HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2014

速

HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE EST. 1991

JUNE 2014 Volume XIII Issue 3 horseconnection.com

THE

BROADMOOR Grand PRIX of LUXE Pg. 34

HC RUNWAY

MAGAZINE DEBUTS Pg. 57

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Table of Contents

HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE JUNE 2014

FEATURES

MONTHLY

Close Contact - Cindy Lay

14

012 Publisher’s Page

Close Contact - Abby Converse

20

022 HC Sport

The Broadmoor - Grand Prix of Luxe

34

106 The Horse Connection

HC RUNWAY DEBUTS

48

The Stories - ROLEX 2014

82

50 to 1 - Mine That Bird

94

About the cover Photo by SHARON MCELVAIN SharonMcElavain.com “eyesforyou” The entrance to the world famous BROADMOOR Hotel is the backdrop to the stunning carriage and team of horses driven by Erik Jensen.

Erik and wife Mary drove up the avenues of The BROADMOOR in their exquisite Holland and Holland carriage, built in London in 1890 and restored to pristine condition. An homage to the iconic hotel’s early equestrian history.

Also, Pamela Richardson, Head Groom (left) Angela Summers, Assistant Groom (right)

10 | JUNE 2014 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE

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- Covering your Favorite Facilities from Coast to Coast -

LA Equestrian Center . Rocky Mountain Show Jumping . Thunderbird Show Park Fieldstone Show Park . Lamplight Equestrian . International of Omaha . Colorado Horse Park

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament . Amberlea . Quail Run Equestrian Center . Menlo Charity Horse Show

Publisher’s Page

W

e are very excited to kick off the Thistle Hill, in Franktown, Colorado. summer with this epic issue of HC! The Nationally known as skilled competitors long awaited debut of HC RUNWAY is in driving competitions and carriage here inside this magazine and features shows, the Jensen’s own some of the smart fashions, smarter most authentically restored women, equestrian fitness carriages in the world. As one and showground style of the prominent equestrian tips. HC RUNWAY is your families in Colorado, the NIKE JUST DID IT. passport to “The Playground Jensen’s and their three WHO SAYS THE BARN of Life” and is the centerpiece daughters are involved AISLE ISN’T A RUNWAY! of the HC MEDIA GROUP in a variety of equestrian CLOSE – a multi-platform service CONTACT disciplines including that will offer clients a A-Circuit Hunter/Jumpers, soulbox custom media package that world-class Morgan horses, encompasses print, digital, and are members of the video and social network PHOTO BY MICHAEL ORTIZ Arapahoe Hunt. access. Those that have seen the package NIKE just did it! Nike just signed have been enthusiastic about it and we a sponsorship deal with the first US are already signing up clients for this equestrian athlete, Ayden Uhlir. Uhlir is all-in-one exclusive opportunity. If you the first young rider to win back-to-back are interested in being a part of HC gold medals at the NJAYRC and when she RUNWAY, our Executive Director, Sue sought out sponsors to further her riding Bury can be reached at 303.619.6757. career, the only company who responded Speaking of “the playground of life”, was Nike. HC sat down with Ayden in an when you come to Colorado this summer exclusive interview to find out how and to show at the Colorado Horse Park, an why she was signed and what the future equestrian playground in its own right, holds for the newest Nike athlete! take your down week and head to One horse that stunned the racing The BROADMOOR Hotel in Colorado world is making a comeback by way of Springs for the ultimate luxe resort Hollywood. Mine That Bird, the New experience at one of the top destination Mexico horse who won the Kentucky resorts in the world. You can plan your Derby at 50 to 1 odds is having his story custom getaway by reading all about The told on the big screen. HC’s intrepid BROADMOOR on page 34. photojournalist, Evalyn Bemis was on A big thanks to our immensely hand for the world premier of the movie, talented photographer, Sharon McElvain, “50 to 1” and has that story along with for capturing our beautiful cover great photos. image at the grand entrance to The Evalyn was also HC’s eyes and ears at BROADMOOR Hotel. The logistics of the ROLEX Kentucky Three-Day Event at dealing with a team of horses in front of the Kentucky Horse Park and brings us a very busy hotel was challenging to say the compelling stories behind the year’s the least, but the end result speaks to the biggest equestrian event. professionalism of Sharon and the entire Our appreciation goes out to our new team for getting the shot that we needed. team at HC MEDIA GROUP. Thank A huge HC thank you is also in You Sue Bury, Anna Jensen, Leanne order to Eric and Mary Jensen and their Acuff and our new Art Director, Justin grooms, Pamela Richardson and Angela Esparza. And of course, our supporting Summers, for bringing their stunning advertisers! With you all…we walk the team of horses and one-of-a-kind carriage road of success. to the photo shoot.

HC is going up the levels this year and One of the highlights of my many horse we are looking forward to an exciting experiences over the years was taking a summer of showing and riding and carriage ride with Eric and Mary. What a bringing you into the “Playground of treat it was to re-live the genteel days of Life” with HC RUNWAY. horse drawn carriage transportation and to experience their show-stopping team of Canadian Crossbreds in full motion.

The Jensen’s have amassed an impressive collection of 20 beautifully restored carriages and other vehicles at their farm, Geoff Young, Publisher THE PLAYGROUND OF LIFE

TM

featuring

AYDEN UHLIR

by GEOFF YOUNG pg. 78

An HC Exclusive.

by ANNA JENSEN

HOPE GLYNN, CHARLOTTE JACOBS, & ANNIE FINCH Share Their Beauty Secrets for the Summer

JILL APPLEBAUM of MALVERN SADDLERY Secrets On Success!

