AND
FUTURE
OF
MILTON MENASCO
JULY/AUG
THE ART, LIFE
New Century of Champions & Changes A
PORTRAIT OUT
&
OF A
RIDER: ALEXANDER ZETTERMAN
A B O U T : LGCT & G C L C A N N E S • H I S T O R Y
OF
STYLE: BREECHES
2016
THE OX RIDGE HUNT CLUB
online
The
Endless
Summer Giveaway Starting on August 1st, Horse & Style will be gifting each of these equestrian items to a different Facebook or Instagram fan.Visit facebook.com/horseandstylemag and @horseandstylemag for your chance to win, and celebrate an endless summer with Horse & Style!
1.
2.
5.
6.
Sun Protection with Stand-Out style
3.
4.
7.
8.
11.
12.
Riata
Be You.
Jill Slater
RIATA Designs
riatadesigns@gmail.com instagram.com/riatadesigns facebook.com/riatadesigns
10.
9.
An Exceptional Guide to Horse Showing & Equestrian Lifestyle w w w. H O R S E A N D S T Y L E M A G . c o m
1. Danielle Demers for Tara Kiwi – ‘A Swell Ride’ Tee 2. Riata Designs – Custom Sun Hat 3. Hampton Ivy - Equestrian Bangle Bracelets 4. Spiced Equestrian – Shirt, Belt and Tote Bag 5. Mini Britches Lucky Horseshoe Long Sleeve Onesie and Blanket 6. Stable + Sea – assorted candles 7. Equi In Style - Light Pink/White COOL Shirt ® 8. Ariat - Olympia Acclaim Breech 9. Year Subscription to Horse & Style Magazine 10. Tucker Tweed - Wellington Wristlet in Navy/Chestnut 11. Tickets to the Longines Masters of Los Angeles 12. AA Platinum - Arianna Lightweight Jacket, Elisa Bamboo Polo, and the AA Platinum Siena Breeches
july/august·
1
Experience
*Denotes facility under construction
The New World Equestrian Center
See you at the
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER Invitational October 26th–30th
for
H se, Rider
& Family
Amenities Premium Footing LED Lighting 4 Climate-Controlled Indoor Arenas Multiple Outdoor Arenas Heated Stalls & Walkways Spacious Wash Racks Dedicated Warm-Up Areas Hacking Trails On-Site Veterinary Clinic CafĂŠ & Grille Rental Homes & Cabins Day Spa Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography
Quality. Class. Distinction. www.worldequestriancenter.com The World Equestrian Center offers creative, custom-designed sponsorship packages and installations to showcase your brand. For all Sponsorship & Vendor Space inquiries contact: Candace FitzGerald | 603.738.2788 • Dawn Martin | 937.283.6480
68 76
88 36 86
28
50 28 OUT
& ABOUT: LGCT & GCT CANNES
One of the most beautiful stops on the Global Champions Tour Cannes provides the perfect backdrop for this Out & About. International equestrian sports photographer, Lucio Lambet, captured numerous stunning moments and gives H&S readers a glimpse of this incredible show.
32 A
TIMELESS CHAMPION: MEREDITH MICHAELS-BEERBAUM
Michaels-Beerbaum takes the time to reminisce about her past and and talks about the successes that led her to become the first woman show jumper to be ranked world number one and a Rolex Testimonee.
36 THE
ART, LIFE, AND FUTURE OF MILTON MENASCO
The incredible horse portraits done by Milton Menasco display his love for form, color, and all things equine. Alli Addison, Menasco’s great-niece, shares the history, inspiration, and legacy of his famous artwork, along with a look at some of his best pieces.
41
BEHIND THE SEAMS: PAUL & LYDIA
Heather Blackwell-Batchelor’s company, Paul & Lydia, combines equestrian style and real world functionality. Her bags come in a variety of sizes, fabrics, and colors to please every aesthetic and are made from leather and washable fabrics to make them practical for everyone, from barn girls to busy moms.
50 ON THE COVER: A NEW CENTURY OF CHAMPIONS AND CHANGES
This June, Ox Ridge Hunt Club celebrated its 85th annual Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show. Visit the history of this iconic location, hear from the show’s prominent riders, and share what makes ORHC such a special show, year after year.
68
PORTRAIT OF A RIDER: ALEXANDER ZETTERMAN
Hobert&Krupa, an artist duo who use their backgrounds in film and fashion to create stunning portraits of real riders, display their pictures of and interview with Alexander Zetterman, one of Sweden’s most prominent jumper riders.
76 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF @ZINTAPOLO
Alli Addison interviews Zinta Braukis, a model, polo player, Instagram success story, and lover of all things equestrian. Braukis shares insight on what a typical day looks like in her life, how she finds a work-horse balance, and why paddock boots are always her go-to footwear.
86 HISTORY:
BREECHES
In the next installment of the “History of Style” series, we trace the history of riding pants from an unusual beginning on the polo fields of India, to the recrafting of the garment in England during Queen Victoria’s reign, to today’s use of high-tech fabrics, differing colors, and discipline-based designs.
contents
10 | FROM
© 2016 HORSE & STYLE MAGAZINE
THE PUBLISHER
P U B L I S H E R & E D I TOR - I N- CH IEF
Coming Home
12 | 10
Sarah Appel sarah@horseandstylemag.com
THINGS
Rachel Fields
20 | PRO
E D I TOR
Emily Pollard
POP QUIZ
Tack Technology
20 | BETWEEN Unrelenting
C R E ATI V E D I R E C TOR
Molly Jean Lusk
THE LINES
AS S I S TAN T P U B L I SH ER
22 | STYLE
RIDER
26 | NEW
PRODUCT ALERT
Erinn Lew I N TE R N
Samantha Hofherr
Two24 by Ariat
48 | LIFE Fear
AD V E R TI S I N G & S ALES
OF BARBE
Katie Appel & Vilia Lerner katie@horseandstylemag.com vilia@horseandstylemag.com
58 | OUT & ABOUT Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show
60 | STYLE
PROFILES
Gingham
63 | TRAINER
SPOTLIGHT
Vinton & Ann Karrasch of Equestrian Performance
74 | OUT
& ABOUT
Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show
82 | DINING OUT
The Manor Tavern
90 | FEATURE
Vani Khosla: A Dedicated Scholar On and Off the Course
94 | ASK
DR. CARRIE
97 | VENDOR SPOTLIGHT EC Style Bar
102 | OUT
C ON TR I B U TOR S
Jackie McFarland, Laurie Berglie, Erinn Lew, Alli Addison, Juliana Chapman, Winter Hoffman, Ashley Neuhof, Alexis Meadows, Terri Roberson, Psy. D., Hobert&Krupa, Carrie Wicks, Ph.D., Jana Cohen Barbe P H OTOG R AP H E RS
Ashley Neuhof, Elena DeSanti, Kit Houghton, Jess Hoffman, Sebastian Agnetti, Hobert&Krupa, Cara Emory, Heather Gildroy, Herve Bonard, Amy McCool, Elese Keturah, Jeff Rogers, Tammie J. Monaco, Lucio Lando, Taylor Rea, Reflections, Captured Moment Photography, EqSol, Lindsay Brock/Jump Media, Bethany Unwin Photography, Luis Carlo Montiel Ishino, Alden Corrigan, Danielle Ballard, Deb Dawson, Anwar Esquivel, Totem Photographics, Gloria Axt PRINTED IN CANADA
& ABOUT
Paso Robles Horse Park
ON THE COVER: Vintage photos courtesy of Ox Ridge
Hunt Club
Horse & Style Magazine is an equestrian lifestyle publication that is published bi-monthly and available at participating tack shops nationwide for $10, and while supplies last at large training centers and hunter jumper horse shows. The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is legally prohibited. Copyright © 2016 Horse & Style Magazine LLC. TM
104 | BEHIND
THE LENS
Ashley Neuhof
106 | BUSINESS
YOU STAND IT? AH
2013
AW
P
Hermès Paddock Boots
ER
108 | CAN
LISTINGS
N
july / august
Lauren Hester
AR D WIN
july/august·
5
contributors
Emily Pollard
Laurie Berglie
Molly Jean Lusk
Erinn Lew
Emily Pollard uses her BA in English from Saint Mary’s College of California to teach, write, and edit. She has worked in the equestrian industry for the majority of her life, as a groom, assistant trainer, barn manager, and everything in between. She trained and competed her horse, Skyler Ace, to the FEI level. She now enjoys sharing her passion for horses with her husband and two young daughters.
Laurie Berglie was born, raised, and currently resides in Maryland. She enjoys renovating her fixer-upper farm, reading horse books, and training and competing her two OTTBs, Misty, her wild mare, and Bailey, her easygoing gelding. Laurie began her blog, “Maryland Equestrian,” an Equestrian Lifestyle Guide, in 2011. She has a BA in English from Stevenson University and an MA in Humanities from Towson University.
Molly grew up in Colorado with horses in her backyard and a Mom that passed down the horse-loving gene. Recently, she traded in a fulltime desk job for tall boots, working for a H/J trainer in Walnut Creek and for herself as a graphic designer. An animal lover and artist, she's found the best of both worlds.She is rarely without her rescue Pit Bull, Tank, who is either snoozing in the tack room or by her side at the computer.
Erinn is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, where she completed her degree in journalism and sociology, and rode in the IHSA. Although a Bay Area native, she got her start riding on the East Coast and competed as a junior on the Los Angeles circuit in the jumpers and equitation. She brings her experience in journalism, fashion, and online media to Horse & Style as an assistant publisher.
Alli Addison
Juliana Chapman
Winter Hoffman
Terri Roberson, Psy.D.
Alli Addison was born, raised and still lives on a ranch that has been in her family since 1837, located north of Santa Barbara, California. Alli holds a BS and MS in Business Marketing from California Polytechnic State University. A lifelong equestrian, she has a passion for riding hunter/jumpers, loves art and the equestrian lifestyle. Alli also enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
Juliana Chapman is an events marketing professional and lifelong equestrian. She grew up in Rhode Island riding pony and children’s hunter in the local show circuit. Later, she lived in the Bahamas and rode adult hunter and equitation. Juliana loves animals and nature and has written a young adult series about the environment including Mercury Mountain and Reef Rescue.
With a background in filmmaking, fashion and contemporary art, Winter brings a unique perspective to the equestrian world. A lifelong horsewoman, she helped her daughter, Zazou Hoffman (currently a trainer at Meadow Grove Farms), navigate her way to a successful junior career, including a 2009 ASPCA Maclay Equitation Championship at the National Horse Show.
A licensed clinical psychologist, Terri Roberson combines her passion for horses with her clinical work in equine-assisted psychotherapy. She currently sits on the board of Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Over 25 years on the show circuit has given her an eye for equestrian style and provides constant inspiration for her frequent contributions to H&S.
Lucio Landa
Ashley Neuhof
Hobert&Krupa
Lucio Landa is a freelance Sport and Life Style photographer based in Argentina. He works on assignment for editorial, commercial and private clients. He has photographed in several countries around the world and his images have appeared from magazines to billboards in advertising around the globe.
A former three-day event rider, Ashley’s love of horses runs deep. Her photography has taken her around the world and her images have been exhibited in New York City galleries and major magazines. When she is not behind the lens, Ashley can be found riding her Thoroughbred mare and enjoying the outdoors.
Hobert&Krupa are an artist duo making personal portraits of real people; exclusive texts and beautiful aesthetics characterize their work. A background in film and fashion adds cinematic influences to their photography and writing, bringing to life the stories of clients who are some of the most famous profiles in the world. Their vision is to tell the stories that nobody knows.
8
·july/august
EqSol is a boutique equestrian marketing and design agency with decades of combined experience in the horse industry. In recent years, the EqSol Team has grown, now reaching from CA to the UK, with new exciting projects knocking at the door. The team enjoys working with Horse & Style, providing editorial content and specialized design services.
F R O M the
publisher
Coming
HOME
After completing my degree from Pace University in New York, I moved home to California and started my post-college life in San Francisco. While I was attending graduate school at the Academy of Art San Francisco, I began working as an assistant trainer for Meredith Herman and the Burgundy Farms team.
Photo - Sarah Appel and the Burgundy Farms pony crew celebrating a successful Pony Hunter Classic presented by Charleigh’s Cookies at Sonoma Horse Park this spring.
I loved the hustle and bustle of being an assistant. Riding twelve horses a day, traveling from show to show, riding different types of horses, and teaching riders from the lunge line to over fences kept me busy and living life fully in the moment. Burgundy Farms provided a lot of opportunities for me, both in my riding career and personal friendships. However, as much as I loved the job, at some point I realized the trainer lifestyle was not for me and I made the tough decision to move on. Luckily good things followed that choice, I finished graduate school, got married, started my family, and created Horse & Style. Despite the passage of time, I remained close with Meredith and the Burgundy Farms family. Early this April I got a call from Meredith asking if I could help her ride and train at an upcoming Sonoma Horse Park show. With a little hesitation, but a lot of excitement, I agreed to help. The first day, my alarm went off at 5 am and within an hour I was back in the warm-up ring hacking horses before the sun came up and the show day commenced. I had a great time helping that week and other than being pretty sore, I was easily able to jump back (pun intended) into being an assistant trainer and be fully present in the moment with the clients and horses. My family and H&S are still my top priorities, but it feels good knowing I can still tap into my inner assistant trainer to help out a good friend. And with the habit history has of repeating itself, I am sure I will get the chance to do it again soon. The Ox Ridge Hunt Club (ORHC) in Darien, CT knows the value of history and tradition quite well. In this issue we read about the 85th annual Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show and what makes this one of the country’s most iconic shows. In addition
10
·july/august
to the story, the amazing vintage pictures offer an incredible look at ORHC’s past (page 50). We also look to the past with Laurie Berglie’s “History of Style” article, which focuses on breeches this issue. We learn the distinction between jodhpurs and breeches as Berglie traces the garment from India, to England, and to now. The story certainly makes me grateful for the modern advances in fabrics, colors, and cut that we enjoy in our riding pants today (page 86). As much as we enjoyed looking to the past, we are also very excited to introduce what is new this issue. Alli Addison makes her H&S contributor debut with two wonderful features. In one she shares details about her great uncle, Milton Menasco, and the artwork that made him famous (page 36). In the other pieces she interviews Instagram model sensation and polo player Zinta Braukis (page 76). We would also like to introduce Hobert&Krupa, an amazingly talented pair whose artistic photography captured Alexander Zetterman in a unique and stylish setting. This article launches their new H&S feature series, “Portrait of a Rider” (page 68). I have found that the most important thing about history is to learn from it. Coming back as an assistant trainer after nearly a decade off taught me to appreciate the wonderful experiences from my past, to enjoy how easy it was to come back, and to be grateful for how welcoming everyone was of my return. In the horse show world, you really can always go home!
10
things
by Jackie McFarland/EqSol
...YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT...
Rachel Fields
A kiwi through and through, New Zealander Rachel Yorke (Fields) came to the United States bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in 1999. Almost two decades later her list of achievements is long, not to mention her will to press on regardless. Recognized for her talents early in her career, after working with Butch and Lu Thomas as well as John French, she landed a private position with Maple Leaf Farm and the Mendez family. Although already strong-willed and able to handle any challenge, in 2006 she proved her will to live through adversity and ride on. A freak accident in the show ring left her with a crushing blow to the head, breaking bones, damaging her ear canal and paralyzing the right side of her face. The recovery period was extensive, she endured several surgeries and lost some movement in her face but she always looked forward to getting back in the saddle. And that she did. Fast forward to 2009, when she had opened Sandhaven Farm in Woodside, CA and married Jeff Fields. Twice. They have blended their complementary styles to achieve success that continues to evolve.
