INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
The Lusitanos of Haras dos Cavaleiros. p. 16
Show & Tell THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREAT SOUTHWEST EQUESTRIAN CENTER
For Those Who Live and Ride Well
MAGAZINE Vol. 3 No. 1 Winter 2012
ICE CREAM
& REINING HORSES p. 20
A HORSE LOVERS
DREAM p. 24
FIRST FLIGHT
FOALS p. 32
NATIONAL REINING BREEDERS CLASSIC APRIL 16-22, 2012 GREAT SOUTHWEST SUMMER SLIDE JUNE 1-3, 2012 GREAT SOUTHWEST EAST MEETS WEST FALL SLIDE OCTOBER 5-7, 2012
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w w w .GSWEC. co m
For Those Who Live and Ride Well
REINING 2012
GREAT SOUTHWEST GREAT ESCAPE WINTER SLIDE MARCH 2-4, 2012
Currie Equine Clinic Proudly Supports the Great Southwest Equestrian Center!
Serving the equine industry for over 40 years with innovative skills and compassionate care. From the world champion to your grandchild’s pony...
Your horse matters to us! Andrew K. Currie, VMD Gustavo DeCillo, DVM
Veterinar y Products
979.826.2852
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 1 Winter 2012
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Ca hl a enngde a r o f E v e n t s
February
Events
Great Southwest Winter Series I
Great Southwest Winter Series III
Great Southwest Winter Series II
Britannia Farm AQHA Winter Classic
USEF “AAA” rated Feb. 1-5, all arenas
USEF “AAA” rated Feb. 15-19, all arenas
USEF “AAA” rated Feb. 8-12, all arenas
Feb. 24-26, main arena
March
Events
Great Escape Winter Slide March 2-4, main arena
GSEC Spring GHHJA Show March 10-11, main arena
Greater Houston Miniature Bluebonnet Show March 17-18
Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
Great Southwest Spring Roundup
USEF “AA” rated March 21-April 1, all arenas
USEF “A” rated March 15-18, main arena
Photos shown above by David Mullinix Photography
April
Events
PJCP Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show USEF “AA” rated April 3-7, all arenas
Houston Dressage Society Spring Shows April 26-29, all arenas
National Reining Breeders’ Classic April 16-22, all arenas
= Great Southwest Equestrian Center Event
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
Co hn an te gn et s
W i n t e r 2 012
Show & Tell MAGAZINE
For Those Who Live and Ride Well
16
Features 16 20
HARAS DOS CAVALEIROS
Bringing the Lusitano’s Splendor to the States By Alexandra Beckstett
ICE CREAM AND REINING HORSES
Dave and Bonnie Silva’s Family Businesses By Megan Arszman
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Columns
20
10 14 28 32 36 38 40
24
A HORSE LOVER’S DREAM
The Evolution of Great Southwest Equestrian Center By Olva Stewart Pharo
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Real Estate Roundup
So You Want to Own a Ranch By Deitra Robertson
Getting to Know... Jennifer Jones
Final Chase Horse Show
Photo Gallery By David Mullinix
Healthy Horses
First Flight Foals By Alexandra Beckstett
Money Matters
If I had a Time Machine By Heath Hightower, CFP
Equine Law
Five Common Equine Myths By Shannon Galvin
In the News
EAP Regional Clinic Pin Oak Hosts Working Equitation
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 1 Winter 2012
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Show & Tell MAGAZINE
Volume 3
Issue 1
MANAGING EDITOR Alexandra Beckstett a.beckstett@gmail.com, 281-543-6198
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Megan Arszman, Alexandra Beckstett, Shannon Galvin, Heath Hightower, Deitra Robertson, Olva Stewart Pharo
ART DIRECTION Equine Originals
ART DIRECTOR Suzy Brown design@equineoriginals.com, 971-678-3694
• • • • •
Brokerage Services Capital Markets Corporate Services Global Consulting Valuation and Advisory Services
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alexandra Beckstett, Jeff Kirkbride, Victoria Lambert David Mullinix Photography, Olva Stewart Pharo
ADVERTISING Great Southwest Equestrian Center 281-578-7669
Moving with confidence….since 1971. Confidence is leading Houston for forty years with real estate solutions founded on experience and skill.
Moving with confidence.
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
PUBLISHED BY Great Southwest Equestrian Center 2501 S. Mason Road, Katy, TX 77450 281-578-7669 www.gswec.com
© Great Southwest Equestrian Center. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written consent of Great Southwest Equestrian Center. SHOW & TELL Magazine is published 4 times a year by the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 S. Mason Road, Katy, Texas 77450. Opinions and editorial expressed herein in are those of the experts consulted and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editors, advisory board or staff of the Great Southwest Equestrian Center.
ADVISORY BOARD GREAT SOUTHWEST EQUESTRIAN CENTER STAFF GENERAL MANAGER Sean Brown SENIOR EQUINE CONSULTANT Pauline “Cookie” Cook
Nancy Cahill
•
Joan Cantrell
•
Chris George
Kate Gibson
•
Hollis Grace
•
Kathy Jones
Marilyn Kulifay Patty Roberts
• •
Colleen McQuay Deitra Robertson
2501 S. Mason Road, Katy, Texas 77450
• •
281.578.7669
Peter Pletcher Christian Rogge www.gswec.com
EQUINE MANAGER Amy Uniss OFFICE MANAGER Sharon Rader ACCOUNTANT
GET THE LATEST GSEC UPDATES ON FACEBOOK! www.facebook.com/ GreatSouthwestEquestrianCenter
Jane Martinez MAINTENANCE MANAGER Ana Vargas
Cover Photo: Lusitano stallion Adagio, owned by Haras Dos Cavaleiros, trains for the Working Equitation speed test with Carlos Salguero. Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 1 Winter 2012
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S pring Round Up MARCH 15 - 18, 2012
Featuring $10,000 Meter 1.35 Jumper Classic $5,000 Meter 1.25 Jumper Classic $5000 National Hunter Derby $2500 Low Children’s / Adult Amateur Jumper Classic $2500 High Children’s / Adult Amateur Jumper Classic
Held at Great Southwest Equestrian Center
www.gswec.com
Recognized by
USEF (“A”) USEF JUMPER RATING THREE Texas Hunter Jumper Association (“A”)
2012 Arabian Shows Recognized by USEF & AHA
Featuring American Hero’s Arabian Classic September 14 - 16, 2012
Halloween Spooktacular Classic October 26-28, 2012
SIRE - Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers are benefactors of the American Hero’s Arabian Classic
Held at Great Southwest Equestrian Center
www.gswec.com
For Prize List and Current Show Information, Go to www.gswec.com For Questions, Contact Marilyn at marily2004@yahoo.com
Photo by InGate Images
GSEC DIAMOND CLASSIC SHOWS I & II Qualifying Competition for: • 2012 Great American/USDF Region 9 Championships • 2012 Southwest Dressage Championships
MAY 27-28, 2012
Closing date: April 30, 2012
• 2012 FEI North American Junior and Young Riders’ Championships and Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Pony Rider, Junior, Young Rider and Brentina Cup Championships
• 2012 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program and USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championship Prix St George Division (sponsored by the Dutta Corp and PSI) and Grand Prix Division
GSEC PLATINUM CLASSIC SHOWS I & II Qualifying Competition for: • 2012 Great American/USDF Region 9 Championships • 2012 Southwest Dressage Championships
• 2013 FEI North American Junior & Young Riders’ Championships
OCTOBER 6-7, 2012
Closing date: September 10, 2012
• 2013 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Pony Rider, Junior, Young Rider & Brentina Cup Championships
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 1 Winter 2012
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Ce R ha a ln g Ees t a t e R o u n d u p
So You Want to Own a Ranch?
