Las Vegas National CSI4*-W 2023 Official Program by Blenheim Equisports

THE LAS VEGAS NATIONAL HORSE SHOW, CS14*-W NOVEMBER 13-19, 2023

2023/2024 | NORTH AMERICAN LEAGUE

SACRAMENTO, CA (USA)

OCT 7 2023

WASHINGTON, DC (USA)

OCT 28 2023

LEXINGTON, KY (USA)

NOV 4 2023

TORONTO, ON (CAN)

NOV 11 2023

LAS VEGAS, NV (USA)

NOV 18 2023

FORT WORTH, TX (USA)

DEC 16 2023

PUEBLA (MEX)

JAN 27 2024

OCALA, FL (USA)

MAR 17 2024

FINAL

RIYADH (KSA)

APR 16-20 2024

CONTENTS

THE LAS VEGAS NATIONAL HORSE SHOW

FOREWARD INGMAR DE VOS

FOREWARD ROBERT RIDLAND

EVENT MAP AND VENDORS

PROGRAM

THE ROAD TO RIYADH

RIDER PROFILES

THE WEC MEDAL FINAL/CPHA

SHOPPING GUIDE

ETHEL M CHOCOLATES FEATURE

RED BUCKET EQUINE RESCUE

2022 HIGHLIGHTS

SPONSORS

FREE CLINICS

NEWS 2024-27 HOST OF LVN

AUTOGRAPHS

INGMAR DE VOS, FEI PRESIDENT

F O R E WA R D

INGMAR DE VOS

On behalf of the Fédération Equestre Internationale, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Las Vegas for another exciting qualifier of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League 2023/2024. Over the next few days, we are guaranteed to experience top-level sport as athletes and horses brave courses of highest standards, set up by some of the best course designers in the world. Twelve leagues, including the North American League, make up the highly successful and global FEI World Cup™ Jumping series which has been in existence since 1978. This year again, eight suspense-filled qualifiers, of which four count towards the overall standings, will be taking us from The USA to Canada and Mexico. Sacramento (USA) has kick-started this new season and as our journey continues, we will be heading out to destinations such as Washington, D.C. (USA), Toronto (CAN) and Puebla (MEX), to name a few. At each leg, athletes will be aiming for precious FEI World Cup™ points, which could qualify them for the prestigious Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Riyadh (KSA), 16-20 April 2024. This new season will once again be filled with fantastic sports moments, brought to us through the unique bond between horses and rider; the trust, the communication, and the patience involved. It is this bond which enables impressive feats of athleticism to be achieved and the core around which the whole FEI community revolves. I would like to thank Longines most sincerely for their invaluable and ongoing support, which allows us to continuously set the bar for this series extremely high. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Blenheim EquiSports team and their management team, for the successful running of this event. To the volunteer body and sponsors, as well as the athletes, the enthusiastic public, and the media representatives, thank you for your dedication and loyalty; this would not be possible without you! I wish the athletes the best of luck, and the fans that they have a wonderful time here in Las Vegas, conducted in the best spirit of great horsemanship.

INGMAR DE VOS FEI PRESIDENT

F O R E WA R D

ROBERT RIDLAND

Welcome to the 2023 Las Vegas National CSI4*-W, proudly hosted by Blenheim EquiSports! We are thrilled to return to the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa for another year of the highest-caliber hunter/jumper competition, including the Marshall & Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships and the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League Las Vegas. Thanks to the longstanding support of South Point Hotel owner Michael Gaughan and his wife, Paula, what began as a small, one-ring horse show has grown to a multi-arena event that attracts many of the top riders in the world. We are honored that, for more than a decade, the Las Vegas National has been the host of a Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier, and this year, we are thrilled to again be one of only eight North American League events selected by the Fédération Equestre International to host a qualifying class. With more horsepower than ever before right here in Vegas, we are proud to offer increased prize money for Saturday night’s $226,000 Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Las Vegas. Earlier this year, we also received the official word that we will remain a Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier host venue for the 2024-2025 through 2027-2028 seasons. This is a privilege that we do not take lightly, and as such, we are looking forward to continuing to grow in what we offer exhibitors and spectators alike. Beginning in 2024, we will for the first time become a CSI5*-W competition. We are committed to continuing to bring top-caliber equestrian sport to the West Coast, and this only furthers that goal. It is with sincerest gratitude that I thank our sponsors, partners, competitors and staff that make it all possible! On behalf of all of us at Blenheim EquiSports, we are elated to have you here this week, and we hope you enjoy your time in Vegas!

