Lori &
Nicole
Lori and Adams Fire, 2015 U.S. National Champion H/A Pleasure Driving AAOTD.
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WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD Lori and Nicole Lawrence S TA R L I N E A R A BI A NS L L C
R A NCHO SA N TA F E , CA L I F OR N I A , U N I T ED S TAT ES
You both have showed some amazing horses; is there one ride or class that stands out in your mind? L: Oh, that is a hard one! But after a two-year absence from the ring, it was pretty special to drive Adams Fire this year. I had to work up the courage for that class, since I had basically no driving experience and lack spatial reasoning, but when we went through the gates at Nationals, Adam seemed to send me a message saying, “I’ve got this Mom, just hang on and have fun,” and boy did I! N: Showing Adams Fire has always been my favorite. He is my total “heart horse,” and the connection I share with him is unlike any I have ever felt. Getting to show him to my first National AAOTR Championship in the H/A English, and showing his full brother, Emperors Fire, to National Champion in the H/A English Maturity the following year, always stands out to me as two of my most meaningful rides. It was SO emotional and special to show my favorite horse in the world, and then show his brother, who I absolutely love to pieces as well! I couldn’t feel more blessed to have two once-in-alifetime horses. When Nicole was younger, you would share horses, but now that you both show at the same Nationals, how do you determine who shows whom? L: Determining who shows which horses seems to happen organically; we click with one when they are young, or Joel thinks a particular one is more suited for one of us than the other. He has a knack for pairing us up with the right horses, so we put a lot of trust in his instincts. Adam is the exception; he has gone back and forth between us seamlessly. N: Yes, Joel usually decides for us! I think my mom and I have a very similar riding style, but we each definitely
have our strengths, and Joel has a pretty good idea which horse would be a better fit for one or the other. And we have total trust in Joel and his intuition on that. Is there something you say to each other before you enter the show ring that is only shared between the two of you? L: We know each other pretty well and seem to know the right thing to say, to either calm each other’s nerves or get pumped up! We kind of “mind meld” when it comes to the horses … it’s pretty special. N: I agree, we both have a really good sense as to what the other one needs before a class. Sometimes I need my mom to pump me up … and other times to keep me calm and focused … and vice versa with her. Every time before a class, particularly at Nationals, we always tell each other “good luck and have fun!” It can get intense in the warm-up arena with all the horses and trainers, but the reason we do all of this is because we love it, and it’s pure joy for us to show these incredible horses. So we always make sure to remind each other of that. It’s always got to be more about the ride and having fun than the outcome. If you were to describe your style, what would you say it is? L: I would describe my style as casual chic. I am a jeans and t-shirt girl most of the time, but still have to have my hair styled and a bit of make-up on. Nicole tries to keep my fashion current and picks a lot of stuff out for me when we go shopping. N: For me, it’s hard to say, because I like to constantly evolve, but you can definitely always find me in black; it goes with everything, and I find myself feeling the best in it. When casual, I love to keep it low key—I’m
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Nicole and Adams Fire, 2012 U.S. National Champion H/A English Pleasure AAOTR 18-39.
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obsessed with flannels, ripped jeans and converse. If I am getting dressed up, I like boho-chic. For Love and Lemons is my go-to brand. Long skirts with crop tops, bell-bottoms and flowy tops—I love that stuff. What is something you can always find in your purse? L: There is a lot of stuff in my purse, but some things you will never find me without are, my cell phone, my American Express and a lip gloss! N: I’m like Mary freaking Poppins when it comes to handbags. Seriously though, I’m like the girl pulling a lamp out of my purse; a million things in there (always), but the essentials are sunglasses, sunscreen (I’m sunscreen crazy), lip balm, and water. What would our readers be surprised to know about you? L: People might be surprised to know that despite the fact that I am a strong competitor, I spent most of my younger life with many different breeds of horses, riding around like a wild-child on the trails with all my friends. I love everything about the barn; from the smells and the warm whinnies when I first walk down the aisle in the morning, to the Zen-like relaxation I feel when
Nicole, her fiance, Phil Chapparone and Cara.
grooming them. At heart, I am the same horse crazy girl I have always been, long before I rode for the roses. N: I don’t know if it is super surprising or not, but just as crazy as I am about the horses, I am the same way about my dogs. I have a special connection with my fur babies and—similar to the horses—they have taught me so many lessons in loyalty, companionship and love. Cara, my and Phil’s puppy, is our little furry bit of heaven. What is the first word that comes to your mind when you think of yourself? The other? L: Myself, hmmm, that’s a hard one, but I would have to say focused. I work hard to be my best at whatever I set my mind to. I don’t think anything is impossible to achieve, or any problem too big to solve, if you have love in your life, and work hard.
Lori showing GCH Starline’s Victim Of Love at the Santa Barbara Kennel Club, 2011.
“Perfect” is the word that comes to me when I think of Nicole because I cannot imagine having a more perfect daughter in every way. Nic is extremely intelligent, loves deeply and accomplishes whatever she sets her mind to. She does not just get things done, she is organized and quick, and never settles for just ordinary, but strives for extraordinary.