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P
10
10
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By Deitra Robertson, ALC
ROSPECTIVE BUYER: “This is a nice property. But it looks like a lot of work to maintain.”
For Those Who Live and Ride Well
O
WNER: “This is more work than I thought.”
T
he prospective buyer looking at a farm or ranch for his or her recreational lifestyle will frequently say to one of my team, “Gosh, this place is so perfect. It looks like a lot of work goes into keeping it looking good.” Or, conversely, “This place is a wreck. It looks like it’s going to take a lot of work to get it in shape.” The other side of the coin is the farm or ranch owner who did not recognize the amount of work this type of property requires and is lamenting the fact they now spend all of their free “recreational” time fixing flats, mending fences, mowing pastures, trying to control weeds, etc. Let’s say you leave Houston on Friday evening headed to Brenham, Bellville, New Ulm, Hempstead, Cat Springs— wherever your beautiful country property might be located. You anticipate the wonderful weekend ahead of you; the Bluebonnets are in full bloom, and you have invited guests to join you at Our Perfect Ranch for the weekend.
on the main ranch, which are available to the property owners. For folks wanting their own ranch property with no rules and regulations we offer proven resources through ranch management companies that offer a la carte services to property owners. When you arrive, your 4-wheelers, tractors, and farm trucks are all ready to roll. Tires are is good shape, the oil has been changed, and the vehicles are serviced regularly. You want some paddocks fenced and a couple of loafing sheds built? We got it covered! The ranch management group we recommend has resources for all your needs and wants, and they oversee everything.
Bio:
Deitra Robertson is the president of Deitra Robertson Real Estate Inc., specializing in farms, ranches, and equestrian properties. Deitra showed horses (hunters) coast to coast for almost 20 years. She rides and trains using natural horsemanship principles with all her horses.
So be comfortable in knowing that your farm or ranch purchase will be your dream rather than a burden.
Upon arrival you note the grass and weeds that have grown to Jack in the Beanstalk heights along your winding driveway. You can’t find the sidewalk as you traverse the distance from car to front door. Upon further inspection both the golf cart and the Mule have flats. Now what do you do? We recommend two different avenues for solutions to this scenario, as well as advice for those in the market for country property. First, even though you think you want 100 acres or more, frequently upon further discussion we determine that with your time limitations to actually enjoy your country place, you don’t want to worry about the mowing, weed spraying, grass planting, fence fixing, and the myriad other responsibilities. There are still great country living options for you: Concierge ranch developments such as Ranches of Clear Creek, an hour northwest of Houston, offer large ranch parcels with onsite ranch managers. You build your dream home and barn and can enjoy the covered arena and trail complexes
CHECK OUT
the ranches for sale on page 12.
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 1 Winter 2012
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R e a l E s ta t e R o u n d u p
WHO: Deitra Robertson Real Estate, Inc. 979-921-9470 IKnowRanches.com
Dobbin Farm
WHAT: A tree-lined drive welcomes you to this outstanding, historic country property. Large wrap-around porches on this two -bedroom, 1,280- square -foot home invite you to sit and greet the morning with coffee in hand.
WOW: Improved pastures, two barns, tackroom, and even a vegetable garden.
WOW AGAIN: An eight-stall center aisle barn offers a guest apartment for your friends. There are auxiliary buildings for hay and equipment storage.
$900,000 55 acres Montgomery – Montgomery County
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WHO: Deitra Robertson Real Estate, Inc. 979-921-9470
Vonderos Farm
IKnowRanches.com
WHAT: This single-story, 4,491-square-foot custom home has three bedrooms, two baths, and a three-car attached garage and is located on beautiful rolling pasture property.
WOW: The 10-stall, crosswise center aisle barn offers a complete custom twobedroom, two-bath apartment, fully insulated ceiling, feed room, tack room, and two large hay and equipment storage areas with overhead doors.
WOW AGAIN: Wood fencing, paddocks, loafing sheds.
42 acres Hempstead, Texas
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 1 Winter 2012
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Ch Q &a An g e
Getting to Know... Jennifer Jones
J
ennifer Jones, a United States Dressage Federation silver and bronze medalist from Celina, Texas, is currently working toward her gold medal aboard she and Dr. Nancy Jane Elmore’s 10-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding Reggae.
Born a horse lover, Jones’ first equine experience was as a toddler. Her family was alarmed one day when their 3-year-old daughter went missing and was later discovered in a nearby field on the back of a horse. Thus, what began as a childhood passion developed into a career. Along the way Jones studied in England, earning instructor certification from The British Horse Society. She is also certified with the American Riding Instructors Association. “I like to study teaching,” said Jones, who trains riders and starts young horses. “Often, you learn what not to do by watching.” Jones’ equine education includes a lifetime of disciplines and experiences. Although she has ridden jumpers, hunters, and eventers, she specializes in dressage. Seven years of training with classical horseman and well-known author Thomas Ritter, PhD, helped her find the tools to master the movements at the sport’s high levels. Jones now continues her education under the tutelage of Columbian Olympic team rider, Marco Bernal, who is based in Wellington, Fla. Dressage, after all, requires infinite practice. “I compare it to artists who study art all their lives,” Jones explained. “When they look at their work, they still may not see the ultimate in what they were trying to achieve.” According to Jones, preparation for the gold medal will require a year or two of training. Other aspects of the horse industry Jones is interested in include saddle biomechanics (with the help of Katarina Wenger of Champ Equestrian Outfitters), teaching lessons, and tutoring young trainers at her Legacy Equestrian Center—namely, Katie Beard and Amber Fuller.
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
“I like to study teaching. Often, you learn what not to do by watching.” Show & Tell magazine caught up with Jennifer Jones to talk to her about dressage and other pursuits.
QUESTION: What is it you love about dressage? ANSWER: Dressage is a true art form. It’s always about training
for the betterment of the horse and rider. It has to be both and it is a continual process of being challenged. Sometimes I think, “Wow, I can’t believe I can get my horse to move this way!” There are so many elements and it is truly a horse/rider combination. Many horses who are talented may not handle the pressure mentally. Dressage makes horse and rider think. It takes a special combination of both.