10.
Always seeking to improve and have a strong team, more expansion in 2016 includes Rachel and Jeff hiring Chelsea Jones to assist with riding and training at Sandhaven. Eyes still bright and tail bushy, Rachel presses on and the future of the business is going strong.
12
·july/august
Photo © Amy McCool
Congratulates
Avery Glynn
Esteban La Paz
Always Happy OWNED BY BROOKE MORIN
Champion Childrens Hunters 13 & Under
Champion 9 out of 10 Shows This Year
EV ERY W EEK T H I S Y E A R
Champion $1,000 Childrens Hunter Classic
Champion Pony Hunter Classic WCHR WEEK PASO ROBLES
SONOMA HORSE PARK - MAY CLASSIC WEEK
Thank you to Laura Strausberg and Brooke Morin for Sharing this special pony with us!
Avery is a proud ambassador for Voltaire, MDC Stirrups, Samshield, Ariat Apparel and RJ Classics shadbellys.
Ned & Hope Glynn, Trainers | Tracy Mirabelli, Heather Roades, Robin Waugaman, Elizabeth Degolian & Kylee Arbuckle, Assistants photos ©Deb Dawson, Alden Corrigan
Congratulates
Olivia Hellman
Woodstock
Champion A/A Hunters 18-35
Winner $1,000 A/A Hunter Classic SONOMA HORSE PARK - JUNE
Reserve Champion $5,000 Circle Oak Equine Derby
Top 5 $10,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby
Sarah Hellman
Lifestyle
Champion $1,000 A/A Hunter Classic
SONOMA HORSE PARK - MAY
Thank you Kelley Sechrist for leasing me Lifestyle!
FRANKTOWN MEADOWS
1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos ©Deb Dawson, Alden Corrigan
Congratulates
Aya Clear
Sambuca
OWNED BY ANNETTE FAIDI
Champion Childrens Hunters 13 & Under Smart Pak High Score Childrens Hunter WCHR High Score WCHR WEEK OAKS
Gabriel
Champion CPHA 3ft JR/AM Medal Finals Champion 1,000 Childrens Hunter Classic
$
Fenway
OWNED BY JENNIFER GATES
Champion $1,000 Bay Club Childrens Hunter Classic
SONOMA HORSE PARK - JUNE
SONOMA HORSE PARK - MAY
Ned & Hope Glynn, Trainers | Tracy Mirabelli, Heather Roades, Robin Waugaman, Elizabeth Degolian & Kylee Arbuckle, Assistants photos ©Deb Dawson, Alden Corrigan
Congratulates
Mika Clear
Secret Handshake
All That
OWNED BY LAURA OWENS
OWNED BY SONOMA VALLEY STABLES
Champion Large Child’s Pony
Champion Short Stirrup Hunters
with Aya Clear
Reserve Champion Short Stirrup Equitation
Champion Short Stirrup Equitation SONOMA HORSE PARK - MAY
Congrats to Mika on a great start to her pony career!
with Mika Clear
SONOMA HORSE PARK - JUNE
1075 Jacobsen Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 | Barn (707) 769-0180 | www.SonomaValleyStables.com | Hope (707) 249-1518 | Ned (707) 249-1637 photos ©Deb Dawson, Alden Corrigan
Congratulates
Corriendo Tau OWNER KAREN TRIONE
Champion 10,000 Franktown Meadows Welcome Derby $
Reserve Champion $ 30,000 USHJA International Derby
Reserve Champion $ 25,000 WCHR West Coast Spectacular
Thank you to the Trione Family for their incredible support with Corrie!
Ned & Hope Glynn, Trainers | Tracy Mirabelli, Heather Roades, Robin Waugaman, Elizabeth Degolian & Kylee Arbuckle, Assistants photos ŠDeb Dawson, Alden Corrigan
Every horse has never colicked. Until he does.
Colic affects horses of every breed, age, and discipline. At SmartPak, we’re on a mission to support healthy horses and happy riders, and that’s why we created ColiCare. ColiCare is a FREE program that combines a veterinary wellness plan with our best digestive supplement, and backs it all with up to $7,500 of colic surgery reimbursement, should your horse ever need it.
TM
Protect yourself and your horse! SmartPak.com/ColiCare Subject to conditions
B E T W E E N the by Laurie Berglie
lines
P R O F E S S I O N A L pop
quiz
Unrelenting GEORGE MORRIS
THIS MONTH’S QUESTION:
“How has technology changed saddle fit?”
The man, the myth, the legend! It’s George Morris, and he’s here with his tell-all memoir, Unrelenting –The Real Story: Horses, Bright Lights, and My Pursuit of Excellence. Before George begins his story, he issues an emphatic warning to his readers: “This book is a candid portrayal of my life. Innocents and those faint of heart or closed of mind may wish to proceed no further!” Should you choose to proceed further, and you’ll be glad you did, you will find his memoir broken out by the decades of his life. In his first chapter, “The 1940s: My Good Fortune,” George gives us a glimpse into his early childhood, and shares a surprising fact about himself: “Truthfully, I was not born with a talent for riding. Some riders have innate ability and are an instant genius on a horse; I was certainly not one of them. I needed a good riding education to develop my style on a horse and, fortunately, I received just that.” It is hard to imagine that the George Morris we all know and admire today was not born a natural rider. But what he had, as many of us do, is “a magnetic attraction to horses from a very young age.” He also had the drive, the will, and the heart to keep riding, to keep learning, despite the inevitable hard times. He credits multiple trainers (and horses) for their teachings and for giving him the tools and the confidence to succeed in the show ring. And succeed he did! Throughout the book George shares candid pictures of himself with his horses, family, friends, and teammates. Also scattered throughout the pages are engaging short vignettes written by a variety of George’s fellow competitors, childhood neighbors, students – and more – all detailing their favorite memories of the hunter/jumper master. The pictures and stories offer the reader an enjoyable look into the more private side of George’s life. George Morris has been a member of the international riding elite for almost seventy years, and through it all, and still today, he remains unrelenting.
20
·july/august
“New technologies and materials have allowed saddles to become dynamic and convertible when on a horses back instead of just stationary. For instance, the CWD’s 2G saddle has a carbon fiber Kevlar composite backbone, embedded within a material devoid of structural impact, which optimizes the saddle’s flexibility as well as its resistance. The embedded carbon seat and integrated panels ensure a very close contact for the rider. Gel padding improves the rider’s comfort and guarantees a more ergonomic and precise design. The result is a saddle that reacts to the movements of both horse and rider for optimal performance and comfort.”
— Ludovic Carre, CWD Sales Representative, cwdsellier.com
“Technology has contributed new ways to measure the impact of the saddle fit on the horses back. In response to this kind of information about fit being available now, we’ve developed new materials for the trees of our saddles that allow them to flex and move with the horse while better distributing the rider’s weight across the horses back. It has really opened people’s eyes to what a proper saddle should look like.”
—Shawn Skillman, Stübben Sales Representative, stubbennorthamerica.com
Every issue, H&S will address a new topic and ask a question to be answered by a select group. Have a question you want answered? Send it to sarah@horseandstylemag.com
CONGRATULATIONS TO
RANSOME ROMBAUER FOR WINNING THE
USEF GOLD MEDAL 20 WINS
PLATINUM PERFORMANCE USEF TALENT SEARCH
WITH GRATITUDE AND THANKS TO DANIEL IGHANI, KAREN HEALEY AND ALEXIS GRAVES (OWNER OF LALONDE).
DANIEL & SUSAN IGHANI · JUMPERS, EQUITATION AND DRESSAGE
INFO@IGHANISPORTHORSES.COM - (760) 936-2062 – NAPA VALLEY, CA
STYLE
rider
by Lexi Meadows/Eqsol
LAUREN HESTER It takes true style to move seamlessly through the pony, junior, amateur, and open divisions in the hunterjumper disciplines. But Lauren Hester has done just that. She has been there, jumped that, and worked her way tirelessly up the ranks with unassuming strength and elegance. A formidable force on the West Coast as soon as she began riding at age ten, Hester practiced, prepared, and performed her way to numerous equitation championships and junior jumper awards. Most recently, she has been taking on the open jumper divisions on both coasts. After two years of competing in Europe and working with Emile and Paul Hendrix in the Netherlands, Hester brought new knowledge, experience, and her string of horses back to southern California in September 2014. However, she soon started making plans to move east. As a last West Coast hurrah, Hester won two grand prix classes at the new Paso Robles Horse Park. A few months later, she, along with her family, horses, dogs, cats and all their trimmings, moved to Bluegrass Country.
22
·july/august
The move from southern California to her spectacular new facility, Hilaur Farm, in Lexington, KY means new opportunities for competing and her clients; Hester continues to shine on the East Coast show circuit. With ample acreage, large pastures, brand new indoor and outdoor arenas, a European walker, and beautiful barns, the new facility provides the perfect home for her string of Grand Prix and developing young horses. Plus it offers plenty of room and amenities for visiting boarders during show season. Hilaur Farm reflects the same picture Hester presents in the ring: classy, cool, and polished. HORSE & STYLE: Describe your riding (apparel) style: LAUREN HESTER: I am very conservative with my riding style and don’t like a lot of bling. I like a classic look, with the comfort of modern materials. I almost always wear a hunt coat, no matter how small the class is. H&S: What is your head-to-toe riding outfit? LH: I always wear my Charles Owen helmet when I ride.
My sister has reining horses and I even wear a helmet when I ride them. I figure I can replace every other body part except my head, so I never ride without a helmet. I always wear Pikeur breeches and Tucci riding boots. When riding at home, I wear my San Soleil shirts to protect my skin from the sun. When I’m showing, my go-to brands are Asmar for shirts and Winston or Equiline for jackets. I always wear the Louis Vuitton belt my mom gave me for Christmas a few years ago. It’s holding up quite well! H&S: Do you wear anything for good luck? LH: I try not to believe in luck as much as I believe in good riding and the results that come from a lot of practice. There is one accessory I always wear, and that is my cross necklace. H&S: What are your favorite equestrian brands? LH: My favorite riding pants are Pikeur. Honestly, I have worn them for years and haven't felt the need to try other brands. My other favorite brands include Charles Owen helmets and Tucci boots. H&S: How would you describe your non-horse show style? LH: When it comes to riding at home, I just wear long sleeve sun shirts. I'm in riding clothes most of the time, but regardless, I like to be comfortable and neat. Since coming to Lexington, we’ve gone to Keeneland for the races and a few other events. To those, I usually wear Paige jeans and a Fior de Liso blouse.
H&S: How do you handle high-pressure situations, for example right before you enter a big class? LH: I always get nervous before a big class. In order to stay calm right before I go in the ring, I take a deep breath and visualize the perfect ride. As soon as my horse and I walk in the ring and ride to the first jump, I'm able to relax and forget about my nerves. H&S: What are your riding goals? LH: My goal right now is to move up as high as I can on the ranking list and qualify for the Nations Cup teams. H&S: What are your career goals? LH: My number one goal has always been to go to the Olympics. H&S: Who has been the greatest influence on your riding career? LH: I would have to say my parents. My mom has always been at the shows to support me and push me to compete at my best. My dad has always shown me that if you want something badly enough and put in the work to get there, you can achieve it. H&S: What’s the one thing you never go in the ring without? LH: I always have spurs on and a whip in hand. It doesn’t matter if it’s the tiniest spur I have, and wearing them doesn’t mean I have to use them, but I always want to be prepared and have the tools I need to be successful.
Photos © Herve Bonard
july/august·
23
Art by Stephanie Revennaugh
CONGRATULATES
CAMILLE SHELTON AND CATE TOMLINSON OF ROUND MEADOW FARM FOR THE PURCHASES OF
CON FLAIR
QUID PRO QUO Z
BE S T OF L U CK T O TH E SE N EW T EA M S !
DANIEL & SUSAN IGHANI JUMPERS, EQUITATION AND DRESSAGE
INFO@IGHANISPORTHORSES.COM - (760) 936-2062 – NAPA VALLEY, CA photo ©Flying Horse Photo
N E W product by Erinn Lew
alert
Known for their innovative and classically styled lines of equestrian sportswear, Ariat will make its debut into post-performance wear this fall with Two24, a fashionfocused premium collection of footwear for men and women. Designed to reflect both English and Western riding heritages, Two24 blends artisan craftsmanship with fine leathers to produce inventive, attractive, and modern takes on classic shoe silhouettes.
SECRET-ARIAT TRUE According to designer Jake Rivas, the name Two24 comes from Secretariat’s Triple Crown world record time of two minutes and twenty-four seconds in the 1973 Belmont Stakes. As Ariat’s VP of Design and Development for footwear, Rivas melds his outdoor sportswear background with his years spent growing up around horses. At Ariat, a brand known for their cutting-edge advances in equestrian apparel, the challenge was combining innovation with fashion. “We had to take a stand here, to remain true to Ariat and to ourselves,” says Rivas, who was up for the challenge, even if it meant taking an extra year to develop the line. ‘Worth the wait’ is an understatement to describe the end result that Rivas and his team achieved. The women’s collection, crafted in Spain by fourth and fifth generation shoemakers, includes a deep selection of tall and ankle boots, as well as brogue-type styles in a variety of rich, classic leather hues and hides types. The men’s collection of boots is structured, elegant, and just as well-made in the U.S.A. by artisan bootmakers. Both collections are enhanced with subtle equestrian touches, whether they be cut, color, or decoration. The dedication and thought put in by Ariat are reflected in the durable, lightweight, but beautiful figure of each shoe. Thanks to extensive development, the front of the shoe now incorporates memory foam to mold to the foot over time, and features cork filling built into the underfoot. Not only is the line sleek and modern, but brings the same technicalities Ariat is known for into fashion.
26
·july/august
EAST MEETS WEST In keeping with its dual-discipline nature, special English & Western touches can be found sprinkled across Two24. “Everything is on-trend, but seen through the Ariat lens,” explains Rivas. The women’s Pamplona boot, for example, is a traditional English riding boot with a Spanish top and a removable harness. The Segovia, on the other hand, has vintage motorcycle roots, but also features the equestrian-themed harness. The Sonya crosses over, featuring Western-inspired deco stitching that resembles the pattern found on English reins. In the men’s collection, the simply built San Antonio roper boot is Rivas’ favorite. All shoes pay further homage to Secretariat, sporting signature hand-stitched details in his Triple Crown colors of white, gold, and blue. Ariat’s great success in the world of performance footwear and apparel has meant that a move into lifestyle fashions has been a long time coming. With Two24, the brand delves further into what they do best - creating beautiful, quality styles made for real use. The line debuts this Fall 2016 online and in select boutiques, but Ariat and Rivas are already well into work on concepts for Spring 2018. With further plans for women’s sandals, heels, and open-toe shoes, and men’s rubber soled boots and loafers, there is much we have yet to see. As for now, Two24 remains a versatile, finely crafted, and well-thought line from a favorite brand.
OUT&
about
LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR - CANNES, FRANCE
1.
2.
4. 3.
5.
