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Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Chagrin Valley Farms Gallops through Renovation Operations Continue while Updates Take Place By Ann Wishart ann@geaugamapleleaf.com
Geauga County is definitely horse country and boasts many training and boarding facilities to feed the area’s insatiable appetite for equestrian activities. One of the largest, oldest and best known is Chagrin Valley Farms on Snyder Road in Bainbridge Township. Built in 1982, the facility needed a variety of repairs and updates when the Schneider family, owners of Schneider Saddlery in Bainbridge Township, purchased it from Linda Lybarger Jacobs in 2017.
Customer Niches
Dawn Gilbert, CVF managing officer, has been working closely with the new owners to bring the investment through Phase One of the farm’s reincarnation. “We want to focus on growing every aspect of the business. We have a great foundation here,” she said, during a recent tour of changes made since January to the barn, indoor arenas, outdoor show rings, outbuildings and pastures. “Schneider’s vision is to continue to grow the industry,” Gilbert said. “A lot of (horse) camps have shut down and there is a gap between those starting to ride and getting into higher competition. We are trying to keep the middle ground accessible and affordable.” Barns like CVF need to attract boarders and exhibitors while nurturing young riders through camps and schooling shows. Phase One of the renovation boiled down to choosing what customer niche to address first, and that was the show area, Gilbert said. “We decided to come in and renovate and spruce up what we had,” she said. New flooring, ceilings and lighting in the front lounges of the main barn were installed
and the “spaces” were re-purposed. The trainers’ lounge is being converted to a shop where everyday items from Schneider Saddlery can be bought. The racks were empty that June day and Gilbert said it would be a learning curve to determine how to stock them. “We have different pockets of customers — camp, lesson kids, boarders and exhibitors who forget things all the time,” she said. “It’s not that big a space.” The three trainers at the barn — recently hired CVF trainer Heidi D’Angelo and independent trainers Randy Ellen and Cari Gleeson — will have space in the upstairs for a lounge, while other areas will be designated for use by the farm staff, exhibitors and summer campers to do away with confusion and congestion, she said.
Happy, Healthy Horses
While people are important, the horses are vital to the success of the farm and keeping them safe and properly cared for is a primary goal. The long aisles down either side of the indoor arenas enclose at least 60 stalls, many of which needed extensive repairs. New lighting down both aisles shows plenty of new wood and some due to be refinished as time allows. Riders and horses are especially concerned with good footing in the arenas and the huge indoor arena has seen improvements there, Gilbert said. In addition to new lights, the arenas are now heated to make winter shows and lessons more comfortable and attractive. While visitors can watch the action in the renovated lounge on the east side of the wood-paneled arena, riders warm up in the smaller area on the west side. “We got rid of the huge sawdust pile in the warm-up ring. We had to be a little
FOREVERWORKS
A young rider and her pony enjoy the new outdoor riding arena during a four-ring show held at Chagrin Valley Farms in June. The hunter and jumper arena footing was refurbished and drainage improved so the show went on without a hitch.
creative,” she said. Moving sawdust storage to an outbuilding gives people warming up their horses for a class an additional 60 feet down one side. One row of temporary stalls is still in place for visiting show horses. Hay, that used to be stored above the aisles on either side of the large arena, has been relocated so air circulation is much improved in the riding area — much appreciated during hot summer shows, Gilbert said. Behind the arenas is the school horse barn, which has been repaired and reorganized to make it easier to prepare the horses for lessons.