Q: What is your Legacy Equestrian Center like? A: Situated on 400 acres in Celina, Legacy Equestrian Center offers
boarding and training. The barn contains 44 stalls, two tack rooms, and four wash bays. A separate building houses a 20-by-80-meter covered arena with mirrors and stadium seating. The property includes two round pens, individual paddock or pasture turnout, trailer parking, and picnic grounds. The center is managed by Randy Cavness, a lifelong horseman, who was educated at Tarleton State University in Equine Production and Management.
Q: What sparked your interest in saddle fit? A: The high level riders, especially Olympic riders,
are involved in biomechanics and how the correct saddle fit relates to the movement of the horse. Saddle fitting is so interesting and crucial to the balance and connection between horse and rider.
Q: Tell us about the young trainers you tutor—Katie Beard and Amber Fuller. A: Katie has, of course, been riding her entire life. A U.S. Dressage Federation bronze medalist, she plans to progress by competing at higher levels. Last fall, she qualified for a regional championship at 3rd level on her Netherlands-imported Friesian gelding, Gauke. She has studied with Dr. Ritter, Volker Braummen, Gerhard Politz, and Reinhardt Dorsch. Likewise, Amber chose dressage as her discipline and career. She has been showing and starting young horses for years. Her education includes the British Horse Society at Queen Margaret’s School in British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, she has trained with clinicians Jane Savoie, Gerhard Politz, and Heather Blitz.
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 2 No. 42 Winter Spring 2011
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Haras Dos Cavaleiros shares the beauty and versatility of their beloved and well-bred Lusitanos with Texas and the world.
The Luxury
Ride By Alexandra Beckstett
There exists a legend in equine breeding circles that Zephyr, the Greek god of the West Wind, sired the first Lusitano horses out of Portuguese mares. Naturally, his foals inherited all the qualities of the West Wind: Speed, beauty, strength, and nobility. Today, Carmina Zamorano and Rafael Chavez Monzon are keeping alive the legend of the purebred Lusitano—the sons of the wind—with their unrivaled Haras Dos Cavaleiros in Magnolia, Texas.
T
hree years ago the couple began to slowly relocate their charges from outside Mexico City to Texas in hopes of sharing the spectacular breed with America. “Now we are building a facility
to showcase them—a place where both our old friends and new ones can come to enjoy the horses and learn about working equitation and dressage from some of the world’s top trainers,” Zamorano explains.
Her soon-to-be-realized dream includes not only state-of-the-art lodging for her blue-blooded Lusitanos, but also a boutique hotel, spa, gym, restaurant, bar, and lounge for visiting equine enthusiasts. “It’s just a place for people who like to enjoy the horses,” she said. “We want people to go there and talk about horses, exchange experiences, watch videos, and everything about horses.”
Breeding and Building The family’s equestrian background originates with Chavez Monzon’s show jumping career—albeit aboard Hanoverians rather than Lusitanos. While watching a traditional bullfight in Mexico 17 years ago, however, he
“We are building a facility to showcase (Lusitanos) —a place where both our old friends and new ones can come to enjoy the horses and learn about working equitation and dressage from some of the world’s top trainers.” — Carmina Zamorano fell in love with the brave Lusitano charges (Lusitanos were historically developed for bullfighting in Portugal) and decided to buy and breed this age-old horse. The Haras dos Cavaleiros breeding program thus got its start in Mexico with a group of carefully selected stallions and mares acquired from some of the
world’s most respected breeders. From this crop they produced superstar bay stallion Xperto Dos Cavaleiros, who has won every major award in Mexico, including two national championships and “Best Male born in Mexico” honors. He also earned IALHA Champion Stallion and Champion in Dressage Sport Horse in Hand at The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in 2011, his first
The Lusitano: In a Class of its Own
P
rized by knights and bullfighters, farmers and aristocrats, the Lusitano has been known for centuries for its athleticism, intelligence, and temperament—not to mention its beauty. Today the breed’s versatility and sensitivity under saddle have allowed it to excel in dressage and working equitation in particular. Says Zamorano, “I think that they are very handsome; they are a strong, easyhandling horse—for someone who wants to have a beautiful horse that’s not so difficult to ride.” Lusitanos are typically “easy keepers” and long-lived, reaching an average height of 15.1-3 hands. Some characteristics of the ideal
horse, according to the Portuguese Association of Lusitano Breeders, include: Temperament: N o b l e , g e n e r o u s , and ardent, but always gentle and forgiving. Movements: Agile, elevated, forward, smooth, and providing a great comfort to the rider. Aptitude: A natural ability for concentration, with a great disposition for High School (Haute École) work, along with the courage and enthusiasm required for the Gineta exercises (combat, hunting, bullfighting, cattle work, etc.).
show-ring appearance in the United States. Today, Zamorano and Chavez Monzon’s nearly 115 Lusitanos—many of which have garnered top honors in Portugal, Mexico, and Brazil—reside in Texas. The couple purchased a vacation home in The Woodlands in 2007 before deciding to relocate there permanently with their three young children. In 2009 they bought the Magnolia property to resemble their weekend farm in Mexico. “Then we realized people like this type of horse, so we started bringing more and more of the horses we had in Mexico to Texas,” Zamorano explained. Zamorano, ever the businesswoman (she also runs a successful financial
consulting company in Mexico), manages the family horse business and first envisioned their Magnolia resort. Chavez Monzon is the consummate breeder and horseman. “He knows all the bloodlines—he’s been breeding for 17 years now,” says Zamorano. “When someone wants to breed a horse, what we recommend is that we talk, and he’ll recommend which horse will be good if you want this line, height, color. He’s the one who decides which (stallion) is going with which mare.” Haras dos Cavaleiros’ luxury hotel and grounds will celebrate its grand opening to the public in spring 2012. But lest we forget about the horses, they too revel in a resortlike environment.
The equestrian training facility boasts a 42-stall stucco barn, a 25-by-60-meter indoor arena, and an observation lounge.
World-Class Working Equitation While Lusitanos are renowned for their versatility and talent in a range of riding disciplines from dressage to farm work, Haras Dos Cavaleiros’ training emphasis is on working equitation, founded on traditional European riding. Working equitation requires horses and riders to navigate field elements such as the gate, bridge, zigzag, and cattle handling. The horse for this discipline must be agile, fast, and soundminded, as the obstacles they might face are both challenging and diverse. Although countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Sweden, England, France, Holland, Mexico, Belgium, and Austria have all hosted international working equitation competitions, this discipline is not yet prevalent in the United States. Thus, Haras Dos Cavaleiros aims to introduce and nurture this exciting sport in the States. For starters, Zamorano and Chavez Monzon hosted the spectacular glass Lusitano Lounge at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky., with an emphasis on working equitation. (See page 40 for more information about working equitation.) In addition to working equitation lessons under the tutelage of two young European trainers, Haras Dos Cavaleiros offers clinics for riders of all ages and levels, boarding, horses for sale, nine stallions at stud, and embryo sales.
From backyard horses to well-bred reiners, the Silvas have turned horse ownership into a lifestyle.