6. 1. Daniel Deusser is all smiles on the podium, he finished 3rd in the Longines Grand Prix 2. Jessica Springsteen and Cynar V. soar over the Longines jump 3. Flore Giraud 4. Nicola Pohl 5. Equita van’t Zorgvlie 6. Scott Brash leads the traditional champagne victory “toast”
Photos © Lucio Landa
28
·july/august
7. 8.
9. 10.
12.
11.
7. Surveying the course 8. Edwina Tops Alexander and Lintea Tequila finished 2nd in Sunday’s Grand Prix 9. Paris Sellon and Canasta Z of the GCL Vienna Eagles 10. Julia Tops walks the course with her father Jan Tops 11. Jessica Springsteen looking chic as always in her Ralph Lauren hat 12. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum tests the cups on her course walk
july/august¡
29
MDC ‘S’ Pony Classic Stirrups™ Four Way Performance & Safety Easy Retrieval Grand Prix Style Tread Increased Vertical Stirrup Area Designed to Stay Open During A Fall
Ride the Future Today! e Fre ng ppi Shi wide rld Wo
Patented ‘S’ Design
World Leader in Forward Facing Stirrups™ Call MDC for your personal stirrup consultation 831-391-0588 / info@mdcstirrups.com
FEATURE by Merrick Haydonv for Rolex
· may/june
Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum Wears An 18Ct Everose Gold Lady-Datejust 31 In Thedinghausen ©Rolex/Sébastien Agnetti
A Timeless Champion MEREDITH MICHAELS-BEERBAUM
T
by Emily Pollard
ime continues moving forward, but special moments are never forgotten. That’s especially true for celebrated champion and Rolex Testimonee, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum. Born on December 26, 1969 in Los Angeles, CA, Michaels-Beerbaum is the first woman show jumper to be ranked world number one. Despite the rigors of a full career, MichaelsBeerbaum also takes time to focus on family. In February 2010, a new chapter in her life began when she welcomed her daughter Brianne Victoria to the world. For MichaelsBeerbaum, horse show days often begin with riding and teaching, and end with walking hand-in-hand around the grounds with Brianne. With regard to her riding, MichaelsBeerbaum has a lot to look forward to in 2016. Among other competitions, she will represent Germany in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this summer with her mount, Fibonacci. As exciting as her future is, the details of Michaels-Beerbaum’s past are just as impressive. Her career is a catalogue of remarkable achievements; each one reflecting a special moment in time. YOUNG OLYMPIC DREAMS Growing up in California, MichaelsBeerbaum always dreamed of winning a gold medal at the Olympics. “I still have a short autobiography, which I wrote at school as a 10-year-old. I had to explain in the essay what I wanted to achieve in the future. I stuck a photo of a show jumper on the page and put a caption underneath saying ‘Meredith Michaels wins Olympic gold’.” Since writing that autobiography, Michaels-Beerbaum began to focus on making it a reality. Michaels-Beerbaum first started experiencing national riding success in 1983, at the age of 14. Competing in the Senator’s Cup at
the Washington International Horse Show, a North American Riders Group Top 25 event in the United States, the then teenager competed on an ex-grand prix horse that she had been saving especially for this competition. “I will never forget that moment because I won and the prize was a gold Rolex watch, my first ever.” The watch would be the first of many prizes earned during her career, that has now spanned several decades. Michaels-Beerbaum’s interest in Olympic level show jumping grew as her riding progressed. “The 1984 Games were held in Los Angeles, and for me that represented the pinnacle of athleticism. My stepfather bought tickets to the final day of the show jumping, but unfortunately we misread the start time on the day of the event and actually missed the competition, it was terrible!” Though missing the chance to see the Olympics live at a young age was disappointing, MichaelsBeerbaum’s enthusiasm for show jumping only grew stronger. The US team went on to win gold that year and the then 15-year-old Michaels-Beerbaum watched every moment on television. It was over two decades later, after marrying German show jumper Markus Beerbaum and becoming a naturalized German citizen, that she finally fulfilled her dream of riding at the Olympics, first in 2008 (Beijing) and again in 2012 (London). SUCCESS IN GERMANY Michaels-Beerbaum says she keeps all her equestrian mementos from the past, although some are still at her family home in the United States. “I came to Europe in 1991 to turn professional with only a backpack on my shoulder and a pair of spurs in my hand. But I have won plenty of trophies since.” In the summer of 1991 Michaels-Beerbaum left the United States to gain valuable experience in Europe. She trained at the stable of legendary German rider Paul
Above Right: Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum riding a stand-in horse in Las Vegas 2009 Below Right: Holding aloft the World Cup trophy, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum wears the Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster july/august·
33
Since winning her first watch in 1983, Michaels-Beerbaum has built up a collection of Rolex timepieces, each one witness to her glittering career. “I always wear one of my Rolex watches when I’m riding, and I tend to rotate them every 3-4 months – I definitely see them as my lucky charms,” she claims. SHUTTERFLY MEMORIES
Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum riding Shutterfly in Aachen 2010 ©Rolex/Kit Houghton
Schockemöhle, in Mühlen, Germany. One summer turned into three and eventually the start of a new life in Germany. It was during this time that she met Markus Beerbaum, her future husband. Michaels-Beerbaum’s parents were supportive of her decision to leave Princeton University and stay in Europe. “The hardest part for them to accept was when I decided to change my nationality and become a German,” she says. However, that decision was an important one, both for her family and career. “Moving to Europe was certainly the most significant catalyst in my career; the second was changing my nationality and becoming German-that was a major decision. One underlying memory that I attribute to that moment is the number of people telling me how a woman would never, ever be put on the national championship show jumping team in Germany. Fortunately, they were wrong.” RECOGNIZED BY ROLEX After Michaels-Beerbaum’s move to Germany, she was keenly focused on her riding career and it progressed rapidly. “My first professional win was the Maastricht Grand Prix. There was no prize money but I won a city car. I was the happiest person on the face of the earth.” A string of achievements followed and her exceptional results were recognized in 2005 when she was invited to become a Rolex Testimonee. “I was one of Rolex’s first equestrian Testimonees; it was a great honor to be welcomed into the Rolex family and associated with such a prestigious brand. I was lucky enough to win my first Rolex watch when I was 14, so I knew the importance of the Rolex name. Only the very best sportsmen and women are invited to represent Rolex and that meant everything to me,” says Michaels-Beerbaum Beyond the prizes and sponsorships, Michaels-Beerbaum also broke down barriers for all women riders. She remains the only woman, and one of only three men or women, to have ever claimed three World Cup Final victories – first in Las Vegas (US), in 2005; then the Rolex World Cup Final in Gothenburg (Sweden), in 2008; and finally the Rolex World Cup Final, again in Las Vegas, in 2009.
34
·july/august
“Without a doubt, my favorite Rolex watch is the Datejust in white gold, which I won at my second World Cup Final victory in Gothenburg, 2008. Engraved with ‘Rolex Champion’ on the back, it’s a watch that reminds me of one of my most glorious moments as a show jumper,” she noted with fondness for her uniquely talented mount, Shutterfly. “I remember the Final because I entered the arena knowing that I couldn’t afford to knock any fences down. Many of the other riders hit the last fence, so I had to go clear to win. To make matters worse, Shutterfly was so nervous in the warm-up ring that he refused to jump! He was very sensitive and he could feel the tension but I just trusted him and we went into the ring and made it happen!” For Michaels-Beerbaum her 2009 victory was bittersweet, “My second World Cup Final win in Las Vegas was my most perfect victory. I won each of the three legs, and my horse Shutterfly and I jumped without any faults. It was also an extremely emotional time for me, as my stepfather passed away at the age of 69 just six weeks before the show. He was one of the main reasons why I was where I was in the sport, he supported me for many, many years! He was the one who took me to horse shows and spent all the money that he had to buy me horses.” NEW HORSES, NEW HORIZONS Given Michaels-Beerbaum’s long term affiliation with Aachen, one of the world’s most renowned and competitive equestrian events and a Grand Prix she won with Shutterfly, it was only fitting that in 2011 she retire her globally renowned and much loved horse after the show. Shutterfly was the world’s most successful show jumper and together they reached the very pinnacle of equestrian sport. Even with Shutterfly stepping down from elite competition, Michaels-Beerbaum continued to retain her status at the highest level. In 2015, she led Germany to Team Silver at the European Championships in Aachen. “I went into the competition with a brand new horse, Fibonacci. I think we were both nervous but the horse was fantastic. I had two mistakes; without them, I definitely would have been on the individual podium. I was so pleased the Team won the Silver Medal. I also took huge strength from the performance of Fibonacci,” explains Michaels-Beerbaum. A WOMAN TO WATCH World number one for 24 months and the first woman in history to represent Germany in a Championship event, Michaels-Beerbaum’s continued accomplishments have set a precedent for successful and aspiring show jumpers around the world. Michaels-Beerbaum’s pursuit of perfection is synonymous with Rolex, and reflects their core values of excellence and precision. She will certainly be one to watch during this summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, as she puts her pursuit of perfection to work.
Grand Prix Village: 16-stall barn includes a half-bathroom, 2 tack rooms, 2 feed rooms, and 6 wash stalls. Connected to the barn is a full owners’ home including 3 bedrooms, an office, and 4.5 bathrooms with vaulted ceilings and a gourmet kitchen. A propane generator covers the entire property, 4 paddocks, and a 105’ x 300’ ring with new ESI footing. Offered at $13,950,000
Grand Prix Village: Ther e’s a gorgeous brand new 18 stall barn with two tack rooms, feed room, and lots of storage. There is a oversized 2-car garage, and a lovely owners’ lounge with an office, kitchen and living room. The property has a grass Grand Prix field and an all-weather ring already in place. Offered at $12,750,000
Grand Prix Village: Br and new constr uction 20-stall barn with 4 wash stalls, 2 tack rooms, a laundry room, and a feed room on 4 acres. The owners’ lounge has a fireplace, kitchen with great room for entertaining and a wonderful view of the 220’ x 120’ competition ring. Offered at $11,900,000
Palm Beach ∙ Seaspray: This r emar kable home has r ecently been completely renovated with no detail spared or overlooked. With two-stories, three bedrooms, and four bathrooms, there’s room for the whole family. The large kitchen is equipped with a gas range, a large center island, and lots of windows. Offered at $3,900,000
Palm Beach ∙ Seabreeze: Completely r enovated with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms in the main house, 1 bedroom 1 bathroom cabana and backyard with pool. Located within walking distance to all of the shopping, restaurants, and beaches Palm Beach has to offer. Offered at $3,650,000
Four Hundred Building: Rar e oppor tunity to own a ocean front unit in the highly desirable 400 building. Beautiful condo has been newly renovated and enjoys hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen and is offered fully furnished. Offered at $2,950,000
Carol A. Sollak, P.A. • Phone +1 561-818-9476 • Fax +1 561-791-2221 www.carolsollak.evusa.com • Wellington & Palm Beach, Florida • Carol.Sollak@evusa.com
©2016 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Carr Sollak Realty, LLC licensee of Engel & Voelkers Florida Residential, LLC. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.
FEATURE by Alli Addison
TH E ART , LI F E , A N D F U T U R E
of Milton Menasco
I
have yet to meet a horse-obsessed child who doesn’t spend her time away from the barn doodling horses and perfecting the art of translating her beloved equine companion to paper. Every art assignment. Every binder cover. The work proudly covers the walls of her bedroom, affectionately hung beside the countless ribbons won and photographs taken. I was this child. I doodled my equine thoughts and daydreams to the point of exhaustion. I was relentless in my quest to be an equestrian artist, along with the countless other equestrian pursuits I had planned for my adult years. Truthfully, my parents encouraged the idea with statements such as “this is fantastic!” or “you have a real talent, dear!” as any parent naturally would. And I thought I did have inherent talent, as I believed that art was in my blood.
36
·july/august
I grew up surrounded by stunning equine portraiture produced by the truly talented hand of Milton Menasco, my great uncle. Countless works spanning his lifelong career hung in the homes of my parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and my great aunt. I spent my days (and holiday dinners, gatherings and birthday parties) studying the pieces, soaking them all in, and developing a passion and appreciation for his classical eye. Who is Milton Menasco? The facts are that he was an American painter and art director, born in Los Angeles in 1890, who began his art career in the early days of Hollywood. He had a rich and full career as an artist in various fields - art direction, set direction and advertising - spanning the country from California to New York before he exclusively devoted his talent to equestrian art. In 1948, Menasco left a successful career with a New York advertising agency and moved to Kentucky where he did what many of us would love to do - he bought a small horse farm with a little studio and surrounded himself with animals. It was there that he began the journey that would come to define him.
july/august¡
37
But becoming an exacting painter of horses who can reflect the sound and basic knowledge of the animal does not just happen overnight. There has to be keen interest in the animal and a familiarity with the subject. Menasco’s understanding of the horse stemmed from a childhood spent in Southern California. Not the California as we all know it today, but a rural era where ranchos reigned supreme and the lifestyle of its inhabitants echoed the atmosphere of their earlier Spanish owners. Milton Menasco was fortunate enough to have lived in Sierra Madre, adjoining one of the great Thoroughbred breeding establishments of the West Coast, the Baldwin Ranch. It was on this property, in 1906, that the Arcadia track was erected, now home to the Santa Anita race track. So naturally, the artist-to-be absorbed a lifelong enthusiasm for racing and for the Thoroughbred. During the 1950’s, Menasco’s career in equine portraiture flourished and his client list for commissions grew. It was during this time that he established himself as one of the foremost equestrian painters in the country. A soft color palate, classical composition and a sound understanding of horse anatomy best characterize his work. He became well known for his group portraits representing upwards of eight horses in a single piece. One commission included nine horses at Calumet Farm originally painted for Lucille Markey and later used for the Governor’s 1994 Kentucky Derby poster. Menasco was skilled in his depiction of skies, landscapes, and backgrounds characteristic of the stud farm and track for which he painted. Milton Menasco passed away in 1974 from a heart attack in his home in Kentucky. Having died 10 years prior to my birth, I never had the opportunity to meet my great uncle. But I was fortunate to be able to spend my childhood with his wife, Florence Potter Menasco. After his death, she moved back to California and spent her remaining years in a quaint white board and batten farm style home with rich green louvered shutters. Her home smelled of antiques, flowers, and mustiness. It was classically furnished with a style one would find on the East Coast, in Kentucky, or in old town Pasadena, CA. She had floor to ceiling white library shelves filled with dusty old books. She possessed an equestrian-inspired trinket treasure trove that kept me entirely engrossed (and quiet) for hours on end. And the art, oh the art! Her home, though tiny, was filled corner-to-corner with beautifully and expertly framed original pieces from Menasco’s lifetime of work. They were so stunning and they graced the walls with such style that I will never forget them. It was amazing to gaze upon the layers upon layers of various sized art in a variety of mediums - oils, watercolors, charcoals, pastels - all created by the same artist. It was, by far, the greatest ‘gallery’ I have ever laid eyes on. I knew that then as a child and I know that now.