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And then after work I look forward to going home to my puppy, Cara, and cooking dinner with Phil, my fiancé. If we’re not doing that, we are spending time with friends and family—a lot. Lately, Phil and I have also been really busy with wedding planning! That has been taking up a ton of time, but has been really fun. We can’t wait to get married in July! What is another sport or hobby that you enjoy together away from the horse world?
Carey and Lori riding Arabians in the vineyards of Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2011.
N: For myself: determined. A long time ago I read this silly quote, “Good things happen to those who hustle.” I love that quote, because people have aspirations, goals, ideas and plans. But none are executed without a little hustle and determination. I live my life by that.
L: Every weekend Nicole and I trail ride together on Nabasken and Barbie, or we get on our walking shoes and hike for hours with the dogs. I cherish the relaxation time spent with our 4-legged family. N: Yes, the horses are our world. Almost every Saturday we go for a trail ride around Rancho Santa Fe. I take Nabasken—who keeps me trained for the horses back in Tennessee—and my mom, Barbarry Coast. And tons of hikes with the dogs on the weekends; trying to get nice and fit for the wedding next year! What is your favorite show to attend and why? L: Nationals is my favorite show to attend, because it is not only the culmination of all the hard work
As for my mom … amazing. I have the best mom (no bias, of course), and no one word can suffice, but I think ‘amazing’ encompasses her well. She is my best friend and role model, and I couldn’t be luckier to share a relationship with her like we have. (I would also say she’s pretty darn determined as well! I totally get it from her; we are a lot alike). What does a typical day consist of in your world? L: A typical day for me revolves around my horses and dogs, fitness and family. I may start with a onehour workout with my trainer, take a ride or a long hike with the dogs, and end the day with dinner cooked at home or at our favorite sushi restaurant with Mom, Carey and the kids. N: For me, it’s work! I work full time during the week at an advertising company with my brother and a bunch of friends. I absolutely love my job. Nicole with fiance Phil Chapparone.
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we put in all year, but a great time to spend time with friends we don’t have the chance to see much throughout the year. There is a deep camaraderie between all of us Arabian fanatics! N: I love Nationals as well, because, well … it’s Nationals. We work all year towards it, and I enjoy the excitement and energy of the show. Also, it’s so great to get to see everyone from the barn all in one place, which makes Nationals really special on a whole other level. I also really love Scottsdale. The grounds are not only beautiful, but the spectatorship at that show is like no other show we go to. It’s great to see people from the city come to watch and support the Arabian breed. Do you have a good luck charm that you like to have when you compete?
Lori and 10-time National Champion Nabasken Afire, 2013 U.S. National Champion English Pleasure AAOTR 40 & Over.
L: The Kiesner lapel pin that Joel and Ashton gave us when we came to the barn. They only had one left, and we both have become superstitious about it, so sometimes we have to hurry over and put in on the other one’s lapel when our classes are close together. I also have a lucky pair of earrings and sometimes I wear the same “lucky” socks all the way through a show! (I know, gross!) N: That’s it! Sharing the Kiesner lapel pin. Who is the person that you feel has made you into the horsewomen you are? L: Nicole has helped make me into the horsewoman I am, because our connection through the horses is so strong and special. I think we inspire each other to be better horsewomen each year. And undoubtedly, Joel.He is a master at what he does, and I look forward to each new show season as much or more than, the one before, because he always has more knowledge and passion to share with us.
Nicole and Emperors Fire, 2014 Unanimous U.S. National Champions H/A English Pleasure AAOTR 19-39 and Maturity.
N: My mom, for sure. She’s loved horses all her life, and I think she just passed down the horse obsessive-compulsive gene to me. And the support that she and my dad have provided for me since I started riding at four has allowed me to fuel that passion even further. Getting to share the love we all have for the horses is such a blessing to our family. L-R: 9-time National Champion Emperors Fire and Joel Kiesner, 16-time National Champion Adams Fire and Nicole, and 4-time National Champion Eves Fire and Lori (all siblings - Afire Bey V x Ritida).
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Carey, Lori, Nicole and Kyle in South Africa, 2013.
If you could donate your time to a charity, which one would it be and why? L: Saving wildlife in Africa would be a cause I would love to devote more time to. Nothing upsets me more than trophy hunting, and the disappearance of these majestic creatures on this earth. One only has to go there and experience it to know what a travesty it would be if our children’s children never get a chance to view God’s gifts to us. I would do anything to help preserve them on this planet. N: Any charity that works to end animal cruelty and suffering. Nothing could be more fulfilling then helping to better the lives of animals. It has been said that you both like to trail ride. What makes this so enjoyable for you and who is your favorite horse to ride?
