2018 DM International Horse Show Program

Page 1

OCTOBER 10 - 28, 2 018 | DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS | DEL MAR, CA

DEL MAR INTERNATIONAL

HORSE SHOW P HOTO : AL DE N C O R R IG AN M E DIA

OFFICIAL PROGRAM

FEATURING

LAND ROVER RIDE & DRIVE

Presented by Land Rover San Diego

LONGINES FEI JUMPING WORLD CUPTM DEL MAR Presented by EQ International Real Estate

TM

W E S T PA L M S E V E N T S . C O M


Scial Events Scial Events D E L M A R I N T E R N AT I O N A L

WORLD CUP WEEK OCTOBER 17-21

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

5:30PM

6:30PM

$36,500 GRAND PRIX QUALIFIER

CWD 1.45M

SATURDAY

6:45PM

7:45PM

$100,000 LONGINES FEI JUMPING WORLD CUP™ DEL MAR Presented by EQ International Real Estate

PHOTO: BRET ST CLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY

LAND ROVER SAN DIEGO RIDE & DRIVE

W W W. W E S T PA L M S E V E N T S . C O M


PHOTO: MCCOOL PHOTOGRAPHY

WELCOME West Palms Events is excited to welcome you to the Del Mar International Horse Show. We are proud to be the host of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Del Mar, and we are looking forward to sharing this world-class event with our competitors, sponsors, owners, and of course, visitors! The mission of West Palms Events is to create shows that serve top-level equestrians while also providing for the needs of the amateurs, juniors, and children who love the sport. Nowhere is the fulfillment of that mission more evident than Del Mar International, three weeks of competition that offers something for every equestrian. During Del Mar International World Cup Week, we are pleased to host not only Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Del Mar, but also the Onondarka Medal Finals, a USHJA National Hunter Derby, the PCHA Child/Adult Jumper Championship, and the GGT Footing Grand Prix Series Finale. Equestrian sports are so much more than a game. As those who’ve devoted their lives to it know, it’s a passion, an obsession, a way of life. This program is dedicated to those passionate about horses, the sport, and the world beyond. You’ll find stories of the Onondarka Medal and the Foxfield Equestrian Drill Team, two programs helping young riders explore riding, albeit in very different ways. You’ll also find the story of former grand prix rider Jennifer Fill-Crooks, who founded an incredible nonprofit in Ethiopia and named it after her beloved mare SF Uryadi. In addition, you can learn important stats about the top 12 finishers from recent years, and read a tribute to Navalo de Poheton, winner of the 2017 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Del Mar. Our hearts were broken to hear of his passing earlier this year, but we remember him fondly for his incredible athleticism and his passion for jumping. We would like to sincerely thank our sponsors for their continuous support of this unique event. And we warmly welcome each and every competitor and visitor to Del Mar International!

Dale Harvey

CEO, West Palms Events

Adrienne Karazissis

Show Manager, West Palms Events O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M | W W W .W E S T P A L M S E V E N T S . C O M

1



The world’s premiere individual Jumping series 14 leagues across the world 14 qualifying events for the North American League 14 North American League athletes will qualify for the final 1 prestigious final in Göteborg, Sweden