38
·july/august
Pieces by Milton Menasco still exist today in the form of original paintings, sketches, limited production prints, and vintage books from Walter Farley’s The Black Stallion series. They can be found in galleries, art auctions, antique stores, and every once in a blue moon they can be found on eBay. To acquire them, one must be willing to hunt. @MiltonMenasco was originally created to share his classical and traditional pieces with a younger audience, and inspire a new generation of art connoisseurs. What is @MiltonMenasco? Well, it is my grown-up version of horse doodles, horse thoughts and daydreams. It is a curated collection of the works of Milton Menasco, inspiring works of both modern day and classical equine artists, and of an equestrian lifestyle, both past and present. It gives a snippet of insight into the horse-loving life I lead - hunter jumpers, ranching, California lifestyle, family, design and art. Instagram has afforded me, in a very convenient and accessible format, a digital design, inspiration, and storyboard. @MiltonMenasco is a platform that allows the ordinary to look amazing and a space that keeps my equine fever burning hot.
I never became an equestrian portrait artist with that same exacting skill set Menasco possessed. But because of his influence I grew into an art lover, a collector, an equestrian tastemaker and a designer. That same horse-obsessed little girl is now a horse obsessed thirty-something. I fill my home and the homes of my clients with equestrian art, sculpture, books and trinkets. A home, be it contemporary or traditional, always has room for horse art - it adds beauty, interest and warmth. One day I imagine myself becoming that same little old lady, in a quaint white board and batten farm house with rich green louvered shutters, surrounded by classical equestrian art, trinkets and pictures representative of an equestrian lifetime. But until that time arrives, and for now, I have my budding collection of hand-me-down heirloom family art and I have Instagram.
Photography © Taylor Rea Art print images © Sporting Art Auction Catalog july/august·
39
PHotoS: KAtE KrAmEr, dEB dAWSon
•
EquEStriSoL Ad dESiGn
ELEnA dESAnti And introduCES GrAmErCy on tHE PurCHASE oF GrAmErCy 6-year-old, 17.0h Grey Warmblood • Hunter/Equitation
ConGrAtuLAtionS to
EmmA FArBEr
mAdiSon AvEnuE
tHAnK you to mAtt And LindSAy ArCHEr And nEiL JonES EquEStriAn ConGrAtuLAtionS And HELP in FindinG tHiS SPECiAL HorSE For tHEir And5-year-old, trAinEr 16.3h Bay Warmblood by diarado on tHE SALE oF • Hunter/Equitation
LESLiE StEELE
GiovAnni
• shady lane farm llc ContACt mAtt or LindSAy For morEagents inFormAtion. alamo, ca • 925.285.6361 owner brooklyn imports llc • • matt owner • brooklyn imports llc agents & lindsay archer Agents • Matt & Lindsay Archer shadylanefarmllc.com boutique horsefarm sales & •leasing emma mann-meginniss shady lande alamo, ca shadylanefarmllc.com • llc 925.285.6361 Owner • Emma Mann-Meginniss & photo: lindsay archer • shadylanefarmllc.com • matt • 925.285.6361 boutique horse sales& &Leasing leasing shadylanefarmllc.com grace tuton | equestrisol ad design Alamo, CA • 30 minutesagents from San Francisco • 925.285.6361 Boutique Horse Sales
B E H I N D the
seams
by Laurie Berglie
COMES FULL CIRCLE
H
eather BlackwellBatchelor always knew she wanted to start her own company, and with a father who was a successful entrepreneur and photographer, creativity and the desire for self-expression was in her genes. With a background in art, Heather was just waiting for the right time, product, and inspiration before venturing out on her own. In addition to her desire to create, horses have been a passion of Heather’s since childhood. Her family moved from Indianapolis to rural Zionsville, IN, so her mother could manage a large horse farm. “I grew up with horses: playing in the hay lofts, chasing barn cats, and riding bareback through the fields with my two sisters.” However, when she left home as a young adult, for the first time horses weren’t front and center in her life. Heather moved to New York City and enjoyed studying art and traveling extensively. But her new life away from horses wouldn’t last for long.
july/august·
41
A NEW GENERATION OF EQUESTRIAN
After the birth of her children, Caleb and Madelyn, Heather returned to Zionsville, and that’s where the vision for her company came to life. She knew she wanted to design fashion products like handbags and other accessories, but she wasn’t sure where to start. Since her sister was pregnant and wanted a fun diaper bag, Heather collaborated with a variety of artists to design fabrics for a line of diaper bags and children’s bedding. At the same time, Heather’s high school-aged daughter, Madelyn, having inherited the family’s love of horses, was taking riding lessons and competing regularly. She asked her mother to design a cool bag she and her friends could use that would show off their love of horses. Heather designed some bags that were fun, whimsical, and colorful, took them to a local horse show, and promptly sold out. Not long after, she met a woman at a trade show who, thanks to her expertise at Vera Bradley, offered Heather some great advice. “The first thing she told me was, “pick a lane.” I couldn’t do a line for babies and horses. I had to pick one and then, “swim in my own lane.” It was an inspired piece of advice that allowed the puzzle pieces to fall into place. And, of course, I picked horses!” Madelyn, now in college studying art and riding on the equestrian team, provides continued inspiration for Heather and her growing company. “I am inspired daily by her passion and commitment – her youth and boldness – and how the sport is growing and progressing. I want to capture that in our brand. Equestrian style is changing, and I want to push it even further.”
SOLID, USEFUL, BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTS
Heather’s inspiration for the name of her company (and signature purple color) comes from the Biblical story of Paul and Lydia. Lydia was a seller of purple cloth, a rare color worn by the Roman elite signifying their status. Paul met Lydia in Greece, and she eventually became the first European to convert to Christianity. “The idea of this successful business woman selling her fabric and living out her faith reminds me of the vision I have for my own life,” says Heather. To pay tribute to the story, a small purple tag can be found on all Paul & Lydia products. Pairing her love of art and fashion together, Heather’s designs are works of art for the modern equestrian, and she believes her bags, along with the name of her company, tell a rich story. “For me, equestrian style defines beauty that comes from being properly put together – dressed to perform a function, but still radiating strength, beauty, and style,” describes Heather. “Just because it is functional, doesn’t mean that it can’t be beautiful.” Paul & Lydia’s products celebrate and represent the core of the equestrian lifestyle. She currently offers four different products tote bags, wristlets, large and small pouches - in five different prints, including vintage horseracing and classic rider motifs. The whimsical fox print displays a gentleman fox who is elegantly dressed for either a day out riding or a night out on the town!
Equestrian style speaks to something deep inside of all of us, that constant balance between freedom and control, reality and fantasy, work and pleasure, the natural and the spiritual
All products are laminated, so they are water-resistant and easy to clean – a necessity for any active equestrian! The straps on the totes are leather, and all bags are lined with a sturdy cotton material. The totes, with an interior zipper pocket and three slip pockets, are large enough to accommodate all the essential items of the contemporary equestrian. Heather started this past season with four items in five prints. By this coming fall, Paul & Lydia will boast sixteen items in ten prints. They are even adding a western toile to the mix in celebration of the few years her daughter spent barrel racing and pole bending. Heather’s vision for the brand includes a full line of equestrian gifts and accessories – something to reflect the individual taste of every rider. “Equestrian style speaks to something deep inside of all of us, that constant balance between freedom and control, reality and fantasy, work and pleasure, the natural and the spiritual,” explains Heather. As a representation of beauty and function, horses are the symbol of Paul & Lydia’s philosophy: - solid, useful, beautiful.
COMING FULL CIRCLE
Heather’s company is a combination of her family’s personal passions. While her son, Caleb, did not inherit the horse gene, he did inherit a love for the sporting life. His love for competitive fishing is reflected by the fishing rod at the bottom of Paul & Lydia’s full logo. “It has all come full circle,” says Heather. “We are back in Indiana. We have a barn full of cats, and my daughter gets to ride bareback in the fields. I have an outlet to funnel all of my creative and artistic energy, and I feel like I’m paying homage to my heritage and family. I get to share my family’s love of horses and the equestrian lifestyle with others and allow them to express their passion for horses when they carry a Paul & Lydia bag. I am blazing my own path for the future of my family and business.” Heather is proof that if you follow your heart and cultivate your natural talents, you will find success and happiness. Keep an eye on Paul & Lydia as they grow by leaps and bounds this fall season!
You can visit Heather online at www.paulandlydia.com
Photos courtesy of Elese Keturah Logo Eric Kass Funnel
44
·july/august
a m a n da s h o e m a k e r t e a l
Based in San Francisco, Amanda Teal Design creates gracious homes with an emphasis on casual elegance. Our services extend to clients throughout California and to select national and international sites.
(4 1 5) 5 9 5-3277 | i n fo@a m andateal design.com | amandateal design.com
photo ©Deb Dawson
photo ©Sophia Jain
WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF
Now accepting new clients!
Specializing in Jumpers, Equitation, Hunters, Sales, Young Horses and Breeding
SOPHIE VERGES
510-388-6590 sverges09@gmail.com
#teamjazwood
JEANET TE GILBERT
415-716-8905 info@jazcreek.com
3392 Roblar Rd. Pe taluma, CA 94952 - www.JazCreek.com
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O
SOPHIE VERGES
AND
KOMT ESSA
ON YOUR FIRST GRAND PRIX WIN B A Y A R E A S U M M E R F E S T I VA L
W ishing the best of luck to
MAKENA WHIMS AND N E T F L I X at Medal F inals this year.
Elmwood Farm and The W hims Family would like to thank L eslie Steele and Don Stewart for sharing their wonderful horse with us. SOPHIE VERGES
510-388-6590 sverges09@gmail.com
#teamjazwood
JEANET TE GILBERT
415-716-8905 info@jazcreek.com
3392 Roblar Rd. Pe taluma, CA 94952 - www.teamjazwood.com
photos ©Britta Sjogren, eqhuntjump
AT T H E
L I F E of
barbe
by Jana Cohen Barbe
F E AR is my friend I know fear. I understand fear. I have made friends with fear and it has become a part of me. I know what it feels like to get on a horse and believe you might die. I was once tossed so high in the air that I heard my husband shout “call 911” before I hit the ground. I’ve had multiple concussions, leaked spinal fluid, broken bones, torn muscles and ligaments, and shed more tears than I can remember. Once, as I lay in the dirt, my husband leaned over me and said, “if you say ‘it’s part of the sport,’ I’m leaving.” But it is part of the sport and inexplicably, riders always seem to get back on the horse, me included. For me, I guess I have just gotten used to the fear. It has become a part of me. And it is not just when I ride. In my role at Dentons, the largest law firm in the world, I have been called fearless; but I am no more fearless in the business world than I am in the riding ring. Indeed, there are days when the anxiety is so profound I can taste it, and I fear others will spot it and judge me accordingly. So how do we face and overcome fear in the riding arena or fear in the business world (or in life) and how do we find the courage to do what must be done? Here is what works for me:
48
·july/august
FAKE IT I believe deeply in faking it. Not the “I’ll have what she’s having” kind of faking it, but the “I don’t have a care in the world” kind of faking it. Smile. Paste that smile on your face, put your leg on (literally or figuratively) and go. If you have not seen Amy Cuddy’s TedTalk on YouTube, watch it. It is life altering. Truly. Assume your power pose and fake it until you believe it. I believe in the power of bravado. DANCE I have an energy playlist of songs that motivate me. They are songs that get my blood flowing and make me want to move. Music calms me and music inspires me. For some moments, I need Bruce Springsteen’s “Wrecking Ball” (I keep the lyrics on the bulletin board in my office) and for other moments I need Prince’s “Little Red Corvette.” But in all anxiety-ridden moments, music helps me. When I competed regularly, I had a horse show play list. It led off with Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down:You can stand me up at the gates of hell and I won’t back down.” That song pretty much summed up my show career - for everyone involved. It was hell but I didn’t back down and that meant more to me than any ribbon. DRAW ON THE CONFIDENCE OTHERS PLACE IN YOU I am blessed to work with individuals who believe in me and trust me. Their trust inspires me. I never want to let them down and I draw strength from that. It’s as though my loyalty to them beats back the fear. Great trainers will also do that for you. Their positivity and confidence somehow overpowers the fear. Draw on it. Believe in it. Their confidence in you is not misplaced.
BELIEVE IT WILL GET EASIER I am a nervous amateur rider, but I ride, and it has gotten easier over time. I am still frightened, but the more I do what scares me, the easier it becomes. It helps that I know my largely (entirely) unhelpful and bratty horse (that is the universal and professional assessment) really well. I know when I get on him and his back comes up to meet me that I need to get off. The more I ride him, the better I manage the fear and the better my interactions with him become. The same applies in business. If you are afraid of public speaking, speak. If you are afraid of confrontation, calmly engage. If you do what you fear, it will get easier over time. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PARTNER Over-mounting a nervous rider is a really bad idea. I do not want a horse that can jump the top of the standards. I want a horse that can jump three feet in his sleep, but is largely unmotivated to do any more. In business and in life too, the right partner matters. I am fortunate to work with people who elevate me, and who make me better than I would otherwise be. And in life, my husband is my most vocal cheerleader. I go home to someone who builds my confidence and helps me believe in my potential. I have a team to fight the fear. I do not fight it alone. PATIENCE AND SELF-ACCEPTANCE I do not want to give the impression that overcoming your fear is easy or that there is a quick fix. There isn’t. It’s a battle, and the only way I know to overcome the fear, is to fight through it. I find that it helps to forgive myself for setbacks and imperfect moments and to allow myself the time to progress incrementally. You do not have to jump the oxer; you can jump the “x.”You can jump the “x” a thousand times if you need to, just as you can practice your speech in the mirror over and over again. Fighting fear is an evolutionary process, and improvement can be measured over time and without comparison to others. For me, I acknowledge the fear, face the fear, accept the fear, and move forward. I no longer try to deny it, and there are moments when I no longer even try to hide it. Fear is part of what makes me who I am. I no longer see it as a weakness. I see it as my reality, and I adapt. On some days, fear drives me to excel, and on other days it slows me down, but I am not defeated by it. In the end, I think that is the lesson. No comparisons to others. No judgments. Just one foot in front of the other.
Jana is a Partner and Global Vice Chairof Dentons, the largest law firm in the world. A foremost authority in real estate law and business management, Jana is a frequent author and speaker on leadership, crisis management, the role of women in business and professional advancement. An avid equestrian who owns a working farm in Kentucky, Jana examines the interplay between business and riding.
Enter at horseandstylemag.com/giveaway for a chance to win fabulous prizes from our fashionable partners. Enter before the end of each month for your chance to win! Questions?
Email: katie@horseandstylemag.com
JULY GIVEAWAY Enter for a chance to win a Swanky Saddle Co. exclusive Monogram Saddle Plate, Saddle Tag and Belt Buckle. Each of these items provide a unique and sophisticated way to personalize your tack and riding gear in and out of the show ring. Select from any of Swanky Saddle Co.’s monogram styles to add that special finishing touch.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR APRIL, MAY, AND JUNE GIVEAWAY WINNERS! April - Nicole Holland won an Essex Classics Talent Yarn shirt
May - Jessie Rising won an Equi in Style Paneled Performance Navy/White COOL shirt ®
June - Michelle Shaw won a fabulous set of candles from Stable + Sea
Opposite page: © Jeff Rogers Photography, Inc. july/august·
49
O N the
cover
by Juliana Chapman
A NEW CENTURY OF CHAMPIONS AND CHANGES THE OX RIDGE HUNT CLUB
T
he crowd exploded with applause as Ireland’s Paul O’Shea guided an 8-year-old gelding, Skara Glen’s Presence, over the last Ox Ridge Hunt Club signature green and white colored fence, edging out Georgina Bloomberg on Gotham Enterprizes LLC’s South Street for the win in the 2016 Ox Ridge Hunt Club Grand Prix presented by World Equestrian Center. O’Shea’s win concluded another chapter of this summer event in the impressive history of one of the nation’s oldest equestrian institutions. Since it’s grand opening in 1914, Ox Ridge Hunt Club (ORHC) has attracted serious equestrians, horse enthusiasts, and the surrounding community. Nestled in the lush countryside of Darien, Connecticut, ORHC sits on 37 acres in the highly desirable Fairfield County. In close proximity to New York City, the club brings its members a rich heritage of riding instruction as well as one of the longest running horse shows in the country, the Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show. Two years into its second centennial, the club carries on the tradition as a leading equestrian institution while preparing to add enhancements to expand its membership and maintain public interest. Looking back over the decades of equestrian excellence, ORHC truly played a significant role in the history of equestrian sport.