ROBERT RIDLAND PRESIDENT, BLENHEIM EQUISPORTS PAGE 6 | The Las Vegas National

INTRODUCING

THE MINI DOLCEVITA THE OFFICIAL WATCH OF THE LONGINES FEI JUMPING WORLD CUP™ NORTH AMERICAN LEAGUE IN LAS VEGAS

ELEGANCE IN THE SMALLEST DETAIL. The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League in Las Vegas is the perfect setting to showcase the Mini DolceVita. With its discreet profile, classic styling, and aesthetic variations that are at once timely and timeless, it is a masterpiece that exquisitely expresses, in equal parts, Longines’ quiet luxury and contemporary elegance. A MINI WATCH, A LARGE VARIETY. The Mini DolceVita has a significant lineage: it was inspired by a Longines legend created in 1927 and, of course, the original DolceVita family from 1997. That collection triggered the slogan “Elegance is an attitude”, and the Mini DolceVita updates the story for a whole new generation. The Mini DolceVita watches have been created in an impressive range of color options and configurations. The new references feature 21.50mm x 29mm stainless steel cases and are available with or without diamond settings. Built on a rich heritage, these stunning jewel watches are bound to resonate with dynamic, spirited women drawn to breathtaking timepieces that perfectly complement any styling choice.

EVENT MAP

SOUTH POINT ARENA & VENDOR LISTING

INDOOR VENDORS Andrew Ryback Photography Charles Ancona Cutco CWD Sellier DEVOUCOUX Der-Dau Ethel M Chocolates European Equine Horse Coin Jewelry HorsePlay Human Touch L & V Native Designs Lapis Enterprise Las Vegas National Merchandise LDZ Inc. Pura Vida

OUTDOOR VENDORS

Rami Abu FarmVet Red Bucket Equine Rescue ShowMD Riders Boutique BARN AREA Shirley’s Jewelry Smooth Gator Jett Martin Equine Spa Style on the Go Sundance Farms Boutique To access the outdoor vendor area, please Tack of the Town go through the doors towards the Priefert The Silver Cedar Pavilion, make a left down the walkway, Threads N Bags then go through the doors to the outside Tracey Madden vendor area. True Frequency Products Two Hearts Equine Boutique Voltaire EquuSport

PROGRAM

A SPECTACULAR SATURDAY WITH MORE HORSE POWER THAN EVER BEFORE! November 18 | South Point Arena MORNING COMPETITION 11 a.m.

$39,000 CSI4*-W Las Vegas National “Double or Nothing” Speed Stake

1 p.m.

Afternoon entertainment including an athlete autograph signing, face painters, caricature artists, shopping, magicians and more

1:30 p.m. WCE Medal Finals

THINGS TO KNOW Saturday night’s $226,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Las Vegas is open to the top 40 athletes from the $39,000 CSI4*-W Las Vegas National “All In” Speed Classic, held on Thursday, November 16. All riders will compete over a ﬁrst-round course, with those who complete the course without incurring any penalties qualifying for the jump-off round.

Doors Close Prior to Evening Session

EVENING COMPETITION 4:45 p.m. Evening Box Office Opens 5:30 p.m. Doors Open Family fun and entertainment for all including face painting, caricature artists, magicians, shopping, entertainers and more! 6:15 p.m. Opening Ceremonies, including a live musical performance by Ki-Juan Minors and the Parade of Nations 7 p.m.

FINALE COMPETITION! $226,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Las Vegas

The jump-off round features a shortened course where speed is the name of the game! Riders will attempt to go as quickly as possible without knocking down any fences, and the win will go to the rider with the least number of faults in the fastest time. Fences will be set at a maximum height of 1.60m (5’3”).

PENALTIES EXPLAINED When the time allowed is exceeded, per every 4 seconds = 1 fault When rails fall from a jump = 4 faults First refusal of a jump on course = 4 faults Second refusal of a jump on course = Elimination Fall of horse or rider = Elimination Going off course (jumping fences in incorrect order) = Elimination

The 2022 winners of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Las Vegas, Lillie Keenan and Agana van het Gerendal Z.

The Longines FEI

World Cup™

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ series is an annual international competition bringing together the top jumping combinations from more than ten different leagues across the world. With 12 – 15 knockable obstacles between 1.40 metres and 1.60 metres high.