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ICE CREAM I
REINING HORSES
t sounds like the perfect childhood: Being surrounded by ice cream and ponies. That’s how Dave Silva spent his formative years in Tolland, Conn. His father started Dari Farms Ice Cream, a wholesale ice cream company that Dave, his brother, and his 37-year-old son, David Jr., now run. Dave grew up with horses in his backyard, but he ended up selling his last horse when he was 17 and focusing on finishing high school. Dave’s wife,
Bonnie, on the other hand, wasn’t originally a horse person. And at the time they first started dating, the only horsepower Bonnie was used to seeing
By Megan Arszman
Photos by Jeff Kirkbride and Victoria Lambert
Dave with was his motorcycle and car. “We went to high school together, but we didn’t start dating until afterwards, when a friend introduced me to Dave,” said Bonnie, 61. “I knew his car because I’d be walking home and he would pass me going down the hill in his 1966 Chevelle Super Sport.” Forty years later, the couple moved from the cold winters of New England to a more stable weather pattern in Pilot Point, Texas, with real horsepower in tow—a growing horse breeding operation. “I don’t miss the snow,” laughs Bonnie.
From Backyard Horses … After spending some time concentrating on the family ice cream business, the Silvas got back into horses when David Jr. was 7 years old. The family started attending small horse shows and competing in Western pleasure classes, then later added some color to their stable with Appaloosas. “There was a good group in Connecticut at the Appaloosa shows that was really family-orientated,” explained Dave.
exciting thing to go in the pen and run down, say ‘whoa,’ and have the horse stop,” he continued. “Once I tried it on that horse there was no stopping us.” The family worked with area trainer Randy Cutbirth, first competing with Appaloosas and then later moving onto American Quarter Horses. When daughter Debbie was ready to start showing horses, she dove headfirst into the reining world, rather than showing at the smaller shows like her brother had before her. “We told her no, we had already done (4-H and Appaloosa shows), you’re going right into reining,” Bonnie said with a laugh.
reining horse (Great Nifty Fox), Dave purchased a black mare of NRHA Hall of Fame parentage (Nifty Jodiann X Great Pine) named Great Footwork. After a successful show career with Dave, David Jr., as well as Cutbirth, she threw some great foals for the Silvas such as Heza Piece of Work (by NRHA World Champion Heza New Twist) and Footworks Finest (by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Hollywood Dun It). Footworks Finest ended up going undefeated in open competition in 1998 with Tim McQuay in the saddle. Thus started the Silvas’ foray into breeding quality reining horses.
“Just like any other sport, there are a lot of downs and a few ups. It’s a lot of work and not always a lot of reward from it, but we’ve enjoyed the relationship with the McQuays and we look forward to many years of doing business with them.”—Dave Silva
Dave was introduced to reining at the Appaloosa shows. “It really got my attention,” he said.
Deborah, now 25 and a mother herself, had no problem with that decision. She had a successful youth career, placing in the top 10 of the National Reining Horse Association’s (NRHA) youth division.
“My first experience on a reiner was in the very early 1980s with an Appaloosa horse that had been shown quite a bit before I purchased him. It was quite an
The Silvas got their introduction to high-quality reining horses while attending the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma City. After showing his first “real”
… To Well-Bred Reiners. The Silvas’ pairing with NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Tim McQuay has proven fortuitous in more ways than one, and all it took was the purchase of Mr. Slidin Pine to bring the two families together. The gelding, which caught Dave’s eye at the 1984 NRHA Futurity, was sold on the condition that McQuay was allowed to continue showing the
horse. Since then, Bonnie and Dave have owned 75 to 80 horses in training with Tim. “I’ve sent (Tim) a lot of horses,” said Dave. “I’ve got the highest regard for Tim and his wife, Colleen,” Dave continued. “As time went on I was really happy with them and I got to know Mandy, their daughter, and I just liked the way they treat their horses and train them.” Many horses have gone through Silva Reining Horses’ and McQuay Stables’ gates, but the two most notable would have to be Miss Tinseltown and perhaps her most successful foal, Hollywoodstinseltown. Hollywoodstinseltown, once again by the McQuay’s famed Hollywood Dun It, has turned out to be one of those dreams that just doesn’t end. The striking Palomino shares the same big, soft eye and heart as his sire. In fact, McQuay has such high regard for the stallion that he’s claimed Hollywoodtinseltown can be another Hollywood Dun It—high praise for any stallion. The partnership between the two families has been unbeatable so far—the pair was on the gold medal-winning reining team at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky. “Just like any other sport, there are a lot of downs and a few ups,” said Dave. “It’s a lot of work and not always a lot of reward from it, but we’ve enjoyed
the relationship with the McQuays and we look forward to many years of doing business with them.”
The Ranch In 2008 the Silvas purchased 35 acres right in the heart of Texas Horse Country. The original farm had a small seven-stall barn, which the Silvas now use primarily for foaling out mares. In 2011 Dave purchased 22 additional acres that included a second house (where Debbie, husband Frank Ordner, and 2-year-old daughter Hailey now live) and more pasture space. Today Silva Reining Horses can house 40-50 horses on the ranch at any time, with 26 stalls (five more stalls are in the process of being added on), an arena, round pen, hay barn, and walker. Their location is perfect—15 minutes from McQuay Stables one way, 15 minutes from Tom McCutcheon Reining Horses (where they swim their horses) another way, and only five minutes from their veterinarian. It’s a horseman’s dream location. “(Moving from Connecticut to Texas) was a culture shock, but in a good way,” said Debbie. “I feel more at home here than I did in Connecticut. The people are great.” Dave splits his time between Texas and Connecticut while he tries to run both family businesses (David Jr. lives in Connecticut and runs the ice cream business while his father is in Pilot
Point). “Coming down (to Texas) for my dad is a vacation,” explained Debbie. “He’s very happy when he comes down here … this is his escape.” Bonnie stays on the ranch full-time, unless she travels to visit their 3-year-old grandson Dylan in Connecticut. She runs the business aspect of the ranch, working with McQuay Stables (where Hollywoodstinseltown stands at stud) to keep everything organized. Bonnie also organizes Dave’s travel plans. “Dave and I are on the plane a lot—he was a Gold member in a year!” Bonnie joked. But 62-year-old Dave hopes all that will soon change: “I hope to be spending less time in Connecticut and more time in Texas because I think the horse business is just picking up and I’m going to be able to spend more time here.” Dave and Bonnie’s hopes for Silva Reining Horses is that they can continue breeding successful reining horses. “I would really like to have one of our offspring from Hollywoodstinseltown win the (NRHA) Futurity. That’s what we’re looking for—just promote quality reining horses,” said Dave.
Bio: Megan Arszman, photo/newsletter editor at The Horse, has shown Quarter Horses on the AQHA, PHBA, and open show circuits. When not in the saddle, she enjoys practicing dog agility.