Opposite: Paul O'Shea, photo © Reflections; This Page: Vintage photo from the century-old Ox Ridge Hunt Club
july/august·
51
Ronnie Mutch, George Morris, and I were the unholy triumvirate that grew up together at the Ox Ridge Hunt Club. We were under the tutelage of Miss V. Felicia Townsend and Mr. Otto Heuckeroth, serving as influences in our early years and a second set of parents. — VICTOR HUGO-VIDAL In a tribute to Ronnie Mutch
A SCHOOL FOR SUCCESS In the early years, ORHC was the place to start your hunter seat education. Some of the most accomplished riders of the 40s, 50s and today including George Morris, Ronnie Mutch, and Victor Hugo-Vidal, got their start at Ox Ridge. And avid horse show competitors such as Drew Davenport, Terry Rudd, and Marvin Van Rapoport frequented the club events. ORHC created a blueprint for success at their riding school by staffing excellent riding instructors. In 1929, the club hired Otto Heuckeroth as general manager. Of German descent, Otto instilled formal equitation discipline and exceptional horsemanship into his students and staff. Two years later, a British horsewoman, Miss V. Felicia Townsend (also known as Miss T), was hired as the assistant riding instructor. Her challenging courses and dedication to the progressive forward seat before it became popular, made her a favorite with her students. For decades to come, the superb riding instruction at ORHC produced countless winners of the AHSA Hunt Seat Medal Final (now the Pessoa/US Hunter Seat Medal Final) and ASPCA Maclay National Championship at the National Horse Show. This includes George Morris’s win on Game Cock in 1952. To this day, Morris is the youngest rider at fourteen to win both honors in the same year.
Miss V. Felicia Townsend (Miss T) with a student; Children with their pony at the Ox Ridge Hunt Club
52
·july/august
THE EVOLUTION OF SPORT AT ORHC The rise of the popular hunter and equitation classes at ORHC brought credibility to the sport and cultivated future top trainers and Olympic riders. Rodney Jenkins (with his red hair, he became known as the ‘Red Rider’), Dave Kelley, Conrad Homfeld, Melanie Smith, Mark Leone, Peter Leone and Leslie Howard to name a few, showed consistently at Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show, honing their skills and launching their careers.
Clockwise from top: Marvin Van Rapoport and legendary Thoroughbred hunter Spindletop Showdown accepting a trophy from Terry Rudd, 1969–71, photo by Gloria Axt; Ronnie Mutch riding 20th Century, photo by Budd; Drew Davenport accepting the U.S. Equitation Award, photo by Gloria Axt
Those Ox Ridge Hunt Club shows gave young riders a fantastic start with jumping. — GEORGE H. MORRIS Unrelenting - The Real Story: Horses, Bright Lights, and My Pursuit of Excellence
This Page: Dressage at Ox Ridge in the 1970s; Rodney Jenkins riding Blue Chip, 1974, photo by Budd; Opposite: Alan Griffin, photo © Lili
54
·july/august
I’m looking forward to seeing ORHC move forward with the times. — ALAN GRIFFIN
In the 1990s, the club took advantage of its crown jewel, a gorgeous grass field, and location to introduce polo matches each weekend throughout the season. Soon the social aspect of the sport attracted a young and stylish Manhattan crowd to the club. Dressage became a part of the riding program in the early 1970s, to help riders enhance their skills for transitioning from flat to fences. In 2000, dressage events were added to the ORHC roster. AN IRISH INFLUENCE In 2004, Alan Griffin, a Grand Prix rider from Ireland, took on the task of general manager and worked closely with the board to outline all of the necessary changes and updates that the property needed to keep it in working order. Griffin explains, “Luckily the board was open to new ideas and supported me with some of the hard decisions we had to make.” He got the go ahead to upgrade the stalls and the footing in the rings, as well as improve the overall grounds. One of the biggest draws to the ORHC horse show is the grass footing that Griffin recommended. “Grass is a natural footing for horses,” he points out, “and both riders and horses enjoy competing on that surface.” Griffin learned a great deal about horses from his father, Michael Griffin, who came to America in his early 50s and worked at ORHC for two years before moving to Florida. Griffin reminisces about a moment back in 2010, “One of my most memorable moments at ORHC was after a long night of constructing a
temporary VIP tent due to the rainy conditions, McLain Ward presented a crystal horse trophy in memory of my father to the Grand Prix winner.” Moments like this are made by the exceptional people who ride at ORHC, like Ward, who Griffin says has always been a great supporter of the sport. Similarly, ORHC owes much of its recent progress and success to Griffin’s exceptional hard work and dedication. “I have had the pleasure of working with and learning from Alan Griffin for over ten years now,” Alison Potter, Director of Operations and ORHC board member says. “His dedication to Ox Ridge, its members, and their horses is limitless, including continuing the tradition of a top-notch riding program.” A JUNE TRADITION – THE OX RIDGE HORSE SHOW Now in its 85th year, the annual Ox Ridge Horse show attracts high caliber competitors with over 500 horses and close to 3,000 spectators. The staff at ORHC, especially Griffin, are instrumental in the success of the show. The tireless and dedicated team cultivates a mix of history, family, fun and sport. “The horse show is like a ‘coming home’ for many riders both young and old, including retired legendary rider William Steinkraus, who attends each year,” Flavia Callari, longtime board member and accomplished equestrian, explains. Along with tradition, Callari notes “The show also has a strong focus on giving back to the community and local charities.” july/august·
55
The partnership with Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, whose mission it is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and challenges through riding and related therapies, has been part of ORHC for over forty years. Paul O’Shea, this year’s Grand Prix winner, is committed to the event. “Ox Ridges feels like an old fashioned country horse show and is a great place for young horses to gain experience on the grass,” he notes. “I’m also friends with Alan Griffin so it’s important for me to support him and the club.” “I’ve been showing at ORHC since I was five years old; it is close to my farm and it feels like our local home show,” said Sydney Shulman, winner of the 2015 Grand Prix. “The perpetual trophies represent the history of the club and you look forward to winning one as a rider,” she added. Shulman, who shows around the world, notes that the show is well-managed by a friendly and professional staff in addition to featuring a variety of classes that offer something for everyone.
56
·july/august
A NEXT GENERATION CLUB With updated grounds, an established riding school, and a host of equestrian events, including the annual charity horse show, ORHC remains true to tradition. However, now that it is 102 years old, the board decided it was time to look for ways to enhance the services and become a club for broader interests and future generations. Richard V. Colligan Jr., president of ORHC, indicated that he is reviewing options for updating the club. “We are very excited about the next chapter for Ox Ridge.” Steeped in history, The Ox Ridge Hunt Club will always be recognized as an integral part of the foundation of Hunter/ Jumper sport. For decades accomplished horses and riders have graced the grounds for competition and camaraderie. The historic grounds have witnessed thousands of riding lessons over the last century. Certainly knowing the quality that ORHC has produced during its illustrious equestrian past bodes well for the future of Darien’s historic riding club.
Opposite: 2001 Winner's Circle Show Trophies; This Page: 2015 Grand Prix Winner Sydney Shulman on Wamira, photo by Reflections; Short Stirrup Equitation and Hunter Champion: Grace Getchell on Timbit
OUT&
about
OX RIDGE HUNT CLUB - DARIEN, CT
3.
2.
1.
5. 6. 4.8.
7.
1. Ireland’s Paul O’Shea and Skara Glen’s Presence are the 2016 Grand Prix winners 2. Lead Line cutie and future Grand Prix rider 3. Early morning hack on the Ox Ridge grounds 4. Large Childrens Pony Hunter Champion Stephanie Garrett riding BellaDonna 5. 2016 Ox Ridge Grand Prix presented by World Equestrian Center winner’s circle 6. Juliana Chapman and Georgina Bloomberg 7. Horse show friends take the best selfies
Photos © Reflections
58
·july/august
The Only Standing MRI in The San Francisco Bay Area
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Call 707-738-2529 or visit us online at www.circleoakequine.com 911 Mustang Court Petaluma, CA Carrie Schlachter, VMD, DACVSMR • Jack Snyder, DVM, DACVS • Sarah Puchalski, DVM, DACVR
STYLE
profiles
by Sarah Appel & Terri Roberson
Trendy Trainer Gingham CottonBlend Top, Cavalleria Toscana, $156 Equestrian Bracelet Set, Fornash, $50 Gazon Gingham Canvas Slip-Ons, Lacoste, $124 Denim Breech, Asmar, $240 Gingham & Paisley Scarf, Etro, $265 Bridle Bag, Cavalleria Toscana, $198
G INGHAM
Gingham has long been recognized as the standard print for school uniforms and Stepford wives - imagine Dorothy’s dress in The Wizard of Oz, circa 1939. That was until Gingham owned the runway in 2016. Wearing Gingham shows you are sweet, sassy, and a bit geek chic. This vintage print has made recent appearances on celebrities, fashion models, and even the POTUS. If you’re looking for the perfect print that pays homage to icons such as Marilyn Monroe but is still on trend, Gingham is your new go-to!
Ambient Amateur Galop Rope Necklace in Silver, Hermes, $2,900 Mini Bucket Bag in Gingham, J. Crew, $118 Blue Gingham Wrap Maxi Dress, Etrala London, $286 Navy Blue Hat, Massimo Dutti, $33 Horse-Bit Strap Watch, Issac Mizrahi, $38 Menlo-Bridle Brown & Natural Linen Sandal, Katherine Page, $375
60
·july/august
Jovial Junior Studded Leather Saddle Bag, Rebecca Minkoff, $395 Gingham Printed Bermuda Shorts, Lacoste, $150 Gingham Check Sweater, Topshop, $35 Leather Buckle Bracelet, Coach, $65 Enamel Unicorn Ring, Corner-Des-Createurs, $72 Ordell Leather Sandal, Mother of Pearl, $425
Pony Mom Horse Head and Snaffle Bit Bangle,Touch of Gold, $143 Tie-Front Boy Shirt in Gingham, J. Crew, $69 Jodie Cropped Wide-Leg Culotte, Tory Burch, $295 Small Gingham Zip Top Shopper, Dooney & Bourke, $248 Slingback Espadrilles, Stella McCartney, $465
Gorgeous Gents C-Crown Panama Hat, Scala, $125 Horse Bit Bracelet, Hituk, $23 Black Gingham Knit Jersey Shirt, Polo Ralph Lauren, $98 Wayfarer Sunglasses with Gingham, Ray Ban, $150 Club Short in Large Gingham, J. Crew, $75 Vaughn Sneakers, Polo Ralph Lauren, $69 july/august¡
61
4 6
T
A
H
N
N
U
A
L
Menlo Charity Horse Show Benefiting...
VISTA CENTER FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Artist, Rick Timmons
A U G U S T
9 - 1 4 ,
2 0 1 6
AT THE BEAUTIFUL MENLO CIRCUS CLUB IN ATHERTON, CALIFORNIA
Featuring $40,000 BENTLEY GRAND PRIX • $25,000 USHJA INTERNATIONAL HUNTER DERBY FRIDAY NIGHT GALA GRACIOUSLY UNDERWRITTEN BY STEPHEN SILVER FINE JEWELRY
MENLOCHARITYHORSESHOW.ORG • #MENLO2016
for the blind and visually impaired
TRAINER
spotlight
by Jackie McFarland/EqSol
Vinton & Ann
Karrasch 0f
EQUESTRIAN
PERFORMANCE
Landing in the Pacific Northwest in May of this year, Vinton and Ann Karrasch have opened the doors for their new venture, Equestrian Performance. When looking for the right spot to start their new business, and not at all certain where they wanted to go, Tammy Chipko, owner of Shelburne Farms in Redmond, Washington, asked them to come for a visit. With large indoor and outdoor arenas, paddocks, 12 x 12 stalls and all the amenities, the fabulous facility is less than 30 minutes from Seattle and Bellevue. After living in southern California for over a decade, neither Vinton, originally from Reno, or Ann, from Salt Lake City, had spent much time in Washington state. Of all the places they were considering, Shelburne and Seattle seemed to call their names. After some serious consideration, they headed north. Definitely a win-win, Tammy Chipko asked them to coach her a bit at home and at shows while they settled into their new surroundings and built their business. From Calgary to Wellington, both Vinton and Ann have earned a list of accolades. Together they ran a private barn for a decade, and have emerged with a host of knowledge they look forward to bringing to Equestrian Performance.
july/august·
63
HORSE & STYLE: What was your first impression of Redmond, WA? VINTON KARRASCH: I love the Northwest. The feeling is amazing here, it’s a very organic kind of place. Everything is green and everything grows. ANN KARRASCH: I’m excited to plant roots here and see how big we can grow. I look forward to getting to know the shows, the people and to helping make Zone 9 a force to be reckoned with. H&S: Tell us about your history in horses, the early years. VK: I didn’t start riding until I was about 14. After two years of going to the barn with my sister while she took lessons, I decided to try it. We lived in Reno, and I rode with Julie Winkel at Maplewood Stables. By my last junior year, I was competing in the Big Eq and at Young Riders. I won Team Silver at NAJYRC on the way back east to college. AK: My family owned a barn in Salt Lake City, Utah, so I grew up on horses. Actually from the time I could walk I was obsessed with them. I would spend hours leading Carl, the school horse, around the barn. When my mom would tell me he needed to eat, I would put him away and then watch him eat every morning and evening. My first pony was a half-arab that I taught to jump. She had all sorts of tricks. My brothers and I rode all the horses we could find in the pastures around Salt Lake. We learned a lot and rode all types. And along the way we made and sold some nice ponies and horses. I am really grateful for the opportunities I had back then; my parents always kept me riding. H&S: Both of you have worked outside of hunter/jumpers, tell us a bit about that experience? VK: After working with George Morris and Anne Kursinski, I started my own business. I was young and it was all a bit overwhelming, so I decided to pursue my interest in training dolphins and ended up at Seaworld in San Diego. I met Shawna Corrin, a Seaworld trainer, who knew Clicker Training well and had an interest in horses. We started to collaborate and in the process connected with my friend John Madden who asked us to come up to Cazenovia (NY) to practice our methods on their horses.We developed a system called ‘On Target Training’ and it was really successful. Probably the best known success in our niche is getting Beezie’s horse Judgement to jump the water. After using On Target Training he ended up winning the Derby at Spruce Meadows which was quite an accomplishment for a horse who started out not wanting to jump the water. After our time with John and Beezie, we had made a professional instructional video, then went on the road and gave demonstrations and clinics. When Shawna and I parted ways, I was back in CA and once again John Madden asked me to work with him. This time with Blenheim EquiSports, producing a CSI4* and Olympic Qualifier. I learned a lot about running top level show jumping events. And while I was there, I was asked to do some Clicker Training on horses at EquiSports International. That got me back in the barn and back in the saddle, and I met Ann. AK: I decided it was time for a change from the show world when I was 18, so I went to the racetrack, which took me from Utah to California. I worked at the track from 3 a.m - 7 a.m., and then got a ‘day’ job riding for Mike Edrick. The racetrack education taught me the importance of soundness
64
·july/august
Opposite Page (L-R): Ann Karrasch competing in San Juan Capistrano at Blenheim EquiSports, photo © Captured Moment Photography; Vinton Karrasch competing in Wellington at WEF, photo © SportFot; This Page: Vinton & Ann at The Las Vegas National Horse Show, photo © EqSol and good feet. Taking care of the horses from the hoof up made a lot of sense to me. And how to ride forward – you definitely had to be comfortable with going forward! For a few years I split my time between the hunter-jumpers and the racetrack. Then I started at Blenheim Farms where I helped Cassandra Karazissis train Katie Brandes and her horses. That is where I met Vinton. H&S: So how did you meet? VK: I met Ann the first day I stepped into the barn at EquiSports International in 2002, and then she left for Ohio. I was living in the apartment at the barn, but when Ann returned from Ohio I got kicked out of my apartment! So that was how I knew her initially – the woman who kicked me out. Over time we got to be friends, everyone there did, even though she was working with Blenheim Farms and I was working with EquiSports International. We went to work for a private client together in 2006, and had started dating. We got married in 2009. We work well together, our personalities balance each other out – I’m a perfectionist and she is level-headed, but we both love creating a program that works. AK: In the beginning, he scared me. He worked at the show office before the barn, and I didn’t like it when I worked with him in the show office. He’s a very structured man – likes things to go smoothly, no changes when everything is in place. But Katie (Brandes) was
Vinton Karrasch competing in Calgary at Spruce Meadows, photo © Anwar Esquivel; Ann Karrasch competing in Langley at Thunderbird, photo ©Totem Photographics always changing her mind about what classes she would show in, and I would have to go to the office to do the adds and scratches. He would give me the worst look every time I walked in.
it was a successful journey. When I got the bug for showing again, I was able to take some young horses to the grand prix level. An amazing experience.