PLUS

EQUESTRIAN YOGA LINDSAY SMITH Shares her secrets for a stonger body and a calmer mind.

12 | JUNE 2014 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE

JUNE 2014

HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE HC RUNWAY CONCIERGE SERVICES Publishers

Geoff & Valerie L. Young GYoung@HorseConnection.com VYoung@HorseConnection.com Editor

Geoff Young

GYoung@HorseConnection.com V.P. Marketing

Valerie L. Young

VYoung@HorseConnection.com executive Director

Sue Bury

303.619.6757 sue@horseconnection.com Corporate Accounts Manager

Leanne Acuff

719.330.0652 leanne@horseconnection.com National Correspondent Account Liaison

Anna Jensen

303.570.6480 anna@horseconnection.com Art Director

Justin Esparza

425.314.1807 justin@kahruveldesign.com WEBMASTER

Caleb Block

Webmaster@horseconnection.com Celebrity Fashion Stylist

Wayne Scot Lukas thredline.com

Contributing Writers

Evalyn Bemis Kip Mistral Marc Patoile Butte Dawson

BDawson@HorseConnection.com Photography

Geoff Young Evalyn Bemis Sharon McElvain Advertising & Rates

getresults@HorseConnection.com Please call our Corporate Office if you have questions with advertising, subscriptions or billing.

303.663.1300 or 303.668.1332 HORSECONNECTION.COM Sorry, but Horse Connection cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited materials Horse Connection © 2014, Volume XIII, Edition 3. Published 8 times a year by Horse Connection, LLC., PO Box 775, Redmond, WA 98073, and is provided to its readers free of charge. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs, artwork and ad designs printed in the Horse Connection are copyright and the sole property of HC and may not be duplicated or reprinted without express written permission from HC. Horse Connection is not responsible for typographical or production errors or the accuracy of information provided by advertisers. Readers should confirm any advertised information with advertisers.

HC reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

We will not knowingly accept any advertising or print any material which is offensive or in violation of the law.

CLOSE CONTACT past the polo grounds where they offered lessons and the first one was free. With my hand-eye coordination from tennis, I thought, what fun. I wanted to learn how to ride a horse before starting polo so I found a H/J trainer out of the yellow pages. My second lesson she had me jumping a cavaletti. It was all over for me, I wanted to jump. Within four months I bought a horse off the track and two months later was at my first show. I’ve dabbled in Jumpers and Dressage over the last 15 years and love every moment I get to be with horses and horse people.

Cindy Lay

Besides your business, what is your involvement or connection with horses?

I love both Jumpers and Dressage. I don’t get to ride much any more due to my travels, but any chance I get I try to take it.

What encouraged you to create an equestrian business?

Name of business.

Exceptional Equestrian

When did you start?

April, of 2005.

First business?

Yes, I worked Corp USA for 16 years before starting Exceptional Equestrian.

Other businesses?

We offer a clipper blade and knife sharpening service.

Tell us about YOU. I grew up in Oklahoma and played tennis. I had a full ride to play in college where I received a BA in Marketing. As soon as I graduated, I ran to CA where I lived in San Diego. One day I was driving

It started with selling barn products for a manufacturer. When their customer service started failing, I started making bridle and halter charms on the side.

When that took off, I brought in belts and then handbags. Everything fit in the back of my Murano. Now I have a 40’ trailer and a Dually to pull it.

What is the most fulfilling part of your business?

I have signature pink shopping bags so, seeing those bags around the horse show as well as watching my wonderful customers wearing their fabulous finds from EE is very fulfilling.

What is the least fulfilling?

The long drives between shows. I wish I could click my heels or wiggle my nose and be at the next destination.

Is there anything that horses have taught you that translates into your business model?

That you’ve got to have your loses to really appreciate your wins.

Who inspires you?

The underdog. Be it the 20+-yearold horse still jumping Grand Prix (and

14 | JUNE 2014 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE

INSPI RE YOU R S OU L

W ITH E V E RYTHING YOU WA N T BU T NOTHING YOU NEED

What movie title best describes your life?

“It’s a Wonderful Life.”

What is your favorite charity?

Anything supporting Breast Cancer awareness.

What is your favorite country that you have visited?

Love the U.S. but there is so much more that I want to see and explore.

Favorite book?

To Kill a Mockingbird.

Favorite shoes? Sneakers.

Who is your favorite stud?

My boyfriend would prefer that I say him, ha-ha, but Arthous was an amazing horse and father to Pauli, aka Designated Driver, who packed me around the jumper ring like a true gentleman.

Favorite saddle?

I love my Antares that Tom Pickard from Equi Venture sold me.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Wine, wine and more wine.

winning) to people who come from nothing and end up with everything (not necessarily materialistic).

What do you consider your toughest challenge?

Staying ahead of the trends. There are so many wonderful fashion lines out there. I want my boutique to offer uniquely different products that you can’t find just anywhere.

Were you a wild or mild child growing up?

I was fairly mild. Of course I had a few wild moments but I was very committed to tennis and didn’t have much time for a lot else.

Where do you live in your dreams?

Somewhere near the beach.

You’re partner “must love horses.” What else must they love besides you?

He must love my Frenchies, Zazu and Izzy. They are my children.

Dogs or children?

DOGS!!!!

Greatest regret?

I had an opportunity to be a teaching tennis pro in Austria and I didn’t go.

Greatest fear?

Driving down the I-17 from Flagstaff to Scottsdale pulling a heavy load. Ugh!

Number one on your bucket list?

Going on a safari in Africa.

Who would you most like to have dinner with?