In 27 years Great Southwest Equestrian Center has transformed from prairie land to premier show facility
A
Horse Lover’s
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DREAM By Olva Stewart Pharo
he Boston Globe and The Wall Street Journal called it a “… paradise for horses” and the “Texas Taj Mahal.” The Great Southwest Equestrian Center developers were touting it as “the largest public horse boarding, training, and show facility in the United States.” They had picked 107 acres of prairie south of I-10, inhabited by jackrabbits and white-tailed deer, as their location. That year, in 1984, the property was essentially at the end of civilization. Who knew how the city of Katy would grow in the years to come.
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2
1
3 Ken Pearson, developer and executive director, began meeting with the local area horse clubs and horse world movers and shakers in 1983, presenting his ideas and displaying wonderful architectural models and renderings of his proposed facility. Most of us could only look at them and dream, as many such grand plans never got off the drawing board. But Pearson was determined to build “the finest all-breed facility in the country.” In 1985 the Great Southwest Equestrian Center became a reality with a gala grand opening charity event called “Reins and Ruffles” benefiting cystic fibrosis, featuring carriage rides by Stewart Morris and an exhibition polo match by the newly formed National Polo League. A polo pony was auctioned off to benefit the charity, dinner and dancing ensued in the
“The finest all-breed facility in the country.” — Ken Pearson Mansion, and guided carriage and golf cart tours of the facility were provided. Originally, the Great Southwest Equestrian Center was designed as two separate facilities: a boarding facility and a show arena complex. The first sight you saw as you turned off Mason Road was acres of white board fence paddocks for the boarded horses’ daily turnout and the “Mansion,” a 30,000-square-foot antebellum-style
clubhouse. It housed the executive offices, meeting rooms, a tack shop, snack bar, dressing rooms with showers, a sauna, and lockers for boarders. A large banquet hall and ballroom on the upper level was made available for parties and meetings. Over the years many organizations hosted their yearend awards banquets there and many couples would be married there. The boarding facility consisted of 320 12-by-12-foot stalls, with large lockers
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available for tack and equipment storage. A large lighted, covered arena ran down the center of the boarding complex—so large that it was usually divided into a training arena and turnout arena. The complex also included hot walkers, concrete wash racks, round pen, security and sprinkler systems, and all the amenities necessary for a top level boarding facility. Nothing in the Houston area, or anywhere in a 200-mile radius, could top this.
HIGHS AND LOWS
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The concept of the GSEC boarding and training facility was to meet the needs of all equine pursuits. Whatever your interest in horses, GSEC wanted to fulfill it. They even went so far as to open a livery stable where you could rent a horse and ride through the acres of open land adjacent to the site. Meeting all horse people’s needs is a hard thing to do, but for a few years it seemed to work. Western, English, Arabian, and Quarter Horse trainers all shared the arena and stabling at the boarding stable. The private boarding facility worked exactly as planned. Being physically separate from the show facility, the boarders were never asked not to ride or visit their horse because a show had taken over the arena. There was even a separate entrance for the show facility. The whole complex was planned to be connected by covered riding paths, making it easy for boarders to ride their horses to the show during inclement weather. On the back side of the property sprawled the show arena. Not since the Astrodome had Houstonians seen such an expanse under one roof. The 300-by-150-foot central arena was twice the size of the Astroarena, which was plenty spacious enough to host a grand prix or a rodeo. Ultimate seating capacity was projected at 9,000; 2,000 of which would be box seats. There were big plans for the 6,000-squarefoot sponsors’ lounge on the upper level at one end of the indoor arena with an equal view of the indoor arena and the same-sized outdoor arena. Two other covered arenas flanked the main arena, and 600 10-by-10-foot
stalls of the same construction as the boarding facility were under the show complex roof. For the first time a rider could go from his or her stall to the warm-up ring to the show arena without ever going outside. In Houston’s tropical climate staying out of the sun and the rain was a real plus. Under the same cover were wash racks for horses and showers and dressing rooms for their riders and grooms. It appeared to be a dream come true.
facility at which to put on shows. But after GSEC’s demise no one wanted to take the risk.
The first shows to be held in the new center were the Houston Classic Hunter Jumper Show on May 9-12, 1985, with a $25,000 Grand Prix, and the Houston National Hunter Jumper Show on May 15-19, with a $25,000 Mercedes Benz-sponsored Grand Prix. These events were followed by the Las Colinas $30,000 Mercedes Grand Prix in Irving, Texas, creating a tremendous three-week circuit that brought national competitors from around the country to the Lone Star State.
His original intention was to demolish the buildings and turn the site into a mixed use commercial and residential development. After several months of planning and bidding the decision was made to reopen the Mansion as an event facility and after a $1 million renovation, the Mansion reopened for weddings, meetings, and parties in 1996. Slowly the Center began hosting horse shows and a small boarding operation again. Over the next 12 years the operation grew and slowly began to add more prestigious shows like the National Reining Breeders Classic and the USDF Region 9 Dressage Championships.
In 1986 the Olympic Festival came to Houston, holding its equestrian competition, including pentathalon teams, Grand Prix dressage, and stadium jumping, at Great Southwest. Fans packed the arena as never before or since with a standing room-only crowd. Though the new facility had quickly attracted many national competitors, however, the Texas economy took a downturn and so did the shows. After GSEC changed hands a couple times over the next few years, the Houston Dressage Society Autumn Classic/SWDC held the last show there on Dec. 6, 1992. It was a very cold evening when it was announced to the crowd that the Great Southwest Equestrian Center was closing. This was a disaster for the Houston area equestrian community; the nearest show facility was in San Antonio, more than 200 miles away. Dallas was 250 miles north. A trainer’s livelihood relied on going to shows. They had come to depend on GSEC and the opportunity it offered. With no show facility around many trainers moved to Dallas or San Antonio. Concerned horse owners formed the Greater Houston Horse Council (GHHC) with the sole purpose of finding a new area
Now owned by an insurance company with no ties to the horse industry or the Houston community, Great Southwest was surrounded by a chain link fence and saw most of its stalls dismantled. For three years the Center sat idle until a Houston real estate developer purchased it in 1995.
Fast forward to 2009: A Houston businessman and horseman purchased the Center with the intention of returning it to the grandeur and vision everyone once had for it. That new vision “to become one the premier equestrian facilities in the country” is now the driving force behind the operation. Over the last three years a strategic renovation has brought about new state-of-the-art footing in the outdoor rings, 1,200 new live oak trees, and numerous improvements to long neglected buildings and facilities. Future plans include another covered arena west of the main complex. 2012 will mark Great Southwest’s 27th year. It is truly the backbone of the Texas horse show industry and once again on its way
to becoming one of the country’s best facilities.
Bio: Olva Stewart Pharo is a writer and equine artist based in Cypress, Texas.
captions Artist rendering that shows the
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Aerial view of GSEC in 1998.
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An April 1985 artist’s rendering of the center
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additional planned indoor arena.
in the The Horse Sheet promotes GSEC’s inaugural horse shows.
Arena Club Pin Oak Party.
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The first sight you saw as you turned off
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Mason Road was the “Mansion,” a
30,000-square-foot antebellum-style clubhouse.