Vancouver, CAN 21-26.08.2018 Lexington, KY 30.10-04.11.2018

New York , NY 26-30.09.2018

Columbus, OH 03-07.10.2018

Sacramento, CA 03-07.10.2018

Del Mar, CA 17-21.10.2018

Washington, DC 23-28.10.2018

Toronto,CAN 05-10.11.2018

Thermal, CA 06-11.11.2018

Las Vegas, NV 13-18.11.2018

Guadalajara, MEX 23-27.01.2019

Wellington, FL 01-03.02.2019

Leon, MEX 06-10.02.2019

Ocala, FL 06-10.03.2019

THE FINAL - Göteborg, SWEDEN 03-07.04.2019

#FEIWORLDCUP


WATCH THE BEST OF EQUESTRIAN SPORTS

LIVE & ON DEMAND www.fei.tv


FORWARD By the FEI President Ingmar De Vos On behalf of the Fédération Equestre Internationale, it is my great privilege to welcome you to Del Mar for the fifth qualifier of the highly anticipated Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League 2018/2019. Kicking off its fourth season, this series will once again wow audiences with incredible athletic skill, as partnerships battle it out for the chance to contest one of the most coveted titles in Equestrian sport. Spanning a sizeable geographical landscape, including Canada, Mexico and the USA - the North American League consists of two sub-divisions, seven qualifiers in the east and an equal number in the west, providing 14 spectacular opportunities for partnerships to secure a place in the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Final in Gothenburg, Sweden in April next year. Ensuring maximum geographical coverage allows audiences across North America a chance to get closer to the action. Throughout the series we will witness, top-class combinations tested by the world’s best course designers, resulting in breath-taking, thrilling action at the most esteemed venues across North America. The series showcases the top-tier of Equestrianism; intense, awe-inspiring, edge of your seat sport with gripping jump-off rounds guaranteed to raise the heart rate. We continue to see exciting, emerging talent breaking out in the North American Jumping scene and in part, this success can be associated with the prosperity of the North American Jumping League. Each rider that graces the FEI Jumping World Cup™ stage acts as an ambassador for FEI Jumping, exhibiting essential values to audiences around the world. It is a great privilege to have our ambassadors inspire future generations of young riders and a great sight to behold, watching up-and-coming talent challenge our decorated stars. Last year marked 40 years of the FEI Jumping World Cup™. Throughout its history, it has provided many unforgettable moments leaving a lasting impact on spectators and competitors alike. It has proven instrumental in the growth of FEI Jumping and the Equestrian industry worldwide, acting as a platform for highlighting top-class sport and embodying the core values central to the FEI; the utmost pride at representing a nation and the unique relationship between horse and rider which allows such captivating sport to be achieved. We are incredibly thankful to our Top Partner Longines for their support of the series, as well as their dedication to the Western European League, China League and our pinnacle event the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final. Together we are growing and promoting Equestrian sport around the world, expanding into new territories and capturing new audiences. It is with great anticipation that we come together here in Del Mar to launch the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League 2018/2019. I wish all competitors success as they embark on their quest for World Cup™ glory. On behalf of the Fédération Equestre Internationale, I would like to thank all those involved in providing an unforgettable showcase of FEI Jumping throughout North America. Your continued commitment to the promotion of our sport, allows this series to prosper.

O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M | W W W .W E S T P A L M S E V E N T S . C O M

5


RENO, NEVADA $ 24,000,000

RANCHO SANTA FE, CA $6,595,000

WELLINGTON, FLORIDA $8,995,000

858.437.4778 COUNTY TIPPERARY, IRELAND ¤2,060,000

LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA $14,250,000


Looking to deepen your horsemanship knowledge?

Want free FEI-approved courses?

Free & certified equestrian e-learning


“I was already filled with emotion, knowing this would be the last round of his career and our partnership competing would come to an end.” The crowd exploded into applause and cheers last year when Andy Kocher and Navalo De Poheton crossed the timers of the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Del Mar. The handsome, feisty grey gelding blazed across the finish line one-tenth of a second faster than anyone else to earn the blue ribbon and the lion’s share of the $100,000 prize money in the extremely challenging 1.60m class.

No one was more thrilled than Andy Kocher, part owner of the then 16-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Cumano out of Uzel de Poheton. “My horse just jumped amazing,” a breathless Kocher told West Palms Events after the ride. “Coming to the last combination…I figured I’d just sit still and hope he makes it. And he did!” Navalo came to Kocher’s barn earlier in 2017 as a sales horse. Kocher

In Loving Memory

NAVALO DE had hoped to sell him as a junior or amateur horse, but the spirited Navalo had other plans. He proved to be too much to handle for many, so Kocher started competing the gelding himself. Navalo and Kocher just clicked, and they racked up impressive first place finishes, including the $25,000 Rendezvous Grand Prix in Tulsa, the $50,000 Devon Welcome Stake, and the $130,000 Ariat Grand Prix in Tryon. They also placed well in the $225,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon and the Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS on the Hudson. By the time of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Del Mar, Kocher and Navalo had developed a great bond, evident to anyone lucky enough to watch their thrilling jump off round. After winning the