I’d like to have dinner with my Grandma who passed when I was a teenager. What a gift it would be to have one more meal with her.

What is your motto?

I have two. My business motto is, “Specializing in absolutely nothing you need, just everything you want,” and “Everything in moderation, including moderation.”

What’s on the horizon?

Working diligently on finding new and wonderful products for my boutique. I am building my presence on all social medias and want my customers, and future customers, to know they can find me 365 days a year. I have two websites, my main website and my outlet site. Lastly, I constantly have customers that want to buy their trainer a gift. I’m working on a “Trainer Registry” so they can buy exactly what their trainer wants.

Contact Information: Exceptional Equestrian, Cindy Lay, 303/931-3493, CindyJLay@msn. com, www.exceptionalequestrian.com, www. cindylay.com

HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JUNE 2014 | 15

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CLOSE CONTACT

Abby Converse The Tack Shop of Lexington

When did you start?

September 2012 First business?

Yes Tell us about YOU I’m 37 years old, born and raised in Texas. I moved to Lexington, KY in 2011.

My father is a lawyer and my mom owns a tack shop in Austin, TX. I have one older sister who is married with two kids. I am very humble, and don’t like talking about myself. I’m pretty laid back and have learned over the years to just let things happen because if you have to force it, it probably wasn’t meant to be.

Besides you business, what is your involvement or connection with horses?

I have ridden horses since I was five. I have traveled all over the US competing at hunter/jumper horse shows all the way up to the Grand Prix level. I am currently a professional and have two clients that I help.

What encouraged you to create an equestrian business?

I got burned out on all the traveling and showing and I wanted to be able to keep training professionally, but only on a small scale.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t pay the bills and since my mom was already in the business, it was a fairly easy endeavor to start up!

I figured I would give it a shot and see what happened!

Blue Grass Farms Charities. As you can see, I try to help out my local charities. I fell like it’s very important to help out my local community.

What is the most fulfilling part of your business?

Being my own boss is great and challenging. I also love shopping for the store because it’s like being a personal shopper for my customers!

Were you a wild or mild child growing up?

I’d say I was pretty mild. I was always so focused on riding and competing.

What is the least fulfilling?

I wouldn’t really say anything is unfulfilling. Yes, being a small business owner is tough because you have to be boss, manager, bookkeeper, etc… but I love the challenge!

Is there anything that horses have taught you that translates into your business model?

Patience and organization. Although my desk is a complete mess, I try to stay organized where it’s most important.

Who inspires you?

Other small business owners.

What is your favorite country that you have visited?

I’ve actually only ever been to Mexico and the Cayman Islands! Both are pretty nice!

Favorite book? I love Spy novels Favorite shoes?

My Kroop paddock boots, although I don’t wear them that much.

Favorite saddle?

My Butet. It’s a 1997 model and I’ve had it since 1999.

Where do you live in your dreams?

On the beach somewhere warm You’re partner ‘must love horses.”

What else must they love besides you? My dog!

Dogs or children? Dogs!

Greatest regret?

No regrets, I believe happens for a reason!

everything

Number one on your bucket list?

Today? To visit Dubai.

What is your motto?

It is what it is.

WHATS ON THE HORIZON? To get our website up and running so customers can buy online & to keep growing and being successful!

What do you consider your toughest challenge?

Keeping up with the ever changing trends and making sure I bring the right stuff into the store.

What is your favorite charity?

There’s a couple I try to help out: Danny & Ron’s Rescue, The Lexington SPCA, The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, Bluegrass Conservatory and

Contact Information: Abby Converse 859-368-0810 abby@tackshopoflexington.com HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JUNE 2014 | 21

sport

World Cup Finals Dressage Charlotte Dujardin & Valegro Dance to Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Glory & Set a New World Record World number one, double-Olympic and European champion and the rider who holds all three-world records in the sport, Charlotte Dujardin, became the first-ever Briton to win the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage title at Lyon, France.

To the strains of a newly-created musical score she steered Valegro, the horse that has taken her to the very top and beyond over the course of the last two spectacular years, to a mark of 92.179 that left her well ahead of the defending champions from Germany, Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW in second place. The Netherlands’ Edward Gal and Glock’s Undercover revealed more of their increasing potential by moving into third ahead of Sweden’s Tinne Vilhemson-Silfven and the elegant Don Auriello, who settled for fourth.

But it was Dujardin and Valegro who owned the stage and clinched the coveted Reem Acra trophy after receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. “I’m over the moon, coming here to my very first World Cup Final - it’s so fantastic!

This was my first time with my new Freestyle and it was so much fun, this music is great and it was so emotional it’s all you can ask for...a dream come true really!” the new champion said.

Top of the Leaderboard Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello, the World ranked number four rider and her elegant bay set off with the most extravagant extended trot and powered their way into the lead with a score of 80.946. With three left to go that was now the mark to beat, and third-to-last in, Gal and Glock’s

Undercover did just that, maximizing their points potential with strong and consistent piaffe although, as the 2010 champion admitted afterwards, a bit of a bobble towards the end saw him lose a rein which hampered his final sequence.

“He (Glock’s Undercover) was still a little too excited, it was difficult warming up in this environment, he was too overactive and in at the end (of his test) I lost my rein!” the Dutchman said. His score of 83.696 was immediately overtaken by the penultimate partnership of Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW, but the defending champions temporarily lost communication at the beginning of their test and their eventual score of 87.339 fell short of expectations.

Langehanenberg remained stoic however. “I had two mistakes today, and two is too many. In between I had a great feeling but I took risks and when you take

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sport World record holder, Olympic and European champions Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro danced to victory with a spectacular Freestyle performance in the Reem Acra FEI World Cupª Dressage Final in Lyon, France.