A hot walker and round pen were just a few of the
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The 320 private boarders’ stalls were
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Ringside party for the Great Southwest Autumn Classic.
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The main indoor arena was constructed to seat 9,000.
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The 6,000-square-foot sponsors’ lounge at one end of the
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amenities the original boarding facility featured. adjacent to the show grounds.
indoor arena offers a view of the grounds.
FINAL CHASE Photos By David Mullinix Photography
PHOTO
GALLERY
2011
FINAL CHASE Photos By David Mullinix Photography
PHOTO
GALLERY
2011
Ch H eal ntghey H o r s e s
First Flight Foals
by Alexandra Beckstett
This warmblood breeder boasts not only quality offspring, but top-of-the-line foaling services and facilities
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ricia Veley looks out over her 40-acre Boerne, Texas, farm from the wide front porch of her historic 1850s-era home and knows she’s living her dream. Since she and her husband, Rick, purchased the charming horse property four years ago, Veley has developed it into the broodmare’s paradise she calls First Flight Farm. The couple didn’t initially intend to establish a high-level breeding and foaling program. In fact, they were days away from beginning construction on their new home in San Antonio when Rick flipped past an advertisement for the farm in a real estate publication and suggested they “just drive out and take a look.”
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
When Veley stepped foot on the property, however, an overwhelming feeling of “home” washed over her. “It just had a fantastic feel to it,” she said. “It’s great horse land—not rocky at all. I decided that day I was going to scrap all (our construction plans) and I was going to buy this farm.”
The farm originally included three barns, run-in sheds, lush pastures, and large foaling stalls. Veley has since added amenities such as automatic waterers and stall mats, redone the barn aisles, and constructed a covered arena for breaking and training young CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
horses. The four horses she brought with her upon moving have multiplied to 16, and, at the request of her veterinarian, Benjamin Espy, DVM, Dipl. ACT, she is now offering her foaling services to other broodmare owners. “He told me there was a real need for this kind of facility around here, and would I consider (foaling out mares),” she explained. “I thought, ‘I don’t know why not.’ I’ve got the good facility, and I’ve got an excellent vet here that we work with.”
What makes Veley’s facilities unique are not only features such as 24/7 onsite, monitored video surveillance in each 12-by-24-foot foaling stall and foaling monitors on each mare’s halter, but also her well-trained staff—all equipped with four-year equine science degrees specializing in reproduction. “Luckily I’ve got really good people working for me,” she said. “They do some of everything; they help with foaling, share foal watch duties, take care of feeding, exercising horses, medicating, grooming, you name it.”
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
Veley’s three staff members also live on the premises, ensuring they never miss a birth. They keep records of all important milestones before and after foaling, are equipped to handle emergencies as well as normal deliveries, and properly preserve the placenta
“It just makes sense for (mares) to be here since we have the system set up already. It’s a service that helps the horse and helps the owner.” — Tricia Veley for veterinary inspection when he arrives to perform his routine postpartum exam. But why not send your broodmare to a veterinary clinic to foal? According to Veley and Espy, monitoring expectant mares around the clock is labor intensive, and most clinics simply don’t have the resources to keep a staff member on duty at all times during breeding/ foaling season. Also, owners run the risk of their mares potentially being exposed to sick horses in for treatment.
Many clinics also aren’t designed as foaling facilities: There likely isn’t an overabundance of stall space, particularly large foaling stalls. And the mares won’t have the same peace, quiet, and routine they would experience at a private barn such as Veley’s. A mare with known health problems or experiencing a difficult birth, however, should always be treated by a veterinarian. Veley admits that while she’s well-trained to perform ultrasounds and foal horses, she is not a substitute for a vet. After a successful foaling, Veley ensures mare and foal pairs are turned out in a pasture or herd dynamic that best fits that individual duo. She prefers them housed in paddocks with other horses that have similar aged foals at their sides so the youngsters can truly “learn to be a horse.”
“If you don’t have a baby that is raised around other babies, they don’t learn to be a good herd member,” Veley explained. “If they get put in a herd with older herd members they might get hurt or bug their poor mom to death because they don’t have babies to go play with. Here everyone is grouped in the right group: We have mares with foals, a weanling group, a yearling group, so they are always out with somebody they can identify with and not get hurt.”
The Woman Behind the Ultrasound Machine
H
orses have been ingrained in Tricia Veley’s life since—much to her parents’ dismay—she uttered her first word: “horse.” Her early riding experiences growing up in Georgia and California included barrel racing, pole bending, and “anything exciting and fast.” Her love for the
“I love babies and working with the young ones,” she acknowledged. “I just figured I’m not going to go back on show circuit; I’ve been there, done that. So this is something I can do to get my horse fix: I have my horses, mares I can ride, and then I have these young babies I can work with. That is my love.”
European sporthorse, however, was born when her family uprooted and moved to Europe for five years during her childhood. There she transitioned to English riding and had the opportunity to ride some very high-quality dressage horses. Once back in the States, Veley continued her dressage, starting showing hunters, and eventually fell in the love with the more “tailon-fire” style of the jumpers.
Veley recently arrived in a position financially where she could invest in the best broodmares and breed to the best stallions to produce two to three high-quality offspring a year. Racking up many thousands of dollars in veterinary bills a month, however, convinced her to learn to ultrasound and manage her mares herself at First Flight Farm. “I’m kind of a rebel,” she admitted. “I don’t go with the flow.”
“Once I started having kids, that kind of slowed down my showing. As you get a little bit older, you know the ground gets a little harder and the horses get a little taller,” Veley said with a laugh. She realized what she really wanted to do was breed warmbloods.
Her goal is to produce in the United States very nice horses like the ones she says she got spoiled riding while in Europe. “It’s really kind of wild,” she said. “Years ago I would have given my right arm to have the kind of horses I have now back when I was showing.”
Ultimately, what Veley aims to avoid is the classic situation of an owner breeding his or her mare and at the last minute realizing they don’t have the surveillance or the space to best handle a birth. “It just makes sense for them to be here since we have the system set up already,” she said. “It’s a service that helps the horse and helps the owner.” While Veley herself specializes in breeding Oldenburg, Berlin-Brandenburg, and Dutch Warmblood sporthorses, she offers her services to all breeds. She accepts mares typically during their last month of pregnancy and will board them until receiving the veterinarian’s stamp of approval that mare and foal are ready to travel back home. Space permitting, she also boards horses through weaning and offers basic halter, handling, and ground manner training for foals.
Bio:
Alexandra Beckstett grew up showing hunters and jumpers at Great Southwest Equestrian Center. Today she lives, works, and rides in Lexington, Ky., and is the features editor of The Horse.