Drainage Aids Footing
Phase Two, started before summer riding camp season, isn’t obvious to the casual observer, but has far-reaching effects for horses and riders. State-of-the-art footing and new board fencing for the outside show arenas have been added. Standing water and mud are never good around barns, so the outdoor arenas have been crowned and underground drainage is being installed to carry moisture away. “When it rains, this is 100 percent better,” Gilbert said. See Renovations • Page 7
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Thursday, July 5, 2018
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Fieldstone Farm Celebrates 40 Years of Changing Lives Submitted When you enter the driveway off Snyder Road in Bainbridge Township and approach the beautiful barn, arena and facility at Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, you will be arriving at one of the leading centers of its kind in the country. Fieldstone Farm has earned its strong reputation after 40 years of impacting the lives of children and adults with special needs. But, what you might not know is that beyond the barn and riding arenas is a wing that houses an alternative high school, the Gaitway School. Gaitway is the first high school in the country located at a therapeutic riding center and students benefit daily from the motivation and therapeutic power of Fieldstone Farm’s therapy horses. The school helps high school students, like Nick, thrive – students who might never have graduated from high school. Nick was struggling in a traditional school environment and felt like he didn’t fit in. His parents and brother didn’t graduate from high school, so Nick felt dropping out was inevitable. Gaitway School helped Nick turn things around. The students were accepting and didn’t judge. The teachers worked with him one-on-one, adapted to his learning style and used the farm environment to help bring concepts to life. The horses taught him about confidence, patience and regulating his emotions. In May, Nick became one of the 67 graduates of Gaitway High School since the school opened in 2006. The majority of graduates go on to higher education, additional career training or out into the workforce. “Fieldstone Farm, in partnership with our amazing therapy horses, volunteers, donors and staff, has been able to help thousands over
Top Chefs Collaborate for Chefs Unbridled
TAMMIE PACKER
Nick and Dillon
the years achieve goals they never thought possible,” said Maureen Foster, Fieldstone Farm chief development officer. “People in need of physical or emotional healing have found strength and joy. Students working toward educational or behavioral goals have reached new heights in partnerships with our horses. With a growing need for our services, we look forward to another 40 years of service and partnership with the community.”
A History Dedicated to Service
Founded in 1978 as Chagrin Valley Therapeutic Riding Center, the program started as a pilot with eight students and evolved over the years with the help of borrowed horses and equipment, loaned facilities, caring volunteers and significant fundraising efforts. The therapeutic riding center purchased land, built its own state-of-the-art facility in Bainbridge and opened in 1997 under the name Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center.
Celebrate your inner foodie Sept. 8 at Chefs Unbridled, a benefit for Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center’s programs for people with special needs. Cleveland restauranteurs Scott Kuhn and Chris Hodgson team up with renowned chefs from the region for this top-tasting dinner at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club Polo Field in Gates Mills. Chefs Unbridled 2018 will feature live music, crafted cocktails, food trucks, horse-drawn carriage rides and seasonal dishes by a stellar lineup of chefs, which currently includes: • Arnaud Berthelier, CMC, of The Union Club of Cleveland • Adam Bostwick of Polpetta • William Burke of Revival Social Dinner • Chris Hodgson and Scott Kuhn of The Driftwood Group: Bin 216, Cibreo Italian Kitchen, Hodge’s, Washington Place Bistro & Inn, and Welshfield Inn • Jimmy Linhart and Pablo César Montiel of Lemon Falls Café • Matt Mytro of Flour Restaurant • John Owens of Market Rocky River & Wine Bar Rocky River • Brett Sawyer of Plum Café & Kitchen • Ian Thompson of Cedar Creek Grille Ticket prices begin at $140 and include a tax-deductible donation to Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center. ReserBy the early 2000s, Fieldstone Farm expanded to include a dozen different programs, including carriage driving, summer camps and veterans’ programs. In 2006, Gaitway High School opened for at-risk youth from high school districts across Northeast Ohio. Today, Fieldstone Farm has grown to serve more than 1,300 students of all ages,
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L-R: Scott Kuhn and Chris Hodgson lead Chefs Unbridled
vations can be made before Aug. 24; seating is limited for the annual sellout crowd of 600 guests. For more information and tickets, visit www.fieldstonefarmtrc.com or contact Maureen Foster at mfoster@fieldstonefarmtrc.com. If you are unable to attend Chefs Unbridled and still want to show your support, consider purchasing a Golden Ticket for a chance to win an exclusive dining experience for 20 people in your home with chefs Scott Kuhn and Chris Hodgson (includes a five-course menu of fine cuisine, amazing wine, outstanding service and cleanup). Golden Tickets are $100 each and are available at www.fieldstonefarmtrc.com (click donate, then select Golden Ticket under gift type designation). with the support of a dedicated staff, 250 weekly volunteers and 36 highly trained therapy horses. Fieldstone Farm is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, with donations and fundraising activities essential to the operation. The largest fundraising event, Chefs Unbridled, is slated for Sept. 8 and will include a 40th anniversary celebration.
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Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Schneider Saddlery – 70 Years and Running Submitted A fixture in Bainbridge Township is known across the country as one of the largest equestrian retailers — selling a large variety of tack, stable supplies and more through their catalog, website and retail store. This year marks the 70th anniversary of Schneider Saddlery, 8255 E. Washington St., and their continued commitment to both the local horse community and the community at large, through innovative products and customer collaboration. “My father, Milton, founded the business in 1948 after his passion for the horse community was sparked at a horse auction,” said Stan Schneider, who later joined the business with his brother, Don Schneider. “(Milton) turned his passion into a business by selling new saddlery with a money-back guarantee – an unheard-of innovation in customer service.” The Schneiders entered the catalog market in 1969 and expanded online with their website, www.sstack.com, in the late 1990s. Today, catalog and online sales allow customers around the world to benefit from their high-value, high-quality products for horse and rider.
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From left, Stan, Karen and Eric Schneider
Product Innovation
Schneider Saddlery goes beyond traditional retailing to serve customers by designing inventive new products to meet their needs. “We always find places to improve the riding experience. We’re riders ourselves, and we survey our customers and ask them to test products,” said Stan.
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Milton Schneider at an early auction at Buckeye Farms.
The first products Schneider Saddlery developed were saddles built to the specifications of professionals. The business is also known for its introduction of popular products such as the Insta-Hot portable horse washing systems, Ultra grooming products, Adjusta-Fit blankets and Easy-Up tack room systems.
The Next Generation
In keeping with their predecessors, who share a passion for the industry and innovation, a third generation of Schneiders is carrying the torch. After Don retired, Eric Schneider was named CEO in 2015. “I am proud of where we’ve come from. And I am excited about embracing the growth still ahead,” Eric said. The horse community and its needs are always evolving, and Schneider Saddlery is committed to evolving and serving those needs as they have for the past 70 years.
Continuing Commitment to Local Horsemen This past fall, the Schneider family expanded its ongoing involvement in the local horse world when they purchased Chagrin Valley Farms, which was on the market and in danger of being purchased for non-equestrian use. Since then, the Schneiders have invested heavily in major improvements including new footing, horse show rings and heating the indoor riding arenas, which will allow the farm to continue to host top horse shows and develop up-and-coming riders and horses. Many of those up-and-coming riders are involved in the popular Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic (July 5 to 15) at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Moreland Hills, where the Schneiders are also involved. The company is the longest running sponsor of the horse show for more than 40 years.
Durkee Hill Stables Caters To Various Types of Riders Submitted Based in Middlefield since 2006, Durkee Hill Stables focuses on quality care and training of both horse and rider. Owner and trainer Lana Volk grew up in the show jumper ring, training with many of Northeast Ohio’s top instructors. Now, she gets to share those wonderful lessons and the joy of horses with her clients. Volk offers boarding and training to a diverse group of adult riders in a well-organized and professional manner. Some are active competitors, while others are interested in spending their time with the horses, expanding their skills both in the ring and on the beautiful trails of Geauga County. If you are an adult who rode in your younger years, went to school, had children or any number of factors that took you away from riding and you now have the time and desire to ride again, Durkee Hill Stables may be the place for you. English riding lessons are structured to the goals of the client. Some riders may want to get into the show ring in a fun and relaxed fashion, not feeling pressured to chase points or compete every weekend. Durkee Hill Stables show schedule includes local mini events, jumper shows, hunter paces and combined tests. Often,
there are riders who enjoy developing their riding technique and relationship with the horse who have no intention of entering the show ring. Volk is happy to schedule lessons and training to accommodate both of these types of riders. Others may want to explore the many Northeast Ohio bridle trails on well-groomed and turned out horses. With four equine friendly parks within 15 minutes of the farm, Volk and her riders can be found at any one of them just about every day. Some riders may want to experience the thrill of the chase, with the Chagrin Valley Hunt. Volk has been providing experienced and reliable hunt horses, as well as guidance to riders in the hunt field, for over 10 years. There truly is no better way to spend a day than with new friends on the back of a horse. Trail riding and fox chasing are for riders with experience who have been properly evaluated. No matter what your goal is, as equestrians, you all know riding is in your blood and Volk enjoys getting riders back in the saddle. If you would like to be a part of Durkee Hill Stables, check them out online, call/text at 440-773-9418 or send an email to durkeehillstables@hotmail.com.
ell Charitable Fund Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Thursday, July 5, 2018
rclassic.org Chagrin
Home of North America’s Hunter Jumper First GrandClassic Prix
Horse Show &Special Special Events Horse ShowSchedule Schedule and Events Times are subject to change due to weather, etc. July 5 – 7:
Schneider Saddlery Opening Week Horse Show presented by Chagrin Valley Farms daily 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday, July 6 – 17:
Tack Room Award sponsored by Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce Horse & Hound Relay Exhibition Class presented by Deacon’s Chrysler Dodge and Geauga Grain & Feed (after 5 p.m.) Bits & Leashes Bash benefitting Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village barn program & Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic Equestrian Facilities (tickets online at www.chagrinhunterjumperclassic.org)
Saturday, July 8:
$5,000 Mini Grand Prix courtesy of Mercedes-Benz of Willoughby | Volvo of Willoughby – Leikin Motor Companies (approx. 11 a.m.) $3,500 Mini Hunter Derby presented by C Jarvis Insurance & Assured Partners (after 4 p.m.)
Monday, July 9:
Riders with Disabilities Horse Show, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesday, July 10:
USEF Premier Week: horse showing daily 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, July 11: $1,500 Gambler’s Choice Thursday, July 12:
$5,000 1.35m Open Jumper Speed Stake Exhibitor party - Hillbrook Club sponsored by Tyler-Stone Wealth Management, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. NAL/WIHS Child Hunter Classic
Friday, July 13:
$2,500 Low Child/Adult Jumper Classic 1.0m $10,000 Welcome Stake presented by the Shaughnessy Family Venders on site July 13-15
Saturday, July 14:
Family Day presented by LifeAct, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. FREE FOR THE KIDS! PONY & CARRIAGE RIDES, FACE PAINTING, ARTS & CRAFTS, ENTERTAINMENT provided by Playground World Sarah Steffee Sportsmanship Trophy Presentation Derby & Dinner, 5 p.m. All welcome. Tickets at trophy trailer or online www.chagrinhunterjumperclassic.org $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Sunday, July 15:
$750 Adult Amateur Classic $1,000 Best Presented Horse sponsored by Blue Ribbon Braids and All Knotted Up Equine Braids $5,000 Low 1.20m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic $5,000 Medium 1.30m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic $5,000 High 1.40m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby sponsored by OhioCAT $5,000 Billie H. Steffee Perpetual Trophy | Future Hunter Stake Grand Prix Brunch – Remembering Mike Rhineheimer, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 53RD Cleveland Grand Prix Opening Festivities 1:00 p.m. $50,000 Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund Cleveland Grand Prix 2:00 p.m.
Tickets Available for Purchase
The Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic runs July 5 to 15 at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field (Route 87 and River Road) in Moreland Hills. Admission is free on most days but on July 13 and 14, general admission tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors. Children under 12 get in free. On Sunday, July 15, tickets
are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children older than 2. General admission tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. Ringside box or table seating and tickets for charitable fundraisers (Bits & Leashes, Derby Dinner and Grand Prix Brunch) are also available online at chagrinhunterjumperclassic.org.
Family Day offers pony rides, carriage rides, playground, crafts and face painting.
it www.chagrinhunterjumperclassic.org
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Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Come Ride with the Geauga Ohio Horseman’s Council Submitted The Geauga Ohio Horseman’s Council’s mission is to unite and educate horse people, promote horse activities in Ohio and further promote the development and usage of bridle trails in Geauga County, specifically, within the Geauga County Park District. You can find the 100-plus members riding the bridle trails at eight horse-friendly Geauga Park District parks. They can also be found riding throughout the state as GOHC is a subgroup of the state Ohio Horseman’s Council, which connects horse people across counties, giving everyone the opportunity to learn about Ohio’s extensive network of trails. An important facet of the GOHC is the culture that is supported by the mantra “horsemen helping horsemen.” The Leg-up Committee within the group identifies needs in the community and works with the general membership to help raise funds to donate. Members have helped fellow horsemen who maybe had their barn burn down or are having health issues and need assistance with their horses. The group has been activity involved in the development and expansion of bridle trails. They are looking forward to riding new trails at Observatory Park in Montville Town-
ship and the future Ellerin park. They also established the bridle trail fund managed by the Foundation for Geauga Parks. This fund can be donated to by the general public for the development of bridle trails within Geauga County. Members volunteer their time in the parks doing activities such as pulling the invasive garlic mustard weed at The West Woods. Once a member of the group, one can attend monthly member meetings, which are used to plan events throughout the year and learn from various guest speakers about subjects ranging from grain and hay, horse massage, tack safety and proper helmet fitting. Every month except during the dead of winter, there are organized riding events at various parks where members can ride together or in small groups and a potluck is common afterwards. There are also training opportunities, such as the Amish buggy exposure session, the obstacles training or horse trailer loading. There are plenty of opportunities to be engaged in the club’s activities by participating in a committee or volunteering at events. If you would like to learn more about the GOHC and are interested in becoming a member, visit their website at www.geaugacountyohc.com or call Jennifer Salo at 216406-7639.
Red Raider Continues Success with Highly Qualified Trainers Submitted In the spring of 1933, 22-year-old Ralston “Fox” Smith started a day camp that became known as Red Raider. An overnight resident camp evolved during World War II and accommodated 120 campers and staff during the summer season. The camp grew from a farmhouse, cattle barn and a few small farm buildings to over 40 buildings, including six staff residential houses, three barns accommodating 100 horses, two large indoor riding arenas, a main dining hall and dormitory complex, three craft buildings, a maintenance building, several sleeping cabins and a score of Adirondack shelters — all on 288 acres. Red Raider Stables still stands today, housing training from Heather Froehlich Cortell, of Hunter Vale Show Stables, and Danielle Hebler, of DB Sport Horses. Froehlich Cortell is the manager of Red Raider Stables and lead trainer of her operation — Hunter Vale Show Stables, located at Red Raider. Froehlich Cortell’s program is fun, safe and family oriented, with riders starting at 4 years old up through matured adults. Froehlich Cortell is a second-generation horse trainer with extensive experience in hunters, jumpers, equitation, dressage and horse healthcare. She was the assistant coach for the Bucknell Equestrian Team for three years, has shown very successfully at “A”-rated shows, qualifying for nationals six consecutive years as a child rider.
She has since had many students qualify for prestigious events in the junior equitation classes and breed-oriented shows. Froehlich Cortell strives to build confident and knowledgeable riders and horses of all levels. She brings a comprehensive approach to riding and training. Froehlich Cortell and her staff are an experienced and enthusiastic group dedicated to producing well-rounded and effective equestrians. She can be reached at huntervale@ me.com or 440-539-7287. DB Sport Horses LLC is owned and operated by Hebler, who graduated from Lake Erie College in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in equine entrepreneurship. Hebler is a natural horseman, with a keen sense to each individual horse’s needs. Since starting her business, Hebler has taken countless opportunities to expand her knowledge and experience from many established Grand Prix riders. By learning from a number of other professions, Hebler has taken pieces of each training method and created her own program that is sensitive to not only the rider’s needs, but more importantly, the horse’s needs. She focuses on this training scale to create a better working relationship between horse and rider. Hebler has earned her USDF Bronze Medal and is working towards her Silver. She is available at Red Raider Stables for lessons and training of all skill levels. Contact her through her website, www. dbsporthorsesllc.com.
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Page 7
MD Realty Celebrates 25th Year Anniversary Submitted MD Realty, 15618 W. High St. in Middlefield Village, boasts experienced and knowledgeable agents, including broker/owner Mark Dolezal, his wife/Realtor Patti Dolezal and fellow Realtors Sue Evans, Cassie Plott, Jan Boose and Tom DeLong. This successful team has helped hundreds of buyers and sellers throughout the local area achieve their real estate goals. Each agent has their own areas of expertise in dealing with sellers and buyers, and the abundant amount paperwork, inspections scheduling and problem-solving involved with selling or purchasing real estate.
“The forecast looks very bright for the coming year in the Geauga County and surrounding real estate markets. We are excited to see the progress of the new Berkshire Schools and feel it will be a great asset to Geauga County,” Mark said. “The past 32 years have been very busy and have gone very quickly. We would like to thank the residents of Middlefield and the surrounding communities for their loyalty and entrusting us with all of their real estate needs. We appreciate each and every referral and every opportunity to serve our clients.” For prompt, professional real estate service, call M D Realty at 440-632-5055 or visit them online at www.mdrealty-ltd.com.
Renovations
training until in college, she was offered a riding position with a big show stable. Common sense won out and Gilbert mafrom page 2 jored in business, always managing to find In June, CVF was able to hold a four-ring time and money to train and compete on show despite the inclement weather because jumpers. of the infrastructure investment, she said. “I’ve always been in the jumper world. I The hunter ring is 260-by-260-feet and don’t know if that’s because the horses I got the larger arena is about 370-by-180 feet. thrown up on — crazy ones — were jumpers,” More underground work is planned for she said with a laugh. the fall. She came to Cleveland from Chicago six “The lesson ring is kind of a drainage years ago to work at the local General Elecnightmare,” and needs to be raised up, tric facility and settled in the area with her drained and made into a more manageable family. size, she said. “I didn’t realize Improving the when I came here how We want to focus on acres of pasture is also big a horse country it on the agenda. Most growing every aspect is,” she said. horses are happier if When it became of the business. they can be turned out clear GE was closing for at least a few hours the Cleveland office, We have a great a day to wander and Gilbert didn’t want to foundation here. graze. However, they move to another GE can get into squabbles - Dawn Gilbert office elsewhere and and be injured in a herd take her children out of environment. Kenston Schools. Gilbert said dividing the large pastures “Then a headhunter contacted me about into smaller sections would be done, so more a position at Schneider’s. They wanted someof the 60-plus horses can enjoy being outside. one to head up the financial department,” she Phase three of the huge project hasn’t said. been funded yet, she said, adding she hopes After 11 years with a giant corporation, eventually to build a cross-country course Gilbert was a little nervous about working for over the 85-acre property so eventing horse a family-owned operation. trials, which include dressage, stadium jump“It was a really big move for me. Did it, ing and cross country jumping, can be held loved it, haven’t looked back,” Gilbert said, on the property. adding everybody at Schneider Saddlery is “We want to be multi-disciplined,” she really connected to horses and she enjoyed said. “Eventing is a natural.” that dynamic. She started working on arrangements for Schneider to buy CVF about 18 months ago. A Good Fit “They wanted to bring their product closGilbert said she and the Schneider family spent a lot of time at the drawing board er to their customers and were looking for a deciding layout and priorities, but Gilbert’s good opportunity. I was working to close the experience riding and training at numerous deal,” she said. “I did not know I was going to barns over the years has been valuable. be asked to manage the deal.” “My first job was at a facility like this,” When she was offered the managing offishe said. cer position, everything came together. Starting in the saddle at age 7, she pro“I was happily surprised. How could it be gressed to teaching lessons, competing and any better?” Gilbert said.
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Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Page 8
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Waxman to Ride in Hunter Jumper Classic Cleveland Grand Prix Winner Riding for Spy Coast
By Ann Wishart ann@geaugamapleleaf.com
Geauga County boasts one winner of the Cleveland Grand Prix — Jennifer Waxman, who flew around the course on Shakira in 2015 and wowed the crowds. Waxman, 23 at the time of her victory, and Dutch warm blood mare Shakira, 16, beat the closest competition, Chris Ewanouski, by one second in the timed jump-off that memorable July Sunday. Three years later, she will be bringing six horses to the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic to compete them the week before this year’s Grand Prix, but won’t be jumping for the $50,000 purse on July 15. Rather, Waxman, whose parents, Gary and Diane, live in Russell Township, will be showing hunters and jumpers for Spy Coast Farms, where she has been working as a professional trainer since November 2017. Spy Coast is a breeding, training, performance and sales operation with facilities in Florida, North Carolina and Kentucky, focused on supplying riders in the U.S. with home-grown, high quality performance horses, according to the website. Having ridden and competed successfully as a child, Waxman continued her equestrian career at Auburn College in Alabama while majoring in political science. When she won the Cleveland Grand Prix, she was working in the Cleveland mayor’s office and riding Shakira in her spare time. “Winning the Cleveland Grand Prix meant a lot to me for many reasons. Being able to win in my hometown, at the show I grew up at was very special,” she said in a recent email. “Shakira, the horse I won it on,
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Jennifer Waxman, who grew up in Russell Township, has been riding competitively since she was a child and won the 2015 Cleveland Grand Prix on Shakira. She will be riding horses for Spy Coast Farm in the young jumper classes at the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Show in Moreland Hills in July.
is such a good horse, so I was happy for her to add that win to her accolades.” Waxman thanked her parents, who keep a retired Shakira on their 20-acre farm, and all the people who supported her on her path to the Cleveland Grand Prix and since. “There are so many people behind the scenes and I’ve been very fortunate to learn from and work with some of the very best,” she said. Within a few months of her 2015 victory, Waxman took a break, quitting her job and backpacking with a friend through Australia
and parts of Asia “After I got back, I had a quick stint at a startup in NYC, but I really missed riding,” she said. “In early September of 2016, I started hacking horses at the hunt club. I turned professional that November.” In February 2017, she decided to head down to Wellington and took a job with Boggs Hill (Farm in Kentucky), then last November, she started riding for Spy Coast. “Right now, I’m only riding horses — there’s a lot! I usually ride about 10 a day,” Waxman said, adding she is looking forward
to competing her string at the Cleveland show this year. “The oldest horses I ride are only 7 so, unfortunately, no grand prix prospects,” she said. Waxman is excited and grateful for the opportunity to work at a top quality operation like Spy Coast and ride and showcase their four-legged stars. “And I want to add a special thank you to my parents, too, who have always supported me and my dreams. I definitely wouldn’t be here without them,” she said.
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