Then he started riding at the barn. So I thought we should try to become friends. But every time I would talk to him, I would always get one word answers. ‘Yup’ or ‘Nope.’ I would ask a bunch of questions and got nothing more than one word so I gave up. Then one day he started coming into the barn yelling my name – ‘HI ANN,’ so I was confused. He said ‘You stopped talking to me.’ So that broke the ice.
I learned about the value of a program and a horse being in a program. How important each step of the process is, in training a horse and a rider. Each step ties in and makes you a well-rounded rider, competitor and person. The process helps you deal with horses and with life.
I was married at the time and he was seeing someone. But everyone at the barn got along and all became good friends. H&S: What are some of the best lessons you’ve learned over the years? VK: Every aspect has taught me invaluable lessons. And between figuring out how to ride as a teenager, to riding on the East Coast to creating On Target Training with Shawna to working in horse show management to developing and managing the program at Coral Reef Ranch with Ann, I have a tremendous collection of experience. Over the years one of my best lessons is the sport psychology work I did. I was always so hard on myself, and I had to learn about the psychology behind it in order to realize my potential. I look forward to sharing that knowledge! AK: By developing our own program, we learned about treating each horse as an individual. When we came to Coral Reef, we started Genevieve on a lunge line, then to the pony rings, to horses,
H&S: What are your plans for Equestrian Performance? VK & AK: We started working with Tammy at Thunderbird in early June. Her young horse Ekina won the Seven Year Old Maplebrook Challenge. And her client Julianna Ball earned Reserve Champion in the 1.20m Junior/Amateur Division. Plus Ann went double clean on Santanita LS. Shelburne is such a great facility, we love the turnout and trails. And it has all the amenities for quality care. Along with teaching and training, we are planning cool clinics. Clicker training, sport psychology, clinicians like Beezie. We would love Equestrian Performance to be an educational experience that helps people fulfill their equestrian dreams. The Northwest has such a calming feeling – it feels like a healthy start to our new venture. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
equestrianperformance.com
july/august·
65
SHP SPRING CLASSIC MAY 11 - 15 HMI EQUESTRIAN CHALLENGE MAY 18 - 22 HMI JUNE CLASSIC JUNE 15 - 19 HMI EQUESTRIAN CLASSIC I JULY 27 - 31 GIANT STEPS CHARITY CLASSIC AUGUST 3 - 7 STRIDES & TIDES SEPTEMBER 14 - 18 SHP SEASON FINALE SEPTEMBER 21 - 25
SONOMAHORSEPARK.COM
Taylor Harris National Children’s Medal
CP National Horse Show
American Gold Cup
North American Riders Group
Wellington Masters Live Oak international
TAYLOR, HARRIS INSURANCE SERVICES,
LTD.
WORLDWIDE EQUINE INSURANCE SPECIALISTS ——— Founded in 1987 ———
THIShorseinsurance.com
Brandywine Summer Series
Plantation Field Horse Trials
800.291.4774
buffalo therapeutic riding center year end celebration
Blenheim Equisport
builds lasting relationships.
Capital Challenge Horse Show
EQUINE INSURANCE taylorharris.com
Upperville colt & horse show
Great Lakes Equestrian Festival
Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
great meadow international
Jersey Fresh international three-day event
Longines FEI World Cup™ Finals Las Vegas 2015 Photography: Renea Hutchings
FEATURE
byHobert&Krupa Ali Addison by
Portrait of a Rider
ALEXANDER ZETTERMAN
Alexander Zetterman is one of Sweden’s most promising riders and he comes by it naturally. His father, Royne Zetterman, is one of Sweden’s top jumper riders and his mother rides at an elite level as well. By eight years old Zetterman was successfully competing and at sixteen, despite being an excellent student, he dropped out of school to focus primarly on his riding. After that decision, his career took off. Since then he has participated in ten European and World Championships and competed in the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games. Zetterman now splits his time between Springfield Farm North in Sweden and Springfield Farm South in Wellington, FL. Day to day business is a family affair; at both locations he trains with his mother Aisling and brother Daniel. Zetterman is rising in the ranks and with a strong team of horses, he is sure to keep a space on the podium. However, Zetterman’s journey was not all as rosy as it sounds. Through the course of his riding career he experienced hardships that led him to understand the real meaning of success. He shares his story with Horse & Style through his own words, with the cinamatic photography of Hobert&Krupa as a beautiful backdrop.
july/august·
69
“I started riding when I was seven years old. My father was one of the biggest stars in the sport, so it was an obvious goal for me to become better than him. “The other riders and parents just assumed I hadn’t fought to get to where I was. After all, I was the famous Royne Zetterman’s son. What they never understood was that although my father’s accomplishments always inspired me to improve, he also pushed me so hard to win that sometimes I ended up making some dangerous mistakes. “In my hometown in southern Skåne, my friends would normally just sit at home and play video games after school, so I was often teased about my riding. The other kids thought horseback riding was a hobby for girls. “My life changed when I quit school and entered into the professional world of show jumping. But I struggled for a while. At 16 years old, it was hard travelling from horse show to horse show, without any leisure time, without friends, without any sort of perspective. “At one point, I started doubting if I really wanted to continue riding. I wondered whether this life was really worth it, because even the successes became unfulfilling. I think it’s the same for a lot of young riders who are born into a family involved in the sport. You were just born with certain expectations of you and preconceived opinions about you, that you didn’t ask for, or deserve. “When my father left my family, my life seemed to fall apart. I had to adapt, both mentally and emotionally. My family crashed; I failed to qualify for the Olympics, which was my objective for many years; I had to sell my best horse, so I had nothing keep me at the elite level any longer; and my girlfriend and I broke up. “Everything that happened at that time made me question who I really was, beyond the expectations of others. What was I capable of? What did I want from life? I was forced to answer questions about myself that had never presented themselves before.”
“I started focusing on a life outside of the competitions. I gained a new understanding of my world and my direction. Slowly, my passion for riding returned, and as I developed my personal life, my riding improved. “I’ve learned that you’re never going to be loved by everyone, no matter how hard you try. I’ve learned to listen to myself and use my own will-power. I learned how to take advantage of my own qualities. “By using what I have and what I’ve created, I’m achieving more and more goals and getting closer and closer to the top of the sport. But no matter how corny it sounds, if you want to be the best, you really have to believe that the sky is the limit! It’s like trying to imagine that the universe really is eternal!”
Hobert&Krupa We are an artist duo making personal portraits of real people; exclusive texts and beautiful aesthetics characterize our work. Our background in film and fashion adds cinematic influences to our photography and writing, bringing to life the stories of our clients who are some of the most famous profiles in the world. Our vision is to tell the stories that nobody knows. july/august·
73
OUT&
about
OLD SALEM FARM SPRING HORSE SHOW - NORTH SALEM, NY
1.
2.
4. 5.
3.
6.
1. A lead line rider dazzles the crowd at Old Salem Farm 2. Line ‘em up. Hunters awaiting results in the foreground of the Old Salem Farm barn 3. Peter Lutz and Robin de Ponthual showing on Old Salem Farm’s grass Grand Prix Field 4. McLain Ward and his daughter Lily celebrate after a win in the $35,000 Grand Prix of North Salem 5. Penny Brennan gives Sun Tzu a kiss after winning the $15,000 Old Salem Farm Speed Derby, presented by TownVibe 6. Lucy Deslauriers and Hester won the inaugural $15,000 Under 25 Grand Prix, presented by T & R Development Photos © Lindsay Brock/Jump Media
74
·july/august
7.
8.
9. 10. 11.
12. 7. Marilyn Little and Clearwater on their way to fourth place in the $130,000 Empire State CSI3* Grand Prix, presented by The Kincade Group 8. The top 12 riders in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by The Gochman Family, head into the second round 9. McLain Ward tosses his winning ribbon to an onlooking fan 10. The top 12 hunter riders from the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by The Gochman Family, prepare to head into the second round 11. Georgina Bloomberg walks her course with a watchful eye on her son Jasper who was busy stealing the crowd 12. Adrienne Iverson surveys her course
july/august¡
75
FEATURE by Alli Addison
A DAY IN THE LIFE of @ZintaPolo Instagram It Girl, Model Extraordinaire, Equestrian Style Maven, Polo Player and Bonafide Horsewoman, Zinta Braukis - aka @ZintaPolo is what Instagram dreams are made of. Her visual collection of imagery and the day-to-day glimpses into her modeling and equestrian lifestyle leave our fingers weary from scrolling, our batteries drained, and our horse-feverish minds enthralled.
F
or those who already follow @ZintaPolo (pronounced ZIN-tah) on Instagram, you can recognize her squad of polo ponies in an instant.You know her as the polo playing California girl that can haul a full string of horses down the I-10 like nobody’s business, as the on-trend beauty who commands fashion envy the equestrian world over, and as the savvy marketer who is building her personal brand and garnering a considerably strong following via social media. Although wonderfully transparent in sharing her life online, there is still so much about this intriguing young woman we simply don’t know. Fortunately, I was able to sit down with her to get some details about how she balances her career and life passions, her style on and off the horse, and the details of her equestrian life. H&S: What does a typical day consist of for you? ZP: My days vary dramatically depending on whether it is a location shoot, a studio shoot, runway, or a special appearance. I always start with drinking a glass of warm water, eating a light breakfast, and drinking Yerba Matte while checking my emails and Instagram. I try to spend some time stretching or exercising. Lastly, I put together an outfit to wear to the shoot and pack additional items so that after work I am prepared to go to the stable to ride.
76
·july/august
A typical studio shoot is an eight-hour day. Upon arrival I go straight to hair and makeup for about an hour. Then the race begins. The outfits and accessories are arranged on racks. In order to speed up the changing process I often have two or more stylists working very hard, helping to get each look organized. They do the buttons and zippers, put on and take off my shoes, and manage my accessories. Sometimes I feel like a horse in the cross ties being tacked up. The stylists even tap my ankle when they are ready for me to lift my foot. Once the look is complete I enter the set where the photographers, videographers, and the rest of the crew are waiting. Now it’s ‘showtime.’ I start hitting poses based upon what article of clothing or accessories are being featured. The stylists and I then go back to the dressing room for a ‘tear down and rebuild’ into the next look. This cycle often happens several dozen times on each studio shoot day. A photo shoot, of any kind, is really a team effort. If the next day’s shoot is in another city, then after work I head straight to the airport. If it is in the same city, I’m sitting in traffic, often in Los Angeles. Either way, it will usually be a long wait before I get to the stables. There the roles reverse and I’m doing the grooming of ponytails, the dressing up with saddles and pads, and asking for feet to be lifted. When I’m playing polo I have a groom to help prepare the horses, but on the days I am casually riding after work, I do my own tacking and enjoy the bonding time with the horses.
H&S: How old were you when you started riding? ZP: 14 years old. I always loved horses as a child. When most of my friends started growing out of their "I want a pony" phase, mine only became stronger and developed into an obsession. I grew up in the city so horses were not easily accessible. When I was 14 I would take a public bus after school and travel to an inner city barn that offered a work-to-ride program. At age sixteen I bought my first horse, with the help of my father and grandfather who put up half the money. The other half was with money I earned and saved. He is a bay off-the-track Thoroughbred named Macaroni and I still have him. He's a polo pony now.
When I was 14, I saw a polo game and at that moment I knew I wanted to try it
H&S: What disciplines have you ridden in? What disciplines would you like to explore further? ZP: I have ridden hunters, played polo, and done a little team sorting. I would definitely try jumping, dressage, endurance and team penning. Basically, I would try anything and everything I can do on a horse. I love trying new things. H&S: How did you come to play polo? ZP: When I was fourteen, I saw a polo game and at that moment I knew I wanted to try it. It wasn’t possible at that time because the barn where I worked in exchange for riding lessons only taught hunter/jumpers. I wasn’t ready to move because I really enjoyed riding hunters and I was learning a lot about equitation and horse care. As a teen, I owned Macaroni and paying for board made me happier than paying for a car. So, I kept him at barns that I could take the bus to after school. A few years later my modeling career began to take off so I bought a car and finally drove out to try polo. H&S: Describe your personal style, on and off the horse ZP: I love mixing current trends with vintage pieces. My mom always told me, “Dress for what you are about to do, not for how you feel.” That saying has stuck with me and as a result of needing to be ready to participate in a myriad of activities and events my closet has a little of everything from feminine pink lace and rhinestones to edgy black leather jackets.