Photo: FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst

a risk then anything can happen. On the centerline we didn’t start together, but that’s the way it goes - but I’m absolutely happy!” the 2013 champion insisted.

That left the door wide open for Dujardin and Valegro whose presence alone sets hearts beating a little faster.

There was enormous curiosity about their new musical score, put together by Tom Hunt using the soundtrack from the Dreamworks animated film “How to Train Your Dragon.” And it proved delightful, with Valegro demonstrating all his hallmark grace, balance, strength, obedience and lightness along with no small measure of personal charm as he cruised through passage and canter work that was joy to watch before finishing with a daring final piaffe/pirouette.

The crowd loved it, and roared their approval at the end, while the Ground Jury responded with the winning mark

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sport Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill, winners in 2013, finished second in the Reem Acra FEI World Cupª Dressage Final.

Photo: FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst

that left the British duo almost five points ahead of last year’s winners.

“I had only ridden the test twice at home so I wasn’t as confident as I would be with my other music but I definitely think this is better than my old music. We were just messing around at home when I came up with the idea of the piaffe/ pirouette at the end which is technically difficult but, being the super-star he is, Valegro can do it!” said Dujardin afterwards.

It had been some weekend for the 28-year-old who set yet another new world record when scoring 87.129 to win the Grand Prix, breaking the record that she previously held.

She talked about the importance of her new Freestyle music and floorplan after the Final had concluded. “I think it really is story telling and you know, it really highlights his (Valegro’s) highlights, his powerful extended canter, it really kicks in for that and obviously the end was the piaffe/pirouette, and I was thinking today, what if we make a fluff of it! You think it’s all a good idea until

Third place went to 2010 FEI World Cup™ Dressage champion Edward Gal from The Netherlands riding Glock’s Undercover. Photo: Dirk Caremans/FEI 24 | JUNE 2014 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE

The top three riders at the Reem Acra FEI World Cupª Dressage Final show off their trophies - winner Charlotte Dujardin from Great Britain (center), German runner-up Helen Langehanenberg (left) and third-placed Edward Gal from The Netherlands. Photo: FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst

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sport The girl with the floating horse: Charlotte Dujardin on a “lap of honor” with Valegro after their win in the Reem Acra FEI World Cupª Dressage Final in Lyon, France. Photo: FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst

you’ve actually got to do it in there and you’re like ‘uhoh, what if it goes wrong’ but thankfully it didn’t and what a superstar Valegro is,” said Great Britain’s first-ever FEI World Cup™ Dressage champion as she proudly grasped the prestigious Reem Acra trophy.

Sylvie Robert, Event Director commented on the Final stating, “I couldn’t imagine anything better than the Olympic champion in number one spot, last year’s winner in second and 2010 winner, Edward Gal in third. You were wonderful, as were your horses!”

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sport

World Cup Finals Jumping

Deusser holds on to clinch the Longines title

By Louise Parkes

Daniel Deusser steered the 11-yearold stallion Cornet d’Amour to victory in the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final 2013/2014 at Lyon, France, edging fellow-German and former FEI World Cup™ champion, Ludger Beerbaum, by a narrow margin. For 32-year-old Deusser it was a real test of nerves after moving into pole position at the end of the first round after Olympic champion, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, lost his grip at the top of the leaderboard.

“When I went into the second round I knew I had to be clear and you see could at fence number one - I nearly knocked it straight away! But I got my concentration and tried very hard, although I have to admit I was happy when I was finished!” said champion Deusser.

Patrice Delaveau, the man carrying host country France’s hopes and

The opening ceremony was spectacular at the Longines FEI World Cupª Jumping Final in Lyon, France. Credit: FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst

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sport Daniel Deusser smiles at his Longines World Cup trophy.

Photo: Dirk Caremans/FEI

Ludger Beerbaum, Daniel Deusser, and Scott Brash on the podium.

Photo: Dirk Caremans/FEI

dreams into the third and deciding leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Final withdrew his horse, Lacrimoso.

The 49-year-old rider was deeply disappointed that his dark bay stallion had a minor foot problem and couldn’t compete for the coveted trophy that all Jumping riders want to win.

“I am very disappointed for a lot of people, and for everyone here in France,” Delaveau said. “It would be a wonderful story to see a French rider winning in France, but this is just the way it is, and the horse is only ten years old and will surely have many other good years ahead of him.”

As Deusser started out last to go in the final, you could hear a pin drop, so the noisy rattle of Cornet d’Amour’s hooves hitting the top pole of the first fence led to a big intake of breath around the arena.

But as the top riders all know, luck so often plays a part even at the biggest moments, and when the fence stayed up, Deusser steadied himself for the remainder of the course. There was another touch at the second element of the double at fence nine, and the pair arrived very deep at the following vertical, but this would be Deusser’s day as he cleared the finish line to a wall of applause. His big smile told the full story. This victory brought Germany’s total of wins in this World Cup series to ten.

Just four horse-and-rider combinations produced double-clear rounds in the final, and they earned the top four places,

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HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JUNE 2014 | 29

sport Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer and Quidam du Vivier soared to victory in the opening speed round of the Longines FEI World Cupª Jumping Final in Lyon France.

Credit: FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst

Kent Farrington won the second leg of the Longines World Cup Finals on Voyeur, a horse he got as a nine-year-old coming back from an injury.

with Longines World No. 1 rider, Great Britain’s Scott Brash moving into third, Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum for second with fellow countryman Marcus Ehning just missing the podium and settling for fourth place with Guerdat in fifth.