The goal is to complete the course without incurring any penalties:

knocking down

DAY 1

Warm Up

refusing to jump

DAY 2 & 3

landing in the water

DAY 4

Competition

Rest Day

exceeding time

DAY 5

Competition

3 FINAL COMPETITIONS: ONE ROUND

TWO ROUNDS

Faults are converted into seconds & added to the time taken to complete the round.

ONE ROUND Only the 30 best-placed athletes from the provisional classification following the Second Competition will be allowed to compete in the first round of the Third Final Competition.

30 JUMPOFF

ROUND 1

ROUND 2

The overall winner will be the combination with the lowest number of penalties after the three Final Competitions.

PAGE 13 | The Las Vegas National

I N F O R M AT I O N

THE ROAD TO RIYADH

Throughout the Longines Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Jumping World Cup™ Series, the best show jumpers in the world are on a mission to set the #TimeToBeat and to qualify for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final, to be held in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, from April 16-20, 2024.

WHAT IS THE FINAL?

WHAT QUALIFYING EVENTS REMAIN?

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final is one of the most important annual championships in equestrian sport. To be one of the competitors at the prestigious Final in Riyadh in April 2024, riders must earn FEI World Cup™ points by placing in qualifying classes recognized by the FEI.

The $226,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Las Vegas is the ﬁfth of eight prestigious qualifying events offered in North America. Following The Las Vegas National CSI4*-W, riders have three additional opportunities to earn the vital qualifying points: FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL CSI4*-W Fort Worth, Texas December 12-17, 2023 PUEBLA CSI4*-W Puebla, Mexico January 24-28, 2024 LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL CSI4*-W Ocala, Florida March 13-17, 2024

WHO IS LEADING THE WAY? The 2022 World Cup Champions, Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward.

At press time, with two events of the series completed, the standings in the North American League looked like this: 1 1 3 4 4 6 6 8 8 10 10

PAGE 14 | The Las Vegas National

Robert Blanchette Katie Dinan Sophia Siegel Cassio Rivetti Devin Ryan Uma O’Neill Alise Oken Matt Archer Darragh Kenny Nicolas Gamboa Margie Engle

20 points 20 points 17 points 15 points 15 points 13 points 13 points 12 points 12 points 11 points 11 points

F E AT U R E

RIDER PROFILES

ELISA BROZ At just 19 years old, Elisa Broz is an up-and-coming jumping athlete who is making quite an impressive name for herself! She had a successful junior career, attending two FEI North American Youth Championships and earning team silver in 2022. Broz and Tinkerbell were members of the U.S. Junior Team that won the CSIOJ Challenge Cup at the 2022 FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Youth Final in Kronenberg, the Netherlands. At the 2022 Las Vegas National, Broz earned a noteworthy third-place ﬁnish in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Las Vegas. In 2023, Broz collected her ﬁrst FEI grand prix victory in the $145,100 Premier Equestrian CSI3* Grand Prix with Kardenta Van’t Meerhof at Desert Circuit V in Thermal, CA, and she soon followed it up with a win aboard Tinkerbell in the $77,300 CSI2* Blenheim Surf & Turf International Grand Prix at Blenheim EquiSports in San Juan Capistrano, CA, in May.

KAITLIN CAMPBELL Kaitlin Campbell moved to California in 2016 after graduating from American University in Washington, D.C. and learning to develop young horses at Spy Coast Farm in Lexington, KY. With numerous grand prix wins to her name, Campbell is currently a part of the team at SWS Training and Sales in Temecula, CA. At the 2022 Las Vegas National, Campbell rode Sun Warrior to the win in the $10,000 CSI4*-W Blenheim EquiSports “Three of a Kind” Speed Classic, and she is deﬁnitely one to watch in this year’s FEI classes!

SHAWN CASADY As a junior rider, Shawn Casady made a name for himself as a talented catch rider, and since then, the now 29-year-old’s name is becoming synonymous with top grand prix results. Less than six months ago Casady, who relocated from the East Coast to the West Coast in 2020, earned the biggest win of his career to date in the $235,000 CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta. Just a few weeks earlier, Casady and his winning mount, NKH Cento Blue, claimed their ﬁrst grand prix victory together in the $100,000 CSI3* ATCO Gold Tour Grand Prix at Blenheim EquiSports in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Now, Casady and the 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding, owned by October Hill Sales Limited are looking to take on Vegas for the ﬁrst time! PAGE 16 | The Las Vegas National