8

qualifier, the pair competed in their first international championship at the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Paris in April of 2018. Tragedy struck on June 24, 2018. The pair was competing in the Hickstead Derby in Hickstead, England, when Navalo De Poheton broke his leg on course and was euthanized. “I am extremely heartbroken over the loss of my old friend,” said Kocher in a Facebook post after the incident. Kocher had planned to retire Navalo after Hickstead. “I was already filled with emotion, knowing this would be the last round of his career and our partnership competing would come to an end.” Show jumping can be a heartbreaking sport, and the entire community mourned with Kocher.

2 0 1 8 D E L M A R I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O R S E S H O W | O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M


PHOTOS Large Image: Kristin Lee Photography Insert: Alden Corrigan Media

2001 – 2018

POHETON Equestrians and equines develop bonds that only those who have felt themselves can truly understand, and the lifespan of horses is simply too short. Navalo was an $18,000 sales horse who, in Kocher’s capable hands, rose to the pinnacle of the sport, despite his advancing age and despite—or perhaps because of—his quirky nature. Navalo and Kocher had a partnership that many equestrians only dream of. We remember Navalo for his bravery and athleticism as well as his incredible spirit and his huge heart. Rest in peace Navalo de Poheton.

O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M | W W W .W E S T P A L M S E V E N T S . C O M

9



C O N G R ATULATIO NS

TO

KRISTIN MEDALL SIMPSON-FERGUSON HARDIN for winning the GGT-Footing Grand Prix at Huntington Beach Horse Show, managed by West Palms Event Management

Pictured above: Kristin, her husband Cole, their children Tyler and Zacko, Tractor Dean Hendrickson of West Coast Footings (a GGT-Footing Arena Consultant), and Cynthia Keating of GGT-Footing

WWW.GGT-FOOTING.COM

864-804-0011


In Between Rounds Photo: Alden Corrigan Media

with Course Designer

MARINA AZEVEDO International course designer Marina Azevedo learned the sport of show jumping young. She grew up on a farm in Brazil, and began jumping at only nine years old. She trained with some of the best coaches, including Olympic rider Vitor Teixera, and made a name for herself competing in some of the most prestigious Brazilian championships as well as the South American Games. Then at 17 she was able to spend two years riding and training in Europe with fellow Brazilian show jumper and Olympian Nelson Pessoa, father of Olympic gold medalist Rodrigo Pessoa. “It was one of the best experiences of my life,” said Azevedo of her time with Pessoa. “I learned from the

12

best people, and this time was very important for my career. I really learned how to show at the highest levels.” After the birth of her son, Azevedo focused on coaching other riders, until one day her friend Guilherme Jorge asked her to help him build a course. The rest, as they say, is history. Azevedo became a professional course designer, learning from established designers including Leopoldo Palacios, Linda Allen, Frank Rottenberg, Arno Gego, and Olaf Petersen. Guilherme Jorge, her first mentor, was chosen to course design for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. “All of these designers who came before me have helped me throughout my career and inspired me in my work,” said Azevedo.

2 0 1 8 D E L M A R I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O R S E S H O W | O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M


It’s important for a course designer to understand the riders, what they think is hard and what is easy, and how they work with and develop their horses. Azevedo spent considerable time designing in Brazil before branching out to design courses in Europe and the United States. Her resume now includes some of the most important shows in the world, including the FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas the CSIO Aachen, the World Equestrian Games, the Pan American Games, South American Games, Brazilian National and International Championships, and two million dollar Grand Prix events. “When I received the invitation to build the million dollar class at HITS Thermal I was surprised but happy,” said Azevedo. “I remember the day of the GP I was very, very nervous, but at the end I was very happy with the results. The

jump off of that class was amazing.” Azevedo draws on her own experiences as a rider and her knowledge of horses to design the best possible courses. “It’s important for a course designer to understand the riders, what they think is hard and what is easy, and how they work with and develop their horses,” said Azevedo. Azevedo is working on achieving level 4 FEI certification, and plans to continue designing courses as long as she can. In addition, she runs a private school in Brazil. “I love both my jobs, and I think they complete me.”