The one bright spot for American riders in this World Cup was Kent Farrington who won the second leg of the Finals on his horse Voyeur. The Florida-based 33-year-old Farrington electrified the arena with an amazingly tight turn from

five to six and a heart-stopping gallop to the last fence that broke the beam in 39.69 seconds. That was now the time the rest had to beat, and none of them could do it.

The top finishing American riders of this series were defending World Cup Champion Beezie Madden who finished in seventh, McLain Ward who finished in ninth place and Charlie Jayne who held on to the tenth spot.

Riders from a total of 13 nations took part in this edition of the World Cup Finals, including individuals from Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, France, Egypt, Great Britain, Latvia, Morocco, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland.

FEI Jumping Committee Chairman, John Madden, congratulated the riders and show organizers. “This is a fantastic venue and at the end of the day I have a feeling of deep appreciation and gratitude for all the teams that allowed us to enjoy fantastic sport. I’m happy to represent

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sport Cornet d’Amour showed he is a world-class horse, carrying Daniel Deusser to the top of the World Cup podium.

Defending World Cup Champion, Beezie Madden (USA) and Simon, took seventh place and best of the US riders at the Longines FEI World Cupª Jumping Final in Lyon France.

Photo: FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst

the FEI, and also very much appreciate the people who produced such a fine event, like Longines who brought the prize money up to the right level for this type of championship - and the riders of course.”

Walter von Kanel, President of Longines, who attended tonight’s postcompetition press conference said, “Longines is committed to equestrian sport, sincerely and long-term. I was pleased to see that the riders put the welfare of their horses first.”

“Lyon is the third city in France, but in terms of equestrian sport I think it is number one! I will go back to Switzerland with great memories of everything I have seen here in Lyon this week,” von Kanel concluded.

As will the new Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping title-holder, Daniel Deusser.

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Goes alone or in a group. Project pony clubber, Fox hunter, trailriding, low level eventer and hunter ring. F4 100% FPD. Double-registered. Has had comments such as “Warmblood” and “Baroque” and “Lipizzan” in appearance/build. Not for a beginner, green broke.

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A Colorado Tradition for Home & Hearth.

Established in 1971.

The Lark 1219 E. 4th Avenue Denver, CO 80218 303.744.7464 TheLarkDenver.com

G R A N D

P R I X

O F

L U X E

THE

BROADMOOR by

Geoff Young

M

y first memory of The Broadmoor Hotel was back in 1973, when, as a 16-year-old, I had won a statewide student film competition and was to receive the grand prize at a ceremony at this iconic hotel. I was excited and in awe as my parents and I arrived at the grand entrance, had our car doors opened by elegant men in beautiful coats and smiles, and were ushered into one of the most decadent lobbys I had ever seen.

Now, 40 years later, The Broadmoor, a name that has come to signify the gold standard in hospitality and service, has left me once again in awe at what it has evolved into. Since that day in ’73 when I received my film award, I have stayed at the finest hotels in North and South America, Asia, and Europe, and I must admit that it wasn’t necessary to leave my home state of Colorado to find the best hotel in the world - it was right here all along. Actually for 95 years!

I mean, what other hotel have you heard of or been to where people will fly in just for the Sunday brunch? I’ve heard from generations of families who have talked about The Broadmoor’s

brunch as if it were a mystical, magical experience that transformed them. If you have indulged in this brunch, then you know that it is indeed a legendary gastronomical experience.

I’ve heard friends tell me that the pastries at The Broadmoor are better than the one’s they’ve had in Paris, that the sheets and towels will send you into a trance, and that the service will make you feel like royalty or the mistaken owner of the hotel.

If heaven is a hotel, this is it, and if you haven’t been here before, you must, must indulge in one of the most wonderful hospitality experiences ever.

And if you are here for the horse shows at the Colorado Horse Park this summer, you really need to make a stay at The Broadmoor a must-do – and here’s why.

Equestrians are passionate about their horses, their sport, and their life. It’s a passion born of the time, discipline and hard work it takes to work with horses, either in the field or the arena. It’s an attention to detail that others would never see, such as spotting that there is something “a little off” with a horse, or The Broadmoor Hotel is one of the finest hotel resorts in the world.

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“I have recommended The Broadmoor to friends who have raved about the grounds, the service, and the hotel.

It is luxe!

It’s spectacular!

I especially love the sheets and towels and the cuisine is outstanding.

I give it five snaps, I mean five stars!”

Also on the grounds of the hotel is the Penrose Heritage Museum featuring 31 historic horse-drawn carriages as well as the Pikes Peak Hill Climb wing, housing historic and modern cars from this iconic event. Now, with the addition of the new wilderness retreats that embrace the outdoor life that we love so much, this is an equestrian lifestyle Disneyland that will amaze, inspire and rejuvenate your spirit like no other resort, ever!

outstanding. I give it five snaps, I mean five stars!”

Service is the hallmark of The Broadmoor and I have never experienced such a high level at any other five-star hotel that I have stayed in. Simply put, it is six-star service. Every single member of the staff at The Broadmoor makes eye contact with you, gives you a big smile and says hello, with some of them even remembering your name. And this is

– PAM GRIER

y

noticing that a button is askew before a hunt inspection. It’s a commitment to achieve the highest levels of performance, both for horse and rider. These are the same traits that The Broadmoor has passionately carried for over 95 years and it’s not surprising, given the storied hotel’s equestrian past.

One of the things that make this resort special from an equestrian’s point of view is how it reflects our lifestyle, especially back in the early days of the hotel’s development when Polo was played on the grounds and an equestrian center provided riding lessons and training to guests and visitors alike from noted horsemen such as Colonel R.L. Robertson, who is memorialized by having an equitation medal named after him by the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association.