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F E AT U R E

RIDER PROFILES

NICOLAS GAMBOAFLAG) Colombia’s Nicolas Gamboa earned his first grand prix win in 2022, and since then, the 23-year-old has skyrocketed up the ranks, notching more than a dozen additional grand prix victories in the short time since then. Not long after his first grand prix win, Gamboa claimed his first FEI first place in the CSI2* Grand Prix of Monterrey in Mexico. Most recently, Gamboa represented Colombia at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, where the team finished sixth and Gamboa finished 19th individually. Many of Gamboa’s top results have come aboard his Las Vegas National mount, NKH Mr. Darcy, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Neil Knox’s NKH LLC.

LILLIE KEENAN Lillie Keenan returns to Vegas as the defending champion of the Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Las Vegas after topping the class in 2022 aboard Agana van het Gerendal Z! Keenan has represented the U.S. in international competitions including as part of Nations Cup teams at Bratislava (SLV) in 2014; Hickstead (GBR), Spruce Meadows (CAN), and the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona in 2016; Ocala, Dublin (IRE), and Spruce Meadows in 2017; Wellington and Sopot (POL) in 2018; the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona in 2021; and Rome (ITA), Wellington, Aachen (GER), the ECCO FEI World Championships (DEN) in 2022; and most recently as part of the gold-medal-winning team at the 2023 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ USA in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Keenan has been a competitive jumper from an early age. She won team gold at the North American Youth Championship in 2012 and 2013 and individual gold in 2013. In 2013, she rode Pumped Up Kicks to a win in the $125,000 Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson. Her versatility and success led her to earn the title of USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year that year. Keenan graduated from Harvard University in 2019 with a degree in History of Science.

PAGE 18 | The Las Vegas National

F E AT U R E

RIDER PROFILES

DARRAGH KENNY As the son of two trainers, Darragh began competing in the sport of show jumping at the age of 10 in his homeland of Offaly, Ireland, and his career quickly flourished, with Kenny making his grand prix debut at the young age of 14. Kenny has since notably represented Ireland in the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy, France – where he placed 12th individually – and at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in July 2021. Kenny was also part of the 2019 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final winning team in Barcelona, and that same year, he earned second-place finishes in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Verona CSI5*-W, the IJRC Rolex Top 10 Final and the €1.25 Million Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix Final. With an extremely lengthy resume of top finishes since then – and a total of 210 FEI victories – Kenny currently sits in 18th on the Longines World Rankings list.

CONOR SWAIL Conor Swail has proven to be a tough one to beat at the Las Vegas National! At the 2022 edition of the show, Swail finished both first and second in the $50,000 CSI4*-W Las Vegas National “Jacks or Better” Winning Round, aboard Theo 160 and Errol, respectively; he and Errol also earned the win in the $25,000 CSI4*-W 1.35m Blenheim EquiSports “Royal Flush” Jump-Off Classic just a day prior. In 2022, Swail was also the one to watch in the Longines Jumping FEI World Cup™ North American League, as the Irish rider won both the $228,000 CSI4*-W Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Sacramento (for the second year in a row) and the $406,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W. Currently ranked 15th in the world, Swail is back with Vital Chance de la Roque and Count Me In to show why he is never one you want to count out! SKYLAR WIREMAN Skylar Wireman’s name has become a familiar one in West Coast winner’s circles, where the young rider – who grew up riding with her mom, Shayne Wireman – notched quite a list of hunter, equitation and jumper wins as a junior rider. The 19-year-old’s winning didn’t stop in the junior arenas, however. In January 2023, she competed in the very first class of her professional career and immediately rode away with the win – and she hasn’t slowed down since then! At the 2022 Las Vegas National, Wireman won the WCE Junior/Amateur Medal Final while simultaneously making her FEI debut. Now, with three FEI class wins under her belt, Wireman is back in Vegas with three mounts and her sights set on continued success.

F E AT U R E

SUPPORTING THE SPORTS FUTURE STARS: THE WEC MEDAL FINAL AND THE CPHA FOUNDATION The WCE Medal Final, presented by the CPHA Foundation, recognizes the West Coast’s best junior and amateur equitation competitors. 2022 WCE Medal Final winner Skylar Wireman.