H&S: What is your go to riding outfit of the day (ROOTD)? ZP:Breeches, tall boots or half chaps, and a denim or long sleeved shirt (with SPF protection). I wear a wide brimmed hat while tacking up and usually switch to my helmet for riding. H&S: Do you have a favorite Spring/Summer 2016 trend? ZP: I like that chokers are coming back. H&S: Where you do shop? ZP: Tack shops. I love shopping for horse related things like tack and apparel. When I’m shopping online or in stores for non-riding clothes I like to think about how I can work items into a ROOTD or a day I get dressed up to watch an equestrian event. I’m pretty much always thinking about how I can incorporate things into my equestrian lifestyle. I like to hunt in vintage shops as well as high-end boutiques and department stores. H&S: Out of all your horses, which has left the biggest impression on your career? ZP: Macaroni because he is my first horse and Pluto, because he’s Pluto The Wonder Horse. Not only is Pluto a great polo pony but he has also turned out to be a great model. He is cute, photogenic, patient, and knows when it’s time to put his ears forward. I love taking photos with him for Instagram because it doesn’t take long to get a
july/august·
79
great photo. Some of my modeling clients have even used him in their shoots: BCBG, FWRD, Enza Costa, and Revolve/House of Harlow 1960. H&S: What style advice would you want your Instagram followers to take home? ZP: Don’t be afraid to incorporate your passion for horses into your everyday wardrobe. I used to think I would be made fun of for wearing breeches or tall boots in everyday life, but then decided that my style should be an expression of who I am. I began to work pieces into my work wardrobe and got so much great feedback from agents and stylists. I even ended up taking my Ariat Volant boots to NYC and Paris with me to wear to model castings. Now breeches are my go to pants for castings instead of the more traditional model uniform of skinny jeans. I usually pair them with sandals, heels or wingtip loafers. Once on my day off I had just finished riding in Los Angeles when an agent sent a message asking if I could make it through traffic to get to a casting. I left straight from the stable to make it on time, so I was 100% authentic equestrian. They loved it. Not only did they book me for the fashion show but they also ordered boxes of paddock boots and had all the models wear them with dresses on the runway!
Photography by Cara Emory and Heather Gildroy Hair and Makeup by Dee Daly Styled by Karini Singh, Melissa Espinoza, Sharon Kim and Zinta Braukis Shot at the Forward by Eylse Walker Studio
80
·july/august
The American Gold Cup at Old Salem Farm September 14 - 18, 2016 • Face Painting •Boutique Shopping •Pony Rides •Dining •Live Music VIP tables and Tickets On Sale Now www..eAmericanGoldCup.com
190 June Rd North Salem, NY 10560
DINING by Laurie Berglie
out
THE MANOR TAVERN
L
ocated in the heart of Maryland Hunt Country, The Manor Tavern, a restaurant rich in regional history, has it all: delicious, locally-grown food, a farm-to-table concept, a peaceful country setting, and an exquisite equestrian ambiance. There’s nothing I love more than enjoying a fabulous meal while being seated amidst elegant hunt country and horseracing décor. A TRIP BACK IN TIME Situated on Old York Road in Monkton, Baltimore County, the Tavern is a unique blend of past and present. The moment you set foot through the front door, it’s as if you’ve stepped into a bygone era. Originally built in 1750 as a stable, you can feel the history all around you. In fact, although George Washington did not spend the night there, the Tavern can boast that his horse did! Located on land that was once the home of the Piscataway Indians, the tribe’s trail (now Old York Road) was a major thoroughfare between Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. In 1687, Charles Calvert, the third Lord Baltimore, passed through
82
·july/august
the area and decreed 10,000 acres for himself. He then gifted the land to his fourth wife in 1713, christening the estate, “My Lady’s Manor.” Since its beginnings as a stable, The Manor Tavern has experienced many transitions, from a dirt-floor saloon to what it is today, a full-service restaurant with banquet, wedding ceremony, and reception facilities. Nestled deep in My Lady’s Manor, the Tavern is a favorite among the many nearby equestrians, and at any given time, you will find local racehorse and steeplechase trainers and exercise riders sitting at the bar, relaxing after a long day. However, the restaurant’s popularity draws people from all over, so many journey north from Baltimore City to relish a tranquil evening out in the country. FRESH AND LOCAL IS FIRST AND FOREMOST Sustainability is a huge initiative for the Tavern as they embrace the farm-to-table concept. Onsite just beyond the parking lot lie numerous gardens filled with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and other produce. These gardens allow produce to be harvested when needed; since the items have a longer time to ripen on the vine,
they are ready to eat immediately when picked. Customers then get to enjoy fresh, organic produce that has not been processed or spent multiple days traveling before being added to their meals. What cannot be grown in the Tavern’s backyard is bought locally, and the restaurant is proud to support local family farmers. “Our selection of available produce changes weekly, letting you know what is growing in our area. This means you will be getting products when they are at their peak, are most abundant, and in the case of farmers markets, least expensive.You also become more aware of the products that thrive well in the many different environments of Maryland.” For many people, myself included, knowing where their food comes from is vitally important. When dining at the Tavern, you’ll know exactly where it came from (their “backyard”) and how far it traveled before appearing on your plate (about 100 feet). This creates a worry-free dining environment where you can dive right into your favorite dish without a second thought. RISKLESS RECOMMENDATIONS And speaking of dishes, here are some of my family’s favorites. As Marylanders, we love our seafood, and especially our crabs! Our go-to appetizers are the Hot Crab Dip (crab, cheese, cream cheese with toasted pita bread); the Crispy Calamari (Point Judith calamari, cherry pepper rings, lemon, and your choice of Sriracha citrus aioli or sweet chili pepper sauce); and the Fried Green Tomato “Oscar,” (crunchy fried green tomatoes topped with jumbo lump crabmeat, asparagus tips, Sombronkey mustard, and Parmesan tuile). For your entrée, I recommend the Beer Can Chicken, the Tavern’s most famous poultry dish. “The whole bird comes to your table perched on a National Bohemian beer can, ready to be carved with our vegetable of the day, and a baked potato.”You also can’t go wrong with the Maryland Crab Cakes, 5 oz. all-jumbo lump seasoned Maryland crab, broiled or fried (I always go with the broiled), served as a single or double cake. In the mood for something a little lighter? The Apple Harvest Salad is divine! You might be tempted to order this as an appetizer, but their salads are actually quite large! This one consists of diced apples, sun-dried cranberries, and spiced pecans tossed in field greens with raspberry balsamic vinaigrette, and topped with Charlottetown Farm goat cheese. Finally, my husband loves The Manor Burger, which is one of their classics.You can’t go wrong with the Creekstone Farms Black Angus burger topped with sharp cheddar, Swiss, and Applewood smoked bacon. The Manor Tavern is also known for their fun “Canning Jar Cocktails!” These come in canning mason jars and are rotated on a seasonal basis. We love the Gentleman’s Fig (Figenza Fig Vodka, Maker's Mark, muddled raspberries, blueberries, and ginger ale) and the Cider Maple Mule (Tap 357 Maple Rye Whiskey, apple cider, ginger beer, fresh lime, and apple slices).
A MARYLAND MUST The Tavern is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, and they offer a gluten free menu with plenty of dishes to choose from. Sit inside in one of their three large dining rooms (complete with fireplaces, plush booths, and decorated with horse portraits, jockey silks, and other equestrian accoutrements) or, weather permitting, grab a table on their outdoor patio that’s tastefully decorated with white lights and gorgeous flowers. If you’re in the area and looking for a true taste of Maryland, add The Manor Tavern to your list. Their farm-to-table concept and their plentiful equestrian décor are just added bonuses to the delicious food that remains the mainstay at The Manor Tavern.
THEMANORTAVERN.COM Photos © Tammie J. Monaco
Parker General/Equine Insurance has been our Farm, Auto, Liability and Equine Mortality Company for over a decade. They have given us personal and attentive care when we needed them. That’s the most important service an Insurance Agent can offer. I can and do recommend them highly. Gry McFarlane
enjoy your time in the saddle we have you covered! equine mortality
trainer liability
care, custody & control
farm & ranch commercial
equine surgical & major medical insurance
workers’ compensation & employers liability
EQUINE INSURANCE CDI 0545437 - a division of Parker General Insurance
Donna & Joe Parker . (800) 321-5723 . www.Equine-ins.com
H I S T O R Y of by Laurie Berglie
style
History of
BREECHES
If you’ve been following my “History of…” articles, then you know that just about every piece of the riding habit had its origins in foxhunting. Well, the history of breeches is about to change that! Breeches were first developed in India by polo players. Actually, breeches weren’t developed by polo players – jodhpurs were. So before we get into the nitty gritty of the history, let’s take a moment for a brief lesson on the difference between the two. The main difference is the length; breeches are shorter, finishing around the calf. With their close, tight fit, you’d wear breeches with tall boots. Jodhpurs finish further down the leg by the ankle, making them a perfect choice to wear with paddock boots or chaps. And for those of you who refer to breeches as britches, this is just a spelling/pronunciation variant, not a difference in the style itself. Now that we understand the basic definitions, it’s time for our history lesson! Jodhpurs got their name from the capital city of
the former Indian state of Marwar. Situated in western India, Jodhpur City was founded in 1495, but ceased to exist in 1947 when it merged with the newly independent state of India. It was in the late 1800s that Sir Pratap Singh, the Regent of Jodhpur who was an avid equestrian and polo player, became unhappy with the style and fit of his riding pants. He decided to alter them to suit his needs for the game, and modeled them, slightly, after the churidar, a traditional Indian long pant. Worn by both men and women, the churidar had a loose fit around the hips but was tight along the calf and ankle. Sir Pratap, wanting extreme freedom to move while riding, increased the bagginess of the pant along the hip and thigh but retained the tightness in
Opposite: LC-USZ62-59309, “Riding Suit No. 2” Above: LC-DIG-hec-35861, “Woman and girl in horse riding attire,” LC-USZ62-74633, “Polo. Player, Capt. Cheape [on horseback],” 7.2 George Morris, Bert de Nemethy, and Frank Chapot in 1958 photo © UNRELENTING by George H. Morris with Karen Robertson Terry and used by permission from Trafalgar Square Books (www.HorseandRiderBooks.com)
july/august·
87
the lower leg. He then added reinforced fabric along the knee down to the inner calf to prevent his legs from rubbing. This first pair of newly-improved riding pants was made in Jodhpur in 1890 from a thick cotton twill cloth. Other polo players, seeing the advantages of the new design, also had pairs made, but the pants themselves were still unnamed. Jodhpurs made their way into England in 1897. At this time, Queen Victoria, the Monarch of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Empress of India, was celebrating her Diamond Jubilee. Sir Pratap Singh traveled to England for the festivities and took along with him the Jodhpur Polo Team. The team not only won the most matches, but were a smash hit thanks to their new fashion statement. The British, always quick to embrace a new equestrian trend, immediately replicated the Indian design.
Above: 3.7 Joan Parker, George Morris, and Glenna Lee Maduro the winning Hunt Team at Madison Square Garden, 1951 photo Š UNRELENTING by George H. Morris with Karen Robertson Terry and used by permission from Trafalgar Square Books (www.HorseandRiderBooks.com)
It is widely thought that the term jodhpurs was coined during Sir Pratap’s trip to England. In need of a new pair during his stay, Sir Pratap visited a Savile Row tailor where he had no choice but to reveal the design. When the tailor asked what the pants were called, Sir Pratap, who was not very fluent in English, misunderstood the question and replied, Jodhpur, thus giving the pants their name.
The term breeches, on the other hand, was developed in the late 1500s in reference to underwear worn by both men and women. The English term then began to replace the word hose, a generic term for men’s lower outer garments. The term breeches eventually evolved until it referred to outer, knee-length pantaloons or trousers. As with everything in fashion, designs change with each passing generation. Gone is the style of loosefitting fabric from the hip to the thigh in favor of a tight, stretchy pant from waist to ankle. Our current breeches now come in three main types: knee-patch, full seat, and Kentucky. Knee-patch breeches stop mid-calf and have a reinforced leather (or synthetic) material only on the inside of the knee, allowing for extra grip to the saddle. Full seat breeches also have the additional material at the knee, but it continues up the inner thigh and across the seat. Full seat breeches are most popular in dressage where the rider strives for a quiet, deep seat. Kentucky jodhpurs are full-length and used exclusively in saddle seat riding. They are closefitting from the hip to the calf, but they flare into a bell bottom at the end, covering the outside of the boot. As always, the color of breeches in competition is very important. Most organizations prefer traditional, classic attire that is both quiet and conservative. White breeches are common in dressage but are also seen in show jumping. For hunt seat, beige is the most popular, although grey, rust, tan, and olive green make occasional appearances. Schooling breeches now come in fun plaids, checks, and stripes, displaying bright, vibrant colors. The materials used for today’s breeches are usually a combination of nylon, spandex, and faux suede (for knee patches). After researching the history of all pieces of the riding habit, I have come to the same conclusion over and over – it’s a great time to be an equestrian. Not only is our attire becoming safer and more comfortable, but it’s becoming more attractive. We have so many options now to showcase our individual tastes so we can stand out at the barn and in the show ring.
Product Info: Sarm Hippique Rebecca Grip in Petrol Green and Rebecca Contrast in Navy/Beige
FEATURE by Winter Hoffman Photography by Elena DeSanti
Vani Khosla A Dedicated Scholar, On and Off the Course
K
Vani Khosla is an exceptional student regardless of the subject matter. A recent graduate of Stanford University, Khosla earned degrees in both Civil Engineering and Computer Science, while simultaneously making great strides in her riding.
hosla will soon be moving to Santa Monica, California to begin her professional career, but currently enjoys living in Portola Valley, CA. She trains with Dick Carvin, Susie Schroer, Zazou Hoffman, and Francie Steinwedell-Carvin at Meadow Grove Farm. With the support of her team and a strong resolve, Khosla worked around her school schedule in order to train and compete throughout California and the east coast with three horses, Billy Mexico, Dynamo, and Grand.
90
¡july/august
Khosla admits that balancing school and horses, while rewarding, can also be quite challenging. However, on April 17th, at The Spring Series IV at Blenheim EquiSports in San Juan Capistrano, CA, Khosla’s equestrian efforts paid off big time when she won her first Grand Prix. An enthusiastic crowd erupted in applause for Khosla and her talented stallion, Billy Mexico, as they took in their $50,000 Blenheim Spring Classic IV Grand Prix win. Afterwards, Horse & Style contributor, Winter Hoffman, sat down with Khosla to congratulate her and ask her details about her aspirations and goal setting strategies.
WH: Please tell me a bit about your family and riding history. VK: Both of my parents are from New Delhi, India. I have three siblings and there are only five years separating my oldest sister and youngest brother, so we are all very close. Family is very important to us. I actually started out riding by taking western lessons with my sister. But after a brief barrel racing stint, I realized I really wanted to jump. I bought my first horse, Jazbo, to be my barrel racer. When I decided I wanted to show jump, he too had to change disciplines and learn to go over fences. My sister eventually quit riding and my other siblings were skiers, so I was the only equestrian in the house. Luckily, my parents and my siblings were, and still are, very supportive. As long as I kept up with my school work and made time for family, I was able to pursue my riding. My dad is a big believer in studying the sciences and engineering. So once I graduated with two engineering degrees, he was happy to see me focus more time and energy on my riding. Although they are still learning about the sport, my parents love to sit ringside and watch the big classes. They can even offer pretty accurate guesses as to what went wrong when a horse knocks a rail down. Both of them are so excited to see me competing in those big classes now, especially considering that in the beginning, it seemed like any time they came to watch me compete I fell off my horse!
WH: When did you decide you wanted to pursue show jumping seriously? VK: In the beginning, I experienced several unsuccessful years. At one point, my only goal was to make it over the first three jumps of the course without falling off! It was during that time I realized that if I was willing to fight through this rough patch, I must really love this sport. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it and I decided then to completely dedicate myself to success. WH: How have your experiences at Stanford influenced your show jumping pursuits? How did you find a balance between the two? VK: The dedication, time and effort required to be successful at Stanford gave me an appreciation for what it means to work hard. My Computer Science degree taught me this in particular. The classes required for that degree are considered the hardest classes at Stanford and took more work than anything else I’ve experienced in life so far. But I learned how capable I am when the work is hard, and I now apply that lesson to my riding. Because school and riding both require so much time and energy, some horse shows were not successful because of looming school stress, and some assignments at school were not done as well I would have liked. Searching for a balance between school and riding taught me great lessons in time management and compartmentalizing my focus.
july/august¡
91
WH: Please tell us about your handsome stallion, Billy Mexico.