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The Penrose Heritage Museum, on the grounds of the hotel, features 31 vintage horse-drawn carriages.

In the equestrian world the word elite is often used to describe a horse or rider who is at the very top of their game. That word definitely applies when describing the luxurious 3,000-acre Broadmoor Hotel campus that resides at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, Colorado and should be number one on your bucket list.

The Broadmoor is a favorite destination of the rich and famous, and that goes for equestrians as well. Hollywood film icon and Colorado horsewoman Pam Grier gushes about The Broadmoor. “I have recommended The Broadmoor to friends who have raved about the grounds, the service, and the hotel. It is luxe! It’s spectacular! I especially love the sheets and towels and the cuisine is

everywhere on the hotel campus, from the valet to the maid staff. They engage you and make you feel like it is their privilege that you are there. I mean, I never had to open a door during my stay, except to my room, and in six days I pushed an elevator button only once!

This experienced staff is finely tuned to The Broadmoor standard, and it should be an example to every hotel and resort in the world.

Recognized as one of the top ten resorts in the world and certainly one of the best, if not the best resort in the United States, The Broadmoor has held the Forbes-Five-Star ranking longer than any other property anywhere, ever.

When the Forbes Five-Star rankings were announced in 2013, it marked the

resorts 54th straight year of Five-Star greatness and 38 consecutive years of the Five-Diamond rating from AAA. The Broadmoor also boasts a Forbes Five-Star restaurant, the Penrose Room, one of only three such Five-Star hotel and dining combinations in the world.

If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite for an experience wrapped in diamonds and stars, Golf Magazine just named The Broadmoor the number one

sites off the hotel grounds, a fly fishing school on the main property, a new entertainment center already completed and improvements to the Golden Bee and The Tavern restaurants. Broadmoor West just opened after a seven-month $57 million renovation that added three floors, increased the number of rooms and dramatically changed the building’s appearance. And that’s just for starters.

While staying at The Ranch, you can escape for a day to fly fish in pristine mountain lakes, hike, bike, or ride horses on scenic mountain trails, and then soak away the day’s memories in an outdoor hot tub while sipping wine and taking in the beauty of a Colorado sunset. Even though you are away from the hotel itself, the impeccable service, gourmet cuisine,

The Broadmoor’s Mountain course is just one of three highly acclaimed championship courses that one can play at The Broadmoor.

Golf Resort in North America. When it comes to holding the top step of the podium, The Broadmoor gets the blue ribbons for best in show.

To achieve the grand prix level, one must always be tweaking, renovating, and working on their skills to stay on top of the competition. That professional directive was brought to The Broadmoor when the Denver-based Anschutz Corp. headed by Phil Anschutz purchased the property in 2011.

Since Anschutz took control of The Broadmoor, he immediately set out to increase the resort’s clout with the Broadmoor West project, part of a $120 million investment that includes the addition of three wilderness retreats on

Embracing The Outdoor Life Unlike anything ever presented to resort guests, The Ranch at Emerald Valley, the Cloud Camp, and The Broadmoor Fishing Camp will offer up luxurious wilderness experiences within a short distance from the hotel grounds.

In late summer of 2013, The Ranch at Emerald Valley was unveiled, providing guests a unique, relaxing retreat from the bustling activity of the Broadmoor campus. Just a short ride up the mountain, the pine wrapped property, surrounded by the Pike National Forest, has luxurious rustic private cabins, from one to three bedrooms, with modern amenities, wood burning fireplaces and rich furnishings.

The Ranch at Emerald Valley offers a secluded getaway with fishing, hiking, horseback riding and luxurious appointed cabins.

HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JUNE 2014 | 37

The spa features a lap pool among many amenities.

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The rooms provide the ultimate in luxury and relaxation with amenities like this tranquility tub.

Private cabanas overlook the zero-entry infinity pool.

HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JUNE 2014 | 39

prepared by an on-site chef in the Grand Lodge, and an attentive staff are all there for you at The Ranch, with all meals and activities included in an all-inclusive hideaway package. If you are in need of a change of scenery, one phone call will whisk you back down to the resort for a round of championship golf or an out-of-body experience at the famous Broadmoor Spa. Opening late summer of 2014, the Cloud Camp, on the historic site of founder Spencer Penrose’s Cheyenne Lodge, offers a 360-degree view of Colorado mountain splendor. A perfect place for group retreats and leisure getaways, the camp’s 8,000 sq. ft. lodge

or by riding a mule – how cool is that?

The Broadmoor Fishing Camp, opening the summer of 2015, is a private fishing camp offering worldclass outdoor adventure. Located on Colorado’s Tarryhill River, and bordering 120,000 acres of the Lost Creek Wilderness area, the camp has five miles of private waters, from timbered canyons where the fish can’t resist nymph fly-fishing, to serene grassy meadows and winding river bends where the fish will rise to dry flies on the surface. Activities will include fishing, hiking, horseback riding and viewing wildlife. Guests can spend the day or camp overnight in one of seven beautifully appointed luxury cabins, or

The Games We Play Named number one Golf Resort in North America, one of the 25 Best Golf Resorts in the World, and one of the Global Ten resort golf operations in the world, duffers will discover what worldclass means when they tee it up.

The wilderness experience offers fly-fishing in pristine private waters.

This couples massage room is one example of why the Broadmoor Spa is rated Five-Stars.

of hand-hewn timber and stone is the centerpiece of this magnificent property.

In addition to the 11 one and two bedroom luxury cabins with views of Pike’s Peak, the lodge has six beautifully appointed suites along with a honeymoon suite to accommodate guests in impeccable style.

