The Plaid Horse - August 2017 - The Pony Issue by The Plaid Horse

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BEST OF LUCK IN KENTUCKY

Siri Batalden & Indian Summer Medium Pony Hunter

Bella Griffin & Happily Ever After Medium Pony Hunter

Bella Griffin & Vermont Golden Graham Medium Green Pony Hunter

Persephone & Ava Peck Large Green Pony Hunter

Elsa Batalden & Small Wonder Large Green Pony Hunter

Ella Sherman & Goodness Gracious Large Pony Hunter

Gabrielle Sokolow & EverAfter Large Green Pony Hunter

Gabrielle Sokolow & Kingston Large Pony Hunter

CHRIS M. IWASAKI • ELIZABETH REILLY • PHYLLIS PIPOLO It takes a small village! Special thanks to John French, Keri Kampsen, Georgy-Maskrey Segesman, Tasha Visokay, and everyone at Ashland Farms. Photos © McCool Photography, The Book LLC, Vyla Carter.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR JUNIOR RIDERS

Alex Miller & Wow the Crowd Children’s Hunters 13 & Under

Augusta Iwasaki & Small Soldier Large Pony Hunter

Bella Griffin & California Dreamin’ II Large Pony Hunter

Stella Rumanes & Indian Summer Cross Rail Hunter

Hannah Rohrbach & Woodland’s Picasso Large Pony Hunter

Augusta Iwasaki & Butterscotch Large Green Pony Hunter

Lila Valnes & Over the Moon Medium Green Pony Hunter

Ruby Lago & Minion Children's Pony Hunter

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Augusta Iwasaki & Small Adventure owned by iwasaki & reilly

Augusta Iwasaki & Cavalier owned by georgy maskrey-segesman

Y K C U T N E K N I K C U L BEST OF FINALS AL DERBY

N TERNATIO AT USHJA IN

CENTIVE HUNTER IN N E E R G JA AT USH

John French & Grand Affair owned by huckleberry farm & samantha sommers

John French & Wow the Crowd owned by alexander miller

John French & Socialite owned by gabrielle sokolow

SHIP

CHAMPION

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ASUNCIÓN VALLEY FARMS CONGRATULATES

KALEIDOSCOPE KHROME & FARMORE FLIRTATIOUS Champion & Reseeve Champion, Blenheim June West Coast Pony Finals, CHILDREN’S PONY HUNTERS. Kaleidoscope Khrome, Champion, Paso Robles , CHILDREN’S PONY HUNTERS. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALANNA SNOWDEN

& GRACELYND HILL FARMS FOR THE HELP WITH OUR WEST COAST PONIES.

RENAISSANCE YEARLING OLDENBURG FILLY

2nd at Upperville 4th at Devon Numerous Tri Colors on the East Coast Currently leading the country in the Yearling Hunter Breeding division BREEDER: GEORGE K HOREIS

& THANK YOU TO HANDLER EMILY BELIN AT MAGIC HILL FARMS.

Asunción Valley Farms • Lori Johnston, Owner • (805) 610-3054 Taelor Nolan, Barn Manager (714) 512-1841 • Sarah Pollock, Trainer (951) 316-5205 Always a selection of ponies & horses for sale, both in CA & in Germany.

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ASUNCIÓN VALLEY FARMS CONGRATULATES FARMORE EYE CANDY 2nd Place Ribbon, Upperville 3 YEAR OLD FILLY HUNTER PONY BREEDING CLASS

1st Place Ribbon, Devon 2017 3 YEAR OLD PONY HUNTER FILLY BREEDING CLASS

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK TAMMY BURGIN-REITZELL

ROYAL AFFAIR

BREEDER: TAMMY BURGIN-REITZELL'S FARMORE FARMS

Reserve Champion, Upperville

& FARMORE FARMS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEASE THIS LOVELY FILLY!

Thank you to MissyJo Hollingsworth & Saddle Lake Equestrian Center for the sale of 'Joey'!

2 YEAR OLD COLT

HUNTER PONY BREEDING CLASS

4th Place Ribbon, Devon 2017 2 YEAR OLD COLT

HUNTER PONY BREEDING CLASS

THANK YOU TO MAGIC HILL FARMS & EMILY BELIN AND STAFF FOR A GREAT YEAR OF SHOWING!

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ASUNCIÓN VALLEY FARMS OFFERS FOR SALE OR LEASE

CATALINA 9 YEAR OLD IMPORTED HOLSTEINER MARE

(CASALL ASK X CORRADO I)

Show Placings in Hunter Derbies, Jumpers up to 1.25, & a Great Equitation Prospect Currently in training at Morgan Caplane Equestrian in Northern California

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Sheffield Farms

photo © esi.

photo © the book llc.

Specializing in Hunter and Derby Horses

Offered for Sale: CAPRI 16.3H 2009 Gelding 3'6" Green Hunter and Derby Mileage Super Ammie friendly 1st in Zone II 3'6" Green Hunters Good mover, great jump Huge step with plenty of scope to move up

photo © the book llc.

Offered for Sale or Lease: CAMPARI 17H 2008 Gelding 3'6" Green Hunter and Derby mileage Ready for Junior/AO partner 2nd in Zone II 3'6" Green Hunters Good mover, great jump Huge step with plenty of scope to move up

Offered for Sale: CANDY 16.1H 2008 Mare 3'3" Green Hunter mileage Ready for Junior/AO partner 3nd in Zone II 3'3" Green Hunters Good mover, great jump Big step and scope to move up

Offered for Sale: RICKIE 15.3H 2009 Mare 3'3" Performance Hunter mileage Mileage in the child/adult divisions Very sweet and ideally suited for 2'6" or 3' job Tri colors at Garden State, ribbons at LP & WEF Price recently reduced

130 Shaw Road, Middletown, NY 10941 • Landline 845-361-4171 See our website for more photos, information and videos. www.sheffieldfarms.com or info@sheffieldfarms.com

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CONGRATULATIONS and Good Luck to

Tyler Ferris and Sunrise Despite a broken arm, you made your goal! Love, Dad and Mom

Available to be tried at Pony Finals Summerwood’s Dream Come True *Telynau Royal Charter x Bendith Artemis (Cloe Olympian) Qualified Small Green Pony Finals 2017, 12.1 3/4

Thank you to

Lindsay Yinger and

Courtney Newby of

Lindsay Yinger Show Stables.

We would not be here without you.

Summerwood Farm • Ponies for Children Well bred, child friendly prospects always available. Contact Amy Redman • 2 4 8 - 7 6 0 - 5 1 7 8 www.SummerwoodWelsh.com • MI & FL

PHOTO © 3RD SHUTTER.

THE PONY ISSUE

Publisher

PIPER KLEMM, Ph.D.

P. 42

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Piper Klemm, Ph.D.

Editor-in-Chief

P. 46

SISSY WICKES

CARI GLEESON Barbara Stone Halpern

P. 50

REICHLAND FARMS Mackenzie Shuman

Art Director

P. 67

PONY HOROSCOPES Becky Cook

P. 68

20 PONIES OVER 20 Mackenzie Shuman

P. 88

COVER STORY: FORGET ME NOT FARM Sissy Wickes

P. 96

TPH’S 2017 30 UNDER 30 Sissy Wickes

LISA DALY Web Director

BETSY KELLEY Digital Media Director

STEPHANIE ROLOFF Advertising

NANCY HALVEY LIZ DAVOLL

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

ON THE COVER: MIA GREEN AND BELLA WHITE WITH VERMONT HERE’S THE GOLD AT FORGET ME NOT FARM IN WELLINGTON, FL. PHOTO © LIZ DAVOLL.

PINTEREST pinterest.com/theplaidhorse GOOGLE + The Plaid Horse Mag TUMBLR theplaidhorsemag.tumblr.com SNAPCHAT theplaidhorse ISSUU: issuu.com/theplaidhorsemag

P. 125 FEI EUROPEAN PONY CHAMPIONSHIPS Erin Gilmore ON THE COVER, LEFT TO RIGHT: MIA GREEN AND ROYAL TUSCANY IN THE LARGE PONY HUNTERS IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA; TRUE COLORS AT HOME; TANNR SIMON-DARIAS (AGE 2) RIDES UNFORGETTABLE IN LEADLINE WITH STEFANIE MAZER. SIMON-DARIAS IS THE SON OF TRAINER KELLY CHESSER OF SHADOW CREEK STABLES IN SORRENTO, FL.; FORGET ME NOT FARM’S UNFORGETTABLE – MEDIUM PONY HUNTER CHAMPION AT THE DEVON HORSE SHOW 2017. PHOTO © THE BOOK LLC.

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STONEWALL FARM

& Maye Ponies wishes all Show competitors

BEST OF LUCK AT PONY FINALS! Emily Elek • 920-889-0028

S TO N E WA L L P O N IE S@YA H O O.CO M • IXO N IA , W I S CO N SI N PHOTO ©SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY.

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STONEWALL FARM

Source of Pony Finals Winners

Miracles Happen

Blueberry Hill

Hidden Spring's Woodstar

Team Gold, Individual Bronze 2016

Grand Pony Hunter Champion, 2014

2nd Large Pony Hunter O/F, 2016

No Drama

Jessandi Famous Amos

Enano

3rd Overall Medium Pony, 2016

High Score 1/2 Welsh, 2016

Winner Small Green Pony Hunter O/F, 2014

Goldfish Winner Small Pony Hunter U/S, 2011

Vermont Ruby Fox

Betsy Fishback Memorial Trophy, 2016

Jennifer Grey Res Champion Small Green Welsh, 2016

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028

S TO N E WA L L P O N IE S@YA H O O.CO M • IXO N IA , W I S CO N SI N PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY, LAURA Z. WASSERMAN, THE BOOK LLC, SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY, MCCOOL PHOTOGRAPHY, BRIAR FIELD FARM, & ADAM HILL.

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STONEWALL FARM

& Maye Champions Show Ponies Breeding

the

right

stallion

Hillcrest's Top Hat

Red Drum's Patriot

Sugarbrook Positron Blue

Gayfield's Vida Blue x Helikon Halo

Mynd Nestorius x Asgard Brittania

Sugarbrook Blue Pacific x Brighton Precisely

perfect

foal

Hillcrest's Top Hat X Good Heavens

Gayfield's the Thief X Stonewall Sunflower

your

champion

Stonewall From Above, 2016 Colt Stonewall Burger King, 2017 Filly

Stonewall Kodiak, 2017 Colt

Stonewall Black Pearl

Top That

Stonewall Texas

Red Drum's Patriot x Stonewall Sunflower

Hillcrest's Top Hat x Perks (TB)

Hillcrest's Top Hat x Dakota (TB)

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028

S TO N E WA L L P O N IE S@YA H O O.CO M • IXO N IA , W I S CO N SI N PHOTOS ©IRENE ELISE POWLICK, HANNAH HOCH, QUICKSILVER FARM, THE BOOK, LLC.

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STONEWALL FARM Offers for Sale or Lease

Clovermeade Babs Bunny

Helicon Country Rose

Jennifer Gray

Small Pony Hunter

Tarry a Bit Sweet William

Champlain Golden Years

Saved by the Bella

Small Green Pony Hunter

Medium Pony Hunter

All Inclusive

Vermont Golden Graham

Modern Love

Medium Pony Hunter

Medium Green Pony Hunter

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028

S TO N E WA L L P O N IE S@YA H O O.CO M • IXO N IA , W I S CO N SI N PHOTOS ©ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY, VYLA CARTER, BRIARFIELD FARMS.

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The Pony of a Lifetime

PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

As we prepare my fourth Annual Pony Issue and read all the stories of ponies who made their people, I have to share my favorite pony story. Many years ago, seventeen to be exact, after eons of begging, dreaming, and pleading, a little girl got her own pony. It was not destined for success. You see, the pony wanted a little girl who knew what she was doing, and this little girl did not. The little girl wanted a pony who knew what she was doing, and this pony did not. She wanted a pony she could jump and show and trail ride. Oh yeah, and a Butet, and to go to Florida, and to show at Devon. The pony was two years old, unbroke, and to call a two year old pony a monster is redundant. She was opinionated about simply everything. Trips to the paddock led to shredded blankets. Reins flying too fast over her head were broken. She was not patient while the little girl practiced braiding her jet black mane. And God forbid she had her mane pulled or ears clipped. No, the pony did not tolerate that at all. Some days were so hard that the little girl wanted to give up, but her mother supported her to keep trying and see what she could do. It took the little girl forty minutes to catch her in her stall some days. But, the little girl had a pony. This was her pony and her only option to jump or show or trail ride again was to make it work. She pulled up a chair, put a basket of carrots next to her, and began to read her homework out loud. She couldn’t get behind in her schoolwork just because the pony was being stubborn. Eventually the pony wandered over and tentatively ate a carrot. She did it the next day and it didn’t take quite as long. She continued every day until the pony walked over and just hung out munching on carrots while she read her homework. One day, the pony nickered when she heard the girl’s footsteps coming around the corner and was waiting with her head out of her stall. Then the pony needed to be broke. The girl laid over her back in her stall for weeks. From the left side, from the right side, patting her and taking it slow. Finally, she swung her leg over and sat up. The pony seemed huge. She was the biggest pony the little girl had ever ridden. She felt on top of the world. Next came riding in the ring, trotting, cantering, lead changes, first jumps, first horse shows, baby green hunters, and incremental successes that thrilled the little girl. The pony won the under saddle and always put a smile on the shy girl’s face. The pony loved to jump and horse show and show off her athleticism. She continued to test nerves by jumping out of trailers, paddocks, and generally living life as she felt like it. When the pony grew up and the little girl was not so little and didn’t look good on her, the pony started to be leased out and moved to California. The pony had found her home – she traveled up and down the state, never changing

residence, winning all that was available to her, and teaching little girls over and over to ride and to win. The pony was very competitive once she got a taste of horse showing. She hunted down her own distances out of the turn and performed in the ring. At home, she barely left the four beat canter and found practice to be rather boring and unnecessary. She never stopped being opinionated. She still will not stand for being told what to do. She rears when you pull her mane. However, she has acknowledged that clipping her ears is cool in her old age. When asked, and not forced, she excelled at every task. She is the only pony I know to win in every program and with every trainer she went to. Today, I unloaded my Butet from my car and heard a nickering as I rounded the corner and she heard my footsteps. I groomed and tacked up Brighton Boast A Bit, the Posey Pony, age 19. While brushing her, I listened to a story of how they had turned her out in what she felt was the wrong paddock the week before, and she jumped out to graze in the “correct” paddock. Currying her now flea bitten coat brought back as many memories as riding her. Jumping her around, I never touched the reins and she hunted the distance out of the corners. Despite the many big horses I’ve now ridden, she still feels larger than life – her step, her jump, and her absolute importance. She bought that saddle and my first plane ticket to Florida, and she marshalled me into the Gold Ring for the first time. Looking back, those are not the things that really mean the most. You see, she took all of the lessons that we learned together

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44 • THE PLAID HORSE and used them to be one of the winningest ponies of her time, as well as a great teacher for generations of riders. I adapted the lessons she taught me to achieve through the progressions of my life and be a more considerate teacher. To the pony who made me – who made me believe in myself, who taught me how to win. She taught me that anything worth doing is worth fighting tooth and nail for, and that anything is possible if you want it badly enough and do not give up, ever… Thank you Posey. ◼ BY TPH PUBLISHER PIPER KLEMM, PHD

(FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AT @PIPERKLEMM)

I’m the luckiest little girl in the world.

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A PONY FINALS PRIMER By Barbara Stone Halpern

LEYLAN GLEESON PILOTING STEPPING STONE’S PHANTOM IN THE 3'6. GLEESON CURRENTLY RIDES FOR KEN AND EMILY SMITH. PHOTO © DIANA HADSALL PHOTO BY MELISSA.

JENNIFER GREY AND SYDNEY LIN AT USEF PONY FINALS 2016.

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“The harder you work, the luckier you get,” is Cari Gleeson’s favorite saying. Gleeson is headed to USEF Pony Finals with four of her students who train with her at Stepping Stone Farm, located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Over the years, Gleeson has instilled this mindset into many riders who have earned success by believing: Try harder, work harder. Do not give up.

JENNIFER GREY AND SYDNEY LIN AT USEF PONY FINALS 2016.

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time riding on their own, riding without stirrups, and trying to pay attention to what they are feeling. “They need to try and feel what the horse is doing underneath them. Straightness and balance are the most important things to feel,” says Gleeson. Compassion is another important trait among those who succeed, according to Cari. Leylan Gleeson, Cari’s daughter, explained, “My mom wouldn’t let my sister and me treat our horses like vehicles. Our animals were our partners, their well-being always came before the quest for ribbons.” Her emphasis on the horse’s welfare impacted Leylan’s equitation career. Just before she headed to the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL for her last year as a junior, her horse popped a quarter crack. “Any other trainer would have patched the foot and sent us to Florida, but not Mom. She said your horse is staying home, period.” SYDNEY LIN AND JENNIFER GREY COMPETING IN THE SMALL PONY HUNTERS AT CHAGRIN VALLEY FARMS (CHAGRIN FALLS, OH). PHOTO © ERICH LINDER, LINDER PHOTOGRAPHY.

Among those in whom Cari has encouraged work ethic is Emma Kurtz. Kurtz is one of the top junior riders in the country. Quicksilver Butterfly, one of Kurtz’s early rides, was started by Gleeson. Emma was Reserve Champion in the Small Green Hunter Division at the 2011 USEF Pony Finals on Butterfly. Emma embodies Cari’s belief that one of the most important elements of a successful rider is “feel”. “My first time at Devon, I was having trouble seeing the jumps on my pony, All the Glory,” recalls Emma. “Cari’s advice that day was to keep contact with my pony’s mouth and never have any slack in the reins. That was a turning point in my career. You cannot ride well without feeling what is happening beneath you, and Cari’s tip helped make that happen for me.” “Feel” is not something that can be easily taught, according to Gleeson. She encourages her students to spend

Finding that right partner is also key. “I try to find animals that are talented, but also smart and have the desire to win.” says Gleeson. Sydney Lin’s pony, Blue Monday, is one of those special animals. Assistant trainer, Emily Alinen, who has ridden the pony for the last four years, always believed in him. “Mylo has all the quality in the world. He just had no work ethic.” She continued, “He has the best feeling over the jumps. It’s really effortless for him. If I could take a pony to Pony Finals, it would be Mylo.” Twelve-year-old Sydney Lin of Aurora, Ohio can attest to that feeling. “Even though it was hard in the beginning, now he gives me the most confidence.” Sydney’s mom, Jia Lin, an anesthesiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, admits, “I know my way around an O.R., but couldn’t pick a pony if my life depended on it. That’s where my trust in both Cari and Emily comes in.” Several of Gleeson’s students work with sports psychologist, Jack Lesyk. Fourteen-year-old Jori Greene, started with Gleeson when she was seven. “She was a very timid child. It took forever to get her to canter,” remembers Gleeson. As a tremendously self-critical little girl, Greene needed help to focus on the positive and allow herself to make mistakes and learn. “Jack changed my whole perspective. He helped me so so much. He didn’t just help me with riding, he helped me with everything. Without him, I wouldn’t be as far along as I am,” says Greene. Greene will be taking Out of the Blue and Celtic Creek’s Golden Nugget to Pony Finals. Standing at the ingate at USEF Pony finals we witness all the hours of practice come together. When a child enters the ring, be assured, it ‘took a village’ to get there. “Family support is essential in this sport, not only financially, but emotionally,” stresses Gleeson. “We need to teach the children to embrace the journey. Success is measured by the child’s sense of achievement. A smile at the end of a round, that’s the best reward.” Cari adds, “The ribbons, those are a bonus.”

◼

PHOTOS BY SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Experience the luxur y of fine used French saddles.

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less than new retail • 914-621-6814

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ANTARES • LUC CHILDERIC • HERMES • AMERIGO • TAD

COFFIN • VOLTAIRE • DELGRANGE • CWD • DEVOUCOUX • BUTET •

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164th Annual Upperville Colt & Horse Show, Upperville, VA, June 5-11, 2017. 1. Camellia Ford & Que Bec. 2. Hayley Waters & Bull Run’s Ultimate. 3. Brendan Williams & Hi-Jack. 4. Kendra Gierkink & Zemilion. 5. Phoebe Backman & Garcia. 6. Raquel Rochlin & Symphony 58. 7. Kate Paige & Fleet Commander 21. PHOTOS © JULI PHILLIPS, VISPERA PRODUCTIONS, www.visperaproductions.com.

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HINGHAM SQUARE NEEDLEPOINT Express your personality and show off your barn colors with our custom needlepointed points!

Choose from six standard designs or create your own custom design NOT A NEEDLEPOINTER? WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED WITH OUR IN-HOUSE STITCHERS

Look for us at upcoming shows! Old Salem Gold Cup and PA National Horse Show.

Hingham Square Needlepoint • (781) 836-5200 132 North Street, 2nd Floor, Hingham, MA 02043 www.hinghamsquareneedlepoint.com

Land’s End Farm

good luck to all at pony finals! Young offspring of *Carolinas Red Fox, *Cottrell Amadeus, and Land’s End Love Note ready and waiting for their perfect young owner. • at left: Land’s End Kismet, who won Devon and Upperville as a yearling, with filly foal, Land’s End Truffle, Devon and Upperville winner as a yearling in 2014. Just started under saddle, she is a large and is beautiful and has a great mind.

Nancy A. Reed • Land’s End Farm • 1464 Land’s End Rd • Centreville, MD • 410-758-0800 (cell: 410-533-4462)

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SVS Derby Days Horse Show, Sonoma Valley Stables, Petaluma, CA, July 2017. 1. Quentin and Amelia McDonald ride over a single oxer in the first round of the 2’6 Trione Family Hunter Derby. 2. Charlie’s Angel and Mika Clear are all smiles after a well-deserved top ten finish in the 2’6 derby. 3. Headlines and Avery Glynn enter the ring to begin their hunter course. 4. Quriosity and Aya Clear enjoying themselves before their round in the 3’ Circle Oak Equine Hunter Derby. PHOTOGRAPHY © LAUREN AUBERT.

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CherryBrook Hunter Ponies owned by David and Lois Dowler, offer for sale

CHERRYBROOK DEBLUETANTE (CHERRYBROOK BLUE AND GOLD X CHERRYBROOK SOMETHING BLUE)

CherryBrook Debluetante is qualified for Pony Finals in both the greens and regular large pony hunters. Has been either Champion or Reserve every time shown. Serious inquiries welcome. OWNED BY:

CHERRYBROOK HUNTER PONIES, LLC

814-282-6029 CAMPAIGNED BY:

TUSTIN FARM 609-267-2099

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Bernie Traurig Riding Clinic, The Colorado Horse Park, Parker, CO, July 4, 2017. 1. Bernie Traurig goes over the jumping course in depth with the riders in the 3'6" equitation group. 2. Tali Dejong & D Adermie R8. 3. Ariel Black & First Finch. 4. Kaitlyn Lovingfoss & Beau Beau. PHOTOGRAPHY © MACKENZIE SHUMAN, QUINTESSENCE PHOTOGRAPHY.

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PONY horoscopes AQUARIUS | JAN 20 - FEB 18 You are generally very accepting and good natured, although you can have a tendency to not take serious things very seriously. This month if you keep your “jokester” self in check, you will see why it is so important for you and your jockey. Your good nature and intelligence will be appreciated this month. PISCES | FEB 19 - MAR 20 You and your rider will experience a height of sensitivity to each other’s feelings and actions. Show your jockey that you can keep cool in intense times and you both will be on a very good page. You can get overwhelmed, but as long as you keep cool and communicate, things will go smoothly. ARIES | MAR 21 - APR 19 Keep your sassy tendencies in check! Your courage and go get ‘em attitude will take you far. Your jockey may need some extra help finding her distances this month – just keep reminding yourself, it’s worth the extra carrots! TAURUS | APR 20 - MAY 20 Your life motto is “Slow and steady wins the race.” Keep your pace, go deep into the corners and you just might get your lease renewed for a second year. You will have successful tendencies this month when you listen to your intuition, and your jockey will love the results this brings for you both. GEMINI | MAY 21 - JUNE 20 We all know Gemini ponies like you can be subject to two very different sides of your personality. This month you may notice your rider is very responsive to the more curious, sympathetic listener side of yourself because he/she may need the reassurance or support.

• August 2017 • 67 CANCER | JUNE 21 - JULYtheplaidhorse.com 22 Pony of Cancer, this month may appear a more emotional roller coaster than usual! Although you may feel a little out of place, remember your rider shows you full support. If you give them that support in return your pair will be unstoppable!

LEO | JULY 23 - AUG 22 Happy Birthday, Leo pony! This month use your “spunk” to your advantage! You may feel a little lack of that sparkle lately, but when the time is right you will shine. Don’t let any over confidence get to your head, as your rider knows what results he/she needs, and if you follow their guide with a great attitude you will have a very appreciative jockey.

VIRGO | AUG 23 - SEPT 22 Lately you have noticed a huge rise is in your productivity level, and this month your precise nature should show you great results if you do not let it get to you. Your jockey may be under und stress and full of nerves, so show them that they have your full commitment. LIBRA | SEPT 23 - OCT 22 This month your harmonious pony-self will be fully capable of creating a balance between you and your rider. this will be a very good feeling and it will be noticed! You’re a hard worker and you will get the praise you seek, and deserve. SCORPIO | OCT 23 - NOV 21 All the adventure your spirit has received in this free and loving sense around you will keep you relaxed in times of intensity. As long as you keep your passion under your control, you will see success in small and big ways. Pursue positivity! (And treats!) SAGITTARIUS | NOV 22 - DEC 21 Sagittarius pony, in recent times your spirit has become your decision maker. You may be more impulsive than usual, but things will settle down and begin to fall into place. You will feel fulfillment and so will your jockey when they respond to your good-feeling this month! CAPRICORN | DEC 22 - JAN 19 Don’t let intensity, or anger, get the best of you. Let it fuel your pony fire in responsible ways. Things will be looking good for you if you take your pride and let it excel you to great things. With your strength and feeling of satisfaction with life, all of you & your jockey’s goals will be more than achievable.

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BY AMATEUR PONY ASTROLOGER BECKY COOK

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Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just something about great ponies. From the way they cart around their little jockeys in big rings, to their true blue personalities, these wee giants of the sport provide support and knowledge win or lose over a score of years. Though old age can be a detriment in other areas of horse sports, countless older ponies have toted a slew of young riders weekend after weekend well into their third decade. We researched and found 20 ponies that are over 20 years old and are still showing. These ponies are a special breed. Most began their show lives in the greens, spooking at a shadow here, missing a lead change there, but then as they matured, time and miles molded them into something amazing. They became little machines. Little teaching machines. In their prime some competed in Pony Finals with nothing but success, while others stayed local and were the biggest fish in their smaller pond. With age came a zen-like tolerance for the job. No more spook and an automatic lead change and trainers gratefully trust them with another generation of riders. From lead line to walk trot, from x-rails to classics, these 20 ponies over 20 still bring ear-toear smiles and blue ribbons to their lucky partners.

BY MACKENZIE SHUMAN

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Blackberry, 23. Glen Eden LLC (Hillcrest’s Magic Marker x Helikon Halo) Blackberry is one of the most experienced ponies on the circuit. Riders like Lillie Keenan, Sarah Boston, and Mckayla Langmeier have all had a chance to ride this incredible pony. Her current rider, Abigail Davis, competes on her in the short stirrup with Lisa Campi in New Jersey. The pair, though fairly new, has already seen success at shows such as Hits on the Hudson, and they are looking forward to many years together. “She is considered quite a diva in the barn, and gives everyone a run for their money with clipping and mane pulling,” said owner Kathy Kunsman of Glen Eden LLC. Her unique “eyebrows” marking give her all the more reason to be cherished as a one-of-a-kind pony.

Yes I Am, 20. GC Ponies (Carolinas Red Fox x Festive Friend) Yes I Am has said “YES!” from the very beginning. Carrying around riders such as Paige Bellissimo, Samantha Schaefer, Chloe Reid, Alexandra Crown, Sydney Shulman, Ali Tritschler, Failenn Aselta, and his current rider, Ashbrook Boyd, Yes I Am has given them all the confidence they needed to succeed in the horse world. From piloting around the small ponies to carrying a young rider in the walk-trot, Yes I Am has a resume to contend with.

Helicon Buccaneer, 20. Charis Baumann (Glannant Epic x Glannant Vela) Helicon Buccaneer is quite the pony. He has earned many ribbons with riders such as Kelsey Thatcher, Peri Monroe, and his current rider, Charis Baumann. Baumann says that even at 20 years old, “He can jump the moon, he even managed to jump 3’6” with me one day, and we compete at 2’6” the whole season.” Helicon Buccaneer surely is not slowing down anytime soon.

Deja Blue, 20. Forget Me Not Farm (Blue Rain x Sugarbrook Chocolate Rose) Deja Blue is a stunning mare, who doesn’t look a day over 10. She has an extensive resume with riders like Mia Green, Nicole White, Faye-Bella Evans Dunn, and Taylor Kain, just to name a few. Her current rider, Julia Sipp, shows her in the Short Stirrups, and the pair are always in the top placings. “She’s like a grandma,” said owner Stefanie Mazer of Forget Me Not Farm, “she takes care of her riders on the ground and in the tack.” At the ripe age of 20, Deja Blue has never looked so good.

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Brownland’s Bugs Bunny, 21. Brownland Farm (Brownland’s Water Image x Petticoat Lane) Brownland’s Bugs Bunny has been a steadfast pony for any rider who has the pleasure of being partnered with him. He has taught many riders the finer points of horse showing, including Daniella Fields, Jaime Gibson, Caitlin Guinn, Parker Schooley, Sarah Smith, and his current rider, Margaret Anderton. Throughout his life, Brownland’s Bugs Bunny has never let his riders be handed a ribbon, and, in fact, would rather spook away from the sight of a ribbon than allow one to be pinned on him! Despite his hatred for ribbons (and anything being handed to his rider) he has never let his riders down, and continues to win wherever he goes. (Please hold the ribbons, but not the applause.)

Master Plan, 23. Darby Pease (Valentino x Larka) Master Plan is a typical sassy pony with loads of spunk. He has shown all over the nation with riders such as Caroline Dunn, Samantha and Taylor Hodge, Sophie Del Vescovo, Darby Pease, and his current rider, Gracie Fernandez. Grumpy in the stall but a gentleman when he is out, Master Plan is the perfect pony for any young rider to learn on. “When you’re riding him he’s really good but he has sassy moments and he’ll throw in a little buck or hop just to spice things up,” laughed owner, Darby Pease. He may be a senior pony at 23, but Master Plan sure is not showing any signs of it yet.

Close To Home, 22. Jody Moraski (Pendock Masterpiece x Benlea Cinderella) Close to home is a pony who was put on the big stage from the very beginning, and she has excelled. Never out of the top ribbons, Close To Home has been ridden by Laura Pfieffer, Madison Onorato, Megan King, Alaina Aureliano, Jody Moraski, Hope Verschleiser, and her current rider, Sara Pezza. She enjoys being at shows more than she enjoys being at home, and tends to be a bit of a princess, knowing that she is getting the best treatment so she can go in the ring and win. Even after competing for two decades, Close To Home still enters (and wins!) in the same division she conquered as a young pony. We look forward to seeing Close To Home wearing blues for many more years to come!

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Clovercroft Show Me The Bunny, 21. Ashland Farms (Cloe Olympian x Gayfields Runaround Sue)

Hands Up, 20. Emily Jurnovoy (Gayfields Call The Cops x Jazzy) Hands Up is a pony who has carried several riders through some of the biggest classes in the nation with great success. She has brought riders such as Kyra Rumble, Paris Theodosakis, Victoria Press, Claire Campbell, Daisy Farish, Jordyn Rose Freedman, Caroline Philipson, and Kayla Ryan onto the big stage. Though she is now 20, Hands Up shows no signs of slowing down, as she continues to give great results to his current rider, Emily Jurnovoy.

Clovercroft Show Me The Bunny has been the star pony for many generations of riders. He has carried riders such as Clayton Martines, Natalie Jayne, Emma Seving, Coco Farish, and his current rider, Hannah Famulak, around the top arenas in the country. Though he can be lazy (and requires a bit of a kick) he has brought riders to the ribbons, time after time. “He has a big walk too, it’s as though he thinks he’s 16 hands,” said Lauren Gridley, the assistant trainer at Gray Horse Farm.

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Helicon Bright N’ Breezy, 25. Lochmoor Stables (Glannant Epic x La Vienta De Farod) Helicon Bright N’ Breezy is a pony that helps instill confidence in those who ride her. She has always been a show-off in the arena, and makes sure her jockeys look good as well. Riders such as Meredith Darst, Emma Lemke, Abbygale Funk, Cole Battershall, Estelle Kraft, Molly Canfield, and her most recent rider Sienna Shapiro have all walked into the arena knowing that this pony wants to win as much as they do. “She was all business, but something funny that sometimes happened was that if she had to poop during a round, she would just stop and do her business! It was so funny because no one could get her to move and she was like, ‘I’m perfect, let me poop,” said Molly Canfield, a previous rider of the mare. Though Helicon Bright N’ Breezy has recently been retired, she has carried several young riders to their dreams over recent years.

Hillcrest Blue Cwilt, 20. Pony Lane Farm & Madeline Thatcher (Gayfields Vida Blue x Hillcrest Red Bonnet) From one end of the country to the next, Hillcrest Blue Cwilt has been a championship pony her whole life. Her long career highlights riders such as Madeline Thatcher, Cole Vitello, Eliza Gurney, and her current rider, Daniela Carvajal. “She taught me how to ride a fancy pony with finesse and stay out of her way since she found her own distances,” said Madeline Thatcher. At 20 years old, Hillcrest Blue Cwilt is still teaching young riders to stay on with her hard jump, and to become truly great riders with style and poise.

Truly Noble, 20. Pegasus Show Stable Inc. (Campari x Turfhorst Melodie) There are many ponies with great, star-studded pasts, but Truly Noble continues to carry the future riding stars. Today, he carries Shiloh Roseboom around the medium pony hunters, just as he did the Gochmans, Emma Kurtz, Yasmin Rizvi, Mitchell Endicott, Chloe Reid, and Adrienne Sternlicht. With Championships at every major show in the nation, Truly Noble has a legacy to uphold. Though he is now two decades old, he surely does not show signs of stopping.

Silver Rain, 23. Peacock Ridge LLC (Cloe Olympian x Glyncadno Spook) Silver Rain has been an iconic pony from the very beginning. With a resume that includes riders such as Kaitlin Campbell, Jaime Steinhaus, Annie Davidson, Madeline Schaefer, Zayna Rizvi, Rose Campbell, and his most recent rider, Briane Beerbaum, Silver Rain has been on the big stage and never blinked an eye. His steadfast personality and will to win has given many riders the confidence for any ring. After over 20 years of cantering around the small pony hunters, Silver Rain now competes in the walk-trot division, helping raise the next generation of superstars.

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Happy Days, 23. Emily Elek-Burtard (Selle Francais Sport Pony) Happy Days has never stepped into the arena without coming out at the top of the ribbons. From his very first show in Ocala with Hallie Lundell to his most recent in Chicago with Kaitlyn Lancelle Bates, Happy Days has carried all of his young riders to success. Some of those riders include Ande Farish, Alyssa Franz, Rebekah Livingston, Savannah Strawbridge, Grace Leslie, and Jori Greene. (Make sure to ask them about his less “happy” days!)

Hillcrest’s Little Boy Blue, 22. Lily Nosbaum (Hillcrest’s Snow Fox x Hillcrest’s Blue Sapphire) Hillcrest’s Little Boy Blue is one of those ponies that can do it all. From the short stirrup equitation to the low working hunters, he has proven himself to be a winner time after time. With a canter and jump that are envied by all, he has carried riders such as Ada Neumann, Lolly Mclellan, and Lily Nosbaum around the ring in high fashion. “We let him be himself and don’t try to change too much about him because he is so good at his job,” said Westport Stables’ trainer Wendy Krohn.

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Woodland’s Mr. Mischief, 23. Briar Field Farm (Woodland’s Foxy Cloud x Woodland’s Cloudy) Woodland’s Mr. Mischief has been a great teacher for riders up and down the pony divisions. Jockeyed by riders such as Paige Kaylor, Brooke Friedman, Payton Donnan, Montanna Shores, Kendall Cashion, and currently Ella Deonanan, he has always been at the top of the ribbons. Woodland’s Mr. Mischief wants to win as much as his riders do, and his floppy lip is an indicator that he is counting the strides to make sure the distances are just right. “We say he is OCD about knowing how tall the jumps are, no matter how high, 2’ or 3’, he taps the rails just to be sure they are down there. He rarely knocks one downs, but we laugh every time he goes in about how many he will tap,” said Kerin Benson of Briar Field Farm. Woodland’s Mr. Mischief definitely lives up to his name!

Denmark, 23. John Skinner & Madeline Thatcher (Shams Night Light x Caviar) If you’ve paid any attention to the pony ring in the last few decades, you will have heard of the pony Denmark. Riders such as Zayna Rizvi, Madeline Schaefer, Daisy Farish, Madison Goetzmann, Victoria Press, Ailish Cunniffe, and so many others have had the pleasure of riding Denmark. His current rider, Grace Debney, pilots this 23 year old pony around the mediums, and he still looks as good as he did a decade ago. Though simple and easy to ride, Denmark always has two instructions when switching riders: keep the same bit on, and do not do an opening circle. Because he has been in the ring so many times before, Denmark knows exactly what to do and does not wish to waste his time with an opening circle before the course. Despite his seniority, this incredible pony is still bringing in the blue ribbons and championships wherever he goes.

Captain Underpants, 21. Emily Elek-Burtard (Gayfields Comin Up Roses x Hillcrest’s Jewel Of The Nile) Captain Underpants is one of a long string of Stonewall Ponies, but he has stood out in many riders lives. He has brought success to riders like Alexandra Joseph, Nicholas Joseph, Julia Albano, Lanier Mason, Olivia Galley, and more. The sweetest pony with the best canter in the ring, Captain Underpants has taught kids of all ages from the short stirrup to the medium ponies on the big stage. Though normally very quiet, if a stick and spur are given to the rider, he definitely knows how to kick into high gear. Captain Underpants is surely not ready to retire any time soon, and continues his career of bringing up new riders through the ranks.

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Woodland’s Berry Hazy, 21. Autumn Farms (Woodland’s Velvet Rain x Woodland’s Blueberry) Woodland’s Berry Hazy has been all across the country with a long list of riders, always earning top ribbons and championships. She has carried young riders such as Anna Lowery, Kiersten Glynn, Elizabeth Van Nostrand, Sarah Kessler, Noa Jomides, and Kyle Kipnes around many successful trips in divisions from the walktrot to the large ponies. With her favorite treat being Gobstoppers, kids are always stopping by her stall to indulge the sweet mare with these sugary candies. Her gentle nature and confidence in any setting have helped many young riders fulfill their dreams in the pony ring and she continues to do so today.

Hillcrest Leading Lady, 20. First Blue LLC (Glannant Epic x Hillcrest’s Kar-A-Mel) Hillcrest Leading Lady is one of those worth their weight in gold ponies that trainers can rely on to help their young riders move up into a new division and succeed. Her quiet nature and “auto pilot” way has carried kids around from the short stirrup to the Children’s Ponies. She can be seen with her current rider, Helen Ryan, jumping around the Children’s Ponies with the same elegant fashion that she has graced the pony rings with for two decades and counting.

Fun In The Sun at Fox Hill Equestrian Center in Littleton, CO, July 8, 2017. 1. Susan Winston trots into the ring on Christina Schaible’s Eclipso. 2. Careful dedication keeps the rails up in the jumpers. 3. A rider and horse take a turn in a speedy jumper round. 4. Riders of all ages competed at the show over the weekend. 5. From the hunters, to the equitation, to the jumpers, everyone had fun at this incredible show. PHOTOS © MACKENZIE SHUMAN, QUINTESSENCE PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Wasatch Horse Shows Summer Classic I, South Jordan, UT, June 2017. 1. Rolex & owner Danielle Harnsberger in the Modified Child/Adult Hunters. 2. Megan Trussell & Little Lion Man. 3. Brooke Small & Rock Steady. 4. Michael Knight rode Pony Lane Farm’s Balleryna to the win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by Equestrian Performance. 5. Clark & Sally Parks. PHOTOS © IRENE ELISE POWLICK.

Madison Grider Chromeo

Good Luck in the 2017 Pony Finals! We love you and are so proud of you!

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Ox Ridge Hunt Club Horse Show, Darien, CT, June 2017. 1. Ellie Ferrigno with her dad Rock Ferrigno. 2. Taylor Bodson. 3. Katie Tyler, GP winner. 4. Abby Lefkowitz. 5. Alexa Schwitzer. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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JUNE 10TH, 2017 It was a beautiful, unseasonably warm June day as we drove up the mountainside to the picturesque Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood for the wedding of The Plaid Horse Publisher Piper Klemm, Ph.D. and Adam Hill, Ph.D., her longtime partner. As the elevation rose, suddenly we began to catch glimpses of something unexpected...snow. A LOT of snow. A lodge transformed into a wildflower meadow amidst a snow storm; a day filled with friends and bubbling with laughter. The touching, intimate ceremony performed by a close friend of the couple was followed by a lively catered reception. Toasts, speeches, dinner and dancing lasted well into the evening. PHOTOS: Byron Roe Photography HAIR: Kirstie Wight Makeup Artist VENUE: The Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood, Government Camp, Oregon

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Crossword inspired by the

CROSSWORD BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge encourages education and recognizes young equestrians who have exceptional horsemanship knowledge.

Clue for 6 across.

Clue for 17 down; Owned by GC Ponies of Southern Pines, NC. PHOTO © IRENE ELISE POWLICK.

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

DOWN

4. Racehorse with life size statue at KHP 6. 2016 Pony Finals Betsy Fishback Memorial Trophy winner 7. 2017 named sponsor 8. 1977-79 Medium Pony Champion 11. 1997 and 2000 Overall Grand Pony Champion 12. In 1999, this division first offered at Pony Finals 15. Location of 2003 Pony Finals 18. California-based trainer who trained Overall Grand Champion in 2015 20. 2009-2012 Large Pony Hunter Champion 22. 2016 Overall Grand Pony Champion

1. 2. 3. 5. 9. 10. 13. 14. 16. 17. 19. 21.

Number of points needed to qualify for medal 2016 Pony Jumper Gold Medalist Competition Ring at KHP 2015 & 2016 Medium Pony Champion 2000 Pony Medal Champion rider Closest racetrack 1989 Pony Medal Champion rider Class held first Average number of ponies at Pony Finals 2012 Pony Medal Champion pony (with Lucy Deslauriers) State in which 2017 Pony Finals take place In 1984, this equitation class added to Pony Finals

See page 113 for answers!

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TPH BOOK REVIEW Horse Science, Horse Sense is available on Amazon in paperback and for Kindle. www.HorseScienceHorseSense.com www.facebook.com/Horse-Science-Horse-Sense

“Horses prefer not to be ridden”. This may not be the only theme of David Stang’s Horse Science, Horse Sense or even the central theme, but it’s a good place to start. Stang has written a book, a manual – four pounds in paperback, a throat latch under 700 pages – on how horses be, how horses think, socialize, communicate and exist, both in nature as well as in the world we create for them. To this tome, Stang’s brings a scientist’s resume, BS Cornell, MS University of Toronto, and a PhD from Syracuse. He has by his own account written a dozen books, hundreds of articles, given hundreds of seminars and lived through more than a couple of successful careers. Lucky for us, David Stang has also been for the last decade an avid horse partner and lover. This The first third of Horse Science, Horse Sense is made up of proves to be the perfect combo for taking sometimes three chapters devoted to horse behavior, both in nature dry data, drawing it together, and creating a reliable and in domesticity. Stang often refers to the concepts guide to a better understanding of the horse before us. of Natural Horsemanship, but in a more balanced- less preachy approach than we usually read. An example is a Swiss study comparing Positive Reinforcement (PR) vs. Negative Reinforcement (NR). The horses were asked to perform ten tasks ranging from walking next to the trainer all the way up to walking on a tarp covered with plastic bottles. The PR approach used a clicker and food pellets as rewards, the NR used pulling poking and prodding (just like at home). The conclusions were that the PR horses were happier throughout the exercises, but the NR horses actually learned faster. The remaining two thirds of the book touches on the horse’s mind, communication and horse senses, as well as answering some common questions ranging from tack and blankets to comparing horses and dogs. Kind of a “Horses For Dummies,” if you will. Horse Science, Horse Sense is a great manual to own. David Stang perfectly combines his love of science with his love of horses. The fact that he chooses to sight actual studies in support of handling and training concepts is refreshing. Stang presents himself not as a guru, but as a forwarder of study based informative techniques. Deep inside, we all know that horses prefer not to be ridden, but we hope that we have the tools to maybe change their minds. Using the information in Horse Science, Horse Sense is a step in that direction. ◼ BY TIMOTHY WICKES

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Thunderbird Show Park, Langley, British Columbia, Canada, June 2017. 1. Giavanna Rinaldi & Julio VH Elzenhout. 2. Megan Hilton & Cantoblanco. 3. Rodney Tulloch & Corneille. 4. Megan Champoux & Brighton. PHOTOS © QUINN SAUNDERS.

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Vermont Summer Festival, Manchester, VT, July 2017. 1. Alexa Bayko. 2. Elizabeth Kennedy. 3. Kayleigh Frenier. 4. Jackie MacDonald. 5. Melissa Spadaccini. 6. Matthew Metell. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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info@andrewryback.com • www.andrewryback.com • (224) 318-5445

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Nick Haness, 28. (Temecula, CA) Rider, Trainer, Hunterbrook Farms Nick Haness has proved himself over and over in the horse business. As a junior, he won the 2006 USEF Talent Search West and was fourth in the ASPCA Maclay Finals. Turning professional right out of the junior ranks, he became a successful young trainer in California. Fast forward to 2016, and Nick Haness became a household name in riding rings across the U.S. Haness and Lindsay Maxwell’s Green Hunter, Technicolor, shipped east to the epic Devon Horse Show and knocked the socks off of all competitors. Peter Doubleday’s voice rang through the loudspeakers at the Dixon Oval with repeated scores of 95 as the pair walked away with Championship honors. With breathtaking rounds in rings throughout the country in 2016 and 2017, Haness established himself from coast to coast as a national contender.

TPH LISTS

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I have had too many conversations and read too many blog posts to count in which people of my generation disparage the youth in our sport. They invoke the greatness of “the good ‘ole days” and lament the lack of leadership and character in those coming up through the ranks. The Plaid Horse presents 30 people under 30 years old who represent the promise of the next generation of leaders. From writers to riders, philanthropists to photographers, trainers to publishers, our millennials will carry the torch toward a better future for equestrian sport. TPH Editor Sissy Wickes

30 UNDER 30 c

Tori Colvin, 19. (Loxahatchee, FL) Professional Hunter/Jumper Rider, Victoria Colvin, LLC If you have heard of horse shows, you have heard of Tori Colvin. Few have held an elite level of success for decades – and at the ripe old age of 19. Tori won everything there was to win on ponies like For the Laughter, Newsprint, Cleverist, Vanity Fair, and Ballou. She was Champion in four (FOUR) divisions at Devon in one year, and was named Best Child Rider four separate years, retiring the trophy for the first time in history. She won equitation finals, USHJA International Derbies, Pony Finals, Grand Prix’s. She won it all. Closing the doors on her junior career, Colvin has walked into the room as a professional. Instead of running from horse to horse as a catch rider, she is settling down to training, teaching, and making up young horses. We watch as she writes the next chapter of her storied career.

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bCassandra Kahle, 25. (Vancouver, BC and Califon, NJ) Rider

Cassie Kahle has arrived at the top of the sport with quiet determination. Originally from Langley, British Columbia, Kahle was not a superstar junior rider made famous by winning equitation finals or junior hunter championships at indoors. She was and is a quiet, unassuming young woman with an abundance of talent. Kahle is currently the primary rider for Emil Spadone’s Redfield Farm in Califon, NJ. Redfield is a huge import, sales, and horse show operation. At any time, Emil will have an array of horses of all ages and experience levels competing in every ring. Cassie is able to transition from the hunter ring to the jumper ring with ease. From baby green hunters to young jumpers, her relaxed demeanor helps them to learn in the ring. One the same day, at the same horse show, Kahle can be seen in the Hunter Derby and the Grand Prix, a contender in both arenas.

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Holly Charlebois, 30. (Nicasio, CA) Rider, Trainer Representing the third generation of successful female riders, Holly Charlebois is a rider and trainer at her family’s Kilham Farm just north of San Francisco, CA. Set on 62 bucolic acres, the farm is host to many activities. The equestrian facility boasts three well- appointed barns, two outdoor rings and a covered ring, and large paddocks. Kilham Farm offers a lesson program for all levels, a training and sales program, and develops young hunters and jumpers for the show ring. In addition to equestrian options, Kilham Farm is used for weddings, movie shoots, and birthday parties. As Holly laughs, “I don’t know how we end up doing it all, but we do.” The breadth of the Kilham program is impressive. School horses carry riders from their first ride up the ranks to the show ring. Stallions, mares and foals- both horses and ponies- are part of the farm’s population of approximately 65 animals. Pony camps teach kids the fundamentals of horsemanship and grooming. Having graduated with a degree in Business Management from UC Santa Cruz, Charlebois is integral to the success of her family’s farm. With a bottomless work ethic and surrounded by a family of horsemen, Holly Charlebois will continue to be a positive force in the industry.

Holly Casner, 28. (Tacoma, WA) Photographer Holly Casner has been involved with horses for her entire life. She started riding as a child, competed as a junior, and became the Elvenstar Orange County Riding Program instructor, all the while enjoying the hobby of photographing horses. After exploring other career optionsveterinary technician, a stint in the army, assistant trainer- Casner came back to what she loves: photography. With her business, The Equestrian Photographer, she travels the West Coast taking photographs at horse shows and shooting portraits at private farms. Her current career goal? To refurbish a van into a travel camper, explore the National Parks, and photograph horses from coast to coast. Casner has successfully made a career combining her two loves: horses and photography, exemplifying the opportunities available within our vast and varied industry.

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bKaitlin Campbell, 25. (Simi Valley, CA) Rider, Trainer

Only 25 years old, Kaitlin has been a professional rider since she first appeared on the show scene on the iconic small pony, Farnley Dolphin. She was a professional not in the monetary definition, but in the competitive definition. She has always had focus, ambition, and poise. She knew how to win one day and bravely come back, stare down her nerves, and win again the next. Kaitlin is fearless. She followed an independent program in high school, juggling her riding career with school from an early age. Raised by a family who valued education, she graduated from American University while riding in the Amateur Owner divisions. As soon as the ink was dry on her diploma, she became a professional and began to pay back her student loans. Her jobs took her all over the country, riding for great trainers like Tim Goguen, Rachel Kennedy, and Shane Sweetenham. She developed young horses for the illustrious American breeding program at Spy Coast Farm in Lexington, KY. In the fall of 2016, after training and riding for Marigot Bay Farm, she packed up her car, her dogs, and her five horses and moved to California to explore more career options. The most consistent factor in her life of late is her 19 year old Grand Prix jumper, Rocky W. Campbell bought Rocky W as an eight year old to be her Junior Jumper. The lovely bay became that and much more as the pair has successfully jumped huge tracks throughout the U.S. Most recently, they won a $25,000 Grand Prix at HITS Coachella in January, 2017. Campbell currently works at Q of E Farm with trainer Katie Gardner in Santa Rosa Valley, CA. Diminutive in size and indomitable in spirit, Kaitlin is a young professional to root for.

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Lindsay Maxwell, 27. (Los Angeles, CA) Amateur Rider, Philanthropist As an industry, we have become inured to wealth. Six figure horses are unremarkable, the cost of showing is prohibitive, equestrian sport has become elitist. Enter Lindsay Maxwell, amateur rider and expert philanthropist. Many of the wealthy players in our sport give generously to various, important charities. Lindsay is notable in the clear vision of philanthropy she displays at a young age. Maxwell was born in Atlanta, Georgia and is a lifelong equestrian, having ridden with storied trainers like Brad Spragg, Scot Evans, and Archie Cox. As her success in the hunter rings grows, so does her commitment to heritage horse shows. The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund was a major contributor to the 70th Pennsylvania National Horse Show and the 113th Keswick Horse Show. Both are integral to the history of horse sport in the U.S., and both needed an infusion of sponsorship. The horse shows funded by Maxwell are charitable shows, supporting causes close to her heart like animal protection and special needs children.

PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL HORSE SHOW

Emily Riden, 27. (Wellington, FL). Jump Media LLC Equine marketing expert Emily Riden knew she wanted to find a career in the horse industry. Working for a small marketing firm as her first job, she soon carried her skill set to the equine industry. From taking excellent photographs to website management to social media engagement, Emily is agile in every aspect of marketing. As an account executive at Jump Media, she can be seen interviewing riders, standing next to a jump with a camera, or madly typing in the Press Room at a major event.

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Dorothy Douglas, 29. (Flower Mound, TX) Rider

Savanah Stuart, 21. (Rancho Santa Fe, CA). Founder, Scope Creative Services Young entrepreneur, Savanah Stuart, is changing the face of equine sales and marketing. After an illustrious junior career in the hunter ring, she has found uccess in the amateur jumper rings and importing and selling her own horses. Founder of Scope Creative Services, Stuart incorporates her expertise in online and social media platforms to sell horses. With leading edge marketing techniques and strategies, Stuart expands sales efforts beyond word of mouth to the limitless reach of modern media. “Evolve how you sell,” as her website scope-creative.com states. Stuart is bringing equine marketing into the 21st century.

Dorrie Douglas is a familiar face in the show ring. From Texas to Florida, New York to North Carolina, Douglas is one of the riders for the prolific MTM Farms. She estimates that the successful show barn is on the road for more than 40 weeks per year, an unbelievable feat for those who understand the grueling demands of horse show travel and competition. Douglas is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and took some time to teach school in South Korea before becoming a professional rider. “I rode and I got an education and some great experience outside of horses. And then I came back. I tell kids that horses are a lifelong opportunity. Horses and horse shows aren’t going

anywhere. Go and make sure that this is what you want to do or figure out how to make enough money to show on the weekends.” As a professional, Douglas competes successfully in the hunter and jumper rings. Humble and hard working, she is a notable role model for younger equestrians.

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Julie Ferris, 27. (Atlanta, GA) Equine Artist A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Julie Ferris is a rider and an artist. Her work is testimony to her love and understanding of both. Julie embodies the power, beauty, and spirit of the horse in each of her canvasses. Usually employing a white background, the artist is able to capture the anatomical and the ethereal in each of her subjects. The pieces capture the look of the horse and its personality, a perfect combination for commission work. Names of paintings shown, counterclockwise from top left: Lead Me, Portrait of Mojito, Portrait of Hero, and Stand Firm.

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Kirstie Dobbs, 26. (Chicago, IL) Amateur Rider, Industry Activist Kirstie Dobbs is an accomplished rider who has translated her passion for equestrian sport into action. Currently working on her PhD at Loyola University Chicago, she has been involved with USHJA programs that promote horsemanship and education. She was the 2009 USHJA Youth Representative to the USEF, and has remained involved with the hunter/jumper affiliate. She is a member of the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Ad Hoc Committee and facilitates the HQC Finals each year. In addition, she and fellow rider, Hailey Johns, founded the USHJA Foundation Youth Committee as a way to enjoin young equestrians in fundraising and charitable efforts. “I am passionate about changing the way we value our youth in the show jumping industry by giving them opportunities to explore their agency as a highly ambitious demographic that is committed to horsemanship for the betterment of the sport. My hopes for the horse industry are that we see more integration between the differing levels of showjumping that is founded upon core values such as education, horsemanship, and inclusiveness.” Dobbs is a shining example of the limitless potential of the upcoming generation of leaders in the horse industry.

theplaidhorse.com • August 2017 • 105 • AVAILABLE AFTER PONY FINALS •

Parker Peacock & Glenhaven Astoria

Logan Crouser & Spoon Full of Sugar

• AVAILABLE AFTER PONY FINALS •

Claire Peters & Escapade’s Fancy Pants

Ann Paterson Sparks & Woodlands Boo Boo Bear

Small Pony Hunters

Large Green Pony Hunters

Piper Klemm, 28. (Canton, NY) Publisher, The Plaid Horse It is not often that one sees a PhD in Chemistry in the horse business. It is not often that one sees a PhD in Chemistry in the media business. It is not often that one meets the combination of the two in one person, Piper Klemm. A lifelong rider and pony enthusiast, Piper physically left the ring to pursue the highest educational goals. But, her heart never left the barn. After graduate school, she had her choice of careers. The one she chose brought her back into the horse industry- to its advantage. Piper has owned The Plaid Horse magazine for three years and brought it from a newsprint digest to a formidable print and social media presence. Her vision for the magazine and the industry is ambitious and sweeping, and always inclusive. She remembers the equestrian experiences that brought her to today and endeavors to keep passion for horses at the center of our industry.

Large Pony Hunters

Medium Pony Hunters

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ORTS

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DLY SU U O

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E L LEE

Lee Lee Jones, 23. (West Grove, PA) Equestrian, Hero Young eventing protégée Lee Lee Jones, daughter of Olympian Phillip Dutton and wife Evie, suffered a catastrophic traumatic brain injury from a fall in December, 2016. Lee Lee continues her slow road to recovery with characteristic grit and determination. As amazing as her spirit is the tremendous groundswell of support springing from the equestrian community. The moniker #leeleestrong has been seen on hats, t -shirts, and bracelets from Florida to California, Canada to Ireland, Rolex to Luhmuhlen. Hunter, jumper, dressage, eventing- lines between disciplines fall away. One spirit, one community united in hope and kindness.

Brandon Gibson, 28. (Knoxville, TN) Rider, Trainer mBrandon Gibson and his wife, Jocelyn, operate Select Sport Horses near Knoxville, TN. The Gibsons offer everything from lessons to training and sales to horse showing. Beginners to advanced lessons, showing young horses on the line to International Hunter Derbies, Brandon and Jocelyn run the gamut in the horse industry. In 2015, Brandon and Jus D’O were the USEF Horse of the Year Grand Green Working Hunter. Known for his pleasant demeanor and beautiful riding style, Gibson can be found in the jumper, hunter, and hunter breeding rings. AT LEFT: BRANDON GIBSON AND USEF NATIONAL GREEN HUNTER CHAMPION JUS D'O IN THE USHJA INTERNATIONAL HUNTER DERBY AT THE DEVON HORSE SHOW.

TPH LISTS 30 UNDER 30

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Jacob Pope, 22. (Columbia, MD) Rider Jacob Pope is the poster child for the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program (EAP). Growing up as a student and rider at The McDonough School in Owings Mills, MD, Pope decided to take a chance and join the EAP clinic with Olympian Melanie Smith-Taylor. From that point of entry, he won the 2011 Emerging Athletes Championship, earning a spot in the George Morris Excellence in Equitation Class. Jacob’s talent shined at the event and he was recruited by Andre Dignelli as a working student. Under the tutelage of Dignelli, Pope ascended the equitation ranks. Winner of both the 2012 USEF Talent Search FinalsEast and the ASPCA Maclay Finals, Pope is quick to thank the trainers and owners who provided him with horses and opportunity. A recent graduate of Rollins College, he has continued to ride and learn from the best, and plans to become a professional rider and trainer. Humble, hard working, and generous, Jacob Pope is a bright star on the horizon of the equestrian world.

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Ransome Rombauer, 19. (St. Helena, CA) Rider and Rescuer Ransome Rombauer has had an extremely successful junior career. She won the USEF Talent Search Finals- West, she was Reserve Champion in the Emerging Athletes Program Finals, and won numerous top hunter, equitation, and jumper championships all over the country. Rombauer not only has the drive to succeed in the ring, she has the will to improve the world outside of the ring. Ransome has dedicated much of her young life to rescuing horses, especially mini-horses. She locates horses listed on the internet in kill pens at auctions throughout the U.S., a grim, heartbreaking reality for many of our equine population. Ransome has rescued 10 minis and two regular sized horses herself and acts as an adopter facilitator, helping to put people and animals in need together. She is an ambassador for BrookeUSA, bringing awareness to international equine welfare as well as her efforts toward domestic horse welfare. With talent, drive, and a social conscience, Ransome Rombauer will be an asset to the freshman class at SMU this fall. We look forward to continued success in her equestrian career as well as her social activism efforts.

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mLillie Keenan, 20. (New York, NY) Rider

Lillie Keenan is a household name for those who follow the American hunter, jumper and equitation scene. Keenan had a phenomenal pony and junior career. She won numerous championships in the hunter divisions at all of the top ranked shows. In 2011, at the age of 14, she won the hotly contested USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, beating all of the top professionals. In 2012, she was second in both the USEF Medal Finals and the ASPCA Maclay Finals, quite a feat for a young rider. In 2013, she sealed her equitation career by returning to win both of the finals that had eluded her the year before. Grit, focus, and determination outweighed pressure as the young rider performed like she had ice in her veins. Now attending Harvard University, Keenan has dedicated her efforts to international show jumping. With numerous top finishes in the US and abroad, she won the 2016 U25 Longines International Jumping La Baule event and was third in the CSI5* Wellington and the HITS $1 Million Grand Prix. In 2017, Keenan’s name again splashed the headlines when she purchased Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum’s Olympic Bronze Medal mount, Fibonacci 17. Michaels-Beerbaum and the beautiful grey have reached the pinnacle of show jumping success during their partnership. The United States hopes that the new horse and rider combination will be our next great Olympic expectation.

Ali Wolff, 27. (Columbus, OH) Grand Prix Rider mGrand Prix rider, Ali Wolff, is one of the most promising young equestrians on the American showjumping scene. She may lead the next generation to Olympic podiums. Wolff is the product of a great American training system, having been trained by Pam Graham, Anne Kursinski, George Morris, and Michele Grubb. With Grubb as her coach of 13 years, Wolff has climbed the jumper ranks, culminating in representing the U.S. on Nations Cup teams and top placings in Grand Prix from Wellington, FL to Spruce Meadows, Canada. Humble, hard working, and dedicated, Wolff is one to watch. .

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“No matter how unlikely or impossible something may seem… no young person should ever be discouraged from pursuing their drea m, because it is NOT about reaching the destination, it is about everything they will learn and experience on a journey unlike any other when it is fueled by a drea m!” – Lizzy Traband

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Lizzy Traband, 18 (Centre Hall, PA) Clinician, Speaker, Equestrian Performer, Competitor, 2016 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Born with one hand, Lizzy embodies strength, spirit, and determination. Not only does she compete on a national level in hunter, jumper, and dressage events, Lizzy also does exhibitions in bridleless jumping and hippodrome and Roman riding. She has never let her physical differences define her.

Lisa Munro, 25. (Boulder, CO) Rider, Small Business Owner Lisa Munro is a lifelong equestrian with a love of horses, education, and business. She competes in the Adult Jumper division on her beloved OTTB and participates in entertaining educational horsemanship sessions with kids at her local barn. Most recently, Lisa has helped her young barn mates study for the 2017 Horsemanship Quiz Challenge sponsored by The Plaid Horse. Lisa Munro began a small business called Horse D’oeuvres, a delightfully tongue in cheek name for her homemade horse treats. As a child, Lisa would feed her horse cookies home baked by her mother. Sighting a market for the tasty treats, she perfected the recipe and launched Horse D’oeuvres in 2016. Delicious, easy to stuff in your pockets, and readily ordered online, the treats are a favorite of horses and humans. The motto of Horse D’oeuvres is “Treat your horse with love,” a tenet that Lisa lives by. Equestrian, horsemanship proponent, small business owner, Lisa Munro is an asset to the horse industry. To follow Lisa on her blog and to order treats, go to www.horsedoeuvrescookies.com .

LIZZY TRABAND IS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2017 USHJA FOUNDATION HAMEL SCHOLARSHIP FOR FURTHER EDUCATION. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZZY TRABAND.

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Country Heir, Lexington, KY, June 2017. 1. Lacey Gilbertson & Cobolt. 2. Josephine Rose & Rocketman. 3. Scott Lenkart & Itile Horta. 4. Mackenzie Altheimer & Escondido. 5. Emanuel Andrade & AD Clouwni. PHOTOS © KATIE LENKART.

Compton Jr. Posse, Founded 1988. (Los Angeles, CA) Youth Equestrian Program For 29 years, the Compton Jr. Posse (CJP) program has provided a way for inner city youth to find sanctuary from the strife and challenges of their neighborhoods through year round after school activities. Kids participating in this equestrian and education program have been less likely to become involved with gangs, less likely to drop out of school, and less likely to become involved with the juvenile court system. With the involvement of Olympian Will Simpson and a dedicated Board of Trustees, CJP offers a Naturalist Explorer Program, participates in College Preparatory Horse Shows for college scholarships, and is assisting 20 CJP students with college scholarships. In 2014, CJP provided services to over 1500 inner city youth. From their website, “For over 29 years, the Compton Jr. Posse has given inner city kids hope by teaming them with horses. Through these equestrian activities, our youth develop responsibility, discipline and self-esteem. Students learn to set and achieve both academic and career goals. There can be no better investment in their future.” Compton Junior Posse relies on donations. To give your support, go to comptonjrposse.org.

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Mackenzie Shuman, 18. (Monument, CO) TPH Media Chair, Student A Plaid Horse intern since 2015, Mackenzie has worked her way up to the position of Media Chair before we lose her to Arizona State University and the Cronkite Media School in the fall. Mackenzie is an IEA rider, a Zone 8 Sportsmanship Award winner, and a member of the National Honor Society. While navigating the demands of high school and competitive riding, Mackenzie began a successful photography business, Quintessence Photography. A skilled photographic sensibility, a talent for writing, keen organizational skills, and ambition, Mackenzie Shuman represents the young talent in our industry. On her experience as a Plaid Horse intern: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working with The Plaid Horse Magazine has given me more opportunities that I could have ever imagined. I have not only improved and tuned my writing skills, I have also become a more confident person overall. The tasks that have been put in front of me have brought me into the field of journalism full swing. From interviewing people who greatly intimidate me, to working alongside fellow interns who are just as excited about the magazine as I am, The Plaid Horse Magazine is something that I will always cherish. I work hard, harder than I could have ever imagined, and I love every second of it. The intense nature of the job gives me a thrill and inspires me to work harder every day. The experience I have gained here is experience I will carry with me my entire life.â&#x20AC;?

Irene Elise Powlick, 17. (Salt Lake City, UT) Rider, Photographer, Journalist Irene is currently a senior at the Skyline High School in the International Baccalaureate program. She rides in the 3'3" Junior Hunters and the 3'6" Equitation. She is an intern for The Plaid Horse and a summer intern for Andrew Ryback Photography. Irene is the first one to volunteer for an assignment and the last one to tell you she is too busy to help out. She is a perfectionist, she is smart, she is fearless. Irene has found her way from Utah to equestrian stops all over the U.S. from Devon to Vermont, Thermal to Kentucky. Her love of horses and all things equestrian permeates her life as she approaches riding, photography, and journalism with focus and grit. Irene has her sights set on Medal Finals and International Derbies in the short term, and medical school in the long term. Our industry is elevated by young women like Irene who lead with their heart and follow up with commitment and hard work.

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Summer Sale! Use code SUMMER20 for 20% off your entire order at www.BelleAndBowEquestrian.com

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD FROM PG 85: ACROSS: 4. MAN O’ WAR. 6. VERMONT RUBY FOX 7. COLLECTING GAITS 8. HIGH NOON 11. KNICKERBOCKER 12. GREEN 15. ANDREWS SCHOOL 18. LIZ REILLY 20. FOR THE LAUGHTER 22. STORYTELLER DOWN: 1. THIRTY 2. BAILEY DOLOFF 3. WALNUT 5. WOODLAND STEVIE RAY 9. MAGGIE MCALARY 10. KEENELAND 13. KELLEY FARMER 14. MODEL 16. SIX HUNDRED 17. CENTERFIELD 19. KENTUCKY 21. MEDAL

Betsy Kelley, 29, and Diva, 28. (Olympia, WA) Web Director, Wonder Horse Betsy Kelley has spent her lifetime immersed in the equine industry. Her horse career started when she was 12 as a working student and show groom, and graduated to horse showing and knowing that she needed to find a way to marry a tech career and her love of horses. When Betsy joined The Plaid Horse team as the Web Director, it was a dream come true, and the perfect blend of her tech skills and equine knowledge. With one glance out of her office window, you can see that she is never far from her childhood best friend and main inspiration, Diva, now 28 years old. Earlier this year, Diva wrapped up her nearly three decade show career with top ribbons at the Region V Arabian Sport Horse Championships.

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Sarah Mechlin Duhon, 29. (Wright City, MO) Rider, Trainer, Mother As Editor of The Plaid Horse, lifelong equestrian professional, and mother of four, I will admit that I have more than a minor soft spot for a working mother in the horse industry. While our profession allows for many accommodations for families – traveling as a pack, flexible hours, a welcoming workplace – it is also a grueling business in which to raise a family. The hours are endless, there is never really a day off, and our clients are, well, as demanding as our children. Husbands and wives often have to compete for our attention over the din of daily distractions. Sarah Mechlin Duhon is living the working professional rider/ trainer dream/nightmare. It is the best of times and the worst of times with a baby on the road. Sarah has the help of her family and her friends to buoy her as she faces the challenges of early motherhood and horse showing. Sarah has had and continues to have a very successful riding and training career at her family’s Mechlin Farm near St. Louis, MO. From the jumper to the pre-green to the International Hunter Derby rings, she garners top ribbons. As a trainer, she has consistent success, including training the Small Pony Hunter winner at Devon a few years ago. A young mother on an exciting career path, Sarah Mechlin Duhon is an inspiration.

Andy Christiansen, 32. (Wellington, FL) Course Designer Andy Christiansen is an exciting new face on the course design front. With FEI Level 2 and USEF Hunter and Jumper Course Designer licenses, riders may tackle his courses in any ring throughout the U.S. Hailing originally from Ecuador, Christiansen ran the jump crew for the Winter Equestrian Festival for 10 years. He drew from the experience of building jumps to learn the technical and aesthetic mastery of course design. Exhibitors, judges, and managers alike extoll the beauty and technical challenges of a Christiansen designed course, as evidenced in the 40 weeks of work contracted in 2017. Christiansen credits his success to the time and generosity of many mentors such as Anthony D’Ambrosio, Brian Brown, Steve Stephens, Werner Deeg, Ken Krome, Skip Bailey, and Bobby Murphy. It is a good bet that Equitation Finals, Derby Finals, or an FEI World Cup Finals are in Andy’s future.

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McKayla Langmeier, 17. (East Granby, CT) Equestrian Prodigy The daughter of two storied professionals, Linda Kossick Langmeier and Kenny Langmeier, McKayla has made the most of her genetic gifts. At 15 years old, she won the 2015 ASPCA Maclay Equitation Finals, making Linda and McKayla the first mother/daughter duo to have ever won a Final. And, she won it after having gone first, a difficult position for any rider in any class. In 2016, at the age of 16, she won her first FEI class in Spruce Meadows, as well as the Best Junior Rider Award at Devon, the HITS Saugerties Hunter Derby, and the Saratoga Grand Prix. McKayla was second in the USEF Medals Finals twice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in 2015 and 2016. She was Reserve Champion in the USEF Talent Search Finals East in 2015 and fifth in 2016. My bet? She will come on with a vengeance in 2017, her final junior year, and then continue to be one of the best riders in the United States.

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The O’Mara’s: TJ, 18, Meg, 23, Abby, 25, Casey, 27. (Rumson, NJ) Riders, Student Athletes, Career Professionals There has never been a family dynasty in the modern equestrian world like the O’Mara’s. Tom and Liz O’Mara have been to 34 Equitation Finals with their four accomplished equestrian children. 34 Finals would be like climbing Everest in thin air to most families. But, the O’Mara’s credit the riding experience as a seminal factor for growth individually and as a family. As Tom states, “I believe the greatest benefit my children have all gotten from their involvement with horses and riding has nothing to do with the ribbons won, but with learning about discipline, commitment, effort, humility, self-confidence and attitude.” In 2016, T.J. had a stellar year in winning the USEF Medal Finals, winning the USEF Talent Search- East Finals, and placing third in the ASPCA Maclay Finals. Currently a student at the University of Kentucky, T.J. recently placed within the top 10 in the $50,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix at HITS Saugerties. Meg matriculated from the University of Georgia in 2017 as the most decorated Bulldog in Georgia Equestrian history. In 2012, she won the USEF Medal Finals, placed second in the USEF Talent Search- East Finals, and fifth in the ASPCA Maclay Finals. At UGA, she was NCEA All Champion, SEC Rider of the Year, and awarded All SEC status. She has recently joined a publishing company in New York City. Abby also graduated from the University of Georgia as a decorated student athlete. She holds the fourth all time career record wins at UGA, and was an NCEA All American and All SEC. With a Master’s Degree in Education Psychology. Abby has recently joined the equestrian coaching staff at Texas A&M. Casey attended Auburn University, obtained a graduate degree, and is currently a mental health professional in Tampa, FL. From successful junior riders to decorated college student athletes to accomplished professionals, the O’Mara’s cut an impressive swathe through the equestrian world.

Rhodes, 16. (Tulsa, OK) Para-Equestrian mLilyLilyRhodes is a 16 year old Para Dressage rider in Oklahoma. At the age of 14, she lost an arm to a nonequestrian accident. A lifelong lover of horses, Lily was determined to pursue her riding career. With hard work and unparalleled strength of character, she is currently competing in para-equestrian dressage events on her APHA gelding, Charlie. Lily is proudly partnered with US Equestrian, Annies USA, EquLifestyle Boutique, and Millbrook Leathers. One of her main goals is to provide support for fellow paraequestrians. Leading by example, Lily is an inspiration to para and able bodied riders alike.

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ROLLING ACRES S TA B L E W I S H E S

Gabrielle Roderick best of luck

at pony finals. Blondie • Medium Pony Hunter Hidden Springs Woodstar • Large Pony Hunter

Sarah Young • Rolling Acres Stable 618-830-1641 • Select8677@gmail.com

Reed Kessler, 22. (Guttecoven, Netherlands) Olympian, Grand Prix Rider, Trainer At the age of 18, Reed qualified for the 2012 London Olympic Games on her Cylana. She is the youngest rider in showjumping history to compete in the Olympic Games. In 2013, she was awarded the FEI Rising Star award and the USET Lionel Guerrard Hermes Award for Rising Talent. Reed now resides in The Netherlands where she competes a string of Grand Prix and developing horses. The young star continues to shine in the jumper ring.

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Work to Ride, Founded 1994. (Fairmount Park, PA) Inner City Youth Program Work to Ride was founded by horsewoman Lezlie Hiner as a program to offer inner city youth a chance to spend quality time in contact with horses and nature. Housed at a former police horse stables called the Chamonix Equestrian Center, Work to Ride is on the outskirts of one of North Philadelphia’s toughest high crime communities. The kids who enroll in the program are required to commit to at least one year, although they are expected to stay through high school graduation. After- school tutoring and college enrollment assistance are available so kids can keep up grades in school and complete the college admissions process. Work to Ride teaches students from 7 to19 years old to ride and care for horses, and encourages them to participate in equestrian sports. Some compete in racing at nearby hunt meets and others are able to foxhunt with local groups. Work to Ride has had their greatest successes on the polo field. In 1999, the program fielded its first all black polo team. In 2011 and 2012, the Work to Ride all black squad won the United States Polo Association Interscholastic Championships.

Gianna Terranova, 22 (Ocean County, CA) Photographer Gianna Terranova has been photographing horses since high school as a way to afford to ride. As she researched college choices, she was drawn toward the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) because it offered an Equestrian Studies Degree and a riding team. Gianna had not yet considered that her hobby could become her vocation.

Three of Work to Ride’s most noted graduates are Shariah Harris and brothers Kareem and Daymar Rosser. Harris earned a full scholarship to Cornell University, where she will vie for a place on their successful polo team. Most recently, she became the first African-American woman to play in the highest polo league in the U.S. Kareem recently graduated from Colorado State University, where he was named the 2015 Collegiate Player of the Year. Daymar attends Roger Williams University and led his team to win the 2017 USPA National Intercollegiate Championships. Work to Ride provides respite for kids whose lives are marked by violence, failing school systems, and drugs. A dedicated group of volunteers and tutors, a founder whose door is always open, and the love of a good horse combine to provide opportunity and a leg up. To learn more about Work to Ride or to make a donation, visit worktoride.net.

After graduating from SCAD in 2016, she took a job as a groom in Maryland and continued to photograph horses on a part time basis. Soon, interest in her work ballooned and she realized that photography could become her sole profession. “The business ended up growing so much I was shocked. I completely uprooted my life and moved to Maryland, where I had no connections and knew no one in the horse industry, and it still grew exponentially! The idea that I could go anywhere in the U.S. and my business would thrive gave me the confidence to finally take the step into being a full-time photographer. “ Starting her company Gianna Terranova Photography has allowed Gianna to travel the U.S., a lifelong goal. Her understanding of the beauty of a horse and the value of the horse/ rider bond are evident in her breathtaking photographs. Photo credits: Irene Elise Powlick - Tori, Nick, Ali, & the O’Mara children; Adam Hill - Piper, Holly Charlebois, & Jacob; Piper Klemm - Kaitlyn, Brandon, & Dorrie; Peter Pham - Taylor, Lynsey, & Lillie; Vicci Valenti - Emily; Deb Dawson Lindsay; Erin Gilmore - Ransome; Al Cook - IHSA; Coral Link Photography - Betsy and Diva; Marion Murphy - McKayla

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Ledges Sporting Horses & Show Grounds, Roscoe, IL, June 2017. 1. Veronica Houle. 2. Olivia Goodwin. 3. Patricia Mann with Steve Foran. 4. Emily Drago. 5. Elle Aronson. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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zKatherine Steiner, (Centenary College) 2017 Cacchione Cup Winner Savannah College of Art and Design x 2017 IHSA Collegiate Cup Champions (Savannah, GA) The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Equestrian Team garnered the title of Collegiate Cup Champions for the third straight year. The Bees team consisted of Vincent Delisso, Allison Bale, Lillian Hilgers, Tess Mroczka, Madison Albano, Meredith Denny, and Tatum Tatreau. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of IHSA, the show hosted 25 hunt seat and western teams and more than 400 individual qualifying riders to vie for the most coveted titles in collegiate equestrian sport.

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“Alone we are a whisper but together we are a cyclone,” said Katherine Steiner after a superior series of rides led to crowning the Centenary University Equine Studies major the USEF Cacchione Cup titlist for 2017. The coveted award is named after the founder of the IHSA, Bob Cacchione, and is awarded to the National Individual Hunter Seat High Point Rider. Steiner won in her first finals competition and last collegiate show, leading her coach, Michael Dowling, to describe the win as a “Cinderella story. She invested herself all year for this one moment and was the most driven and dedicated of riders.” Hats off to Katie Steiner, proof that hard work and dedication can pay off.

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Listen to their big win on an NCEA Special Edition of the #Plaidcast at theplaidhorse. com/listen

Texas A &M Equestrian (Waco, TX) 2017 NCEA Champions

The Texas A&M Aggies had a stellar 2017 season, winning the coveted National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) National Championships. The win was the 12th in the program’s history and the first since 2012. NCEA’s Coach of the Year, Tana Mckay, praises her team’s clutch performance. “It was a team effort in and out of the arena.” Three of the Texas A&M riders were named NCEA Most Outstanding Players of the Year. Avery Ellis was named the Horsemanship Most Outstanding Player, while Rebekah Chenelle was awarded the Equitation Most Outstanding Player with a 4-0 record at the Championships. Western rider Sarah McEntire won the Most Outstanding Player for Reining. Seeded fifth entering the National Championship competition, the Texas A&M Team had all of the stars align to win four meets in three days. We congratulate all of these outstanding collegiate equestrians.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BÖCKMANN FAMILY.

A Different Kind of Pony Finals The FEI European Championships for Ponies BY ERIN GILMORE

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It only takes one thing to be successful at the Pony Finals of Europe – you need a horse on pony legs. That’s how 2015 European Pony Champion Askaban B is described, and with one look into his eyes, it’s clearly a perfect description.

In Europe the pony divisions are a much different sport than what we know in the United States. With the support of and administration by the Federation Equestre Internationale, the world’s international governing body for horse sport, the FEI European Championships for Ponies are Europe’s annual version of Pony Finals. They are more closely related to the Olympics than to the American divisions that our ponies know.

“The FEI European Championships for Ponies are a great way of getting our younger athletes into international competition in our Olympic disciplines at an early age,” says Catrin Norinder, FEI Director, Eventing and Olympic. That stepping stone is a critical, and often overlooked reason that European senior riders so often dominate on the international stage. They literally have been raised doing their own version of the Olympics. With show jumping, eventing and dressage competition mirroring the Olympic disciplines, young riders from ages 12 through 16 work all year to qualify for the FEI Pony Championships.

CLEAR MIND, HUGE GALLOP In Lastrup, Germany, where Askaban B lives and trains, the 14-year-old German Riding Pony and his rider Calvin

Böckmann are preparing for their last European Pony Championships. Since 2013, they have competed in the championships together, and picked up an individual bronze (2014) and were named Individual Champions (2015) in the CCIP2* – eventing championships for ponies. But Calvin is 16 now, and aging out of the division. Next year, Askaban will be looking for a new rider to carry in the pony divisions. In top form and now a steady schoolmaster, Askaban still have many years of competitiveness ahead of him. And Calvin has already stepped into the next phase of his riding, with two horses that he competes internationally. “They have grown together during the years, and Askaban is not the easiest,” says Lora Moses, who has helped care for Askaban for the last two years. “He needs to be ridden on point and thoroughly, as otherwise he can have a fault. He has a huge gallop and a lot of scope. When you see him in cross country he is like a machine. He is a big fighter with a huge personality, and he has a clear mind and good dressage.” As a team, what Calvin and Askaban have achieved is very special—among the big pony sport, their record of three championship appearances is quite the accomplishment, and one they will be adding to before the season is through. At the end of July, the 2017 FEI European Championships for Ponies took place in Kaposvar, Hungary, with almost 80 pairs competing in jumping, dressage, and eventing over five days. "The atmosphere at these events is very exciting, with the athletes experiencing competing as a team as well as individually,” Norinder added. For Askaban and Calvin, Kaposvar was their swan song, and while it took place after press time, there’s not doubt that the rider, his pony, and the whole team went into the memorable weekend with clear minds, and ready for the big gallops that the competition would bring. ◼ BY ERIN GILMORE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, ACTION SHOTS COURTESY OF THE BÖCKMANN FAMILY: PHOTO #1, CALVIN AND ASKABAN B COMPETING IN 2013; PHOTOS #3 AND #4, CALVIN AND ASKABAN B COMPETING IN 2015. PHOTO #2 © ERIN GILMORE.

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