates at home. Further, the professionals at Open Minds will provide concierge services for families to identify everything from kid’s activities to dentists to specialized sports. As Shernoff explains, “We are not just about academics. We want to make sure that we care for the whole child.” The academic program at Open Minds Academy features no greater than a one-to-three tutor to student ratio. For those who may need more individualized tutoring, it offers one-on-one instruction as well. Students are grouped by age and learning style. Students as young as age four attend the program and are afforded best practices in early education programs, including computer coding. Upon enrollment, each individual is evaluated and assessed in order to pair him or her with the appropriate tutor and study group. Every student works in small pods in an open classroom format. Each pod includes a certified teacher who contributes to the academic progress of the student as he or she works on personalized curriculum. The tutors communicate with the student’s home school in order to ensure that the student is progressing on the same track as his or her classmates at home. Each week, the Open Minds tutor submits
“OMA is a fun program with creative and caring teachers and is the perfect solution for young equestrians or any family looking for a top-notch personalized educational experience.” – Open Minds Academy Parent “When I went to regular school I didn't get as much time to ride and it was hard. Now that I go here I have a lot more time to ride. I like the tutors and the kids.” – Blythe, age 11 (5th grade) a report to the home school delineating the work completed and highlighting the student’s strengths and weaknesses. In addition, the tutor submits a weekly email to the family summarizing the activities, accomplishments, and challenges of the week. At the end of its stay at Open Minds, each family receives a notebook and digital copy of the work that its children produced, their weekly evaluations, and any reports submitted to the home schools. While Open Minds is a superior academic institution, the program is also about fun. Students are dropped off between 8:45 and 9 :00 AM and begin their day with movement activities at a gymnastics center next door. What a fabulous way to begin a school day! The academic program runs from 9:30- 12:30. Students work on their customized curriculum and are given the option to enroll in foreign language and computer coding programs. For families who wish their children to stay through lunch, a local organic restaurant provides nutritious and wholesome fare. From 1:002:00, families may enroll in the Enrichment Activity option that includes a rotating program offering art, brain games, writers’ workshop, science, music, yoga, and more. Open Minds Academy offers the best in staff including highly qualified tutors, a licensed school psychologist who is able
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“My daughter has been a student at OMA for the past two years. The exceptional program affords her the opportunity to flexibly schedule her school hours so she can participate in equestrian events and training to reach her riding goals. She loves the customized curriculum built around her learning style, and surpasses the education she received in her former full time gifted program. ” – Open Minds Academy Parent
to conduct educational testing, and a speech and language pathologist. The tutors are equipped to work with students with learning differences or social challenges. Paramount to the staff at Open Minds is a positive, productive experience for the child. “We believe in positive reinforcement,” explains Shernoff. “We tailor the educational program to the child and follow the home school’s program. For us, it is about acclimation, not assimilation.” The staff at Open Minds believes in the importance and ease of the social component for each student. It practices community building within the school as well as facilitating the student’s communication with friends at home. “We want the kids to have a strong social group here at school as well as maintain their friends at home. Some kids have a hard time transitioning. We have a Pen Pal program so that they can keep in touch with friends at home, ” says Frost. From academics to recreation to social needs, Open Minds Academy is committed to the best experience for its students. The program is well constructed, well tested, and clearly reflected in the smiles of the kids in the classroom. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES
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Carrico: a Stallion for All Rings Callie Seaman had been looking for a hunter to buy for some time. She and her trainers at Heritage Farm had scouted high and low throughout the United States and Europe to no avail. Discouraged with the search, Seaman decided to turn her sights on a new jumper. While packing for a trip to Europe where she was meeting Andre Dignelli and Brady Mitchell to look at jumper prospects, her phone rang. It was Dignelli on the line. “I am sending you a video that I just received,” he said. “I think we may need to change our itinerary. “
theplaidhorse.com • February 2017 • 67 Seaman and Dignelli met at Ludger he could handle the jumps!” Given the horse’s “Carrico is the horse Beerbaum’s farm in Germany to try a of a lifetime and I am unflappable attitude, Seaman decided to enter her beautiful 16.3 stallion by Catoki out of horse in the Lexington, KY contest. blessed with the Kapitale named Carrico. When they arrived “And then, reality hit,” Seaman laughs. The chance to ride him.” at the yard, a vicious storm began to blow in. amateur rider had signed up to jump her brand new As Seaman was riding the powerful bay for - Callie Seaman, owner. mount over the most difficult hunter course in the the first time, the front came through with country. The duo had little time for doubt as they freezing wind and hail. She jumped a few shipped to Lexington soon after Saugerties. To jumps and was told to trot back to the barn. prepare the stallion for Derby Finals, Mitchell again “Here I was on a stallion in the middle of this showed him in the High Performance division to terrible storm. The jumps were blowing down Championship honors. Seaman successfully battled around us, and I was told to trot back to the her nerves in the first round of the Finals, piloting barn. I had no idea how this horse would Carrico to a solid performance. “I was tense, but we react,” remembers Seaman. In true Carrico had a good, conservative round.” form, he took it all in and graciously trotted The scores for Round One were good enough back to the barn. Although she had only been to qualify Carrico for the storied Round Two able to jump a few jumps before heading of Derby Finals, held under the lights in Rolex in, Seaman knew that Carrico was unique. Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park. Seaman calls “When I felt his jump, I knew right away. He her round “the most exciting night of my life. In is special.” three weeks, we went from never having jumped a Carrico began his hunter career in 2014 course together to jumping 1.40 oxers. It blew my at the age of 11 after having a successful mind!” Caricco was stellar, jumping in his usual career as a 1.60 jumper in Europe. He classic style and calm demeanor. The pair finished completed quarantine in the United States in 13th place overall and won the high score in July, just two weeks before the USHJA Amateur Owner award. Cruising on their wave of International Derby Finals. Seaman was victories, they travelled to the Hampton Classic in traveling to Saugerties, NY with Heritage Bridgehampton, NY, where Seaman and Carrico Farm as the trainers prepared her other placed second in the International Hunter Derby. horse, Skorekeeper, for Derby Finals. Not In the fall of 2014, Carrico sustained a wanting to leave her new mount at home, significant injury resulting in pastern joint fusion she decided to bring Carrico along and begin surgery. The prognosis for a return to jumping his transition from the jumper arena to the was not good. The veterinarians at New Bolton hunter ring. She and the staff at Heritage Center carefully designed a rehabilitation program had no expectations of showing the stallion, for the stallion. After one and a half years away but wanted him to become accustomed to from competition, Carrico made his triumphant his new career. Again, in true Carrico style, return to the show ring in Wellington in 2016 to nothing flustered him. “He was so easy about place fifth in the $100,000 Peter Wetherill Hunter everything that we decided to show him and Spectacular. As significant as the stallion’s success see how it went,” explained Seaman. is the success of his daughter, Like I Said, who The transition to the hunter ring for placed second in the same class. Like I Said is Carrico was seamless. He was Champion the first prominent offspring of Carrico to have a TOP AND MIDDLE PHOTO: WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL. PHOTOS © SPORTFOT. BOTTOM: THE in the High Performance Working Hunter tremendous career in the hunter ring. Owned by division with professional Brady Mitchell in DEVON HORSE SHOW. PHOTOS © THE BOOK LLC. Pony Lane Farm, the mare has a string of victories his first week of competition in the U.S. and in both the Performance and Amateur rings, earned good placings in the Amateur Owner division with Seaman. exhibiting the same talent and attitude as her sire. Week two in Saugerties was fabulously successful. Seaman herself rode Carrico’s competition future will be determined by his Carrico to a win in every over fences class in the High Performance soundness. His most significant role will be as a sire to hunters and division as well as top placings in the Amateur Owner division, jumpers, both of which have an impressive presence in the United garnering a Championship and Reserve Championship respectively. States and Europe. Carrico is bred to jump, has the conformation and Stunned and thrilled with their immediate success. Dignelli and beauty of a hunter, and a mind suited for any task. He is a true crossSeaman evaluated the option of showing Carrico at Derby Finals, over stallion. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES the ultimate test for a hunter. “It was the first year that you could For information on breeding to Carrico, supplement your horse into Finals. We talked about whether he could handle the atmosphere and wondered if it would shock him. We knew contact Callie Seaman at cps12389@gmail.com
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Top Junior Rider
TPH Top Scoring Junior Award Won by Karina Gladnick
Karina Gladnick, of San Diego, California, received The Plaid Horse Top Scoring Junior rider award in the USHJA National Hunter Derby at Las Vegas National Horse Show (NV), November, 2016. Gladnick trains with Laura Norman at Lucky Kid Farms, and has been riding since she was five years old. She has owned her horse Truly Lucky for three years and shows him in the Small Junior Hunters. Gladnick ‘s strategy going into the class was “to ride my best and put in the best round I could. I’ve never shown against so many professionals, so I really focused on sticking to my plan and riding my own course. “ When asked about her horse’s personality she said, “He is so sweet and has a huge heart. He loves his job and loves being around people. He’s definitely a jealous type. If he sees me taking care of my other horse he whinnies until I come over to him or call to him. He loves attention.” ◼ BY TPH INTERN LAUREN O’NEILL PHOTO © VICTORIA LAHAYE PHOTOGRAPHY.
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Region V Arabian Horse Year End Awards Banquet at NorthWest Equestfest, Tacoma, WA, January 2017. 1. Year end high point awards awaiting their new homes. 2. Arabian Sport Horse Hunter Adult Amateur year end high point award winners with Michelle Pease-Paulsen, Region V Director. 3. Champion Sport Horse Hunter Junior Rider Tennessee Sanders. 4. Stanley posing for his close up. 5. TPH Web Director Betsy Kelley with her year end high point award. 6. The Plaid Horse booth at NW EquestFest. PHOTOS © CORAL LINK PHOTOGRAPHY - WWW.CORALLINKPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
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BRANDI CYRUS STYLE NATIVE Let's face it, while we all love our horses like crazy, our dogs are truly our best friends. This line of collars, leashes, and other custom items by the boutique company Just Fur Fun makes it really fun to match accessories. The beading can be done in a variety of colors and they make items for dogs, horses and people. Feather is always by my side and I think she makes a pretty good model, wouldn't you agree?
Just Fur Fun dog collar and leash Shop online: justfurfunonline.com Retail pick: Just Fur Fun on Hunter Hill at the Winter Equestrian Festival (Wellington, FL) Roeckel gloves Shop online: equilifestyleboutique.com
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PHOTOS BY TAUSHA DICKINSON
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Just Fur Fun spur strap, belt, dog collar, and leash Shop online: justfurfunonline.com Retail pick: Just Fur Fun on Hunter Hill at the Winter Equestrian Festival (Wellington, FL) Roeckel gloves Shop online: equilifestyleboutique.com Allessandro Albanese jacket and socks Shop online: equilifestyleboutique.com In store: EquLifestlye Boutique at HITS Coachella (Thermal, CA)
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Love Brandi's house? Watch for her new home design show on Bravo TV, premiering this spring!
Custom Leather Purses & Tote Bags To ri@ To riAnnaDe signs. co m 207. 650.1268
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The final jump has been cleared, lesson taught,
PHOTO © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.
office bill paid, horse put to bed. The horse show week has ended for trainers, grooms, riders, and parents. A collective sigh of relief can be heard from the four major winter equestrian circuits in Ocala, FL, Wellington, FL, Aiken, SC, and Thermal, CA. We are all here to train and compete, but there is life off of the horse show grounds. We have escaped the hardships of winter weather and yearn to take advantage of every minute of free time.
Out of the barn and into town!
Manic Monday WELLINGTON, FLORIDA HAS HELD A WINTER equestrian circuit for over four decades. It is the largest and longest running equestrian competition in the world. Beginning in a small polo grounds not far from the current site, WEF, as it is known, is now one of the pre-eminent facilities for world -class dressage, hunter, and show jumping competition. Wellington offers many options for entertainment both on the show grounds and off. “Saturday Night Lights” features Grand Prix competitors from over 33 countries in an electric atmosphere of bright lights, big crowds, and great competition. The venue includes a merry-go-round and face painting for kids, many different food and libation options, and live music. It is truly an evening that offers something for horse enthusiasts and non-believers alike. The International Polo Club is a few miles from the WEF grounds and is the premier polo destination in the world. IPC hosts the most prestigious polo tournaments in the United States. Open to the public, the venue offers a wide range of hospitality and is a great place to spend Sunday afternoons. Hob knob with the elite as you watch the fast and furious sport of polo. While the Winter Equestrian Festival complex is a world unto itself, there is a rich menu of options for recreation outside of its walls. Wellington is twelve miles from the ocean, providing easy access to beautiful beaches. If you have had enough of the sun at the horse shows, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach are shopping meccas. West Palm hosts the famed City Place complex with a plethora of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Palm Beach
PHOTO © IRENE ELISE POWLICK.
offers high end retail therapy on famed Worth Avenue. To feed the cultural side, the Norton Museum in West Palm Beach houses an impressive permanent collection and the Kravis Center contains a 2000 seat concert hall, a playhouse, and an outdoor amphitheatre, offering an interesting mix of entertainment options. For those yearning for a different sports experience, the nearby BB&T Center is home to Florida Panthers, a professional hockey team. The Everglades are a short drive away and offer fan boat tours and fishing expeditions.
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Specializing in European Warmblood Sporthorses • Hunters • Jumpers • Equitation We sell Champions all over the world
Monday, Monday HEADING NORTH AND WEST, WE FIND ANOTHER winter equestrian destination in Ocala, FL. Located in limestone rich Marion County, Ocala supports very rich pasture land and is a large resource for the equine industry. With over 1200 horse farms in the area, many different equine activities are represented, including thoroughbred breeding and training, eventing, show jumping, and dressage. The abundance of open space allows for a variety of training and business opportunities for horseman and recreational options for vacationers. Ocala is home to one of the HITS horse show circuits. Generating $6-7 million dollars per year for the area, the show offers 10 weeks of premier hunter and jumper classes, culminating in March with the $1 Million Grand Prix. The newly opened Grand Prix stadium is home to visitor friendly Grand Prix events on Fridays and Sundays free of charge.
Out of the horse world, Ocala boasts a beautiful state park, a national forest, a celebrated hiking trail, and an historic district. The Silver Springs State Park is one of the oldest parks in the Unites States and was Florida’s first tourist destination in the 19th century. Take a glass bottom boat tour and experience the exquisite bird and wildlife population that the park as to offer. The Ocala National Forest is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi, and receives more visitors than any other national forest in Florida. It has over 600 natural lake and ponds to visit as well as a variety of wildlife including black bears, alligators, wild boar, and river otters. Canoeing, camping, and hiking are all options in the Ocala National Forest.
We offer Coaching Programs for riders at all levels
www.greenfieldstables.com
Calendar of Horse Show Live Streams www.streamhorsetv.com
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PHOTOS LEFT AND BELOW © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.
California Dreamin’
PHOTO © DOMINIQUE GONZALEZ.
For the less outdoor oriented, Ocala has a rich civic history. The historic district, known as “The Square,” is ripe with buildings on the National Registry of Historic Places, including the Coca-Cola Building, a bottling plant constructed in 1939. The Square has a friendly, small town ambiance as it welcomes its visitors to walk around and sample foods, listen to music, and shop with local artisans. Sit in the iconic gazebo and watch the crowds meander by. For thrill seekers, a popular day off destination is Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours. Not for the faint of heart, this attraction is located in a 94 acre abandoned limestone quarry and resembles a cluster of deep canyons.The course is about a mile long, takes 2 ½ - 3 hours to complete, and is in high demand throughout the winter season. Fly like a bird over a landscape of rocky cliffs and wide blue lakes and try to believe that you are in Florida! While in Ocala, one feels the inevitable tug of Orlando and all that it offers. Only an hour and a half from Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and a myriad of other attractions, kids and adults alike will find entertainment value. Plan at least one day off around Orlando.
THE CALIFORNIA HORSE SHOW COMMUNITY congregates at the HITS Coachella Desert Circuit in Thermal, CA. Located in the Coachella Valley, Thermal is 25 miles from Palm Springs and 2 ½ hours by car from San Diego. Thermal is below sea level and was originally established as a railroad camp for Southern Pacific Railroad employees. HITS moved the horse show venue from Indio to Thermal in 2007, and offers eight weeks of competition culminating in the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix and a $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Thermal is a tiny town set in the beautiful desert region of southern California. Far from glitz and commercialism, Thermal invokes the quiet solitude of its desert ecosystem. Days off are spent enjoying the temperate climate and dry air of the region. A nearby outlet shopping mall fulfills the retail itch for many. Hiking or backpacking through the painted desert is a popular activity and present a chance to experience a variety of natural wildlife and plant life. Many members of
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the equestrian community visit The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Established by members of the local community, this organization provides exhibits on butterflies, exotic animals, endangered species, and indigenous plant life: all in an effort to promote education and preservation. A short car ride away is Palm Springs, a city famous for its mid-century modern architecture and design. In its heyday, Palm Springs was a vacation destination for Hollywood stars. In its modern state, it is a destination for architecture aficionados, musicians, artists, and vacationers seeking a unique small town experience. Palm Springs is sleek and artsy with unique shops, fine dining, and boutique hotels. The lilt of the city is testament to generations of artists and performers. Also a sports destination, it boasts over 100 golf courses, professional tennis tournaments, and professional polo matches. Palm Springs is hip and trendy, a nice contrast to the peaceful, quiet rhythm of the desert.
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Carolina on My Mind HEADING EAST AGAIN, WE FIND ONE OF THE oldest equestrian communities in the country in Aiken, SC. Founded in 1835, the small city has a long tradition as a winter haven for wealthy Northeasterners. A mecca for a myriad of equestrian activity- horse trials, horse shows, dressage clinics, steeplechase races, driving derbies- all can be found in Aiken during the winter season. Downtown Aiken is the quintessential southern Small Town, USA. Quaint and quiet, it invites you to stroll down main street window shopping and tasting the local fare. The shops offer an eclectic choice of local artisans’ goods, antiques, and savory foods. The Aiken Center for the Arts promotes arts in the community with five galleries, varied cultural activities, films, and musical performances.For those with interest in astrology, the DuPont Planetarium
and RPSEC Observatory offers a chance to gaze at the stars. In the huge dome, live presentations explain the constellations and visible planets. What an incredible opportunity to see the big sky in such a small town! Outdoor enthusiasts can spend their days off exploring the Aiken State Park encompassing 1000 acres of pristine pinelands and offering camping, canoeing, and fishing opportunities. The famed Hitchcock Woods is a land preserve unparalleled in beauty. Equestrians, dog walkers, and joggers may enjoy the over 70 miles of sandy trails and a stunning variety of ecosystems. Doze by the pool or dip in the sea, go racing or rapelling, Worth Avenue or Main Street, museums or historic houses, pine forest or painted desert- the winter equestrian destinations offer something for everyone. Let the horses rest as you check in with the world outside of the barn. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES
theplaidhorse.com • February 2017 • 81 Ava Peck on her new pony Persephone.
Good luck in the Large Green Pony Hunters!
Congratulations to Sophie Hekmat
on the lease of Hidden Springs Cosmos.
Orion Farm Congratulates Anna Richardson on her two new horses, Freedom & Baleno. Good luck in the Junior Hunters!
Ella Bikoff on the lease of Anderin’s Momento. Good luck in the Medium Pony Hunters!
LINDA EVANS • KIM FERRO 413-530-9685 • orionpny@aol.com • Massachusetts • Wellington, Florida ALWAYS A GREAT SELECTION OF NICE HORSES & PONIES AVAILABLE
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My Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Experience I would be remiss if I started an article about my experience and love for Horsemanship Quiz Challenge if I didn’t start by crediting my favorite horse, Carter. We all have one horse that meant the world to us and gave us wings that we didn’t know we had. For me, this was Carter. I loved my horses and riding before him, but Carter and I created a bond that makes me want to do anything for him and all the horses that followed in his hoof prints. This relationship ignited my passion for horsemanship and pointed me toward my career path. As my commitment to horses grew, my mom saw that USHJA created the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge program for youth riders to compete using the knowledge they learned in the USHJA Horsemanship Study Guide and around the barn. I was thrilled, and signed up for it after squealing in delight at the length and depth of detail in the manual. I began taking notes, making flash cards, and trying my best to understand the science contained in the Study Guide, as well as the individual details of the feed stuffs, diseases, and parasites. After eight months of studying nearly every day, I took the online tests and waited to see if I could make it to the Finals. I watched my ranking slowly sink down on the website (in those days we got to see everyone’s scores before Finals). I ended up in a tie for Team Zone V. A USHJA representative called me, I answered a few questions over the phone, and awaited the results. That year, I made it to the Finals and continued trying to learn everything I could. Somehow, I learned how to wrap a leg with a combination of online videos and a handful of supervised attempts. I felt prepared going into the testing room, but also nervous that I was going to let down my horses
if I made any mistakes. Sitting through the test the first time taught me more about what I needed to know as a horseman than any other experience at HQC. I was young and relatively inexperienced in caring for my own horses. My trainer helped as much as she could, but I was primarily on my own for the first portion of my education for HQC. The first written test ALIX MORRISON IN HER 2016 OVERALL was a guiding force in my further GOLD MEDAL WITH CRICKET MORRIS, USHJA HORSEMANSHIP QUIZ CHALLENGE education. I left the room stunned AD HOC COMMITTEE CHAIR. at everything I didn’t know and everything I thought I understood but very clearly didn’t. This experience helped me shape my studying for future years. It taught me that I was going to need more than just me and a horse to help me understand the bigger concepts in the Study Guide. In 2013, I wasn’t able to complete the second qualifying quiz and I didn’t make it to finals. In 2014, I continued to learn from great people and the manual while advancing my knowledge of horse care. In 2015, I was in my second year of studying Equine Science at Colorado State University and my love for horses and taking care of them was only growing stronger. That year, I spent over 200 hours with the Study Guide. Coupled with the hours I spent in class learning the same things, I made it to the Finals. It paid off in the form of the highest written test score, a silver team medal for Zone V, and a bronze individual medal. I was thrilled. It was my first year doing information tables and the practicum and I learned where my holes were. Doing these parts of the test for the first time let me
theplaidhorse.com • February 2017 • 83 LEFT: MORRISON GROOMING FOR THE EMERGING ATHLETES PROGRAM NATIONS CUP ON THE FINAL DAY OF 2016 USHJA HORSEMANSHIP QUIZ CHALLENGE AT LAKE ERIE COLLEGE (OH). BELOW: DEMONSTRATING PROPER WRAPPING IN THE HQC PRACTICUM SECTION UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYES OF JUDGES LILLI BIEDERMANN AND ELAINE SCHOTT.
know what to expect for the next year, and let me develop a plan on how to study and execute these phases. Information tables require you to be alert and pick up key details quickly, while the practicum requires more of an informative MORRISON WINS THE IDENTIFICATION and confident attitude. ROOM HIGH SCORE AWARD PRESENTED BY The experience of CRICKET STONE ALONG WITH PIPER KLEMM AND SISSY WICKES OF THE PLAID HORSE. participating in the Finals multiple times, an unwavering commitment to learning the Study Guide, and improving my horse care skills paid off with a win in 2016. Horsemanship Quiz Challenge provided a foundation to increase my equine knowledge. I would not have been able to excel in a horse program as rigorous as that of Colorado State without the experience of studying for the HQC. The quiz- as well as the assistance of a few fabulous trainers, professors, veterinarians, my mother, and horses- have made me the person I am today both in and out of the barn. Horses will always be the best teacher, but finding trusted people to educate you is priceless. I will always strive to provide horses with the best care available, and I know that the knowledge gained through the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge program will help me to fulfill my goal.
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BY ALIX MORRISON, PHOTOS COURTESY USHJA ARCHIVES
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TPH COVER STORY AT RIGHT LOUISE SERIO AND JENNIFER BURGER’S ROCK HARBOR WINNING THE HIGH PERFORMANCE HUNTER STAKE AT THE 2016 DEVON HORSE SHOW, WHERE SERIO WAS HONORED WITH THE LEADING LADY HUNTER RIDER TITLE. PHOTO © IRENE ELISE POWLICK.
Horses are the essence of Louise Serio. They are her oxygen, her lifeblood. Growing up on a farm known then and now as Derbydown, Louise was riding as soon as she was able to keep one leg on each side. Her parents were horse trainers, her sister Mary Wade was an equestrian prodigy, and Louise was always happiest in the barn. Today, in her sixth decade, Louise Serio has left an indelible mark on our horse industry. She has reached the pinnacle of success as a rider, trainer, and mentor. She has founded far-reaching equestrian programs and foundations. She has raised a family, maintained a singular level of horsemanship, cultivated a premier facility, and engendered camaraderie among her peers. The most amazing thing about Louise Serio: she is not finished yet. Not even close. In 1949, Louise’s parents, Mary and Buzz Warner, began a riding school at a rented facility in Unionville, Pennsylvania called Derbydown. Legend has it that the farm was won in a poker game when one player, out of money, was down to betting his hat. The player set his derby down on the table, won the hand, and subsequently purchased the farm. When the rented facility burned down, the Warners moved to another facility and took the name Derbydown with them.
Derbydown… Pass It On
The current home of Derbydown was purchased in 1958. A converted dairy barn nestled in bucolic Chester County, Pennsylvania, today it is still an oasis within a carefully preserved area. The Warners taught riding on a string of lesson horses that accommodated every level of rider. On Mondays through Wednesdays, Mary Warner taught outside clients hour upon hour, day into night. Thursdays and Fridays were lesson days for boarders. Saturdays or Sundays were filled with horse shows and foxhunts. Mary studied the art of riding and read books by the masters. Basic skills were paramount: position, feel, correctness. Horsemanship was integral as even the recreational, weekly rider was quizzed on basic knowledge of tack and the parts of the horse. Through her mother, Louise inherited her unwavering commitment to teaching the fundamentals. “I truly believe in the absolute importance of the basics of riding,” Serio explains. “It is hard to progress without the building blocks.” Serio’s childhood is the stuff that horse-crazy kids dream of. At the time, Derbydown bred Shetland ponies. So, when Louise needed a new mount, she would march out to the field and grab one. She would teach the ponies to ride, drive, and swim. She would ride over to friends’ houses to spend the night, a change of clothes in her saddlebag. Foxhunting, pony club, horse shows, gymkanas, bareback, cross country, Western, English. Surprising given her success as a professional is the fact that Louise was not the celebrated equestrian in the family. Her older sister, Mary Wade, garnered most of the attention and praise. “I was not the chosen child, which may have been a plus. I was just having fun with no pressure. It was between the shows that I had the best time; I never felt like I had to win. I did not have good horses and I fell off a lot! But, I learned how to ride.”
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10 things to know about Louise Serio: 1. She has a mule. 2. She is the oldest professional rider to be champion at Indoors. 3. She loves all things Star Wars. 4. She owned a reining horse and competed on it. 5. She trains Caroline Dance, 2016 EAP National Reserve Champion. 6. She has a granddaughter. 7. She has been Champion or Reserve Champion at the Devon Horse Show ten times. 8. She has ridden in three Grand Prix jumper classes. 9. She co-founded the AHJA which spawned the World Championship Hunter Rider series, USHJA Foundation, Horseman’s Assistance Fund, and Making a Dream Grant Program. 10. Four generations of her family have resided at Derbydown in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. PHOTOS AT RIGHT, COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM TOP: LOUISE AND CHRISSY SERIO AT BRANDYWINE VALLEY SUMMER SERIES, 2016; LOUISE AND CASTLE ROCK WON THE $50,000 WCHR PALM BEACH HUNTER SPECTACULAR IN 2010 & 2011; LOUISE COACHES YOUNG RIDERS CAROLINE DANCE AND SAM CAMP; & LOUISE AND CORVINE VDL AT BRANDYWINE VALLEY SUMMER SERIES. PHOTOS © RANDI MUSTER PHOTOGRAPHY, SPORTFOT, THE BOOK, AND DERBYDOWN.
And ride, she has. Serio has had arguably the longest, most successful hunter career in the history of the sport. Her roster of successful horses includes Red Panda, Gray Slipper, Irresistible, Harbor Bay, Catch a Spark, Rock Harbor, El Primero, and Castle Rock. Serio estimates that she has been Champion or Reserve Champion at the Devon Horse Show ten times in her career. In 2016, she was Champion at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, marking the latest big indoor win. Serio marvels at her good fortune. “I have had some seriously good horses. I watch old videos and think, ‘Wow, those were great horses by any standard.’” In addition to her riding accomplishments, Serio has been a pivotal influence in the life of many young professionals. Sandy Farrell spent some of her junior career at Derbydown, returning as a young professional to ride for Serio. Similarly, Amanda Lyerly had a long, illustrious junior career with Serio and has grown to become a top trainer and rider. Ashley Hotz, Kim Zindel-Busby, Chrissie Kear, Troy Hendricks, and Linda Carrothers are among other young professionals who have benefitted from time at Derbydown. Long days, hard work, high standards. Honesty, loyalty, solidarity – all are hallmarks of the Derbydown experience that forever imprint the fabric of those who work there. The riders of Derbydown have competed in the amateur, junior, pony, jumper, and equitation rings with decades of success in each. Most recently, Serio trained two noted junior riders in Grace Socha and Caroline Dance, both of whom were recruited by their top choice colleges as NCAA riders. Dance was a 2016 Emerging Athlete Program Finalist and qualified to participate in the George Morris Horsemastership Training session in Wellington, FL. Dance began riding with Serio as a young child and transitioned to local trainer Ellen Derrick. The young rider competed on a local level showing ponies and learning solid horsemanship skills. Four years ago, Dance returned to Derbydown on a children’s hunter horse. Under Serio’s tutelage, she moved to the Junior Hunter Division and was Champion at Junior Hunter Finals. Adding the jumper and equitation rings to her show schedule honed Dance’s equestrian skills, culminating in the opportunity to participate in EAP Finals. Serio praises her student. “She is talented, personable, polite and thoughtful. That goes a long way.” Sport is contest; contests produce winners. The list of winners of significant classes, Horse of the Year Awards, and championships over the last forty years is long and illustrious. The list of equestrians who have significantly contributed to the sport during the same time period is considerably shorter. Louise Serio has tipped the axis of the equestrian world. Her hand has been in the formation of momentous programs such as the World Championship Hunter Rider Program, the USEF International and National Hunter Derby, the USHJA Foundation and Making a Dream Program, and the Pre-Green Incentive Program. She has been sitting on at least one USEF or USHJA committee since the 1990’s. “I was head of the AHSA Hunter Committee for almost ten years a long time ago. The names of the organizations have changed over the years, but I have always been involved in that part of our world. I have put my time in with governance. It doesn’t matter who you are, you have to get involved to make a change.” As a professional who operates at the pinnacle of equestrian sport, Serio is cognizant of the need to cultivate the grass roots component of the constituency. A founding member of the USHJA Foundation, she was instrumental in creation of the Horseman’s Assistance Fund and Making a Dream Grant programs. The Making a Dream movement began when Serio was a member of the Hunter Team
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2016 HIGHLIGHTS: LOUISE: Leading Lady Rider, Devon • Leading Hunter Rider, Old Salem Farm • 6th in the WCHR Pro Challenge • Winner USHJA International Hunter Derby at The Ridge (2017) • Winner USHJA International Hunter Derby at Old Salem • Winner USHJA Pre Green Incentive Stake at Old Salem I & II • Winner WCHR Professional Under Saddle at Capital Challenge • 22 Championships or Reserve Championships at Winter Equestrian Festival CHRISSY SERIO: 3rd place $25,000 National Grand Prix at Swan Lake • Champion First Year Green Hunters at Brandywine Valley Summer Series • 9th International Hunter Derby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series • Champion First Year Green Hunters at HITS Saugerties • Ribbons First Year and the Pre-Green Hunters at Capital Challenge • Ribbons Second Year Green Hunters at Pa. National and Washington International JULIE OLIVER: Winner $5,000 Hunter Classic at the Middleburg Classic • Winner Performance Hunter at the Winter Equestrian Festival
competing at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. She walked to the ring to watch a young girl giving an impressive trick riding demonstration. The young athlete was Lizzy Traband who was born with only one hand. “We started talking and her dream was to come to Wellington. I went to the Foundation, asked if we could make this happen for her, and Making a Dream began. Our industry is very generous and helpful.” Since that inaugural grant in 2011, Making a Dream has helped six riders facing hardship achieve their dreams. Serio is a vocal proponent of the Trainer’s Certification Program, the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge, and the Emerging Athlete Program. Of the TCP handbook, she exclaims, “I love that book! It has such helpful information and lesson plans. Trainers need to have that knowledge. I think trainer certification is huge.” She believes in the absolute importance of identifying the needs of the entire horse show community and creating programmatic initiatives to serve all. “I think that we are on the right track with the hunters. We have good horses, footing, and jumps. The majority of us are honest, although the few cheaters make it hard. We need to continue to grow with Derbies and specialty classes to make it interesting. We need to educate and elevate.” Described by friends and clients as “indomitable,” “tireless,” and “a force,” Serio is often the first one on the tractor in the morning dragging the ring and the last one up at night going over accounting records or scouting new horses. What is next? “I will always ride, that is certain,” she states. “But, I would like to ride less, train more, and help my young assistant trainers ascend. I have two great professionals to launch into the business. ” Serio employs two highly qualified assistants and riders in her daughter, Chrissy Serio, and Julie Oliver. An accomplished rider and perceptive teacher, Oliver hails from the Midwest and brings extensive pony ring experience learned from the late legendary pony expert, Mindy Darst. Oliver joined Derbydown after managing the hunter string of successful exhibitor Bryan Baldwin’s Meralex Farm. Chrissy Serio brings hunter and jumper knowledge to the business. Having successfully ridden both Grand Prix jumpers and International Derby horses, the young protégé has great feel, a natural eye, and a bright future. Look for Louise Serio and these young trainers in the pony, jumper, hunter, and equitation rings. With their mentor at the helm, the group will be a formidable presence. Serio plans to pass the torch of excellence and achievement to younger participants in our sport, including her granddaughter, Mary. Slowing down is not part of her vernacular. “I love this business because there is always a variety of things to do. Every day is different; every day presents a new goal.” Rider, trainer, mentor, visionary, Louise Serio will lead the next generation as they transform our equestrian world for the better. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES
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George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session, Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Wellington, FL, January 2017. 1. Cooper Dean. 2. Taylor St. Jacques. 3 & 4. Olympic Gold Medalist, Day 2 Clinician Beezie Madden. 5. Halie Robinson 6 & 7. Five-time US Olympian, Clinical Anne Kursinski. PHOTOS © ERIN GILMORE.
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Patagonia on Horseback STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDREW RYBACK
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As a horse show photographer, most of my time is spent behind the camera photographing these beautiful animals and their owners or riders. Rarely do I have the opportunity to go for a ride and, as such, I am a rather inexperienced rider. My wife Stacy has been riding for most of her life and regularly competes on her two jumpers. On a recent vacation to Patagonia, it was only a matter of time before she said, “Let’s go horseback riding!” Ever the optimist, I was all for the adventure. The landscape is beautiful and what better way to experience it than astride the four-legged beauties that I am fortunate to photograph as a profession. After a quick breakfast at our lodge, our guide took us to a local “Estancia” where we met with Pablito, the Gaucho who would lead our horseback excursion. Stacy was assigned to a grey gelding and I was put on a tall dark bay. Pablo was on his palomino and our lodge tour-guide Daniello had a bay as well.
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Donning our half-chaps and helmets, we headed off down the path toward the vastness that is the Patagonian wilderness. We walked along for a mile or two and Daniello asked if we would like to gallop a bit. I’m not one to turn down excitement for lack of experience, so of course I said, “Let’s do it!” Unfortunately for me, I couldn’t get my poor horse to go past a really fast and rough trot. I mean I was barely hanging on. Our saddles were a cross between Western and English, but there was definitely no horn to grab ahold. So, I did my best and bounced along for another mile or so. Then, Stacy noticed that I wasn’t doing so hot and was probably
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Photos (in order of appearance) 1. Stacy and I at the top after a 700 meter (2296 foot) climb. 2. Our party as we first headed out - our guide Daniello, our Gaucho Pablito, Stacy and me bringing up the rear. 3. At the border of Argentina and Chile (that signpost shows Chile on one side and Argentina on the other. 4. Looking back down the route we had climbed - about 500 meters (1640 feet) higher from where we started at this point. 5. My first river crossing on horseback. 6. Our Gaucho, Pablito, adjusting his tack for the descent. 7. Stacy and one of our Gauchos, Victor, chatting about the differences between English riding and Chilean riding as we toured his estancia.
A few items of interest about Patagonia... CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 5,895 MI
TOKYO, JAPAN 10,840 MI
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA 4,933 MI
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 5,932 MI
Patagonia is a sparsely populated region shared by Argentina and Chile located at the southern end of South America. The Patagonian landscape is diverse – it includes mountains (the Andes) as well as steppes and grasslands. And even though it’s cold, windy, and rainy, Patagonia draws visitors from all over the world to experience its stunning geography and variety of wildlife.
One theory for the origin of the name Patagonia is that it comes from the word Patagones, a name given by Portuguese mariner Ferdinand Megellan to the indigenous people (the Tehuelche) living in the region during his 1520 expedition. Prior to Magellan’s first contact with the Tehuelche, huge footprints had been spotted on the beach so Magellan called the Tehuelche people Patagones or “Big Feet” (from the Portuguese Pata Grau). The Cueva de las Manos is a famous site in Santa Cruz, Argentina, Patagonia, that features a cave at the foot of a cliff covered in wall paintings, including images of hundreds of hands. It’s estimated to date from around 8000 BC. A number of wild horse herds have resided in the mountains around Cape Horn in Chilean Patagonia for more than a century without any human contact. They are considered to be one of the largest and last wild horse herds in the world, but are unfortunately facing the risk of expulsion from their home territories. In 2014 the fossilised bones of a dinosaur believed to be the largest creature ever to walk the Earth were unearthed in Patagonia. Based on the length of its huge thigh bones, scientist estimate the enormous herbivore was 130' long, 65' tall, and as heavy as 14 African elephants (77 tons). A local farm worker first stumbled on the remains in the desert near La Flecha, about 135 miles west of Trelew, Patagonia. Sources: travellerspoint.com, wikimedia.com, returntofreedom.org, bbc.com, google.com, Google Earth
98 • THE PLAID HORSE We gave our horses a brief respite before we headed back down the mountain - this time through a forest. We navigated through low hanging branches and over fallen trunks and limbs. At one point, we had a triple “ground pole” combination and further on down a tree-trunk that was at least as big as a 3’ oxer (in my mind anyway). Not once did any of our horses trip as they were so careful during the descent. We leveled off a bit as we neared the end and I allowed my horse to graze a bit more on the lush green grasses.
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As we turned into the estancia, I gave my horse a huge thank you pat and let him graze as Pablito gathered up all the other horses. A job well done and a view well worth the effort.
really uncomfortable since I couldn’t post - not that I would know how to do that anyway. I imagine it had to be quite the sight with me hanging on for dear life as my horse continued on in the hardest trot imaginable. I pulled back on the reins and slowed my horse to a walk, gathered my composure once again, and we set out again. After about 20 minutes or so, we headed up a steady incline. I hadn’t noticed how high we were as I was more interested in the local “Guanicos” or llamas screaming out at us as our little group interrupted their midmorning graze. When my horse decided that he wanted a little snack, I turned around and took in the marvelous view – it appeared that we had climbed about 300 meters (984') at that point. Afterward, we found out we had actually climbed 500 meters, or 1640 feet! We continued on and the terrain steadily changed from grassy to rocky as we got higher and higher. Our sure-footed horses were delicately choosing their path to the summit. Once we got to the top, the view was absolutely incredible. At 2100 feet higher than where we started, we had a 360 degree panorama of the area.
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All told, we went horseback riding two more times on this trip. I spent more time riding this week than I have my entire life. We ventured off to the Chilean/Argentinian border on one ride through a vast sheep ranch, crossed gushing rivers, and climbed another mountain as we viewed owls and Magellanic Woodpeckers at eye-level. I can honestly say it was time well spent, as some of the views we encountered and the conversations we had were spectacular, not to mention the incredible feeling of being completely isolated from the rest of the world. Knowing that there weren’t any other people within miles of us was almost incomprehensible to this suburban Chicago native. Now, I’ll definitely be contacting my wife’s trainer for some actual lessons. Unfortunately, I think I have caught the horseback bug...
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Crossword inspired by the
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The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge encourages education and recognizes young equestrians who have exceptional horsemanship knowledge. Learn more at ushja.org/HQC – and be sure to register for HQC 2017! Post your completed crosswords and tag @theplaidhorsemag on Instagram for a chance to win cool prizes!
ACROSS
See page 124 for answers!
Crossword clue for 11 across...
2. 2016 leading U.S. Jumper Stallion 5. Windpipe 7. Stallions are permitted to be ridden by juniors in this discipline 10. Saran Wrap is used for this type of bandage 11. Superstar stallion ridden by Rich Fellers 14. Stallion who won High Score Amateur Owner International Derby Finals 2016 17. To the inside of the limb 19. Part of the central nervous system 20. Stallions are permitted to be ridden by juniors in these finals 22. Stallion who won the Internationall Hunter Derby at Old Salem Farm 2016
DOWN
1. Site of the 2017 Equestrian World Cup Finals 2. Opposite of ventral 3. Site of the 2016 & 2017 EAP/HQC Finals 4. Part of the peripheral nervous system 6. 2016 Leading U.S. Hunter Stallion 8. CEO of USEF 9. Largest bone in the foot 12. Disease affecting respiratory system 13. Horse with one undescended testicle 15. Age at which a pony may receive a Standard Measurement card 16. Olympic Individual Gold Medal winner in Rio 18. Part of large intestine 21. Site of the 2018 Word Equestrian Games
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Big Star: A Stallion Tops the World Stage in 2016 PHOTO © ERIN GILMORE.
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Big Star: A Stallion Tops the World Stage in 2016 There are sport horses and then there are legends. There are international riders and then there are superstars. Put them together and you have the indomitable combination of Nick Skelton and Big Star. Grit, talent, perseverance and absolute faith in each other led the pair to the top of the Olympic mountain this year in Rio de Janeiro. Despite a laundry list of injuries sustained over their careers, a shortened qualifying and training schedule, and a cumulative age of 71, Skelton and Big Star bested a large jump off field to win Individual Olympic Gold.
A Distinguished Bloodline Born on June 1, 2003, Big Star was bred by Kees Klaver and sired by Quick Star from Jolanda. His bloodline is illustrious with a top level dam who is a half-sister to the KWPN stallion Matterhorn and his granddam, Elysette , who is a half-sister to the KWPN stallion Amethist. Big Star’s sire Quick Star is a KWPN-recognized stallion and a former Grand Prix show jumper. (1) Big Star, a 16.2 hand bay stallion with three white socks, started his international Grand Prix career at the age of 7. Two years earlier while competing at a local show, he caught the eye of Olympic Gold Medalist Laura Kraut, who is Skelton’s longtime partner. She was impressed with the five year old as he jumped under American Alan Waldman. Waldman confirmed the horse was for sale to a selective few, as Big Star was the best horse he had ever ridden. Laura quickly notified Nick and, with the support of longtime sponsors Gary and Beverley Widdowson, they purchased the stallion. A winning partnership was born.
A Time to Shine By 2012, Big Star and Skelton had claimed the spotlight across the US and Europe with first place ribbons at the Antwerp 1.55m Grand Prix, the Hamburg Global Champions Tour 1.60m Grand Prix, and the Aachen Nations Cup 1.55m. These competitions culminated in the ultimate pay off of practice, perseverance and power when Nick and Big Star, the youngest horse in the 2012 Olympic games, represented Great Britain and took home Team Gold. In addition to the medal, Big Star was awarded the KWPN Horse of the Year honors in 2012. In 2013, Big Star and Skelton went on to win the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup of Dublin, the Grand Prix of Rome, and the storied CSIO5* Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen.
Big Star’s Signature The show ring is a natural fit for this equine athlete who outwardly demonstrates his love for competition by whinnying loudly just before entering the ring. According to his owner, Gary Widdowson, “Every time he goes in the tunnel to the arena, as soon as he sees the jumps, he gives this full stallion-like neigh. It shows there’s a bit more to Big Star – he just loves what he does. You can tell – he’s always got his ears pricked, too.”(2)
No Strangers to Injury Big Star’s famous other half, 59-year-old Nick Skelton, is an eminent British equestrian with a career spanning over four decades. In 2017, Skelton was elevated to Commander of the British Empire (CBE), or knighthood, on the Queen’s New Year’s Honors list. His career marked by injury, Nick’s most frightening and debilitating fall occurred in 2000 at a competition in Cheshire, England, when he landed vertically on his neck and broke it as well as severing a ligament in his back. His doctors advised him never to ride again or risk fatal injury. After two years out of the saddle, Nick sought a second opinion from a German specialist who saw great progress in his healing and agreed he could go back to the sport he loves. Nick lives his motto of “Don’t give up - keep going forwards.” (3) Prior to the neck injury, Nick had his hip replaced, underwent shoulder surgery, and had two knee operations. In 2013, shortly after his big win in Aachen, Big Star showed signs of injury over the summer and the stallion was withdrawn from the show ring for the remainder of the season. Skelton brought him to Wellington, Florida for 2014 Winter Equestrian Festival circuit and competed him in only a few small classes during the circuit. Considering a run for the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games, another leg injury in July cancelled out any further competitions for the stallion. During the 2015 season, Big Star was shown a few times at moderate level shows, a lighter load to help avoid future complications or risk of injury.
The Kings of Rio Early in 2016, Skelton rode Big Star in Florida, but was cautious about pushing him too much in order to preserve him for the summer Olympics. Convinced that the horse would remain sound if he jumped on grass instead of synthetic footing, Skelton trailered him around Wellington to school on neighbors’ jump fields. The spring and summer season schedules were carefully scripted for the horse as Skelton and his staff ably managed Big Star’s care. With luck and perseverance, the strategy worked and the 13-year-old KWPN stallion demonstrated Herculean abilities as Skelton skillfully guided him to a double clear with a winning time against five other horses in the jump-off. During the results ceremony, Skelton, Kraut and his longtime groom, Mark Beever, were overwhelmed with emotion. The long, arduous journey had paid off. It is the stuff dreams are made of.
Future Direction Toward the end of 2016, Big Star had another minor leg injury, which sidelined him from competing in Geneva and the London International Horse Show. Regardless of the next chapter in the competition record of Skelton and Big Star, the duo will continue to challenge the constrictions of age and injury. Big Star’s enduring contribution to the sport will be producing future stars for show jumping’s world stage. With his young progeny beginning their careers in Europe, Big Star’s first U.S. foal crop are yearlings of 2016. ◼ BY JULIANA CHAPMAN (1) KWPN.org (Royal Dutch Sport Horse) (2) Horse and Hound, 19 August 2016 “Big Star: the runaway train that neighs at jumps” (3) The Telegraph, 28 August 2016 “Nick Skelton: How I got back on my horse after breaking my neck to become the oldest Olympian”
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HITS Coachella A HOME AWAY FROM HOME John Bragg’s Bridgeport Farms has the best of all worlds at the HITS Coachella facility in Thermal, Calif. Bridgeport occupies one of the few private facilities at the enormous site of the eight week winter horse show circuit. The HITS Coachella Desert Circuit is one of the busiest equestrian venues in the country. With seven hunter rings and five jumper rings, the facility sees thousands of horses pass through the ingate in the first quarter of the calendar year. Despite its vast size, the show is crowded and busy with showing, training, and lessoning. Schooling ring space for lessons is always at a premium as are quiet hacking areas. The option of a private barn eradicates these challenges. As Bragg explains, “It is invaluable. We have a lovely, private space away from the busy horse show.” The Bridgeport facility at HITS
PHOTOS © IRENE ELISE POWLICK.
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Coachella offers 20 stalls, office, tack room, rest room, storage rooms, and four regular cross tie stalls. Private parking near the barn eases the anxiety of finding a parking spot at the height of the show day. The beautifully landscaped grounds and private ring with quality footing and lovely jumps provide a perfect place to practice. Horse trials are private and scheduled without concern about ring traffic. While the human component of the Bridgeport business is appreciative, the equine members may be even happier. The private facility has a quieter, less intense atmosphere and two grass paddocks for its horses. “The horses settle in very nicely. They are here for such a long stay that it feels like a familiar winter home for them,” states Bragg. To accommodate overflow, Bridgeport acquires tent stabling adjacent to the permanent barn. John Bragg provides the best for his equine and human clients at Bridgeport Farms’ private facility at HITS Coachella. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES
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Showplace Productions Ledges Winter Series, Ledges Sporting Horses, Roscoe, IL, January 2017. 1. Olivia Galley. 2. Siena Craigie. 3. Emily Anderson. 4. Angela Bartel. 5. Brianna Fusz. 6. Mary Grossman. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.
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ISABELL WERTH OF GERMANY, the most decorated dressage rider in Olympic history, will headline the special ‘Dressage Showcase’ at the FEI World Cup™ Finals in Omaha. “Young Horses to Grand Prix with Olympic Champion Isabell Werth Presented by the Dressage Foundation” will be Werth’s first-ever exhibition of this type in the U.S. The FEI World Cup™ Finals are equestrian sports’ top annual indoor championship for jumping and dressage horses and draws the top names in the sport, including Olympic, World and European Champions. The 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha include the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final and the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final. Riders representing over 25 countries are expected for the Midwest’s first-ever international showdown and 70 of the world’s top riders in two Olympic disciplines will join more than 60,000 fans from all 50 states and 20 countries for 5 days of action-packed competition and so much more! “We are so excited that the legendary Isabell Werth is coming to Omaha!” said Lisa Roskens, Chairman of the Omaha Equestrian Foundation, producer of the 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals. “The Dressage Showcase segment with Isabell Werth will give fans a rare opportunity to learn from an international star who has won more Olympic medals than any dressage rider in history and we are delighted that she has chosen Omaha for her first-ever exhibition in the U.S.!” Werth is currently ranked number one in world. She is a five-time Olympic veteran who has won a total of ten Olympic medals including the Individual Gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. She has also won five Team Gold medals (2016 in Rio, 2008 in Hong Kong, 2000 in Sydney, 1996 in Atlanta and 1992 in Barcelona), plus four Individual Silver medals (2016, 2008, 2000 and 1992). Werth has also won four Team and three Individual Gold medals, plus an Individual Bronze and a Team Bronze, at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG). She has won three European Championships and has twice been the FEI World Cup™ Dressage champion, winning the Finals in 2007 in Las Vegas aboard Warum Nicht FRH and in 1992 in Gothenburg, Sweden aboard Fabienne. The Dressage Showcase takes place on Friday, March 31 starting at 3:00 p.m. There will be four horses used in the “Young Horses to Grand Prix with Olympic Champion Isabell Werth Presented by the Dressage Foundation.” Included will be two young horses (5-7 years old), a Small Tour horse and a young Grand Prix horse. Werth will explain her training methods and the stepping stones she takes in bringing a young horse up the levels to the highest level of dressage – the Grand Prix. “This promises to be a historic occasion and we are so honored to be able to bring dressage fans in the U.S. this unprecedented opportunity to learn first-hand from one of the greatest riders in our sport’s history,” Roskens said. “Coupling this with the chance to see the best horses and riders in the world competing for the title of World Cup Champion guarantees everyone who attends an experience that they will truly never forget!”
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Schedule and Ticket Information: The 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals Omaha will run over five days, March 29-April 2. A variety of ticket packages are still available, but the VIP Tickets in the first 5 rows are the best seats in the house and include access to the VIP Hospitality Lounge throughout the event! The VIP Hospitality Lounge will feature full meals, open bar, live music, concierge service and other amenities, all included with each VIP ticket. There are also All-Session tickets available and each all-session package includes admission to five sessions. Hospitality Packages are also still available. The elegant
Suites are spacious, comfortable and overlook the entire arena with seating for 20-25 people. Wait service, food, drink and access to the VIP Lounge are included throughout the event. Ringside tables gets you up close to the action in comfort and style with In-Arena seating for 6 to 8 people, complimentary wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres along with access to the VIP Lounge throughout the event. Exceptional Shopping, Live Entertainment and Educational Exhibits. The event’s unique Boutique Shopping Village and Tailgate Lounge were designed specifically around the warm-up arena so that visitors will be able to browse, shop and dine while watching the world’s elite competitors warm up their horse. Over 140 vendors will be on hand boasting wares ranging from top-of-the-line equestrian products for both horse and rider, barn equipment and FEI World Cup™ merchandise to stunning jewelry, beautiful artwork and the latest in fashions. Spectators will be able to shop-till-theydrop while enjoying all the action! The entire Horse Expo will be hopping Thursday through Saturday night. Live bands, food and drink, pony races and high-end shopping will entertain the crowd until 11:00 p.m. each evening. The Horse Discovery Zone offers handson learning area including the Runza Gallery of Breeds, Riding Style Museums, Durham Museum, Omaha Children’s Museum, Henry Doorly Zoo, Blacksmith Shop, Wheelwright, The Tack Room, U.S. Pony Clubs and Citizens Foundation for the Omaha Mounted Patrol. The Demonstration Arena will offer educational demonstrations throughout the day with presentations on styles of riding, Parade of Breeds, vaulting, Pony Club Games, long-lining, grooming, driving and so much more! Equimania! offers youth education stations and interactive displays including anatomy, dental, evolution, skeleton in motion, Tree of Life, Digestive tract, nutrition and water, horse behavior and colors, grooming, safety. The Horse Discovery Zone Theater will host ongoing presentations of domestic and international short films and documentaries from the 2016 Equus Film Festival as well as a selection of horse related programs. For more information about the 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals in Omaha, hotel information and to purchase tickets, please go to OmahaWorldCup2017.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the CenturyLink Center Omaha box office.
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ANSWERS FOR CROSSWORD PUZZLE ON PAGE 101: ACROSS: 2. DARCO 5. TRACHEA 7. JUMPER 10. SWEAT 11. FLEXIBLE 14. CARRICO 17. MEDIAL 19. SPINAL CORD 20. USEF TALENT SEARCH 22. EL PRIMERO DOWN: 1. OMAHA 2. DORSAL 3. LAKE ERIE COLLEGE 4. GANGLIA 6. ACORADOI 8. MORONEY 9. COFFIN 12. INFLUENZA 13. CRYPTORCHID 15. EIGHT 16. BIG STAR 18. CECUM 21. TYRON
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CHARLIE WEAVER AND SUPER FLASH AT THE DEVON HORSE SHOW IN THE EARLY 1980S. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL SHOW HUNTER HALL OF FAME.
The NSHHF also presents the Trainers’ Choice Horse of the Year Awards to horses in the Junior, Amateur Owner, First Year Green, Second Year Green, Green Conformation and High Performance Hunter Divisions, as well as the overall horse, rider and owner of the year. Lee explains these are a tribute to the owners by the trainers. “Who knows better who the genuinely good horses are better than the trainers?” The trainers of champions in each division from the 10 shows and derbies selected
National Show Hunter Hall of Fame EVERY SPRING A LIGHT IS SHINED ON THE GREAT NAMES AND FACES in our sport’s history at the annual National Show Hunter Hall of Fame awards dinner. The NSHHF was the brainchild of Carol Maloney and friends, including renowned hunter breeder, trainer and judge Walter J. “Jimmy” Lee who has chaired the organization almost since its inception in 1995. He says the goal was “to honor people who have set the bar in our sport, people that have made great contributions to our sport as trainers, as horsemen, as owners and, of course, to recognize the special horses over all the years.” In more mainstream sports, young players know the big names of the past – Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, Mohammed Ali. In the horse show world, many young riders know little of the earlier legends. “Unfortunately in our sport, history is rather fleeting,” Lee laments. The board of the NSHHF felt it important to have a reference, a website to provide show hunter history. There is an “Old Timers” committee to nominate those who should not be forgotten. Lee’s most invaluable resource on legitimacy and eligibility is Olympic gold medal winner and former president of the U.S. Equestrian Team William Steinkraus who can recall the greats as far back as the 1940s. On May 30, 2017 riders, trainers and owners will again dash from their last class at the Devon Horse Show to the Merion Cricket Club in Haverford, Pa to celebrate the latest inductees and congratulate the winners of the Annual Trainers’ Choice Awards. The NSHHF invites all those in the equestrian community to nominate individuals and horses. To be eligible, “a horse must have distinguished itself in show hunter competition and been retired or deceased for at least five years. Horsemen and horsewomen must have participated in the show horse industry for a minimum of 15 years and distinguished themselves by the nature of their contributions or achievements.” Individuals wishing to make nominations pay a $40 fee and are thereby entitled to vote and attend the ceremony. Those with the most nominations will be placed on the ballot. Usually two horses and two or three people are inducted into the Show Hunter Hall of Fame each year. Nominations also are made for best horse show and hunter derby of the year.
by voters that year nominate the nation’s best horse in that division, and vote for the overall winners. At the ceremony Lee opens an envelope for each division in a manner similar to the Academy Awards. He opts to remain in the dark as to the winner and enjoy the surprise as much as the recipients. The acceptance speeches often run the gamut of emotion. Lee remembers a ceremony several years ago when a little girl came to him, wanting to talk to the crowd about an inductee, trainer Hugh Kerrigan. How could he say no? On tiptoes at the microphone, she unfolded reams of paper from which to read, making Lee very nervous. But, as she told funny and touching stories and imitated the trainer’s Irish brogue, she brought the house down. Their choice of Kerrigan was clearly a great one. To learn our sport’s history and to make a nomination, visit nationalshowhunterhalloffame.com. Educate yourself about the past in order to create a better future for our sport.
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BY PRUE DRAPER OSBORN
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