The camp offers groomed hiking trails, arts and crafts activities and evening camp activities around the fire.You can travel to the camp at the summit of Cheyenne Mountain by four-wheel drive vehicle, taking a three-hour guided hike,

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in the Grand Lodge, the centerpiece for gathering at the camp and the epicenter for exceptional food and drink.

The Broadmoor’s Wilderness Experience is the most unique and imaginative accommodation offerings ever unveiled and it is re-writing the rulebook on what a resort can offer. The rewards of these unique properties will resonate with guest who will carry the spirit of the great Colorado outdoors with them long after they have left.

If you want to be the best you bring in the best and that’s what The Broadmoor has done with its three famous championship golf courses, designed by three of the greatest golf course designers of all time.

The Broadmoor’s championship East and West courses, designed by Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones Sr., offer scenic and challenging play for golfers of all handicaps. The East and West Courses are known for their undulating greens and historic layouts. The Mountain Course by Nicklaus Design adds an additional 18 challenging holes, large greens and captivating mountain views.

Need we say more?

Ranked as one of the Top 10 tennis resorts in the US, the award-winning tennis facilities boast four new cushioned hard courts and two new Har-Tru courts, along with a staff that can arrange matches for you based on your skill level.

An illuminated, heated bubble, ensuring stellar play even during the winter, covers two of the courts.

“Play at The Broadmoor” is the new swanky six-lane bowling alley with chandeliers, a restaurant and lounge and computer games to keep all ages entertained in a relaxing and fun environment.

With two water slides, pool-side café and private cabanas, the outdoor “zero entry” infinity pool will be just the place to chill out on a warm Colorado summer

riding on the many trails around the hotel. Above all else, whatever games you like to play, the attentive staff will make sure that your needs and or skill levels are accommodated so that you can have the time of your life.

Play Hard Relax Harder We live an active lifestyle, and with a horse, a physical one as well. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like to indulge with a visit to a spa after a week of showing or an afternoon of riding. Don’t expect the spa at The Broadmoor to be anything less than over the top bliss.

When you walk into the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Spa, be warned that you will float out. This spa will indulge you like no other with wellness packages and treatments that will take you on an extraordinary journey of relaxation.

Melt away in one of the many soaking tubs while sipping on a smoothie from the Pool Café. Have a massage, a facial, take a steam, or experience the signature showers featuring 18 separate water heads with computerized varying pressures. There is also a full service fitness club, but after a couple of hours at the spa, the only workout I was seeking was for my appetite.

It’s a Foodie Apocalypse!

I love riding horses, playing golf, or sitting around a campfire, but what I really love is food, glorious food, and it is here at The Broadmoor that I have found my food utopia.

The difficult part of the food experience at The Broadmoor is the incredible variety.

With 19 restaurants, cafes and lounges the question is, where do you start?

The refurbished Golden Bee restaurant is a very popular eatery at the hotel. It came to the hotel in 1961 as a collection of panels and fixtures of an entire 19th century pub that was shipped from England. The new renovations include a rooftop Garden Terrace where you can enjoy delicious traditional English pub fare.

The Summit is standout for their incredible wine display inside a glass tunnel and the to-die-for lobster mac and cheese. The service is impeccable and the wine and libation knowledge of the staff is first rate.

The Five-Star and Five-Diamond Penrose Room has long been known as the Rocky Mountain region’s top destination for classic fine dining and the first and only Colorado restaurant to achieve the double “Five” rating. You

The Five-Star Penrose Room offers up exceptional food with unmatched service.

afternoon. Of course the luxurious indoor spa pool is open year round as is the two- lane outdoor heated lap pool and bubbling whirlpool.

You can explore the hotel and the mountains by biking, hiking or horseback

HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JUNE 2014 | 41

must try the seven-course Chef’s Tasting and Wine Pairing, where every single course will blow your mind. You will not be disappointed.

The newest restaurant at The Broadmoor is the just opened Ristorante del Lago, the Italian replacement for Charles Court. Designed by Adam Tihany, Ristorante del Lago features an exhibition kitchen to give diners a glimpse into the frenzied work that goes into preparing the stellar dishes.

If all you did was eat your way through your stay at The Broadmoor, it would still be one of the greatest food journeys you will ever take. I enjoyed the food so much here that one night I was dreaming about it only to realize that I was in bed eating incredible gourmet food from room service —my room felt like my own private restaurant. It was that good.

Shopping? Hello Lover The 26 specialty retail shops located throughout The Broadmoor make it easy to take a little piece of this Colorado Springs resort home with you. From men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, fine arts, precious gems, specialty kitchen, spa and signature gifts to our convenient Online Store, there’s something for everyone.

Two of the most popular shopping spots at the resort are The Boutique, offering an extensive variety of ladies fashions and accessories including Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade, Joseph Ribkoff, Tory Burch and Milly.

The Haberdashery offers distinctive clothing for men featuring Robert Graham, Scott Barber, Bills Khaki’s and Peter Millar, along with accessories by Fullum & Holt, XMI and J.Z. Richards.

One last note before I check out; most horse people have dogs and The Broadmoor welcomes these family members as if they were cherished guests. Your pooch will receive a custom

Broadmoor collar tag to put on while you are staying here. There are areas for the dogs to play, the staff will take your dog on walks, and there will be a plush dog bed in your room, along with food options for your pet. To be honest, when you and your dog check in, you will both be treated as welcomed guests, and that’s one of the biggest pluses for me with this elite resort.