L: Nicole and I do love to trail ride! It is a time to just connect with our horses and be out in nature. Nic and I are so in-sync with each other, and can pace our horses side by side at every gait; something I have never done with anyone else. We laugh, we talk about life, and sometimes we are just quiet and enjoy the bond with our horses. My favorite horse to ride is Barbie (Barbary Coast). She is 22 years old, but can still get hot and trot down the trail like she is in her prime. She is too proud to be anything but perfect! I love that girl! N: Yes! Not only is it such a nice way for my mom and I to spend time together, but being in the saddle and on a horse’s back trail riding is our mental relaxation. I think we would both start to go crazy if we didn’t get a ride in at least once a week. And my favorite horse to ride on the trail is Nabasken. I usually ride him just with a bareback pad because, not
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only do I really enjoy it, but I think it relaxes him to have only that after wearing a saddle all his life. He knows it means trail time. Still, some days he will just catch a spark and I will bounce along as he trots level down the trail. It’s super fun when he has those days! Is there one Arabian horse that you have never shown or ridden that you would have loved to and why? L: That’s a hard question to answer, because I am blessed with such an incredible string to ride and show. I guess, secretly, I have always wanted to take a round on Afires Heir. He looks like he is a powerhouse, and I think it would be a rush to throw a leg over that special boy. In the meantime, feeding him carrots every time we visit Kiesners’ will have to suffice. N: For me, it’s Gisele! It’s funny to say, because my family owns her, but I have actually never been on
her! She’s the first baby that we raised at our house, so my whole family feels a special way about her. I think she is secretly my dad’s favorite, though he will never claim favorites. Joel actually put my dad on her when she was just a three-year-old and let him walk her around the arena. It was sweet. We are all planning on going back to Joel’s this winter and I think doing somewhat of a “horse-swap,” just so I can get on mom’s horses that I haven’t ever ridden, and she can get on mine! Are there similarities between the dog and Arabian show world? L: Undoubtedly, there are similarities between the dog and Arabian world. Just like in the Arabian show world, people compete at all different levels in dogs. Some just on a local level with one dog, and others put on full campaigns and spend huge sums of money with a “great one” to reach top rankings in the country. It is also very social and strong bonds
Lori with a huge leatherback sea turtle in South Africa.
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are forged between friends and, of course, with our canine companions. In twenty years, where do you see yourself in the Arabian horse industry? L: In twenty years I hope to be watching Nicole and my grandbabies ride, and possibly expand on our breeding program. Maybe I can start riding western since it is a bit slower than English pleasure! I cannot imagine not having the Arabians in our lives. N: Hopefully, still riding and breeding incredible horses! With the addition of a couple of kids who (fingers crossed) share the same horse addiction that we do! Is there one division that you have not tried that you would like too?
Adams Fire and Nicole, 2012 Unanimous U.S. National Champion H/A English Pleasure AAOTR 18-39.
L: There was one division I wanted to try, but I just tackled that one by driving Adams Fire for the first time at this year’s Nationals! Talk about starting out with the best! He is so well mannered in harness, and I had no idea I would love it so much! N: Driving! Which I plan on starting this winter! What other talents do you possess outside of the horse world? L: Not sure what other talents I have, but I guess I am a fairly good cook, I’ve heard, from my extended family who come over to our house every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Or at least they all tell me I am… maybe it is just so they don’t have to do all the work! I am also a pretty good hand at showing dogs, and have won my fair share in the dog show world, including Best In Show with “Chanel”, and the Nationals Specialty for Whippets.
Eves Fire and Lori, 2015 U.S. National Champion H/A English Pleasure AAOTR 40 & Over.
N: I love to write! I started as an English major in college (ended with a double major in English and Communications). I also love photography. I wouldn’t say I am necessarily really talented at it yet, but it is something I enjoy in my free time. Between those two things, and the passion I have had for beauty and fashion all my life, I was compelled to start a blog a couple years ago. Unfortunately, I have had to take time away from it for my current
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Lori and Nicole at the 2014 U.S. Nationals.
job, but I would love to get back to it later on down the road! If you could change one thing about the Arabian horse industry, what would it be and why? L: If I could change one thing about the Arabian industry, it would be to find a way to share it with more people. I love this industry, and it has brought so much joy to our family. I hope that Nicole and generations to come, will continue to stay involved. N: From my perspective, the industry seems in pretty good shape. The shows are fun, the quality of horses is high, and people seem more positive. Events like the Central Park show are great ways to introduce more people to the Arabian! It would be nice if we could put a few more people in the stands, although for some of the classes at the Scottsdale and National shows the past couple of years, it was standing room only! If you could give advice to someone that is just starting out showing Arabians, what would it be and why?
L: If you are just starting out in Arabians, get the best advisor you can to help you pick out your first Arabian. Search out an excellent trainer through references, or an experienced mentor to help you achieve your personal goals. One of the best decisions I ever made for my family and I was to get involved with Arabians. The horses, and all the wonderful people involved in this breed, will give you back more than you can imagine. N: Find more joy in the process, rather than the end goal. My favorite part of showing is the entire journey. Each year I still feel like I learn something new, and when I do, I get so excited! It’s like a lightbulb finally goes off, and when it does, it’s so rewarding. Joel can be telling me something for years, and I think I get it, but then one day I realize, “Ohhh, that’s what he meant.” Or I will finally understand the rationale behind doing something he is telling me. You think you got it, until you really get it. You know what I mean? And it is literally the best feeling in the world when you do. I am always trying to suck as much information from Joel as I can. Basically, just stay hungry, and you do that by continuing to learn and love what you are doing. n
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