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 1 Winter 2012
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Money Matters
If I had a Time Machine By Heath Hightower, CFP
I
nvesting in the stock market can be a difficult and daunting task for individual investors. Since the credit crisis of 2008, investors have watched their portfolios decline in value, and many are unsure how to reverse this trend. Investing has become more challenging than ever, and it takes a more refined investment advisor to guide you through the traps, twists, and turns of the financial markets. However, with sound fundamentals and a disciplined approach to the markets your portfolio can be navigated with the finesse of a Grand Prix show jumper or dressage rider. So, let’s begin with some simple strategies: If I had a time machine, I could travel back in time and warn myself about what was ahead for 2011. Last year was tumultuous. Headlines were riddled with political controversies, economic fears, and several other unprecedented catastrophes that no one could foresee. Here’s a list of a few things I’d warn against, if I had a time machine: • European banking system almost collapsed • U.S. debt ceiling was breached • The Egyptian government was over thrown • U.S. bonds were downgraded • NATO Allies overthrew Khadafi in Libya • China’s economy slowed • Other Arab governments were over thrown • Gold almost hit $2,000/ounce • The Japanese tsunami and nuclear disaster hit • Inflation more than tripled If I knew then what I know now, I don’t think I would have invested in the 2011 stock market. Given the laundry list of negativity above, no one in their right mind would actually bet that the stock market would make money … right? In fact, one might even expect the market to spiral out of control. But it didn’t. It might surprise you to learn that the U.S.
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
stock market actually made money in 2011. The S&P 500 made more than 2% last year, and our economy continues to grow (Source: Morningstar). If I had had a time machine in 2011, I still wouldn’t have been able to predict the market. I can’t say that I understand why the market was able to overcome such adversity, and neither can anyone else. Economists are calling 2011 a classic example of “economic discontinuity” (which, in my opinion, is a more sophisticated way of saying that they can’t predict the market either). Most investors have a cognitive understanding that the stock market can’t be timed. However, it’s in our nature as
“All too often we look to politics and economic indicators to be our crystal ball, when in reality there is no crystal ball, and there is no reliable way to predict the market.” human beings to think we have the ability to beat the market. All too often we look to politics and economic indicators to be our crystal ball, when in reality there is no crystal ball and there is no reliable way to predict the market. The key to a successful investment philosophy is not time travel; it’s discipline. Building a portfolio in today’s environment can be a daunting task. If you’re thinking about revisiting your investment portfolio as 2012 gets under way, here are a few things to consider: Avoid making investment decisions based on short term market conditions: A good portfolio
strategy is never reactive; it’s reflective. Portfolio allocation decisions should be made to reflect your specific risk/reward profile and then tailored to meet your financial goals. Build a diversified portfolio with multiple asset classes: An investment portfolio is not diversified unless it has multiple asset classes. (Simply owning a few stocks is not enough.) Consider using stocks, bonds, hard assets, and alternative investments to mitigate your exposure to any particular financial market. Be disciplined and stick to the plan: If you recognize that markets can’t be timed, resist the temptation to reallocate the portfolio based on your gut feeling or the latest Fox News Alert. Consider hiring an investment professional: If building a portfolio simply isn’t your forte, hire a professional to help you. Make sure the person you hire is an independent fee-only Certified Financial Planner, and try to avoid commissioned products if possible. Designing and implementing an investment strategy is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. Visit us at www.finsyn. com or give us a call at (713) 623-6600 if you’d like to have a conversation about building an investment portfolio that’s appropriate for you.
Bio:
Heath Hightower, CFP, is a financial advisor with Financial Synergies Asset Management Inc., in Houston, Texas. He was recognized in 2008-2011 as one of America’s Top Financial Planners by the Consumers’ Research Council of America and was also recognized by Kingdom Advisors as a Qualified Kingdom Advisor in 2009.
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 1 Winter 2012
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Cq E hu a inngee L a w
Five Common Equine Myths By Shannon Galvin
A
nyone who owns, boards, trains, teaches, rides, races, shoes, shows, equips, vets, or otherwise works with horses has an equine exposure. An equine exposure is the condition of being unprotected against lawsuits arising from your ownership of a horse or your horse related activities. Horses are a “risk multiplier.” They can, will, and do cause both property damage and bodily injury with little or no warning. No matter how you work with these animals, you are at risk of losing your personal or professional assets due to a horserelated lawsuit, so make sure you are properly protected. In doing so, let’s shed some light on a few of the common misconceptions in the horse world: Myth #1: “I can’t be sued because my horse is kept at a boarding facility.” Truth: Your risk is the same no matter where your horse is located—at a boarding facility, at the trainer’s farm, or even at a horseshow. For instance, if your horse gets loose and runs into the road causing an automobile accident resulting in property damage and injury to the driver, you as the horse owner and the boarding facility could both be brought into the suit. Your boarding facility or trainer’s policy does not cover your liability of owning a horse. Their coverage will defend them, not you. So it is important to have the proper liability coverage from your own farm policy or home owner’s insurance. Myth #2: “I’m fine. My agent says my liability for my horse is covered on my homeowner’s policy.” Truth: Most standard homeowner’s policies do not cover horse exposures, and if they do it is usually limited to on premises only. So make sure your agent knows an endorsement needs to be added to cover the liability for your horse and that it includes off premises
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
exposure if your horse ever leaves your ranch. Even if you just keep a couple horses in the back yard and ride on the weekends, make sure you have liability coverage for your horses on your homeowner’s policy. You never know when a child could hop your fence and be injured by a horse without you being aware; your fence breaks and your horse gets loose on the road and causes an automobile accident; or your child has a friend over and is grooming the horses and the friend gets kicked causing severe injury. Protect yourself against these unforeseen but not uncommon accidents by having the proper liability coverage.
“Even if you just keep a couple horses in the backyard and ride on the weekends, make sure you have liability coverage for your horses on your homeowner’s policy.” Myth #3: “I don’t need insurance because my association basic membership provides insurance coverage.” Truth: Most of these memberships provide a limit per occurrence for “excess personal equine liability.” The word “excess” means it would pay out after your underlying policy, such as your homeowner’s policy, does. These memberships also provide no coverage for business or professional liability (e.g., If you teach lessons, training, boarding, clinics, etc.) while at your farm.
Myth #4: “I can’t be sued due to the Texas Equine Activity Liability Act (EALA).” Truth: First of all an EALA is a state law that is intended to protect equine professionals (including trainers, instructors, sponsors, organizers, breeders, groups, clubs, stables, and riding facilities) from lawsuits for personal injuries arising out of the inherent risk of equine activities. Inherent risk includes a horse’s propensity to bite, kick, buck, and so forth; the horse’s unpredictablility; hazards in the land; collisions with other animals or objects; and a rider’s potential to behave negligently. While helpful, EALAs do not provide absolute protection to equine professionals. Protection might not apply to claims involving faulty tack or equipment (e.g., providing helmets or improperly cinching a saddle), claims involving failure to determine a rider’s ability to match him with the appropriate horse, premises liability exposures, gross negligence, injury to minors, and failure to comply with sign posting and waiver/release provisions in EALA. EALAs can be dodged, and nothing prevents a lawsuit from being filed, but an insurance policy covering your business liability provides the invaluable benefit of a defense on your behalf to get a case dismissed. Myth #5: “My waiver/release is bulletproof.” Truth: If drafted correctly, a waiver or release can afford some (but not absolute) protection. Many equine releases do fail in court cases for many reasons. Getting a signed waiver or release is just the first step to trying to protecting yourself. Having the proper liability coverage for all exposures allows you to protect yourself and provides you with a defense. Be sure to consult your attorney on what key things need to be included in your waiver or release.