WH: What are your long range show jumping goals? Do you plan to compete internationally?
VK: Billy is 11 years old and my one and only stallion. I bought him at the end of his nine-year-old year in 2014 from William Funnell (The Billy Stud). William had a lot of success on Billy in some big classes before I got him, and Billy and I have had a good partnership so far and have won lots of ribbons. I was nervous about having a stallion, but he’s so well behaved I never really worry about him.
VK: Not so long ago I thought that Grand Prix classes were out of the question for me, and yet here I am today! In general, I try to allow my riding goals to unfold naturally as I tend to perform better when I focus on the present. But I am always open to new opportunities! I would love to experience some bigger tracks, and the thought of World Cup classes gets me so excited. It’s important for my growth to be both a big fish in a small pond and a small fish in a big pond.
Billy takes a lot of pride in himself and definitely loves to show off. One time last year I was champion on Grand and reserve champion on Billy. Somehow Billy chewed up Grand’s champion ribbon but didn’t even touch his own! Last week, I had two ribbons on Billy for a victory gallop, one blue and one green. He ripped off the green ribbon but left the blue one alone. He definitely loves to win! WH: How important is a training program? VK: I think it is very important to have the right training program. Meadow Grove has been instrumental in developing Billy and me as a team. They push me to grow and improve but always provide me with the tools I need to do so. The Meadow Grove team spends a lot of time developing me as a rider. They also spend a lot of energy on the horses and put a lot of thought into deciding what is right for each horse. Meadow Grove really looks at the big picture.
WH: Before we end the interview, can you share the funny Paso Robles memory you mentioned earlier? VK: Last year I was bringing Dynamo back from an injury. At the beginning of the rehab process he was feeling great, but he was not quite jumping like his usual self. I took him to Paso Robles at the end of May and we entered the low Junior/Amateur Classic. Dynamo isn’t a spooky horse, but as we took off over the first oxer, he spooked a little at the boxes. He was post-rehab fresh, so he made a huge effort that I was not ready for. I got launched into the air, standing straight up with my feet still in the stirrups, and my hands above my head like I was trying to stick a dismount. I landed behind the saddle, which he didn’t like. So he gave a little buck and I tumbled right off. The picture and video of that jump are truly spectacular. We are all still laughing about that one! Thank you Vani, Horse & Style wishes you the best of luck with your pursuits!
JOINT SUPPORT THAT’S
OFF THE CHARTS In a recent study, twice as many horses showed improvement after receiving SmartFlexÂŽ IV Ultimate compared to the control group. This chart-topping supplement provides uncompromising support for hard-working joints, tendons, and ligaments.
Call the Supplement Experts at 1-800-461-8898 for a free consultation or visit SmartPak.com/SmartFlexResearch to learn more.
A S K dr.
carrie
Photo © Ashley Neuhof
Q:
Q:
What do I do when I am walking the course and intend to stay in the present moment but I feel my competitive edge taking over my thoughts?
A:
Present moment attention and a competitive edge are the essential components of optimum performance. Rather than aim for one without the other, focus on the relationship and dynamics between attention on the present moment and feeling competitive. It is important to focus the mind on spatial awareness and details when creating a plan for riding the track when walking the course. Feeling the confidence that the competitive edge brings is also important when walking and riding the course. Each athlete has a unique equation of present moment focus and competitive energy that allows for peak performance. I encourage you to become aware of how much attention to feeling powerful, strong, and riding to win, works for you. Remember that a little bit of this type of confidence goes a long way with
an equine teammate. Horses tend to feel abandoned by ego driven riding as they are always in the present moment and need their partners to meet them there. This is why having a regular practice of training your brain to disconnect from results and deepen awareness of the senses in the here and now increases a rider’s ability to make the many micro-decisions necessary to navigate a course. I am a big believer in focusing my goals for each ride on connection between horse and rider and communication through body language and aids as precisely as possible. Additionally, it is important to foster your competitive edge with awareness of how to use it to connect more with the horse, potentially transforming it into assertive intentionality.
I get queasy up to an hour before going in the ring and it lasts until I am done competing. It is really uncomfortable and I want it to stop. What do I do?
A:
Physiological responses to stress and adrenaline can be very uncomfortable. The first step to working with your queasiness is to become aware of the whole process. Notice what you eat and drink (or not) leading up to the sensation. Observe your thought process and mood as well. Feeling uncomfortable surges of adrenaline is completely natural for an athlete to feel leading up to competition. However, if your self-talk goes along with the sentiment that the heightened experience will make you feel sick, then you will most likely have that experience. As you become aware of the beginnings of your energy mounting and your digestion feeling uneasy, change the message you are sending your body. Rather than resisting and tightening against the surge, embrace
that this is what your body needs to do, as you gather your mind-body connection for laser sharp focus and physical exertion. Also consider the fuel you are giving your body pre-game. It is important to have calories to burn without needing to digest as the adrenaline mounts. Digestion requires the parasympathetic nervous system or a resting state to be engaged. Undigested food can cause queasiness. So be sure to eat foods that are easy to digest at least an hour before riding, stay hydrated with water, and self-monitor your blood sugar levels. Since equestrian athletes tend to go all day, they need to understand their body types. It is important that the food-fuel-hydration equation is honed enough to support your quest for peak performance.
Dr. Carrie Wicks divides her time between her private sport psychology consulting and family therapy practice, traveling with athletes, and writing. She completed her doctorate in psychology while researching the mental practices of equestrian athletes. Her passions include horses, yoga, mountain biking, skiing, and time in nature with animals. If you would like to ask a question for this column or ask about a complimentary Performance Strategy session, please contact Carrie.
Carrie Wicks, Ph.D. |
94
carrie@carriewicks.com
|
drcarriewicks.com
Photo © Ashley Neuhof
the las vegas national horse show, csi 4 * -w
mark your calendar now! November 15–20, 2016
VENDOR by Erinn Lew
spotlight
© Luis Carlo Montiel Ishino
E.C. STYLE BAR Last year, Katelyn McCullough and her mother Dona, both passionate equestrians, started E.C. Style Bar to remedy the post-show, helmet-hair blues that come with a full day of competing. Their mobile salon provides hair, makeup, and styling services to the seasoned competitor looking for a refreshing way to end his or her day. With continued success on the California show circuit and at private events, E.C. Style Bar is positioned to flourish across the country. Keep an eye out for their trailer at the end of your horse show day.
© Bethany Unwin Photography
july/august·
97
H&S: What was the inspiration for starting E.C. Style Bar? KATELYN MCCULLOUGH: The initial idea came from being a rider myself. After a long day at a horse show, riders are often left with helmet hair, and it’s just nice to have fresh, clean hair, especially if you have dinner plans or are running other errands. H&S: How is your family a part of the business? KM: My mother and I are the founders of E.C. Style Bar. We really complement each other well in the business as we both handle different aspects, but come together to make everything happen. My father provides the legal background and is very supportive of our business being 100% women-owned. My two older brothers help by providing different perspectives on designs and marketing. H&S: Where does the name come from? KM: The name has some family ties as well. E.C. Style Bar is derived from Elwynn & Cass, the name we are incorporated as. Elwynn was a dear friend of my grandfather, and has lived on as my mother’s middle name, but she thought it would be a nice homage to him to include him in our business name. Cass is a shortened version of my middle name, Cassandra. We liked the unique name Elwynn & Cass, but found that it didn’t say what we did, so we shortened it and included Style Bar. H&S: Who are the E.C. Customers? What makes them unique? KM: The E.C. customers are people who have a lot going on, the go-getters. They are the people who don’t really have a lot of time, so it’s a luxury for them to be able to quickly stop in during a horse show, and then be on their way. Our customers are very appreciative, relatable and loyal. H&S: What makes the customers love the service? KM:We want each customer’s time in our salon trailer to be the best it can be, so whether it’s about the styling, makeup, or the experience, we listen and try to make their wishes a reality. But ultimately, it’s the convenience of having a full-service salon within walking distance that drives our business. H&S: What other services does E.C. Style Bar provide? KM: We provide hair and makeup, and for special events—nail services and barber services. Our trailer is also available for rental as space for a party, photoshoot, or wedding. We have also used the trailer as a complete wedding styling unit where we did hair, makeup, and styled the bride and groom. Top and Center: © Luis Carlo Montiel Ishino Bottom: © Bethany Unwin Photography Right: © Luis Carlo Montiel Ishino
98
·july/august
H&S: What is your background with horses and how have they inspired the business? KM: I’ve been riding for about fifteen years now. I currently compete in the 1.30m and 1.35m jumpers and my mother rides as well. She started riding when she was young on a sheep farm in New Zealand, but took a hiatus until I was interested in riding at age eight. I love horses and riding so much that the work I have done with them for so many years has instilled a passion for and dedication to other endeavors I believe in. Not to mention, the business allows me to still enjoy and be close to my passion. H&S: What has been your greatest challenge and how have you overcome it? KM: Reaching the right people in our target market has been the most difficult. We’re unexpected at a horse show so people don’t plan to use our services. We have found that being consistently present at horse shows and really engaging with people helps to develop the comfort and loyalty of the clientele.
H&S: Since its inception, how has the business grown? KM: It has grown a lot! We’ve expanded into the wedding industry, providing trailer rental and/or bridal hair and makeup services. We’ve also expanded to private events (parties, birthdays, corporate events, etc.), as well as photoshoots. We can provide full services or just the trailer rental. This year, we’re also trying some different events, such as San Diego Polo, a photo shoot in Joshua Tree National Park for San Diego Style Weddings Magazine, and the Menlo Charity Horse Show in August. H&S: What are your plans for the future of E.C. Style Bar? KM: We’re really excited as to what the future holds for us. We have quite a few things in the works, but are always open to new opportunities. We have plans to grow with an additional trailer to accommodate the many different events we’re doing. We’d also love to expand into charity events, and at some point, I’d love to expand to the East Coast and have a trailer at WEF, in the Hamptons, and at Tryon, etc. We aren’t sure what’s in store, but it sure is one heck of a ride!
Besides catching E.C. Style Bar at the horse show, you can find them online at www.ecstylebar.com, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
about
OOUUTT& & about
P PAAS SOOR ROOB BL E L ESS H O R S E P A R K - P A S O R O B L E S , C A
1.
2.
4.
3. 1. Guy Thomas gives a sly smile while celebrating his win with Johnkeer Z in the CWD Grand Prix presented by TravelPaso 2. Hugh Mutch 1. 2. 3. 4. showing perfect form on Bunistar 3. Linda Starkman (owner of Paso Robles Horse Park), Dale Harvey (owner of West Palms Events), and Mandi Diefenderfer (park director), relax and enjoy their view of the grass field 4. Hope Glynn on Corriendo Tau looking picture perfect
102 16
·july/august · july/august
Photos © 1, 2, & 4 - Alden Corrigan, 3 - Danielle Ballard Photos © ??
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
5. This way to a wine lover’s dream! 6. Hunter Siebel congratulates her mount on a job well done 7. Lindsay Archer and Camerone go 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. clean to become the winners of LA Saddlery’s Grand Prix 8. Guests sip Paso Robles wines at the Welcome Trainer Party sponsored by Round Meadow Farm 9. Blake Gardiner sports a stylish blue coat
Photos © 5, 7, 9 - Alden Corrigan, 6 - Deb Dawson, 8 - Danielle Ballard
july/august· july/august ·
103 17
B E H I N D the
lens
Ashley
Neuhof Ashley’s passion for horses began before she could walk and continued to carry her through a ten year career in Three Day Eventing. Originally from Woodstock,VT, Ashley grew up with horses in her backyard and could always be found at the barn working tirelessly and happily. After moving to New York City to further her education and career she found a strong tie between the sophisticated metropolis and the equine form. Granddaughter of New York City photographer Marcus Neuhof, whose work included later years spent with the Wright Brothers, Ashley’s tie to photography runs deep. Struggling initially to find that “niche” as an artist, her deep love of horses shined through and is now the focus of her work. Her signature images are studio portraits using high fashion lighting to create visually arresting images that capture the essence of the individual. Her work extends from the barn into the showjumping and Eventing arenas where she has found the intensity and beauty of the competition horse to be what truly resonates. Ashley has traveled worldwide as an equine photographer and her work ranges from the glamorous arena of the Show Jumping tour, to the plains of Montana, to far-reaching polo clubs in Argentina. Her work has been a part of the imagery for major brands across multiple media platforms and the effortless beauty of the equine form is what drives her creativity. Her passion is on the road, at the rail, and in the stable with camera in hand. Ashley currently resides in New York City and spends the winter in Wellington, FL.
104
·july/august
july/august¡
105
WHERE TO FIND US! Shop these select tack store locations in the United States and Canada to purchase your copy of Horse & Style!
Do you want to see Horse & Style near you? Let us know at horseandstylemag.com/request
Absolute Horse Inc.
2221 NE 3rd St., Suite B, Bend, OR
Calasbasas Saddlery
23998 Craftsman Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302
Equestrian’s Concierge LLC
7600 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma, CA 94954
Equesti Lifestyle
905 Arlington Dr., Gate 9, Stall N1, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Equi-Products
Highway 22X W, Calgary, AB, Canada
Equus Now!
8956 Cotter St., Lewis Center, OH 43035
Gallops Saddlery
17937 SW McEwan Ave, Portland, OR 97224
Olson’s Tack Shop
2105 140th Ave, Northeast Bellevue, WA 98005
Tack N Rider
3031 Fortune Way, Suite A9, Wellington, FL 33414
The Tackeria
12501 S. Shore Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414
Want to be seen in this gorgeous magazine? Contact Horse & Style today to learn more about our advertising opportunities.
Valencia Saddlery
11355 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
WE WOULD LOVE TO CHAT!
sarah@horseandstylemag.com
106
·july/august
Be on the lookout for this new publication from Horse & Style Magazine. The Pony & Style premiere is just a few months away!
summer
2016
C A N you
stand it?
Paddock Perfection This everyday staple from Hermès is hardy enough for the horse show, yet stylish enough to wear out for drinks in the evening.The Kross Training Boots feature a rich, waterproof calfskin outer, signature vibrant orange inner, and a sturdy rubber sole. Subtle accents such as detailed side panels and the “Hermès Sellier” Clou de Selle tab on the rear of the boot make this just the right upgrade to a trusty old standby. Kross Training Boots, by Hermès, $1,175
108
·july/august
Somewhere between work and home
T H E R E ’ S A P L A C E W H E R E YO U C A N C R E AT E H A P P I N E S S It’s a place where you’re welcome any day of the week, a place you can escape to on the weekend, and a place that simply takes your breath away. Visit bayclubplay.com for your free 3-day pass and to find a club near you.
San Francisco • Los Angeles • San Diego
Hermès Cavale jumping saddle medium-deep seat
HERMÈS RYAN, SIMON DELESTRE AND THEIR HERMÈS CAVALE SADDLE, THREE MAKE A PAIR.