The Las Vegas National Horse Show is an end-ofseason destination for riders of all levels from across the country. For junior and amateur equitation competitors, that’s largely thanks to the West Coast Equestrian Medal Final. Each year, many of the West Coast’s best and brightest young riders strive to qualify for the WCE Medal Final, made possible by the California Professional Horsemen’s Association Foundation. This year, the WCE Medal Final will be held on Friday, November 17, and Saturday, November 18, with a warm-up class offered on Thursday.

HOW IT WORKS The WCE Medal Final is open to junior and amateur riders that have qualiﬁed by earning points in WCE Medal Junior/Amateur classes throughout the show season. At the Las Vegas National Horse Show, all qualiﬁed riders will contest two rounds of competition, with the top 10 riders after round two advancing to a third round before one winner is named. All photos by Andrew Ryback Photography

PAGE 20 | The Las Vegas National

ABOUT THE CPHA FOUNDATION Since 1964, the California Professional Horsemen's Association has represented professional horsemen in California. The CPHA provides a forum, voice, and many valuable programs and beneﬁts for professionals working in California's large equestrian industry. Through its many programs and beneﬁts, the CPHA effectively reaches all professional members of California's show horse community. Similarly, the CPHA Foundation arm of the organization works on behalf of California’s equestrian professionals. The Foundation is dedicated to aiding professionals in times of need, providing higher education opportunities through scholarships and grants, educating good principles of horsemanship, and fostering amateur equestrian sports and sportsmanship. Learn more at CPHA.org.

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S H O P T I L YO U D R O P

LAS VEGAS NATIONAL SHOPPING GUIDE CHARLES ANCONA Put on some of the finest stretch fabrics available with a custom Charles Ancona. Proudly made in the USA, these fully customizable and made to order jackets are an equestrian’s dream! Charles Ancona’s jackets are lightweight, water repellent and machine washable. CharlesAncona.com ETHEL M CHOCOLATES Just outside of Las Vegas in the arid Nevada desert is an unexpected oasis of fresh- crafted, gourmet Ethel M Chocolates – and now you can find them here at the Las Vegas National as well! The craftsmanship and care required to create each batch of Ethel M Chocolates remains largely unmatched. Their gourmet fillings and decadent chocolates are infused with a precise blend of love, art and science, and the result is always something magical. Ethel M Chocolates are made in small batches with no artificial preservatives, using only the freshest and finest ingredients. We invite you to experience their specialty premium chocolates for yourself. Enjoy! EthelM.com HUMAN TOUCH This is one vendor booth you may never want to leave! Human Touch’s high-performance massage chairs are expertly and ergonomically designed to blend form, function and fashion. Stop by their Las Vegas National location to try one out for yourself! HumanTouch.com TACK OF THE TOWN Tack of the Town is Las Vegas’ premier specialty equestrian and tack store, offering top brands like Samshield, Fabbri, Parlanti, Mane Jane, Winston and more. They have everything needed for all equestrian endeavors and were kind enough to donate many prizes here at The Las Vegas National. Their customer service specialists, guided by owner Molly Heroy, are encouraged to go above and beyond to make your experience with Tack of the Town a memorable one. TackOfTheTown.com LAS VEGAS NATIONAL HORSE SHOW APPAREL There is no better way to remember your experience at the 2023 Las Vegas National Horse Show then by purchasing some exclusive apparel. This year, our hit Las Vegas National Merchandise is back and better than ever with a prime location to the left of the main entrance next to the Cinch Saloon. FARMVET FarmVet is the ultimate source for horse and pet supplements, supplies and prescriptions. They offer top notch service and great value on all your favorite items. They offer price matching, free shipping and satisfaction guaranteed! Forgot something? FarmVet has it! Visit them outside in between the warm-up arena and the Priefert Pavillion. FarmVet.com

F E AT U R E

ETHEL M CHOCOLATES

Visit Ethel M Chocolates at the Horse Show and in their Cactus Garden!

Forty years ago, Forrest Mars - the man who brought the world M&M’S® and the MILKY WAY® Bar - made the decision to do something his family hadn’t done since its inception. Forrest pulled up stakes and returned to the family table where it all began and created a chocolate company that was both pure in its expression and its intention, located in the heart of the Mojave Desert. The desert might be an unusual place to create chocolate, but Forrest relished the sense of discovery he found there. His was a personal expression that has brought joy to many over 40 years - a reward for years of pioneering innovation and excellence, and a way to celebrate someone he held dear - his mother, Ethel Mars. Today, Ethel M Chocolates takes Forrest’s vision for bringing a fresh perspective to small-batch chocolate-making as seriously as he did. In fact, the company believes that every experience with the brand should be a moment of discovery, just like the anticipation of opening a precious jewel box. But in the case of Ethel M PAGE 24 | The Las Vegas National

Chocolates, the treasures inside, created to surprise and delight, are chocolate! Every box of Ethel M Chocolates embodies what makes the desert so unique - it hides wonders that surprise and delight. From an explosion of flavor - sea salt caramel, tart prickly pear, top shelf liqueur, to a variety of tasty textures - crunchy nuts and toffee crisp, to mouthwatering bites of color designed to tempt your palate, Ethel M believes chocolate makes rewarding yourself and celebrating the people you care about a more satisfying experience. Now, you can enjoy Ethel M Chocolates right here on the concourse of the Las Vegas National Horse Show or at their nearby Henderson, NV location! Right now, when you visit Ethel M Chocolate’s flagship location, you can enjoy a stroll through their 30th Annual Holiday Cactus Garden! The garden, located at the flagship store at 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, NV, is open daily from 5 – 10 p.m. Grab your friends and family and take a stroll around their winter wonderland, enjoy hot chocolate and take pictures with Santa. See you under the lights!

Celebrating

15 Years

of lifesaving work! RED BUCKET EQUINE RESCUE

BY M.R. ROGERS

Once inside the gates, guests are greeted by OLD-FASHIONED hospitality and a very SINCERE GREETING of, “Welcome to the Ranch that the Horses Own.”

UST ACROSS THE ORANGE COUNTY BORDER in Chino Hills California, steps away from upscale shops and restaurants, is a little country road. Almost instantaneously, a traveler has an awakening similar to Dorothy’s epiphany of “We aren’t in Kansas anymore”. The road segues from upper middle-class America to the look and feel of an older-day country oasis. The street is flanked by horse farms, mature Eucalyptus trees, and a field dotted with wild mustard, and is no stranger to groups of equestrians, cyclists, and locals walking the scenic path. Only a half mile down the lane sits a cheerful red and white ranch, with a distinct logo and signage identifying the property as Red Bucket Equine Rescue. Once inside the gates, guests are greeted by old-fashioned hospitality and a very sincere greeting of “Welcome to the ranch that the horses own.” The first thing that is most noticeable is the pristine condition of the barns and grounds which are meticulously maintained. The three dry pastures are lightly populated with happy, contented horses grazing out of slow feeders, or napping in the warm sun. In a separate pasture, young foals play, darting about bucking and testing their new legs for speed. Two geriatric geldings and a mischievous donkey appear to be in charge of the youngsters and occasionally intervene when the playing becomes too enthusiastic. While the look and feel of Red Bucket is one of a private stable or show barn, in actuality, Red Bucket is the idyllic home of over 140 rescued horses, and with few exceptions, all of the residents have been saved from serious neglect, starvation, or unspeakable abuse. The stunning horses sunning themselves in the front pasture no longer resemble the starving or abused horses they once were, as the average weight gain for a Red Bucket resident is between 300 and 350 pounds. What is not as obvious is the healing that has occurred on the inside; the horses have transformed from terrified and abused into peaceful and happy horses, with gleaming coats

PAGE 27 | The Las Vegas National

Abandoned in a dry riverbed with a broken leg, Nelson (top before) was then “rescued” and tied to a tree for six months. Red Bucket was called to help when the family feared that he would die in their yard. Nelson (below after) transformed into a healthy, vibrant, and grateful beauty. that would rival any blue ribbon winner. Then there are those foals that are alive because Red Bucket rescued their mothers from a slaughter auction while they were still pregnant. The babies are adorable, well-mannered, and perhaps most astonishingly, they have no idea of the fate they so narrowly escaped. The older geldings were at one time show horses, one having been a champion several times over. Once age and lameness claimed them, they were discarded and starved. Even the donkey had been rescued from an extremely abusive situation. Red Bucket’s mission is to save and rehabilitate horses, restore their trust in humankind, and ﬁnd them safe, loving, permanent homes. For the equines that have been damaged beyond the ability to responsibly rehome, they are given sanctuary for life. Red Bucket provides Equine Welfare Leadership and counsel nationwide, and has helped to save thousands of high-risk horses. Impressively, Red Bucket is primarily run by volunteers, ranging from President and Founder Susan Peirce, to a dozen or so committees comprised

Roulette (top before) was orphaned when her mother was run through a laughter auction and sold for meat. Roulette arrived feral, filthy, and terrified. Beautiful and kind, Roulette (bottom after) has graduated from Charm Farm and is well mannered and loyal.

of dedicated team members. Committees range from gardening, ranch care, tour guides, new volunteer orientation, equine care and enrichment, fundraising, community outreach, marketing, feed crew, laundry, recycling, and of course, bucket washing. The team spirit is palpable as volunteers bustle about, proudly clad in Red Bucket t-shirts, polos and hats. There is even “Charm Farm”, coined by Peirce to describe the training that the horses, donkeys and foals receive in order to prepare them for the ultimate goal; a safe and loving home for life. Horse experience is not required; as a matter of fact, enrichment extends beyond the horses to the volunteers who have opportunities to grow and develop in their skill sets.

Red Bucket’s mission is to SAVE and REHABILITATE horses, restore their trust in humankind, and ﬁnd them safe, loving, PERMANENT homes.

Red Bucket saves donkeys too!

Keely (above) was orphaned at 4 days old when her mother was run through a slaughter auction and sold for her meat. A healthy and well adjusted Keely (left) made her big screen debut in Sony’s “Emma’s Chance.”

PAGE 29 | The Las Vegas National

After years of abuse and starvation, geriatric Bilek (above) was abandoned in a a dry riverbed, left to suffer and die. Bilek (right) reclaimed his life and experienced love and happiness.

Red Bucket is one of those few “FEELGOOD” places where the very best of HUMANITY LINKS arms to make a BIG DIFFERENCE in the lives of formerly shattered animals.

The peace and tranquility at Red Bucket promotes healing for the horses saved by the organization.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CREEKSIDE PHOTOGRAPHY

The red buckets are real and originated when Peirce, a lifelong horsewoman, found a starving and abandoned filly. Unable to catch the terrified horse, Susan purchased a fifty pound bag of carrots and a red bucket. Six and a half hours later, Peirce finally caught the filly, and never let go. Today, upon intake, new residents are given a name, a red bucket, the gift of dignity, and a promise. What is everapparent is that that promise really means something to this group, who work tirelessly to care for the horses and ensure that they are trained. Adopters are carefully matched with horses and re-ceive coaching, instruction and field support long after the horses are placed. Forever means forever, and this group is removing all obstacles to the horses staying in their new homes. Red Bucket is one of those few “feel-good” places where the very best of humanity links arms to make a big difference in the lives of formerly shattered animals. There are heartwarming lessons for all, including delightful donkey antics, and of course, those darling Charm Farm graduates. Red Bucket offers tours every Saturday from 1:00-4:00 and reservations are required. Private tours are available by appointment. Red Bucket is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and relies solely upon the generosity of others who wish to see their good work continue. To visit “The Ranch That the Horses Own” or to donate, please visit their website at www. redbucketrescue.org or phone them at (909) 627-2524.

THE LAS VEGAS NATIONAL 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

1. Kaitlin Campbell and Sun Warrior. 2. Lillie Keenan and Agana van het Gerendal, winners of the 2022 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Las Vegas. 3. Makenzie Damus and Charlie Brown 335. 4. Commentator Adam Cromarty greeting an interview guest. 5. The fun and excitement at the Las Vegas National isn’t limited to what happens in the ring! 6. Ethel M Chocolate’s Dave Borghesani. 7. One of the show’s youngest competitors. 8. Daniel Coyle and Ivory TCS. 9. Zume Gallaher and Nicole Haunert.

10. Conor Swail and Theo 160. 11. Young spectators after a visit to the face painters! 12. Conor Swail and Theo 160. 13. Elisa Broz and Kardenta van’t Meerhof. 14. Hunter Holloway and Dana de Kerglenn. 15. Bringing a bit of the Vegas strip to the horse show! 16. Jayme Omand on Infallible and Skylar Wireman on Famous share a high five following the WCE Medal Final. Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography, Alden Corrigan Media and Randolph PR:

DECEMBER 2022 • THE EDUCATION ISSUE

COVER STORY

SAVANNAH STROME Rider and Environmental Activist NORTH AMERICA’S HORSE SHOW MAGAZINE P u b l i s h e d S i n ce 2 0 0 3 $8.99 (ISSN 2573-9409) theplaidhorse.com PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS COVERING THE HUNTER/JUMPER WORLD SUBSCRIBE AT theplaidhorse.com/subscribe