Bio:
Shannon Galvin Insurance Agency, an American National Property and Casualty company, specializes in insurance services for the farming and equine community. Call (713) 857-5554 for a no-cost comparison and review, with a personal visit and no paperwork. We love working with horse people and enjoy dealing with the industry’s challenges! Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 1 Winter 2012
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ICnh t ah neg eN e w s
GSEC to Host EAP Regional Clinic
T
his year for the first time, the United States Hunter Jumper Association is offering 10 regional clinics throughout the country for its Emerging Athletes Program (EAP). Twenty-four young riders are invited to attend each clinic, which are held over the course of four days and taught by various knowledgeable and respected horsemen.
Great Southwest Equestrian Center has the honor of hosting Zone 7’s EAP clinic June 11-14, with Olympic gold medalist Chris Kappler instructing. The goal of the EAP is to provide talented young riders the opportunity to further their education, not only as riders but also as horsemen. These riders must apply to land a spot in one of these coveted clinics by demonstrating their
experience and involvement in the hunter/jumper industry. Riders and horses participating in the Regional Clinic will be instructed on flatwork, gymnastics, related distances and course work, as well as an intensive stable-management curriculum that will incorporate proper care and grooming, horsemanship skills, and barn management. Riders will also complete a written test as part of their evaluation for the National Training Session. Great Southwest will provide EAP riders full use of its grounds and facilities, including personnel, sanitary facilities, equipment, jumps, seating, and communication equipment. Those interested in auditing the clinic should contact Great Southwest at (281) 578 - 7669.
Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Hosts First Working Equitation Competition
T
he discipline of Working Equitation is sweeping the globe, with high-level competition in both Europe and the Americas. Haras dos Cavaleiros is bringing Opportunity Working Equitation to the 2012 Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Katy, Texas, with three levels of competition and a course designed by the first World Champion of Working Equitation,
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
Jorge De Sousa of Portugal. On March 22 and 23, during Week One of the show’s two-week run, Pin Oak will host Championships in three levels, Novice, Basic and Intermediate. Open to all breeds, the three levels of Working Equitation competition offer $1,950 in prize money at each level, plus ribbons for each phase, and trophies. The event is sponsored by Lusitano breeder
Haras Dos Cavaleiros of Magnolia, Texas. Working Equitation is a discipline based upon the tradition of field work on ranches, highlighting the clear partnership between horse and rider, with an emphasis on athleticism, collection and versatility. The three phases will run over two days, with the Dressage
phase on Thursday, March 22, and the Ease of Handling (obstacles for precision) and Speed (obstacles for speed) phases on Friday, March 23. The classes are open to all breeds. The Working Equitation Championships will be run using the IALHA 2011 rules with updated 2012 Dressage tests available for download at www.pinoak.org. One important change for 2012: the Intermediate (highest) level must be performed with only one hand on the reins. Two hands are not allowed at the intermediate level. European countries hosting international competitions in Working Equitation also include a cattle-handling phase that is not yet common in the United States. Working Equitation is gaining ground in Austria, Belgium, Germany, England, Portugal, Spain, France, Holland, Italy, Mexico and Brazil, some of the members of the World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE.) “I believe that Working Equitation has an excellent chance of becoming the next FEI Olympic sport in future years, because there is already substantial international support and high-level competition in Europe and South America,” says Linda Graham, Andalusian and Lusitano breed chair at Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. “It has gotten off to a slower start in the United States, but Haras Dos Cavaleiros is working hard to change that, by putting up substantial prize money and tireless support for competitions, which are open to all breeds. However, as Carmina Zamorano will tell you, the Lusitano is the horse that is most successful in this sport internationally. The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in its 67th year is a fitting venue for this new sport, combining decades of horse show tradition with what is cutting-edge in equine competition.” The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has raised more than $5.5 million for charity since its inception in 1945, donating $125,000 in 2011 to Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston’s Ronald McDonald House, Family Rooms, and Candlelighters. Pin Oak Charity Horse Show’s dates for 2012 are March 21–25 and March 27–April 1. For additional information, call 713-621-6290 or visit the website at www.pinoak.org. Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 1 Winter 2012
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Ch M ra . n Eg d e’ s L i s t
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
INSURANCE
We are proud to be part of the design team working to enhance the Great Southwest Equestrian Center
Conscientious & “A horse is a horse, of course of course, and no one can talk to a horse of course, that is of course, unless the horse, Is the famous Mister Ed! Go right to the source and ask the horse. He’ll give you the answer that you’ll endorse.”
Creativity Innovation Passion Stewardship
Confidential Service Nancy Hansen
281-346-2667 Fax 281-533-9116 P.O Box 520 Simonton, Texas 77476
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Protecting What You Value Most If you own, board, breed, train or race horses, we need to talk! I take a personal interest in protecting what you value most. For information on equine insurance solutions, call me today!
Shannon Galvin (713) 857-5554 Serving the state of Texas sgalvin3@gmail.com www.shannongalvinagency.com
Shannon Galvin 42
For Those Who Live and Ride Well
Products and services may not be available in all states and eligibility requirements will apply. Personal and commercial lines insurance is issued by American National Property And Casualty Company (ANPAC®), Springfield, Missouri.
AN9 0211
Change
We are proud to announce OTTO Sport International
THE OFFICIAL ARENA FOOTING PROVIDER For Great Southwest Equestrian Center
Otto Sport- und Reitplatz GmbH of Germany will be the official footing supplier of Great Southwest’s arenas. The patented OTTO Perforated Mats and meticulously blended footing mixture boast high water permeability, outstanding concussion absorption, and non-slip properties to protect horses to the fullest. Otto Sport is a family-run company with more than 25 years experience in arena construction. The company has provided more than 5,000 installations in arenas throughout the world, including the stadiums and arenas at the Kentucky Horse Park, host of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. 43
For Those Who Live and Ride Well
OPENED 2010
OPENED 2010
OPENING 2011-12
TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL WEST CAMPUS
JAN AND DAN DUNCAN NEUROLOGICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
TEXAS CHILDREN’S PAVILION FOR WOMEN
Raising $15 million to build our first hospital outside the Texas Medical Center, bringing world-class care for childhood illnesses and injuries to one of Houston’s fastest growing communities
Raising $200 million to launch the first multidisciplinary pediatric research institute for brain disorders like autism, epilepsy and cerebral palsy
Raising $85 million to create a new standard of familyfocused maternity care, providing mothers and their babies with access to the world’s finest physicians and state-of-the-art facilities
Inpatient and emergency center facilities to open in Spring 2011
“At Texas Children’s, it’s more than our job to heal sick children; it’s our calling and the inspiration behind the largest expansion effort in our history.” — Mark A. Wallace President and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital