The Plaid Horse - September 2016 - The Fashion Issue

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S TO R IA S TA B L E S I S P R O U D TO A N N O U N C E T H E I R M O V E TO

Hummingbird Nest Ranch

HUMMINGBIRD NEST RANCH IS A TOP NOTCH EQUESTRIAN FACILITY IN SANTA SUSANA, CALIFORNIA WITHIN A 15-40 MINUTE DRIVE FROM MOST MAJOR CITIES IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA AND THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY. Offering a Eurosizer Walker • 8 lush grass paddocks Olympic sized Nike footing arena • Hunter Derby Grass Field Grass Grand Prix Field • Luxury Stalls • Beautiful trails surrounding the property CONTACT VICTORIA LACAGNINA • 818-795-0720 Now accepting a limited number of new clients.

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STORIA STABLES WISHES ALISON HEATH & CLASSICAL Good luck in the 2016 WCHR Low AO Hunter Finals at Capital Challenge.

CLASSICAL IS OFFERED FOR SALE: 2009 Holsteiner Mare by Casall.

Classical has many wins in the Low AO hunters and is eligible for first years. She is available to try at Middleburg and Capital Challenge.

STORIA STABLES & LASORDA HOLDINGS WISH EMILY GOLDBERG Good luck at Indoors.

SINATRA

SAMBUCA

CONGRATULATIONS on an amazing year in the 18-35 Low AO Hunters.

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C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

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and Best of Luck from Peaco ck R id ge

Stella Wasserman and Trillville

Olivia Markman and Glynhafan Red Kestral

Clara Propp and Land’s End Lady Slipper

Medium Pony Hunter

Large Pony Hunter

Small Pony Hunter

RGC Farm and Morton’s Cadillac

Katherine Lebaron and Secret Life

Hope Verschleiser and Maroon Belles

Medium Pony Hunter

Children’s Hunter

Small Pony Hunter

Campbell Hudkins and Show Me Love

Kierstin Antoniadis and No Drama

Ribbons USEF Pony Finals 2016

3rd Overall USEF Pony Finals 2016

Medium Pony Hunter

Medium Pony Hunter

P eacock R idge F arm C hristi n e Tr ig g e r • 4 0 7-491 - 3 727 • pe a c oc k r i d ge l l c @ g m a i l . c om photos: the book llc, L aura Wasserman, Hannah Hoch, Jordan Cobb

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

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on a Great Summer

Yazmin Rizvi and Arandelli

Yazmin Rizvi and Manhattan

Farah Rizvi and Zopala

Medal, Maclay, and Talent Search wins throughout the Northeast.

Top placings in 2* classes around Europe

High Children’s Jumper Classic Winner, HITS II, Saratoga & Lake Placid

Farah Rizvi and No Drama

Zayna Rizvi and Coco Chanel Z

Zayna Rizvi and Forget Me Knot

Champion Medium Pony Hunters, Saratoga

Winner Children's Jumpers, HITS V

Winner $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Derby, HITS IV

P eacock R idge F arm C hristi n e Tr ig g e r • 4 0 7-491 - 3 727 • pe a c oc k r i d ge l l c @ g m a i l . c om photos: the book llc, shawn mcmillen photography

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Sapphire RIDING ACADEMY

Offering 22 stall heated modern stable • Heated indoor riding arena Large outdoor arena • Grass field with natural obstacles All-weather and grass paddocks • Secure tack room • Viewing lounge PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

Nicholas, owned by Clara Ciancuillo was 4th in the $25,000. Speed Stake at Equifest 3.

Calvigo, Open Jumper 1.35m Champion.

Calido's Son, Champion 3'6" Performance Hunters Equifest 3.

Berkley III, 4th in the Welcome Stake and 2nd in the $50,000 Grand Prix at Equifest 3.

Conveniently located off Interstate 94, just 45 minutes from downtown Chicago and 25 minutes to O’Hare International Airport!

15141 Little Saint Marys Road • Mettawa, 60048 847-984-2209 • www.sapphireridingacademy.com VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW OUR SELECTION OF QUALITY SALE AND LEASE HORSES.

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congratulations to

r an so me r o mbauer

Photo © Captured Moment Photography.

2016 CPHA Junior Hunt Seat Medal Final

champion w i t h g r at i t u d e a n d t h a n k s

to Trainers Daniel Ighani and Karen Healy, and Alexis Graves (owner of Lalonde).

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SHOP

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at Rider’s Boutique at the St. Louis Charity Horse Show & Showplace Fall Classic

or shop online at: ThePlaidHorse.com/SHOP LIMITED EDITION TEES STICKERS ACCESSORIES BOWS TPH LOGO WEAR CUSTOM PHOTO GIFTS BOOKS AND MORE!

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BRIDGEPORT FARMS

Introduces

TOP SHELF Winner CPHA Pre-Green Hunter Stake BLENHEIM SPRING CLASSIC III • SHOWPARK RANCH & COAST CLASSIC Champion Pre-Green BLENHEIM SPRING CLASSIC III • BLENHEIM RED, WHITE & BLUE CLASSIC Reserve Champion Pre-Green SHOWPARK RANCH & COAST Champion Pre-Green and Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 BLENHEIM SUMMER CLASSIC Reserve Champion Pre-Green and Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 SHOWPARK SUMMER CLASSIC Qualified for the $25,000 CPHA WEST COAST PRE-GREEN CHAMPIONSHIP Owned by Milissa Summer

THE OAKS FARMS ~ SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA JOHN BRAGG 949.338.7095 PHOTO © MCCOOL PHOTOGRAPHY.

PHOTOS © SHAWN MCMILLEN

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PHOTO © LINDSAY MCCALL

Extraordinaire

Fantastic

CHOSENBROOK SHOW STABLES

Trainer Tommi Clark • 818-726-2497 • chosenbrook@yahoo.com • Specializing in Imports and Sales

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THE FALL FASHION ISSUE

Publisher

PIPER KLEMM, Ph.D.

P. 40 WHAT YOU GET FOR $50,000

Art Director

P. 42 INSIDE LEG TO OUTSIDE REIN Ashleen Lee

LISA DALY

P. 46 INTRODUCING STYLE STOCK Sissy Wickes P. 49 ANDRE DIGNELLI THINKS LOCAL Sissy Wickes

Editor

SISSY WICKES

P. 56 MICHELLE KERIVAN KEEPS WINNING

Sissy Wickes

Web Director

BETSY KELLEY Advertising

NANCY HALVEY KATIE COOK MALORY SCHALL LIZ DAVOLL Marketing Partner

ELIZABETH HOWELL

CONTACT THE PLAID HORSE

WRITE: Piper Klemm, Ph.D., 14 Mechanic Street, Canton, New York 13617

CALL: 541-905-0192 WEB: theplaidhorse.com EMAIL: piper@theplaidhorse.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/theplaidhorsemag TWITTER: @PlaidHorseMag twitter.com/PlaidHorseMag

INSTAGRAM: @theplaidhorsemag instagram.com/theplaidhorsemag

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

P. 69 CROSSWORD PUZZLE Inspired by HQC P. 70 STYLE NATIVE BRANDI CYRUS Photographed by Tausha Dickinson P. 79 ELLI YEAGER WINS TPH AWARD AT BLENHEIM Chloe Kuhlman P. 90 COVER STORY: ERIN DUFFY SHOW STABLES P. 102 NEW PRODUCT ALERT: STRUCK BREECHES Caroline Nickolaus ON THE COVER: ERIN DUFFY AND JACQUELINE ATTWOOD-DUPONT'S YOUNG HUNTER FOCUS POSE AT THEIR BEAUTIFUL TRAINING FACILITY IN MALIBU, CALIFORNIA PHOTO BY KATE HOULIHAN.

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Rated September 25 “C” October 1 “C” October 22 “C”

Morganville, NJ 07751 •732-591-9600 www.BayMarFarms.com

2016 Rated Regional II Shows: All USEF, M&S, NJPHA, NJHSA September 4 • October 23 • December 10 2016 Schooling Shows, Banquet Series: All M&S, NJPHA, NJHSA September 25 Banquet – October 14 October 30 • December 18

Hunters • Jumpers • Equitation

November 5 “C”

For more information call:

(845) 564-6658 GARDNERTOWN FARM

November 19 “C” November 26 WHVPHA “C”

EST. 1979

822 Gardnertown Farm Rd. Newburgh, New York 12550 Two indoor arenas, lessons, and indoor arena polo

VISIT US AT:

www.gardnertownfarm.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE: September. The transition

month. Back to school marks the end of summer and all of the equestrian activities filling June, July, and August. Long, hot days at the barn. Ride early, beat the heat.

Turn out at dusk, avoid flies and sun. Horse shows abound every weekend. Local and travel, mountains and seashore, follow the cool air or just make do in the heat. School is out, horses are in. Pony Finals, Circuit Champions, qualifying for Indoors, local medals, USEF finals.

September arrives and young riders must clear enough time in their schedules for academic endeavors. For many, the pressure of indoors looms. Final junior year, last equitation final, last Pony Finals, last show on my favorite pony/horse.

Last chance to accomplish my dream.

Now, my young readers, pay attention. Riders, parents, trainers, grooms, fans. Pay attention to the Olympic Games. It is easy to assume many of you did not watch the incredible equestrian feats accomplished in the show jumping, dressage, and eventing disciplines. Perhaps they did not interest you, perhaps you were at the barn or the mall. You are a hunter rider, an equitation rider, a children’s jumper rider. Why would you watch The Olympics when they do not have anything to do with you?

Because these riders are the best of the best. No matter the discipline you compete in, no matter your long term goals, you should watch champions of our sport. You should know the stories, you should understand the commitment not only of the individual riders, but the vast team of supporters. You should understand the depths of defeat and hardship that each one of our Olympic equestrians has endured.

Not one has reached this pinnacle without sinking to the bottom and then kicking up to the surface.

Equestrian sport, in all of its iterations, is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay in it for the long run. Understand that defeat and disappointment are as important to our experience as success. Persistence, commitment, resolution reap results. If it did not happen for you this year, it may happen next year, or the year after that. Just ask Nick Skelton, 58, Philip Dutton, 52, or Steffen Peters, 52. Their Rio medals symbolize the ultimate destination of the long and winding road of equestrian competition.

If your show season did not go as hoped, if your medal finals round contained a mistake, if you are struggling with your equestrian goals, heed the words of Nick Skelton, the oldest Gold Medalist in Brazil. “To be in this sport all this time and win just caps it. You always dream about this…”

◼ TPH TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES Kick On,

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PHOTO © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE MADNESS

BEHIND THE INSIDE LEG TO OUTSIDE REIN Often times I feel like a broken record. I tell my students and myself when I am riding, use the inside leg to the outside rein. Why? The outside rein holds the track. Without it, you are inherently falling in and teaching the horse to fall in.

The inside leg is essential because if you solely use the outside rein, you and your horse are also falling in.

People tell me, I want to go back to basics, and my response is that it is all basics. The basics of a good trot and a good canter are the same basics as riding to the fence. If done well, they all contain good rhythm and a straight horse. You produce it in the same fashion. Sure, the pressures are different, but the concept is the same. So why is it so hard?

When the horse is leaning, the natural instinct is to grab or to pull. When the horse is turning, the instinct is to hang on the inside rein to make the turn. Why does my horse run? Why does my horse fall in? Why can my horse not make the change? The answer for almost all of them is the same: they are off balance and they are not straight.

Balance, connection, and feel. This is what riding thrives upon. If you merely just hold the outside rein, your horse is not in balance. It is falling in. If you over-ride the inner rein and leg with failure to keep the outer rein, you will also fall in the turn.

The key is inside leg to the outside rein. Not outside rein to the inside leg. The order is key and you must push the horse into the outer rein. This pushes your horse onto the track and balances the horse on the outer legs through the turn. It allows them to hold the desired track well. It allows them to free up the inside leg to raise up and change the lead. If the horse is off balance, they tend to speed up in an attempt to regain balance.

It is so simple, so why is it so hard?

Our instincts tell us to grab the left rein when turning left. Our instincts tell us to grip up when our horse tightens or speeds up. Our instincts are wrong. Hence, we must remind

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“Why does my horse run? Why does my horse fall in? Why can my horse not make the change?

The answer for almost all of them is the same: They are off balance and they are not straight.”

So, you work with them. You intend to get them to supple by being supple. You offer them balance. You offer them rhythm. When you get it right, they will trust you. They are not intellectual. They are not intelligent in the same way as humans, but they understand rhythm and balance.

ourselves to ride from the inside leg to the outside rein. Our brains operate on two legs, but we are riding an animal with four. Once things become habit, we remind ourselves less, but it is not instinctual. We must think.

Inside leg to outside rein. It produces a straight horse. When turning or circling, we must work the inner rein to produce the bend, but it is secondary. We still want the horse's haunch on the outer track and to hold the track. The inside rein is used solely to produce bend and create suppling of the mouth, all of which is secondary.

Too quickly riders go to grabbing and locking, attempting to overpower the horse. When you think this through logically, you cannot overpower them. Locking forces the horse to lock up. Locking causes the rider to fail to feel the horse give to the hand. You cannot force an animal that outweighs you by ten times. It is illogical. If you try to overpower the horse, you will fail.

Hence, the madness behind inside leg to outside rein.

The madness is not in the theory, but in consistently doing it right because it is not instinctual for us. We must work and rework it. As trainers, we must teach it and reteach it. If done right, it offers balance and feeling. It communicates a solid turn to the next fence, allowing you to find the distance. This in itself is more than half the battle when properly walking, trotting, or cantering. It is more than half the battle when riding effectively to the fence.

I encourage everyone to work these aids and rework them until they make sense, until they are habit. You will know when you are doing it right; it will feel right.

It will make life easier. A balanced horse is a simpler horse. ◼ BY ASHLEEN LEE

Ashleen began riding when she was five years old.

Shortly after, her family purchased one of the closest stables to the city of Chicago. Ashleen grew up around the stables and spent every free moment with the horses. She has been training and teaching professionally for the past eleven years. During that time, she earned a bachelors degree from DePaul University in Business Management. In the last year, she has taken over the family stable, Freedom Woods, Inc. and has substantial plans for the future.

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates

The Rupinski Family on their new pony Stonewall Top Call

The New Leasees of Olney Pandora

The New Leasees of Silly Putty

Pine Ridge Equestrian Center LLC on the lease of Stoneledge Dance Zone

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 S I N PHOTOS ©

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates

V e r m o n t R u b y F ox

& Anna Richardson at USEF Pony Finals Winner of the Betsy Fishback Memorial Trophy for Best Turned Out Pony 3rd Medium Pony Hunter Under Saddle • 5th Medium Pony Hunter Model OWNED BY PIPER KLEMM

Always a selection of small, medium, and large pony hunters for sale and lease.

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 S I N PHOTOS © ORION FARM.

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S tunning I n S tyle S tock For centuries, equestrians have worn the ubiquitous stock tie.

From portraits of royalty astride to photographs of modern competitors, the stock tie is a de rigueur component of equestrian attire. Traditionally white, they embody noble simplicity.

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Enter designer Hannah Childs and her hot new company, Style Stock.

With a rich array of luxurious silk, silk blends, and cotton materials and a colorful palate of patterns, Style Stock offers something for every equestrian. Stock ties in a myriad of designs and vintage stock pins are changing the face of modern equestrian wear.

Childs brings a history of riding and eventing to her business. Born in Santa Barbara, CA, she started riding when she was five years old and evented through the Intermediate Level. Understanding competition attire, Childs presents a classic, tailored sensibility to her design. She explains, “the equestrian world shaped my aesthetic and personal sense of style.” She graduated the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, where she learned the intricacies of fashion design in pattern drafting, sewing, and production. After graduation, Childs worked for UGG Australia, a billion dollar international company, where she designed accessories such as handbags, home goods, small leather goods, and prints.

In 2013, while working at UGG Australia, she was approached by a friend to make a champagne colored stock tie. Childs designed, sewed, and pressed the tie to perfection. The friend was so pleased that she immediately asked for another one.

Soon, requests were coming as quickly as Childs could produce stock ties, and it dawned on her that she might have struck a chord in the horse world.

Childs spent the next few months doing market research on her product. She traveled to horse shows and polled equestrians in all disciplines in order to pinpoint the needs of the market. In early 2014, she created a website and offered a few options on it.

Immediately, her stocks sold and she had to hire a seamstress to help her keep orders filled.

In the fall of 2015, Childs quit her corporate job in order to pursue Style Stock on a full time basis. She set up stunning booths at the American Equestrian Trade Association (AETA) show and the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event where her 2016 Spring and Fall lines were met with meteoric success. The Style Stock Fall line features luxurious silk brocades, classic white on white patterns, crystal embellishments, tasteful metallics, traditional tattersalls, and custom shadbelly points. Style Stock offers the ultimate in equestrian finery. For ease of use, all designs are offered in pre-tied and un-tied styles.

In addition, Style Stock has a new line of children’s stock ties. They are offered in white on white polka dots, silver on white polka dots, and classic white pique. All children’s ties are pre-tied with extra adjustable collars so that the tie can grow with the child.

Hannah Childs loves accessories. “Accessories are for everyone! They have the ability to elevate the way you look or feel, and they don’t discriminate based on body type and size.” She finds the stock pins featured on Style Stock at various vintage and estate sale shops in the area.

A keen eye for style, Childs buys the pieces, refurbishes them, and offers a constant rotation of pins on her website. For a little bling, Style Stock features a custom designed Swarovski tack pin, specifically made with a smooth back to sit comfortably against the skin under a riding shirt.

As her company grows, Childs remains committed to her hometown of Santa Barbara, CA, where she manufactures her products and is committed to high quality and fair labor. The brand supports elite riders such as Hope Glynn, Nathalie Cooper, and 2016 Olympic Eventing competitor Lauren Billys.

Designer Hannah Childs’ Style Stock is an equestrian fashion sensation. To shop Style Stock, visit stylestock.co for list of over 40 national retailers. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES.

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The Ottawa National and Ottawa International Horse Shows Ottawa, Ontario, Canada July 2016. 1. This young competitor was one of three triplets enthusiastically enjoying the leadline competition during the Ottawa International Horse Show. 2. Twelve-year-old Ella Davison and Cherrybrook Just Blue In scored a win in the Medium Pony Hunter division. 3. Justin Prather riding Beau Soleil skillfully negotiated the grass bank on his way to victory in the $7,500 Lynn Millar Memorial Speed Derby during the Ottawa National Horse Show. 4. Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill riding Count Me In, owned by Sandy Lupton and Robb Caswell, on her way to victory in the $100,000 CSI2* Classic. 5. Stephanie Dubois-Emond of Ocala, Florida and Castello, owned by Colleen McKenzie, topped a huge starting field of 59 entries to win the $10,000 Canadian Hunter Derby.

PHOTOGRAPHY © BEN RADVANYI PHOTOGRAPHY, JUMP MEDIA, AND STARTING GATE COMMUNICATIONS.

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Heritage Fundamentals Program In April of 2016, Andre Dignelli took a small group of riders to a local, one- day show. He could not remember the last time he had done that, and it may have changed his professional future.

PHOTOS © MICHAEL DIGNELLI.

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jumper, and equitation riders. Who is cultivating the local show circuit? Who is creating solid fundamentals and an educated start to the sport of riding? For Dignelli, the need was apparent.

“I am part of the problem,” he explains. “I don’t go to many local shows anymore.” He was struck by what he labels the “Great Divide” between the skills of kids competing at lower level shows and kids competing in comparable divisions at the larger horse shows.

Excellence, talent, and hard work are indisputably the ingredients of success. But, the clay that molds the cast is opportunity. Not opportunity to buy expensive horses and equipment, but opportunity to learn. In any endeavor- academic, athletic, artistic- great instruction Most of the public knows Andre as a superlative, elite trainer. His resume is a who’s who of current and rising stars: Kent Farrington, Tori Colvin, Lillie Keenan, Reed Kessler. But, those of us who have been in the business for decades remember Andre’s story. As Andre states, “I have never forgotten where I came from.” One of three sons of a middle class family, a young Dignelli kept his horses in his back yard and did all of the work himself. As a junior rider, he arrived at Judy Richter’s Coker Farm with abundant talent and excess work ethic. He and his brother, Michael, drove their two horse trailer with a borrowed horse of Richter’s to the 1985 USEF Talent Search Finals. An unknown and a dark horse favorite, he drove home with a blue ribbon.

A star is born and a career is launched. Fast forward 31 years and multiple national championships, and the king of big equitation wants to turn the clock back.

Sort of. The experience of the day at the local horse show was an awakening for Dignelli. He was dismayed to find a huge disparity in the quality of competitors between the local and top levels. He discovered that the local show circuit was no longer the training grounds for young riders and green horses to obtain the good skills and positive experience that would lead them to the next level. The modern horse show circuit is one of “box shows,” large events with multiple divisions that offer something for everyone. Short stirrup and green riders go to the same shows as the higher level hunter,

is an essential component. For Dignelli, it is the piece missing for many young riders across the country.

And, so, the Heritage Fundamentals Program is born.

The excitement in Dignelli’s voice when he describes the program is palpable. “I am inspired by talent and motivation and good horses and good people. I always have been.” The Heritage Fundamentals Program is Dignelli’s attempt to reach out to young riders whom he calls “the middles.” These are kids who are committed to the sport, have a level of family support, and wish to attend primarily local horse shows and a few travel shows. They are not the kids who spend their entire winter in Wellington, FL, or their summer break

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gain experience, as evidenced by dual championships at the 2016 USEF Pony Finals.

Dignelli calls Passarelli the “poster child for the [Fundamentals] program. When I watched her win the Pony Medal Finals out of all those kids, I thought, here we go. Here was a kid who fell through the cracks and needed a place and a program. We gave her that and the results speak volumes.” The Heritage Fundamentals Program is offered as a full care boarding situation with all lessons and training included. The participants will have the opportunity to train with Dignelli and Griffith on a clinician basis, while benefitting daily under the tutelage of Hertitage’s other talented young trainers. In addition to riding traveling up and down the east coast circuit. The riders that this program targets are the very ones Dignelli saw at the local horse show. He is offering to riders who need a more regional presence the opportunity to benefit from the unparalleled excellence in coaching and facility offered at Heritage Farm. “I would like to give these kids a program and a place.”

Within a few days in August, 2016, Andre Dignelli watched Caroline Passarelli win the USEF Pony Medal Finals and Kent Farrington jump two clear rounds in the Olympic Games. What did the performances in Lexington, Kentucky and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil have in common? Heritage Farm shaped the careers of both riders. The significance of the parallel arc of success for these riders on a hot week in August was not lost on Dignelli. In the case of both Farrington and Passarelli, Heritage Farm provided a place and a program for them as developing riders. Farrington was a working student for Dignelli and rose to the top of the junior ranks, including winning the Washington International Equitation Medal Finals and the Pessoa/USEF Medal Finals. His career has remained on the same trajectory of excellence, as he was the highest placed American show jumper at the Rio Olympic Games. Passarelli is a fifteen year old rider who has blossomed under the tutelage of the Heritage staff, specifically Patricia Griffith and Dottie Barnwell-Areson. Joining Heritage in 2015, Passarelli found a place to hone her skills and

lessons, the program will offer horsemanship clinics on weekends to educate the riders on the essentials of horse care, conditioning, and management.

Andre Dignelli and Heritage Farm have reached the summit of the horse show mountain. Yet, the desire toward excellence in horses and horsemanship remains unquenched. In the Heritage Fundamentals Program, Dignelli endeavors to extend his grasp farther to find the next great rider, the next Olympian, perhaps the next Andre Dignelli. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

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WORLD’S ELITE JUMPING AND DRESSAGE COMPETITORS

Coming to Omaha for 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals THE FEI WORLD CUP™ FINALS,

a thrilling annual indoor Championship competition for the world’s most elite jumping and dressage horses, is returning to the U.S. in 2017 and for the first time ever, will be hosted in the nation’s Midwest region, in Omaha, Nebraska. The red carpet will be rolled out at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha for the biggest names in equestrian sport as they compete for the coveted titles of World Cup Champion on March 29 through April 2, 2017.

The world-class horses and riders will be arriving from all corners of the globe to compete in the 2017 FEI World Cup Finals™, which features the Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping Final and the FEI World CupTM Dressage Final. This is a rare opportunity for fans to watch the world’s top equestrian athletes compete under one roof, including World, European and Olympic Champions – and potentially many superstars from the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio! “The FEI World Cup™ Finals are undoubtedly THE equestrian event of the year and we urge everyone to buy their tickets now to make sure they don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to see the biggest and brightest stars in the sport," said Lisa Roskens, Chairman of the Omaha Equestrian Foundation which is producing the 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals. “It’s so exciting that the biggest annual Championship for jumping and dressage horses will be right here in the Midwest and we are really looking forward to welcoming the equestrian world to Omaha!”

Omaha, well known for its warm Midwestern hospitality and diversity, also boasts magnificent equestrian facilities and joins the ranks of prestigious cities that have previously played host to the Finals, including Gothenburg (Sweden), s’-Hertogenbosch (The Netherlands), Las Vegas (USA), Helsinki (Finland) and Paris (France) to name a few. 60,000 people from all 50 states and at least 30 countries are expected to attend the 2017 Finals in

Omaha and tickets are already selling fast.

Started in 1979, the FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final is an annual international showdown among the world's best show jumping horses and riders. In the 38 Finals held through 2016, Germany (10) and the United States (9) have emerged with the most titles. Previous FEI World Cup™ Jumping Finals held in the United States include Baltimore (1980), Tampa (1989), Del Mar, CA (1992) and Las Vegas (2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2015). Top

competitors will likely include riders like 2012 Olympic gold medalist and two-time defending FEI World Cup™ Champion Steve Guerdat of Switzerland, who will have the opportunity to defend the backto-back titles he won in 2015 and 2016.

Top U.S. riders like Beezie Madden, the 2013 FEI World Cup Champion and a twotime Olympic team Gold Medalist, are also expected to be on hand.

The FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final was first held in 1986 and features the world's best dressage horses and riders. A total of 31 Finals have been held through 2016, and the United States has won the championship twice – in 2003 (Debbie McDonald with Brentina) and 2009 (Steffen Peters with Ravel). The Final has been held in the U.S. five times, in Los Angeles (1995) and Las Vegas (2005, 2007, 2009, 2015). The 2016 FEI World Cup™ Dressage Champion, Hans-Peter Minderhoud of The Netherlands, will have the opportunity to defend his title, but there will be many other top competitors who will be looking to have their name engraved on the trophy. Two-time World Cup Champion Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain, the reigning Olympic, World and European Champion, could be on hand seeking to reclaim the titles she won in 2014 and 2015, while top American rider Steffen Peters could also be here looking to regain the World Cup Championship that he won in 2009. Peters’s Rio Olympic bronze medal teammate, Laura Graves, may also be in Omaha after having placed fourth at the 2015 Final in Las Vegas.

Things will get under way on Wednesday, March 29 with Jumping and Dressage Warm-ups. Actual competition will begin on Thursday, March 30, with the Dressage Grand Prix starting at 1:00 PM and Jumping Speed Class at 7:00 PM. On Friday, March 31, the Dressage Freestyle Rehearsal will be held at 9:00 AM with the Dressage showcase starting at 3:00 PM followed by the Jumping Grand Prix at 7:00 PM. On Saturday, April 1, the Dressage Freestyle to Music – the event determining the 2017 FEI World Cup™ Champion – will

theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 55

begin at 2:00 PM, with the Jumping Grand Prix competition at 7:00 PM. On Sunday, April 2, the Final Jumping competition will begin at 2:00 PM, which ultimately decide who will be crowned the 2017 FEI World Cup™ Jumping Champion.

A variety of tickets packages are available for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final, but the VIP Tickets are the best seats in the house and include access to the VIP Hospitality Lounge throughout the event! The VIP Hospitality Lounge will feature full meals, open bar and other amenities, all included with each VIP ticket. There are also All-Session tickets available and each all-session package includes admission to five sessions. For more information about the 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals and to purchase tickets,

please go to OmahaWorldCup2017.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the CenturyLink Center Omaha box office.

Hospitality Packages are also available! The elegant Suites are spacious, comfortable and overlook the entire arena with seating for 20-25 people. Wait service, food, drink and access to the VIP Lounge are included throughout the event.

Ringside tables gets you up close to the action in comfort and style with In-Arena seating for 8 people, complimentary wine and heavy hors d'oeuvres along with access to the VIP Lounge throughout the event. For more information on Hospitality packages please call 508-698-6810x10.

For more information about the 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals, hotels, and ticket information, please go to OmahaWorldCup2017.com.

The 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals are being produced by the Omaha Equestrian Foundation, a certified 501c(3) not-for-profit foundation. The focus of the foundation is to foster and develop international caliber athletes within the equestrian sport as well as supporting and educating the community. Since 2013, The Omaha Equestrian Foundation has donated tickets to local charities and last year created field trips for over 2,400 elementary school students, veterans and local military families. The OEF also runs the International Omaha, an annual top-level jumping and dressage competition also held at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha. For more information about the Omaha Equestrian Foundation, visit OmahaEquestrian.com or call 402-444-1630. ◼ BY NICOLE GRAFF

LONGINES FEI World Cup™ Jumping & FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals March 29-April 2, 2017 • CenturyLink Center Omaha

Michelle Kerivan: Jumping up 56 • THE PLAID HORSE

Michelle Kerivan is a woman with a plan.

The California native sets specific goals for herself, and then checks them off of her to-do list as she accomplishes them. Most recently, she has been knocking at the door of her most recent goal: winning a Grand Prix. On her Irish Thoroughbred cross, Colin, she has finished in second place in three Grand Prix competitions within the last year. An amateur with two children, Kerivan marvels at the skills of the professionals she rides against. “I am always amazed when I just make the jump off. And then, they are so fast and so experienced. It’s hard for me to be the fastest, but I am going to do it!

Kerivan began riding at the age of nine when her grandmother bought her a horse. Describing herself as a troubled child, Kerivan struggled emotionally from her parents’ divorce. In horses, she found respite from family strife. “Horses saved my life. They gave me something to care about.” Initially, she only rode bareback and without any instruction. But, from the outset, jumping was in her blood. No coach, no lessons, no experience, no matter; “I would jump anything.”

Within a few years, Kerivan moved her horse to the Huntington Beach Equestrian Center where, ironically, she rides today. In 1981, the Center had a rule that every rider must have an instructor. Required to choose a trainer, she began riding with Mike

PHOTOS © ZABEL KERIVAN PHOTGRAPHY.

Nielsen. Soon, she was smitten by the horse show bug. With all of her self-taught jumping skills and bareback balance, she quickly moved into the children’s hunter division. Her relationship with Nielsen produced much success on the show circuit. Soon, she had five to six junior hunters and jumpers. Yet, emotional turmoil followed her into her teenage years. “I got into a lot of trouble. But, luckily, my family continued to support me with the horses. They never took anything away.”

Kerivan continued to excel in the sport. At age 20, she began to train with Jamie Mann at the Orange County Fairgrounds. There, she acquired Wizard, a Grand Prix horse successfully campaigned

by Hap Hansen. “I learned a lot from Jamie. But, at that point in my life, I had one foot in and one foot out. So, I quit. I just was not super passionate about it anymore, which is sad.”

Twenty two years old, Kerivan hit the road and went on tour with a friend’s band. For the next five years, she concentrated on photography and painting. ‘I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had to step away and figure myself out a little bit. Photography helped me a lot.”

At the age of 27, Kerivan married and soon had a son, Joey, 18, and a daughter, Zabel, 15.

During her time away from horses, Kerivan never forgot about them. She drew them, painted them, and dreamed about them.

in California

“[Horses] were always with me.” As her kids grew and became more independent, Kerivan decided to start riding again. She returned to the Huntington Beach Equestrian Center where she had spent much time as a young rider. There, she reconnected with Tracy Burroughs, previous assistant of Jamie Mann, and her former trainer, Mike Nielsen. “I took couple of lessons on their lesson horse, and it was pretty terrible. It was rough!”

But, a spark for horses in Kerivan had been reignited. A month later, she bought a horse and was resolute about never showing again. Two weeks later, she found herself signing up for a horse show. “I have always liked to compete,” she explained with a laugh. Kerivan made her comeback in the adult amateur hunter division. Within a year, the desire to return to the jumper ring led her to buy two amateur jumpers. On her horse, Ghost, she had a tremendously successful return to the low amateur ring, resulting in winning the 2010 Pacific Coast Horse Show Association’s Horse of the Year Award and the Zone 10 Horse of the Year Award. Ghost has remained in the Kerivan family and is currently ridden by Zabel, who has inherited a penchant and talent for photography.

Buoyed by success, Kerivan set her sights on her next goal: the high amateur division. For her move up, she acquired the horse Convaro who became the 2014 Zone 10 High Amateur Jumper Horse of the Year. Having reached that milestone, Kerivan set her eye on the next star on the horizon: Grand Prix. In May of 2015, she acquired Colin.

“He is very much my ride, super brave, super fast.” Clicking immediately, the pair were tenth in their third show and first Grand Prix at the Blenheim Red, White, and Blue Classic.

That fall, they won the Longines Master of Paris Trophy and the Ecuires d’Ecaussinnes Grand Prix at the L.A. Masters show. For her accomplishments, Kerivan was named the 2015 Grand Prix Rookie of the Year by the Pacific Coast Horse Shows Association.

Currently, Kerivan and Colin are working hard in pursuit of her next mission. With three second place finishes in the books, the pair will continue to work hard toward leading the victory gallop. Kerivan will approach this goal with the same tenacity that has marked her entire equestrian career.

◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

MICHELLE KERIVAN’S STYLE PICKS: • Animo Jackets: “I have 12 of them! Even in fun colors like hot pink, bright blue and a berry shade.” usanimo.com • FreeJump Stirrups: (Michelle’s are bright blue) freejumpsystem.com • Bon Vivant Browbands: bonvivantequine.com

theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 57

58 • THE PLAID HORSE

theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 59

60 • THE PLAID HORSE

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2016 OLYMPICS: Dressage: Our dressage team consisted of Steffen Peters (San Diego, CA) on Legolas 92, Laura Graves (Geneva, FL) on Verdades, Kasey Perry-Glass (Orangevale, CA) on Dublet, and Allison Brock (Loxahatchee, FL) on Rosevelt. Peters, age 52, is a four time Olympic veteran. On his successful 14 year old partner, Legolas 92, he delivered “one of the best tests of his life” in Rio to lead the team toward Olympic bronze. Kasey PerryGlass and Allison Brock were first time Olympians who turned in solid and confident tests throughout the Games.

RIO RECAP The United States was one of only two countries (with Germany) to win medals in all three of the equestrian disciplines: dressage, show jumping, and eventing. We won Team Silver with our show jumping team, Team Bronze with our dressage team, and Individual Bronze in Eventing.

Laura Graves and her own Verdades wrote the next chapter in their fairytale story by exceeding the elusive score of 80%, one of only five Olympic riders to achieve the milestone. At the age of 14, Graves and her mother bought Verdades as a foal from a video tape received in the mail. The road to success was winding and bumpy with an amateur rider and a tough, talented horse. With persistence, ambition, and great help from the best in the profession, Graves and Verdades were the stars of our Olympic dressage team.

Eventing: Our eventing team consisted of Boyd Martin (Cochranville, PA) on Blackfoot Mystery (an OTTB), Phillip Dutton (West Grove, PA) on Mighty Nice, Clark Montgomery (Bryan, TX) on Loughan Glen, and Lauren Kieffer (Middleburg, VA) on Veronica.

The eventing team competition did not go as well as expected. After the dressage phase, the team sat in seventh place going into the cross country phase, the heart of eventing competition. Over a course which was assessed as very difficult and technical, only two of our riders finished. Montgomery retired on course and Kieffer had an unfortunate fall.

Our only chance for a medal was in the individual competition. The individual standings are determined by the top 25 riders advancing to an additional stadium round. Going into the individuals, Dutton stood in fourth place. With a four fault second round, he was good enough to advance to third place and a Bronze Medal. Of Might Nice, Dutton said,” I don’t think I have had a horse with a bigger heart.” A six- time Olympic veteran, the 52 year old Dutton hopes to make it back to a seventh Olympic Games in 2020.

Show Jumping: The show jumping team included Lucy Davis (Los Angeles, CA) on Barron, Kent Farrington (Wellington, FL) on Voyeur, Beezie Madden (Cazenovia, NY) on Cortes ‘C’, and McLain Ward (Brewster, NY) on HH Azur.

After the first round of competition, Madden was forced to withdraw Cortes ‘C’ because of a tendon injury. The withdrawal left the U.S. with a team of three riders, meaning that with no drop score, every round counted. The pressure was on the remaining team members. The course consisted of a 1.60 wall as an early jump and a very tight time allowed. Of the 44 starters, only 15 were within the time allowed, and five were clear.

The United States finished on a five fault score after two rounds. Farrington had only one time fault, Davis had four faults, and Ward was a masterful double clear. The United States earned a team Silver Medal with France winning Gold and Germany Bronze. It was an impressive American finish. Farrington summarized the feelings of the whole team.

“Just to be on this team, to be in my first Olympics and win a medal is a fantastic feeling.

There is no greater honor than representing your country.”

The individual competition proved to be a climactic close to equestrian competition.

Twenty seven qualified horse and rider combinations contested two challenging rounds to determine the individual medals. In an unprecedented result, six horses were double clear and jumped off against the clock, an unusually large number for a class of this caliber. In a moment worthy of a Disney movie, 58 year old veteran British Olympian Nick Skelton won the Gold on his mount, Big Star. Both horse and rider were unlikely favorites, each with a string of significant injuries over the years. Yet, Skelton knew his horse was up to the task. “He’s the best I horse I am ever likely to have.”

The Individual Silver Medal was won by Peder Fredicson of Sweden with Canada’s Eric Lamaze bringing home the Bronze. Kent Farrington was the highest placed American rider, ending up in fifth place.

TOP TO BOTTOM: TEAM USA, PHILIP DUTTON, AND NICK SKELTON. PHOTOS © ERIN GILMORE.

The 2016 Olympic competition was a breathtaking spectacle of equestrian achievement.

For those who understand the challenge of perfect symbiotic motion of horse and rider, the performances are nothing less than herculean. For uneducated viewers, there is beauty, athleticism, and grace. For all, the world’s best horses and riders are something to behold. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 61

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Photo © Savannah Stuart.

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62 • THE PLAID HORSE

SHOWCASE:

The Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Reid Patton & Twisther, 2015

Leslie Howard & Gentille Van Spieveld, 2015

Augusta Iwasaki & Kingston, 2015

PA NATIONAL HORSE SHOW SCHEDULE FAST FACTS: 10/15, 7PM: Neue Schule/USEF Junior Jumper Prix de States 10/16, 7AM: Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals 10/22, 7:30PM: Grand Prix de Penn National

What is it you like most about showing at The Pennsylvania National Horse Show? When posed with this question, trainers, riders, parents and grooms alike all respond with the same refrain: Harrisburg is the first show of indoors. Despite the growth of many fall indoor shows across the nation, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show will always mark the beginning of the qualifying show series that end the horse show year. Harrisburg, Washington, New York was the circuit of old. The best hunters, jumpers, and equitation riders in the nation met in serious head to head competition over the months of October through November. Over the decades, Washington International changed venues, most recently landing at the Verizon Center in the heart of Washington, DC. The National Horse Show, an archetypal Madison Square Garden event, crossed the bridge to the Meadowlands for a few years, came back to Manhattan at Chelsea Piers, migrated south to Wellington, FL, and has most recently found a home in Lexington, KY. But, Harrisburg has always been Harrisburg. The Farm Show Complex has been vastly improved over the years in order to house the over 1400 horses that compete at the PA National. From its beginning in 1946, The Pennsylvania National Horse has grown to award over $500,000 in prize money. Beginning on October 13th, the show offers a variety of hunter, jumper, and equitation classes. Friday night features the exciting Junior Jumper Prix des States competition, pitting teams of junior riders representing their regions against each other. The collective spirit behind the event is shown in the bright posters and signs cheering on each zone which decorate the halls of the arena.

The weekend culminates in the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals. Junior equitation riders from across the nation spend the year practicing for this day. Over a course designed by the judges, Marylisa Leffler and Jimmy Torano, each rider has their chance to shine. About three minutes and ten jumps later, the experience is behind them, an accomplishment no matter the outcome.

October 17th sees the switch over from Junior to Professional and Amateur competition. While hunters shine during the day, jumpers own the evening sessions. The jumper classes culminate in Saturday night’s $100,000 Grand Prix de Pennsylvania presented by the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund.

Harrisburg is Harrisburg. Do not miss this historic competition that features the best of the best in our equestrian world. From the youngest of pony riders to veteran hunter and jumper riders, the Pennsylvania National has a tradition of excellence.

theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 63

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64 • THE PLAID HORSE 1. Cheer on the best show jumpers in the $216,000 Grand Prix CSI 3*, presented by Rolex. Hometown favorite Georgina Bloomberg won in the augural year. Olympian Daniel Bluman of Colombia took home the top prize last year. Who will rise to the top in 2016?

2. Pick out your favorite jump in the U.S. Open Hunters Duchossois Cup. Will it be the “Big Apple”w jump? The ten-foot tall baseball bat? Or another amazing new fence?

3. Take a selfie with the world-famous Friesian stallion, Frederik the Great, at the Breyer booth and see him perform on Friday or Saturday night!

4. Get your official Rolex Central Park Horse Show and U.S. Open souvenirs: t-shirts, hats, posters, bags, and more!

5. Decide which kind of Arabian horse you like best in the U.S. Open Arabian Horse Show competition: costume, western pleasure, in-hand?

All are elegant and beautiful!

What You Can Do at the 2016 Rolex Central Park Horse Show 6. Clap along to the freestyle routines during the U.S. Open CDI Dressage Freestyle competition. The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, classical music – you’ll hear it all on Saturday night!

7. Place a friendly bet on what height the wall will reach during Thursday night’s Puissance class. The indoor record is 7 feet, 7 ½ inches. Will someone make a bid for a new world record?

8. Ride a pony on Sunday’s free Breyer Family Fun Day. After watching competitors all week in the Wollman Rink, kids can get on their own steed under the backdrop of Manhattan’s skyline.

9. Visit the Rolex Central Park Horse Show on Sunday’s Breyer Family Fun Day, which has free general admission! Find out more about the NYPD Mounted Police, who will be there for questions and photos, watch various Arabian and equestrian demonstrations, applaud exciting Pony Club games, participate in kids horseless jumping and stick races, have face painting done, pet a mini horse, and paint Stablemates model horses!

10. Ride in a mini Land Rover car on Sunday – kids of all ages can have fun and experience Land Rover in their fun mini cars.

theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 65 One of the most highly anticipated equestrian events of the year, the third edition of the Rolex Central Park Horse Show (RCPHS) is coming up fast. The world-renowned RCPHS returns to Wollman Rink in New York City’s iconic Central Park on September 21-25, 2016, for five days of multi-discipline equestrian sport. This year’s event will feature U.S. Open competition for Show Jumping, Dressage, Hunter, and Arabian disciplines, as well as many fun and educational matinee performances.

Tickets are now on sale for this one-of-a-kind event, so visit www.CentralParkHorseShow.com to buy yours today!

• Seating is limited and the demand for tickets is expected to be high.

• All seats have unobstructed views.

• All ticket sales are final, non-transferable; no refunds and no exchanges.

• Gates open 30 minutes prior to start of event.

For Reserved Seating questions, please contact 1-844-319-CPHS (2747) or email cphs.tickets@img.com.

For VIP Table Sales or questions, please contact vip@centralparkhorseshow.com.

For more information on The 2016 Rolex Central Park Horse Show, please visit www.centralparkhorseshow.com.

66 • THE PLAID HORSE

Alicia Burnett & Wolf Jaw Press Born and raised in upstate New York, Alicia Burnett has decided after studying at Rhode Island School of Design to return to her roots and set up her own business, Wolf Jaw Press.

The name is derived from Upper and Lower Wolf Jaw Mountain in the High Peaks region of the Adirondack State Park in New York, and is not the only unique thing about Burnett’s new screen printing business.

This entire process usually takes Burnett about three weeks to complete. Custom prints are available, but only as a custom edition containing at least eight prints. While she has only been professionally screen printing for about a year, Burnett has produced an impressive body of work.

Her colorful images are stunning and detailed.

Make sure to contact Alicia Burnett for any questions or quotes through her website or any other medias!

Email: alicia.p.burnett@gmail.com • Web: wolfjawpress.com Etsy: wolfjawpress.etsy.com • Instagram: @wolfjawpress

◼ BY TPH INTERN MACKENZIE SHUMAN

Screen printing is a new art, a process that young artists have only recently picked up, and Burnett excels at it. Her passion for the animal kingdom and nature is the inspiration behind Burnett’s stunning pieces of work. Asked to explain the new process of screen printing, Burnett describes it in the simplest way: “Screen printing is essentially a stenciling process. Thin polyester mesh is stretched over an aluminum frame and secured to the edges. The tightly stretched mesh is coated with a UV light sensitive emulsion and a design is ‘burned’ into the coated mesh by exposing the frame to UV light, leaving behind a stencil. Using a printer’s squeegee, ink is pushed through the stencil and onto paper. Only one color can be printed at a time with this process, so to create a multicolored print, several screens with accompanying individual designs need to be used.”

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68 • THE PLAID HORSE

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theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 69

Crossword inspired by the Post your completed crosswords and tag @theplaidhorsemag on Instagram for a chance to win cool prizes!

CROSSWORD BY SISSY WICKES

The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge encourages education and recognizes young equestrians who have exceptional horsemanship knowledge. Learn more at ushja.corg/HQC – and be sure to register for HQC 2017!

ACROSS

DOWN

2 5 8 10 11 12 14 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

1 2 3 4 6 7 9 12 13 15 16 17

Not a smooth bit Skin tumor commonly found on grey horses Common name for dermatitis Bandage that goes from top of cannon bone past coronary band Signals Team silver in rio Easily digested low sugar feed Symptoms are coughing and increased breathing Intramuscular Light mesh blanket Dun with no dorsal stripe May be used while lunging Bad hind leg conformation Removes winter coats during shedding season

70% Of heat dispensed this way Can be prevented by picking out hooves Place between the ears Disease caused by parasitic migration in spinal cord 2016 Int'l derby finals winner Popular import created by mixing hot and cold Vice perhaps caused by boredom or mineral imbalance Jump where middle is lowest part Another name for an ankle joint Cool season grass Bits works on principle of Founder

See page 98 for answers!

70 • THE PLAID HORSE

BRANDI CYRUS STYLE NATIVE

PHOTOS BY TAUSHA DICKINSON

OUTFIT ONE

theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 71

Equo Women’s Schooling Pant Available at equo-us.com Instagram@equoequestrian Kask Helmet Cavalleria Toscana Shirt Cavalleria Toscana Jacket “I honestly freaked out when I heard about these breeches, because I’ve I honestly freaked out when been saying for years now Ithat my heard about these breeches, favorite athletic brands should make because I’ve been riding pants!

I’ve saying alwaysfor wished for years now that my favorite athletic something I could wear from the barn brands should make riding pants! to the gym if I needed to – and these I’ve always wished for something make it possible! The high-waist fold I could wear from the barn to the over these tights makes gym if Iwaistband needed toon - and these them incredibly The comfortable, make it possible! high-waistand the warm is going be glorious fold overfabric waistband on to these this makes winter when 30 degrees tights them it’s incredibly comfortable, warm afabric outside. I’mand notthe normally fan of is going to be glorious this winter riding “tights” but I’m in love with the when it’s 30 degrees outside. comfort and functionality of these I’mfor not normally a fan of riding schooling days. One thing worth “tights” I’m both in love with the notingbut about of these riding comfort and functionality of shirts is the unique collar design these for schooling days. One - instead of snaps down the front, thing worth nothing about both of there is a zipper and snap on the left these riding shirts is the unique sidedesign of the -collar for of a smooth collar instead snaps and seamless appearance the front! down the front, there is afrom zipper It snap really on is all theside details, y’all!” and theinleft of the collar for a smooth and seamless appearance from the front! It really is all in the details, y’all!

72 • THE PLAID HORSE

theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 73

Cavalleria Toscana Shirt Available at EquLifestyleBoutique.com Instagram @equlifestyleboutique

74 • THE PLAID HORSE “How gorgeous is this shirt?! I love the trendy color blocking and although it’s hard to see in the photo, the sleeves have an insanely cool texture. I love this look for the jumper ring, where you can get away with a bit less traditional attire. This belt from ManeJane is super cool, as you can swap out the buckles and leather to create whatever style you want, but I love the flashy lacquered gold with the color of this top, and the red accents on the black patent belt match the subtle red accents on these Cavalleria Toscana breeches. This entire look is perfect for a girl who shares both a taste for fashion and admiration for classic traditional attire.”

OUTFIT TWO Kask Helmet

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theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 75

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76 • THE PLAID HORSE

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78 • THE PLAID HORSE 1.

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theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 79

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Top Junior

Rider

Top Junior Rider at Blenheim USHJA Intenational Hunter Derby

Elli Yeager of Ingenium Farm was once again awarded the title of Top Junior Rider in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Blenheim Equisports Showpark Racing Festival. Yeager and Copperfield 39 received a white ribbon and a custom Plaid Horse wool cooler after scoring a total of 333.5 points. The courses were difficult, but Yeager guided her mount with precision. “The course design for this class was excellent! My horse was great and very handy. I had a lot of fun competing in the class! Tasha was open to me doing the higher options and tidy inside turns which was a lot of fun. Going into the class all I wanted to do was have fun, and I did!”

The first course consisted of many high option jumps.

The line from fence seven to eight proved especially challenging, a wall to a hay bale option of 4'0" or 4'3".

Seven riders took all of the high options, but Yeager played it safe and took four of them. The Handy Round had ten challenging obstacles. The course began with a choice bending line, fence one being an oxer and fence two the hay bale jump. Next, riders rode up the hill to the trot jump and back down the hill to jump four, a barrel fence, then to a U-shaped vertical off a challenging right turn and a rollback to a wide fan oxer. The final combination was an option vertical to vertical off a right turn and then the final oxer.

Copperfield 39 began the Handy Round in seventh place. A stellar performance with tight turns and high options elevated him to a fourth place finish and the top junior rider award for Elli. ◼ BY TPH INTERN CHLOE KUHLMANN

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USHJA Child and Adult Championships, Ledges Sporting Horses, Roscoe, IL, August 2016.

1. Kristin Franz. 2. Elizabeth Becker. 3. Donna Struve. 4. Kaitlyn VanDyke. 5. Molly Canfield.

6. Benchmark Stables Support. PHOTOGRAPHY © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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WOLF PRESS 1/3 VW

theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 83

TPH INTERN BOOK REVIEW

HORSE GONE SILENT

BY SHANE LEDYARD

When I read the first few words of Shane Ledyard’s book, Horse Gone Silent, I was immediately drawn in. The book begins with an introduction into the narrator’s life, but with a twist. The book is told from the perspective of the horsesomething not seen every day. This choice helps the reader feel for the horse. Instead of the horse simply being in the story, it is the story. The reader is able to identify with the animal much like they normally would with a narrator- they get insights from inside the animal's brain instead of just the observations from people around it.

The story begins in the horse’s childhood- Bravado, the foal’s name, is a happy horse and enjoys playing along with the other foals and learning important life lessons from his mother. But soon, Bravado is sent to America to lead a life as a champion show jumper. He finds himself pulled away from the only thing he had ever known, and feels blindsided by the man who bred him. At his new home, Bravado finds himself living the dream life. He is a winning grand prix jumper, and has a rather large following.

But soon, the things he has come to know have been taken away from him again. He came out of the stall lame, and is unable to keep winning at the level he once was. The owner, only concerned with the money Bravado is or isn’t winning, tries to find a way to continue making money off of him.

The owner is not thinking of Bravado as a friend or a horse but simply as an object that can make him money. And when he runs out of money and the barn has to close, Bravado once again finds himself changing hands into a situation he doesn’t know.

This time, he finds himself as a therapeutic horse, walking around with kids who cannot ride by themselves. Bravado loves the work here, and is groomed by people all day. He is loved, and feels like a loved and appreciated horse again.

But, he soon finds himself traded again. He moves from job to job, and quickly finds himself stuck in an auction pen, bound for slaughter.

He no longer feels appreciated by anyone, and the thought of humans makes him worry. That is, until his life turns around for the better.

A man by the name of John saves him from this pen, and names him Calebo. He refuses to appreciate this man, denying him trust.

It isn’t until tragedy strikes and Calebo is again moved on, that he realized just how much he should have appreciated John.

The story ends happily, with Calebo demonstrating the main theme of the story- horses have feelings, and a good owner should take these in consideration every time they make a move. Make sure every decision is thought through with the horse in mind, not solely based on money or a rider’s career.

◼ BY TPH INTERN EMMA DUBINSKY

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Calendar of Horse Show Live Streams www.streamhorsetv.com

From First Jump to Gold Medal: Natalie Hinz Finds her ‘Destiny’ From the top of the Gold Medal podium at USEF Pony Finals 2016, Natalie Hinz looked like the rest of her team – smiling, crying, and overcome with emotion.

Less than two years ago, she experienced profound tragedy. With the support of her family and great generosity from the horse industry, Natalie Hinz rose from the depths of loss to the pinnacle of triumph.

In November 2014, Valley View Acres in Woodstock, IL, burned down, taking the life of Hinz’s pony, Lightning McQueenie, and 31 other horses. The equestrian community as a whole rushed to help, raising funds and sending trailer loads of equipment from all over the country.

Hearing of the fire, Cindy Pyke, a stranger to the Hinz family, invited them to her farm in De Pere, WI. She told Natalie to pick out any pony in her field. A pony aptly named “Destiny” made an instant connection with the young rider, and Pyke gave her to the Hinz family.

There was one minor item with this pony, who shows under the name Rumor Has It. As Pyke breeds quarter horses for cutting and reining, Destiny had never seen so much as a pole on the ground, let alone a jump.

Over the past year and a half, Hinz has brought her along slowly and carefully – from her first jump to the puddle jumper on the Showplace Productions B circuit, on to the A circuit and rated Pony Jumpers. Their partnership proved the test, having a clear round toward the Team Gold effort over 1.15 m at Pony Finals.

As we get to watch them continue their successful partnership, let us be grateful for the Cindy Pykes of the world and let us endeavor as a community to follow in her generous footsteps and give back to a sport which enriches our lives.

Pay it forward.

TOP: NATALIE HINZ WITH HER GOLD MEDAL ZONE 5/6 TEAM AT PONY FINALS - ANNA SPITZER, ISAIAH WISEMAN, AND MAYA LOVDAL. RIGHT: NATALIE HINZ AND RUMOR HAS IT IN THE PONY JUMPERS AT SHOWPLACE PRODUCTIONS. PHOTO © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, Fieldstone Show Park, Halifax, MA, August 2016. 1. Junior AO Classic. 2. Diana Babbington. 3. Fieldstone Show Park. 4. Devin Degan. 5. Theodore Boris. PHOTOGRAPHY © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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88 • THE PLAID HORSE

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ERIN DUFFY SHOW STABLES

Equestrian Excellence With A View PHOTOS BY KATE HOULIHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

As the day winds down, Erin Duffy watches the sun set over the Pacific Ocean while she finishes her last lesson. This idyllic Malibu, California location serves as the backdrop for her boutique barn, Erin Duffy Show Stables (EDSS), where passion and expertise are hard at work to make her clients’ equestrian dreams come true. Erin is a woman described as thoughtful, articulate, kind, and fun. As a trainer, she is known as a true horsewoman who inspires enormous confidence in both her riders and horses so that they develop a lifelong love of the sport and rise to their greatest potential.

Duffy’s core philosophy is two fold; positive reinforcement and sports psychology are paramount for the rider while every horse in the barn receives training and care at the level of top international horses. “I teach my students and horses what to do versus what not to do,” she says. “I want both to experience continual confidence. A good horse makes a good rider. It is important that they stay responsive through supportive and constructive teaching. You always want the horse and rider to believe in their capabilities

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not their weaknesses, and then keep them moving forward at an appropriate pace.”

EDSS is the sole tenant of Malibu Vista, a private, five-acre farm owned by Drew and Janice Leonard. The facility offers 22 stalls with paddocks, a ring, state-of-the-art footing and all the amenities that top show horses require. Clients have direct access to both the beach and hills of Malibu, as well as world class dining and shopping.

“When I opened the barn in 2010, I really thought about how much time was invested in the sport for everyone in the family, not just the rider,” Duffy says. “I wanted parents and spouses to enjoy watching the juniors and amateurs in a great environment while also staying active themselves. My clients hike together in the mountains behind the barn, cross the street and run stairs to the beach, paddle board and surf. You can go to Soul Cycle, yoga or just enjoy a great meal. This location offers a great experience for all.”

where she won the Medal and Maclay, numerous Grands Prix, successfully completed many Nations and World Cup team finals as well as other top honors. We have long respected one another's training and philosophies, so I thought what a great addition to the mix.”

Equally adept in all three rings, Duffy mindfully keeps her barn at a size where she can be intimate with her horses physical condition and training program, while designing a highly individualized coaching plan for her riders. Her style fosters loyalty with clients who praise her approach to horse management and rider development.

“With Erin you get all three of the qualities one would look for in a trainer,” long-term client, Marcelle Frey comments. “She is a great rider, great teacher and provides impeccable horse care. My kids have been given a tremendous riding foundation while learning self reliance and adapting a work ethic that carries through all aspects of their lives. Erin helps them to define and

FAR LEFT TO RIGHT: ERIN AND HER DOGS JACK AND LILLY ENJOY A WALK ON THE BEACH JUST ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE BARN; DUFFY AND ARCADIA (OWNED

BY JACQUELINE ATTWOOD-DUPONT) AT THE 2016 MENLO CHARITY HORSE SHOW. PHOTO © DEB DAWSON; ASSISTANT TRAINER ISADORA DUHAIME-TROWBRIDGE IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF ERIN DUFFY SHOW STABLES; ERIN DUFFY AND FRANCIE STEINWEDELL CARVIN HANG WITH JACK AND LILLY WHILE TAKING A BREAK FROM RIDING. PHOTOS © KATE HOULIHAN; ERIN PILOTS RUMBA TO 1ST YEAR GREEN HUNTER CHAMPION, AND GRAND GREEN CHAMPION, AT CAPITAL CHALLENGE IN 2008.

DUFFY DISCOVERED THIS FAMOUS FELLOW WHEN HE FIRST ARRIVED IN THE U.S. AND PURCHASED HIM FOR THE WILKINSON FAMILY. PHOTO © DENNIS O'NEILL.

Duffy is aided by long time assistant, Isadora DuhaimeTrowbridge, a Canadian from Montreal that trained under Olympian, Ian Millar. “Isadora is the backbone of this barn,” Duffy says. “She is almost full time at home, so that riders and horses experience consistent, top-notch training even when I am away at a show.” In addition, FEI world-renowned show jumper, Francie Steinwedell Carvin, is at EDSS part time and involved in all aspects of the barn.

“Francie’s knowledge in this world is unparalleled,” Duffy says. “She continues to be one of the sport’s great riders and has invaluable experience to offer coming from a background

reach for their own personal goals and ambitions, not someone else’s. At the same time, she teaches them it’s not about how much you have but what you do with what you have. There is no greater life lesson than that.”

Frey’s teenage daughters have ridden with Duffy since short stirrup, through the pony divisions and now horses. Her youngest child, Ella, took several years off riding after ponies.

Returning to the show ring this March in her first experience on a horse, Ella has had a successful year in the Children’s Hunter and Equitation divisions, currently ranked fifth in the World Championship Hunter Rider Regional Standings.

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ERIN DUFFY’S STYLE PICKS: Essex Classics shirts:

“They are super cool with ventilation, breathable, and feel easy. I love the white shirts with the prints inside the collar. They are really fun and give you a pop of color when you want it.”

Essexclassics.com

Charles Owen Ayr8 helmet: “It’s a really great fit, stays cool. I love the leather look and it has always held up really well in a fall." CharlesOwen.com Tom Ford sunglasses: “They are classic. My favorite style is the Whitney.”

TomFord.com Jamie Malibu Boutique, casual clothes that suit a laid-back Malibu lifestyle.

“Brands like Zimmerman, Sundry, and Frame Jeans are some of my favorites.”

Jamiemalibuboutique.com Scarves: “To keep the sun off my face I always wear a light weight scarf. My favorite brand at the moment is Pas De Calais. Barneys.com

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“I think the Erin Duffy foundation is invaluable,” Frey continues. “Ella is benefiting from that now and moving up the ranks quickly. Macauley, the horse she is riding, is owned by our barn mate, Natalie James. He is a beautiful hunter/equitation horse that teaches her to really ride. It was a brilliant choice on Erin’s part.”

One of Duffy’s great passions is finding and bringing along young horses. Duffy first gained a national reputation in this arena while at Cece Durante Bloum’s Newmarket Stables in Del Mar nurturing talents including Enchanted, Rumba, Falcoa, Classic Sun, Ipsylon, and Round Midnight. The teams enjoyed numerous championships at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and the Washington International Horse Show. In 2008, she piloted the sensational grey, Rumba, to the First Year and Grand Green Hunter Championships at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. She also qualified for the coveted World Championship Hunter Rider Professional Challenge, finishing in third place.

“I had a terrific partnership with Lori DeRosa, at Newmarket,” Duffy explains. “She is truly one of the sport’s great trainers plus a close friend. We had a large barn with up to 30 horses at a show. I was the head rider and she the head trainer taking juniors from top pony jockeys to winning medal finals, Young Rider team members, Grands Prix, and really going all the way.

Duffy continues,”I think it’s important to try and train children artfully. It takes a lot of mental discipline not to let your mind wander when you are riding, keeping your mind on the job in high pressure situations. I think competitive riding teaches kids to be mentally strong at a young age. I have watched all of my juniors go on to be successful in life.”

Currently, Duffy is bringing along a new crop of young, talented horses. Two of the hunters, Brave and Focus, are owned and ridden by amateur client Jacqueline Attwood-Dupont. “I know that [Erin] can take raw talent and turn it into a famous horse,” she says.

Atwood has had a stellar 2016 show season. Her upand-coming mount, Brave, rose to the top alongside her more seasoned mount, Arcadia, resulting in Atwood-Dupont standing in third place regionally in the World Championship Hunter Rider Amateur Owner division. Her second green mount, Focus, will be rounding out his year at indoors this fall.

Currently working full time as a business consultant, Attwood-Dupont highlights the importance of trusting her

trainer. “As an amateur, it is important for me to be able to trust her with the care of my horses. I cannot be with them every day and it is important to know that they are in a great program.”

Attwood-Dupont praises the custom made approach Duffy takes to training her horses and riders. “The size of Erin Duffy Show Stables benefits young horses. She never has a one-sizefits-all approach.” Atwood-Dupont’s 16 year old hunter, Arcadia, also thrives under the care of Duffy and Agins. “[Arcadia] is so happy in mind and body. In another program, he may not still be jumping 3'6". Erin does things the right way and I never have to worry.”

Attwood-Dupont explains,”I don’t think I have ever gone for lessons and jumped the same course twice on any one of my horses. Each lesson is custom made to our specific development plan.”

Green jumpers are Duffy’s ultimate sandbox. At present, she is focused on amateur client, Natalie James’, Fleur and Be Grande. “Natalie returned to the sport as an adult after a 20 year gap from riding as a child. She is dedicated, brave and loves to import her horses from Scotland where she grew up, which makes it fun. Natalie has come such a long way over the past year. This summer, she showed in Europe with great success. I like to think my program, in part, gave her the confidence to do that. It is enormously satisfying for me.”

A native Californian, Duffy grew up riding under the tutelage of Cyndi Merrit and Judy Martin, winning top junior accolades including the L.A. County Medal Finals, the California Professional Horseman’s Association Medal Finals, and was second to Olympic medalist Meredith MichaelsBeerbaum in the USET Finals. From this success, Duffy launched into a professional career working for Mary Tyng at the L.A. Equestrian Center in the roles of rider and trainer.

At this large facility, Duffy explains she “got her feet wet right away,” riding multiple horses in multiple divisions throughout California. Duffy went on to work for prominent owners and trainers in California as a young, up-and-coming rider.

Rounding out her early professional experience was a year spent in Europe, working for renowned Dutch horseman Jan Tops and the legendary Stephex Stables in Belgium.

If you happen to be driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, stop by and visit this friendly equestrian paradise.

There, you will find Erin training in her signature hats and scarves. Alas, the only sun bathers to be found are her beloved dogs Jack and Lilly. And, of course, the horses… ◼

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BROOKE WILL CONSTRUCT FIVE PERMANENT WATER TROUGHS LIKE THIS ONE IN MARKET AREAS IN A DROUGHT-PRONE REGION OF ETHIOPIA THIS YEAR.

BROOKE USA RAISES CRUCIAL FUNDS FOR WORKING EQUINES ACROSS THE GLOBE

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There are those who believe that one moment can alter your life forever, and for Dorothy Brooke, that moment happened more than 80 years ago in Cairo, Egypt. In the early 1930s, Mrs. Brooke was astonished to find thousands of former WW1 British warhorses who had been abandoned and sold into working hardships on the streets of Cairo. Not only did that moment greatly impact Mrs. Brooke’s life, it would also change the lives of working equines for decades to come.

Her subsequent relentless and inspiring efforts to rescue 5,000 of those animals and end their suffering led to the creation of what is today Brooke: Action for Working Horses and Donkeys (Brooke) - the world’s largest international equine welfare charity.

Working equines are the engines that power developing countries. They are crucial to literally hundreds of millions of the world’s poorest people who depend on these animals to help them eke out a meagre livelihood. The animals carry out backbreaking household chores, plow fields, take goods to market, haul food and water, transport construction materials, and earn extra money so families can pay school fees for their children and purchase food, clothing, and medicine.

However, as a result of owners’ extreme poverty, lack of education, few resources, and no access to veterinary assistance, these animals usually live sad, painful, and short lives – which is not only tragic for the animals, but causes devastating economic hardships for their families who are often already on the cusp of financial ruin.

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1. Overloaded, dehydrated, and exhausted, many working equines collapse – and often die – once they reach markets with their heavy burdens. Without access to water once they arrive, their futures are uncertain, at best, so Brooke constructs water troughs at many high-traffic markets in developing countries. 2. A Brooke veterinarian in Pakistan examines a donkey at one of Brooke’s many wayside stations, where owners can pull their working animals off of the street and directly into a clinic for free veterinary care.

3. Horses, donkeys, and mules like this one routinely haul 25-40 tons of bricks each day across thousands of kilns in India, Egypt, Pakistan, and Nepal. Brooke veterinarians work in hundreds of these kilns to improve the welfare of the animals who suffer there. 4. Owners are often paid by the loads they deliver, so the temptation for poor owners to overload and overwork their animals is enormous.

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That’s were Brooke comes in. They offer advice and support to local communities in order to educate owners and service providers (such as farriers, healers, saddle makers, feed dealers, etc) on the proper care and keeping of equines.

The education programs have improved the welfare of animals who would otherwise have lived in misery.

Brooke’s equine welfare programs are grounded in sustainability and education. They provide free veterinary care for these hard-working animals and sustainable programs that create a lasting infrastructure for ongoing improvement of animal welfare in communities that are plagued by poverty and poor working conditions.

One of the most exciting events in Brooke’s 80-year history was the creation of Brooke USA seven years ago.

Brooke USA is the American fundraising arm of Brooke, and exists solely to raise money to support Brooke’s overseas programs. Since officially opening their American headquarters at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington only four years ago, Brooke USA has become a pivotal part of the organization’s success.

By introducing Americans to their unique work, Brooke USA is able to fund projects that permanently reverse the 4.

effects malnutrition, dehydration, overloading, exhaustion, heat stress, colic, lameness, infectious disease and injuries.

Most recently, Brooke USA launched its “Buy a Donkey a Drink” campaign, which is raising money to build five massive, permanent water troughs in Ethiopia that will benefit 13,500 working equines, giving them lifetime access to fresh water, and benefitting more than 80,000 people who depend on them. Ethiopia was selected for this particular project because it is plagued by annual drought and extreme poverty.

These 50-foot-long concrete troughs will be located in very busy market areas where thousands of animals regularly gather. In addition to horses, donkeys, and mules, an additional 60,000 other livestock animals such as camels and cattle will also have access to this lifesaving water. By making it possible for animals to drink on a daily basis, Brooke will lower the equine mortality rate in that area by 45%.

Brooke USA’s “Buy a Donkey a Drink” campaign is just one example of literally hundreds of Brooke projects currently underway in locations that include Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Egypt, Ethiopia, Senegal, Kenya, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and a pilot project recently launched in Mexico.

With help from donors and the support of a sparkling list of equestrian celebrities such as Brooke USA ambassadors Boyd Martin, Debbie McDonald, Laura Kraut, Nic Roldan, Allison Brock, Sinead Halpin, and others, last year alone, Brooke reached 1.8 million horses, donkeys, and mules. This year they expect to reach an additional 2 million animals. Add to that the international fire power of Brooke president, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, and patron HRH Princess Alia of Jordan, with global ambassadors Monty Roberts and Charlotte Dujardin, and Brooke USA is poised to affect the lives of millions more working equines in the foreseeable future.

Be part of the movement to help working animals. Go to www.BrookeUSA.org and donate now. Or, sponsor a water trough in Ethiopia at BuyaDonkeyaDrink.org.

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Brynn Seymour, the main character in Anne Clermont’s debut novel Learning to Fall, captures the essence of every equestrian. With a strong dedication to her sport and her equine partner, Seymour fights hard for what is most important to her throughout the novel. In many ways, Clermont's novel is the grown up version of the horse books I read as a child: authentic, captivating, and relatable.

ANTARES • LUC CHILDERIC • HERMES • AMERIGO • TAD

LEARNING TO FALL

BY ANNE CLERMONT

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Learning to Fall opens with tragedy as Seymour and her father, who trains out of their family owned farm, hit trouble when trailering. Losing both her father and his up-and-coming horse, Seymour must give up her dream to become a vet in order to save the family farm and training business from debt. Yet, her efforts come up empty and she is left with little hope of saving the farm. With an unlikely appearance from Jason Lander, a past show jumping champion, Brynn aims to win the Million Dollar Gold Cup with her horse Jett. Through different methods and a complicated relationship, the two train for the competition in hopes of winning enough money to keep the family business. In this novel, Clermont combines a love for riding with the unique urgency to preserve a father’s legacy and a cherished farm.

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ANTARES • LUC CHILDERIC • HERMES • AMERIGO • TAD

TPH INTERN BOOK REVIEW

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

What makes Clermont’s novel special is the beautiful use of language. In some horse novels, the language is detached, aged, or unrelatable. However, Clermont’s novel is not distanced from

today’s riding world. She explains concepts that non-riders would not understand clearly and quickly, which allows for riders to stay interested, rather than feel like they are being taught unnecessary information. In this way, both non-riders and riders can keep up with the pace of the book without feeling left behind or bored. I appreciated this throughout the entire novel, feeling like the book was directed towards my audience while knowing that it includes other readers and allows them to appreciate it just as greatly.

What is most prevalent throughout Learning to Fall, though, is a dedication to authenticity. Clermont captures the world of showjumping in its true light: defeat, success, and the tough parts in between. She does not exclude the work behind the curtains like the tough lessons, the injuries, and the complicated relationships. It is within this authentic picture of the horse world that I felt most connected to Seymour as a main character. Rather than tossing her horse off to a groom and having no pressure to succeed, Seymour works for her success, allowing the reader to wholeheartedly relate to her.

It is evident that Clermont has come from the horse world, through her beautifully written picture of showjumping. This book could be in the hands of any child or adult, rider or non-rider, as it carries universal messages of perseverance and achievement. Clermont’s Learning to Fall is clearly a novel that many will adore for years to come. ◼ BY TPH INTERN CHAPEL PUCKETT

Answers for Crossword Puzzle on page 69: ACROSS 2. TWIST 5. MELANOMA 8. SCRATCHES 10. SHIPPING 11. AIDS 12. SHOWJUMPING 14. BEETPULP 18. HEAVES 19. IM 20. SCRIM 21. BUCKSKIN 22. SURCINGLE 23. COWHOCKED. 24. SHEDDINGBLADE. DOWN 1. SWEAT 2. THRUSH 3. POLL 4. EPM 6. MISSLUCY 7. WARMBLOOD 9. CRIBBING 12. SWEDISHOXER 13. FETLOCK 15. TIMOTHY 16. PRESSURE 17. LAMINITIS.

theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 99

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Show Your Passion, Ride In Fashion!

Staci Rosner: 561-282-8484 EquestrianTeamApparel@aol.com www.EquestrianTeamApparel.com

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Equifest, Lamplight Equestrian Center, Wayne, IL, August 2016. 1. Maya Lovdal.

2. Maggie Jayne 3. Marisa Malevitis. 4. Callie Rheinheimer. 5. Emma Greenberg.

PHOTOGRAPHY © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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STRUCK APPAREL’S 50 SERIES SHOW BREECH Struck Apparel’s motto is “made for sport.” All products are “designed to meet athlete’s needs, and help you deliver your best performance every ride.” Struck Apparel’s hottest new addition to their line of top-quality, innovative, and trendy equestrian wear is the 50 Series Show Breech, which is manufactured in Toronto, Canada. These sport-oriented breeches are made with the finest Schoeller Prestige™ fabric from Switzerland, ensuring the utmost attention to detail in every pair of pants.

This new show breech not only maintains its shape, but is also high-stretch and has an elasticized waistband for comfort.

In addition, it boasts moisture-wicking properties for those steamy days at the horse show. The all-new nanosphere coating works to reduce stains from adhering to the fabric and helps in washing them out, making your pants stay cleaner, longer.

Say good-bye to those annoying black boot polish stains on your breeches! The nanoGripTech knee patch design was specially modeled after geckos, where the tighter the rider presses, the harder it will

grip. This is ideal for when your scopey horse jumps higher than usual, or you decide to leave a stride out!

To make these pants more unique, they feature ergonomically designed low pressure seams, so there is no discomfort where the pants meet the riding boots.

A Heavy duty YKK™ locking zipper that matches the color of the pants prevents embarrassing moments, so you can just focus on what’s important: your ride.

Untucked show shirts will be a thing of the past with Struck Apparel’s 50 Series Show Breech, which has a rub rise line to prevent

the shirt from riding up and becoming untucked as you ride. The ankle portion is made of lightweight wicking knit material, preventing pressure points. These pants were created to be streamlined and sporty.

They retail for $269.95, and the schooling version of them retails at $249.95. The Show Breech comes in beige with a soft light blue spandex cuff, and white with a purple spandex cuff, allowing you to make a fashion statement long after you finish riding for the day. Remember, “Riding is a sport. Dress Like it.”

◼ CAROLINE NICKOLAUS

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