O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M | W W W .W E S T P A L M S E V E N T S . C O M

13


Serving and reflectin comm

PRINT | ONLINE | MOBILE | SOCI

READ: SanDiegoUnionTribu


ng the San Diego munity for 150 years.

IAL S E S Q U I C E N T E N I A L

une.com | SUBSCRIBE: online or call 1.800.533.8830 | ADVERTISE: 866.411.4140


By the

Numbers 19%

HOLSTEINER HANOVERIAN

17%

OLDENBERG

17% 14%

DUTCH WARMBLOOD BELGIAN WARMBLOOD

GELDING

67%

11%

11%

STALLION

22% MARE


TOP 12 HO RSES

78%

CHESTNUT 11%

Most

GREY 11%

NUMBER OF HORSES

The oldes t top 12 fi nisher was 17-year-o ld bay Ho lsteiner Cristallo, ridden by Rich Felle to a 5th p rs lace finis h in 2015.

Median Age: 11

AGE

PH O TO :

BAY

AL DE N CO RR IG AN

M ED IA

LO N G I NE S F E I J UM P IN G WO R L D C U P T M DE L M AR 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 7


Inside the Mind of a

Show


Horse It’s always a treat to watch the great horse and rider pairs compete at a big event like Longines World Cup™ Jumping. The best make it look effortless, as if the horse and rider are reading each other’s thoughts. Some horses seem to understand the game—they want to go fast, and they make tremendous efforts to turn in a clear round. Still, jumping fans and casual riders alike have often wondered why horses indulge us at all. We sat down with Wendy Williams, journalist and author of the bestselling book The Horse: The Epic History of Our Noble Companion, to shine some light on the subject.

Why do horses let us ride them? WW: I think that horses enjoy the interaction. Unless they’ve had negative experiences with people and riding, they don’t mind have someone sit on their back, and I think they like to be part of a larger world. Once they get over their initial confusion about what riding is about, for the most part, it’s fun for them. Clearly, if you’re talking about jumping horses, they have to like it. You can’t make them take those huge jumps if it’s not something they want to do. I can personally attest to this as I spent many hours in the dirt as a child, courtesy of a pony who did not always want to jump. If they don’t want to do it, they won’t do it. But generally, to horses it’s just as it is for us, an experience that is enjoyable.

You don’t think it’s anthropomorphizing to say that horses like being ridden? WW: Well, we cannot get inside a horse’s mind. We don’t have the eyes, the vision, the ears, the mind, the brain, the neurostructure of another species, so we can’t say we understand the

experience of any other living thing. But we can tell from the enthusiasm with which an animal behaves whether it is something they want to do or not. I have a border collie, and most of the time he feels that being owned by a writer is a very boring experience. But if I ask if he would like to go for a walk, I can tell by his enthusiastic response that he does want to do that. It doesn’t mean I know what goes through his mind but I know what he likes to do or does not like to do. As far as whether horses enjoy the athletic experience of jumping, I can’t speak directly to that but I can say that if they didn’t want to they wouldn’t do it. You can tell what living things enjoy and don’t enjoy by seeing how they react, and all evidence suggests that horses who are trained correctly enjoy the experience of working with people. When I was researching for The Horse, I spent some time with Mongolian herders out in the field, and one day they had summer games with horse races and stuff like that. They all showed up in these traveling trucks with horses in the back. But these trucks have flat beds with no

O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M | W W W .W E S T P A L M S E V E N T S . C O M

19


walls, and the horses aren’t tied. There is nothing keeping the horses there. The Mongolians also don’t have fences on their lands. The horses live out in bands, and can do whatever they want, but they choose to interact with people.

How would you compare horse intelligence, to say, that of dogs? WW: Horses are every bit as smart as dogs, and our modern American society is only now discovering how intelligent they are. There were horse communities who knew it from the beginning. The Plains Indians knew it; the Mongolians have always known it. Even in Great Britain, the upper class has historically had very intimate relationships with their horses, so they have a sense of horse intelligence. But in America we have had a different point of view, since for most of our history we used horses to get from point A to point B, or to plow land for food. It’s only now that horses are no longer needed for that kind of work, so we’re starting to look at what really goes on in the mind of a horse. By contrast, there are many people in Europe researching equine ethology, and they’re discovering that horses have similar intelligence to dogs.

horse and rider have a good bond, then the horse is willing to give a little bit more when he feels the rider’s excitement.

How can riders develop deep bonds with their horses? WW: We often miss the fact that horses are capable of bonding every bit as deeply as dogs do. If we give them a chance to bond with us, they will. I’ve seen that in numerous, numerous experiences I had over the course of writing the book. The one thing I saw in all these relationships was time, and not time in the saddle. If this is the kind of relationship that you want, you need to spend time with the horse on the ground. There is no formula, no trick. There are many methods you can use, but you have to spend time with the horse. You interact and you don’t force. You invite the horse to be involved. And the horse will choose to be involved. Want to learn more? Pick up a copy of Wendy William’s The Horse: An Epic History of Our Noble Companion (a Wall Street Journal best book of the year and a New York Times bestseller) on Amazon or at a bookstore near you.

You often hear riders say that their horses know when it’s show time. Do you think horses like to compete? WW: I don’t believe that horses understand the fine tunings of competition, of winning. They don’t know what a blue ribbon means as opposed to a yellow ribbon. But if they have a close relationship with their rider, they know something new and different and exciting is coming on show day. There is an excitement that is communicated to the horse through the atmosphere in general and the rider in particular. If the

20

2 0 1 8 D E L M A R I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O R S E S H O W | O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M



22

2 0 1 8 D E L M A R I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O R S E S H O W | O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M


Grand Prix Rider Jennifer Fill-Crooks Is Changing the World, One Child at a Time

Uryadi’s Village

In 2014, long-time member of the international show jumping community, Jennifer Fill-Crooks, decided to take a big step towards fulfilling her lifelong dream of helping orphaned children. Herself the mother of 15, including 11 children through adoption, Jennifer was deeply drawn to the heartbreaking situations of orphaned children the world over, and did what she could to bring them into her home and family. “There were so many more children in need than what I could address personally,” said Jennifer Fill-Crooks. So she was inspired to create Uryadi’s Village, named after her beautiful show jumping mare SF Uryadi. In Ethiopia, one in five children are orphaned. That’s 5% of the entire population, one of the highest percentages in the world. 44% of children in Ethiopia are stunted due to malnutrition, half will never attend any school, and 88% will never attend secondary school. Statistics like these became part of the foundational issues that Uryadi’s Village focused on addressing: the care and education of orphaned and abandoned children. The organization’s mission is to support vulnerable children and their extended families and communities around the globe. By offering insightful, respectful partnerships with the people, instead of

crippling foreign dependence, Uryadi’s Village is focused on co-developing social, economic, and environmentally renewable systems to benefit orphans and vulnerable women and children. Since 2014, that first big step has been followed by many more steps, and rapid progress that has been nothing

short of miraculous. From the first stages of traveling to Ethiopia and speaking with the people there to determine what area was most in need of what UV could provide, to navigating the twists and turns of cultural differences and developing relationships with key government offices and officials, Jennifer and her team have steadfastly stayed the course. “The challenges have been many,” said Jennifer Fill-Crooks, “but the rewards have been so much greater. We have been able to build a vibrant partnership with the Ethiopian people not through

O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M | W W W .W E S T P A L M S E V E N T S . C O M

23


coming in to “save” them, but by humbly asking what the Ethiopian people need and want, and how we can best partner with them to create greater resilience and increased prosperity.” As Uryadi’s Village took in more children, the need to move from their first small rented facility to a larger permanent home became urgent. Under the direction of world-renowned permaculturist Warren Brush, the team at Uryadi’s Village worked quickly with their Ethiopian counterparts to develop a site known as Wolaita Village, building new houses and facilities for the care of our children. In March of 2017, after many long days and nights putting the finishing touches on the site, the children officially moved to Wolaita Village, and there was a celebration full of dancing, singing, and joyful tears. Now, more than a year later, Wolaita Village has become a stable, beautiful home for over 80 children who would not have a home if not for this village. As a permaculture based community, the village is designed to not only be a welcoming, beautiful home, but also productive, and foster a sustainable lifestyle in concert with the environment and the local culture. Uryadi’s Village grows an ever-increasing amount of food on site, which adds a greater variety of nutrient dense foods to the children’s diets. The food systems have also become a demonstration site for the community,

24

showcasing how food can be grown in truly regenerative ways that will help to halt the progressive degradation of Ethiopian land. Uryadi’s Village children are being cared for in other important ways. All school-age children attend the best local private schools, and two children currently attend the best deaf academy in a nearby town. Uryadi’s Village has made it part of its mission to welcome special needs children, who have an especially difficult time in Ethiopia. The organization is working to help the community find new ways of approaching the unique situations and gifts that these children bring. Uryadi’s Village is committed to helping the Ethiopian people find their own creative solutions to the challenges that face them, and they have proven to be enthusiastic and eager partners. Uryadi’s Village is now ready to expand, and has been granted the land that borders Wolaita Village for that expansion. “We cannot wait to see how the next phase of this project will blossom into something dynamic, unique, and, most of all, empowering to the Ethiopian people,” said Jennifer Fill-Crooks. “We invite all Del Mar International riders and guests to learn more about what we do and who we are. We would love to have you be part of building resilient and empowered communities in rural Ethiopia!” WWW.URYADISVILLAGE.ORG

2 0 1 8 D E L M A R I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O R S E S H O W | O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M



Photo: Alden Corrigan Media

Growing Champions

ONONDARKA A highlight event of Del Mar International World Cup™ Week will be the prestigious Onondarka Hunt Seat Medal Finals. Now in its 56th year, the Onondarka Medal was established in 1962 with the mission of furthering principles of classical horsemanship for equestrians 12 and under. That’s right; competitors in this challenging class cannot be over 12 years of age. To participate in the finals, riders must earn at least 12 points in Onondarka Medal classes held throughout the year. The finals are intense: they consist of two qualifying rounds in which riders receive numerical scores from a panel of judges. After those two rounds, the top 15 scorers are invited to return for the final round, and then the top eight riders compete in a work-off.

26

In 2017, the work-off demanded that riders show an array of equitation skills, including a simple change of lead, a trot fence, a halt, and a counter canter to the final oxer. After three solid rounds and a beautifully ridden work-off, rider Avery Glenn emerged with the highest scores aboard Back in Business, a 14-year-old chestnut Oldenburg gelding owned by Mary Kate Moulton of Mount Pleasant, California. “Getting to compete in the Onondarka Finals was a goal of mine the entire last two years,” said Avery Glenn, who trains with Ned and Hope Glynn at Sonoma Valley Stables in Petaluma, California. “To get to compete then win the finals was a dream come true. It gave me an enormous amount of confidence. I am very thankful that the

2 0 1 8 D E L M A R I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O R S E S H O W | O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M


Photo: McCool Photography

West Coast offers such a prestigious 12-year-olds winning the AHSA Medal medal final for riders 12 and under.” or the Maclay, so my dad [creator Harry Avery Glenn received a custom CWD Simington] wanted to give the younger saddle as well as a $6,500 Michael Nyuis riders a place to perform and compete Scholarship courtesy against peers their of West Palms Events. age. We wanted them “I am very thankful that The Onondarka to have something Medal Finals has a to work towards, the West Coast offers such a distinguished history. to inspire them to prestigious medal final for Many past winners ride their best.” have gone on to You can watch riders 12 and under.” successful careers this celebration of as grand prix riders young equitation and trainers, including Susie Hutchison, riders at Del Mar International World Francie Steinwedell, Lise Quintero, Emily Cup™ Week in the main hunter arena. Esau, Kasey Ament and Mavis Spencer. Round 1 will take place on Saturday, “In 1962, all the big medal classes October 20, and Rounds 2 and 3 and the were for riders through age 17,” explained work-off will take place Sunday, October Don Simington, trainer at Onondarka 21. Good luck to all riders participating Riding School. “You didn’t see many in this world-class equitation event! O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M | W W W .W E S T P A L M S E V E N T S . C O M

27


FOXFIELD Drill Team Del Mar International is honored to host the Foxfield Equestrian Drill Team during the $100,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Del Mar on Saturday, October 20.

28

2 0 1 8 D E L M A R I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O R S E S H O W | O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M


Photos: Maxine Evans

This group of elite equestrian performance has been thrilling audiences for more than thirty years at equestrian events throughout the country, and was even featured at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The team consists of 24 young riders, aged 6 to eighteen, and their mounts, which vary from tiny Silician donkeys to Thoroughbreds to Warmbloods to ponies. The horse and rider pairs gallop, jump, pirouette, and more… all without saddles, stirrups, bits, or bridles. Riders use only natural aids—weights, legs, and voice—and a delicate band of wire looped around the base of the horse’s neck. The drill team performs in unison, and several riders step out to execute individual dressage and jumping exercises. It takes more than sheer talent to be on this prestigious team. Riders must train and care for their own horses as there are no grooms at Foxfield. They also have to maintain good academic standing in school, and show an affinity for teamwork and an ability to accept criticism. “You start at the bottom on the Foxfield Equestrian Drill Team,” said Janie Postel, Foxfield Riding School instructor and former drill team member. “That means when you’re little, you start with the donkeys with a very simple routine. Then through loyalty, commitment, and good horsemanship, you get promoted. The most experienced girls get the experience of training their own drill team horse, and they have complete responsibility for that horse.” Foxfield Equestrian Drill Team is part of Foxfield Riding School, founded by Bill and JoAnn Postel and Nancy Turrill in 1967. Foxfield consists of 29 acres in Westlake Village, California. The school teaches all levels of students and emphasizes good horsemanship, sportsmanship, and safety. Students of Foxfield have made it to the highest levels of the hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions. O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M | W W W .W E S T P A L M S E V E N T S . C O M

29



PHOTO: ALDEN CORRIGAN MEDIA

Save the Date

2019 S C H E D U L E

98th ANNUAL FLINTRIDGE

SILICON VALLEY

APRIL 25-28 | LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA

AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 1 | WOODSIDE, CA

HO R SE SH O W

EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL 2

DEL MAR

FLINTRIDGE

NATIONAL

APRIL 30-MAY 5 | DEL MAR, CA

TM

AU T U M N C LASS I C

SEPTEMBER 26-29 | LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA

SACRAMENTO

MEMORIAL DAY CLASSIC MAY 23-26 | RANCHO MURIETA, CA

SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL

WELCOME WEEK

SEPTEMBER 25-29 | RANCHO MURIETA, CA

SACRAMENTO

SPRING CLASSIC

MAY 29- JUNE 2 | RANCHO MURIETA, CA

HUNTINGTON BEACH

SURF CLASSIC

TM

Host of the NorCal Medal Finals

SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL

WORLD CUP WEEK OCTOBER 2-6 | RANCHO MURIETA, CA

TM

JULY 4-7 | HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA

DEL MAR INTERNATIONAL

HUNTINGTON BEACH

SUNSHINE CLASSIC

W E L C OME WEEK OCTOBER 9-13 | DEL MAR, CA

JULY 11-14 | HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA

HUNTINGTON BEACH

SUMM E R CLASS I C AUGUST 8-11 | HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA

DEL MAR INTERNATIONAL

WORLD CUP WEEK OCTOBER 16-20 | DEL MAR, CA

SILICON VALLEY

DEL MAR INTERNATIONAL

AUGUST 21-25 | WOODSIDE, CA

OCTOBER 23-27 | DEL MAR, CA

EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL 1

S EAS O N F I N A L E

W W W. W E S T PA L M S E V E N T S . C O M

TM


Autographs


Autographs


Conquest V.H.P.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.