You only live once and most of us who live the equestrian lifestyle live as if every day were our last, so believe me when I tell you that you haven’t lived until you You won’t be ride on into The “roughing it” when you stay at The Ranch Broadmoor, and at Emerald Valley. let them pamper you for a few days. Call ahead to 855-541-2673 and they will take care of all the details, so you can relax and enjoy. It will be one of the rare times that you will know what your horse feels like. After all, you give your horse five-star care; now it’s your turn.

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THE 26 HIGH-END RETAIL SHOPS MAKE FOR ONE GLORIOUS SHOPPING TRIP.

A Sincere Thank You Erik & Mary Jensen The sight of Erik and Mary Jensen atop their historic Holland and Holland carriage harkens back to the day when this was the ultimate way to travel. With their team of beautifully turned out Canadian Crossbred, half Hackney/half Clydesdale, horses clip clopping down the road, it is truly a sight of equestrian royalty. HC would like to sincerely thank Erik and Mary for all of their hard work in providing us the stunning 1890’s carriage and team of horses, as well as Erik’s superb skill in handling them in the exciting environment at the entrance to The Broadmoor Hotel. It made for a memorable day and a most unforgettable cover shot.

Photos by: Sharon McElvain 44 | JUNE 2014 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE

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Brand new 8-stall CBS center aisle barn with bathroom, brand new Jump ring/full size dressage ring, hack to show grounds, Like new 4 BD, 3.1 BA home, all the extras, marble, gourmet kitchen, granite, summer kitchen. New fencing , huge master bath , fireplace and much more. Best value near the show grounds. $1,699,000

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THE PLAYGROUND OF LIFE EQUUS INSPIRATION WITH A TWIST OF FASHION, VERVE AND A LITTLE BIT OF SOUL. JUNE 2014

THE PLAYGROUND OF LIFE ™

THE PLAYGROUND OF LIFE

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NIKE JUST DID IT. featuring

AYDEN UHLIR

by GEOFF YOUNG pg. 78

An HC Exclusive.

WHO SAYS THE BARN AISLE ISN’T A RUNWAY!

by ANNA JENSEN

HOPE GLYNN, CHARLOTTE JACOBS and ANNIE FINCH Share Their Beauty Secrets for the Summer

CLOSE CONTACT

JILL APFELBAUM of MALVERN SADDLERY Secrets On Success!

PLUS

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EQUESTRIAN YOGA LINDSAY SMITH Shares her secrets for a stonger body and a calmer mind.

JUNE 2014

Where will you go in yours?

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Who Says The Barn Isle Isn’t A Runway?

56 Just Do It (on a horse) NIKE and Ayden Uhlir 62 Close Contact - Jill Apfelbaum 72 soulbox - equestrian yoga 74 horseconnection.com 303.663.1300 RUNWAY COVER LOOKBACK featuring Haute Hippie Garden of Eden Falling Pleats Gown Georgette Retail $995 Credit Nordstrom.com Ghostly Plaid Long Trench in Military Multi Georgette Retail $395 Credit Haute Hippie retail stores & BergdorfGoodman.com Crewneck “The Wise Avoid the Wicked” Sweater in Light Heather Grey Cotton/Cashmere Retail $425 Credit Haute Hippie retail stores & HauteHippie.com Silver Crystal Collar Necklace Retail $595 Credit Shopbop.com Photograhy by: Michael Ortiz michaelortizphotography.com Modeled by: Alicia Rountree with One Management in New York. onemanagement.com

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TM

Sophisticated Equestrian Prints on Moisture Wicking, SPF Fabric. e Comfort You Need.

Find a retailer near you at www.aristaequestrian.com

e Style You Deserve.

WHO SAYS

THE

BARN

AISLE

ISN’T A RUNWAY!

By Anna Jensen

ANNIE FINCH

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We’re all looking forward to a summer full of thrilling competition, reconnecting with old friends, and blue ribbons, but you’re not alone if you feel the summer marathon leaves you exhausted and bedraggled.

Then there are those elusive creatures- those women who seem to float around the show, looking chic and refreshed. They take off their helmets after a grueling course looking cool and collected while the rest of us feel sweaty, frazzled and decidedly un-sexy.

We tracked down some of these enviable women to share their secrets: the must-haves, style-standbys, helmet-hair tricks and other beauty weapons. We found out how they keep fit and energetic through the sweatiest of days, and we get a peek into how they stay on their game competitively while making it an unforgettable season.

Hope Glynn is tall and blonde with model looks. She and her husband Ned, run the highly successful Sonoma Valley Stables out of Petaluma, California. A star on the hunter circuit, she just won the $30,000 WCHR West Coast Spectacular for the second year in a row and tends to clean up in the derbies. Hope seems to have super-human energy, competing in triathlons “for fun.” Sickening, we know!

After retiring as an executive with Estee Lauder, Californian Annie Finch dedicated herself to riding. She swept the Capital Challenge in 2012 winning the North American Adult Amateur Equitation Finals and the Ariat National Adult Medal. Her effortless chic makes you think she must have a stylist in tow at all times. She recently launched Katherine Cosmetics, her line made with equestriennes and sporting women in mind. And one big reason to love her is that she’s the mastermind behind the first-ever lip gloss with SPF!

Charlotte Jacobs could be called the “Serena van der Woodsen” of the A-Circuit. A lithe blonde beauty, she has gracefully guided her horses to win the second leg of the 2013 European Young Riders‘ Championships and most recently was champion in the high JR/AO division at the Washington International Horse Show. Charlotte has spent the past year commuting from SMU in Dallas, where she is a freshman, to her riding base in Wellington.

Charlotte has wisdom beyond her years on dealing with nerves and remembering what is important.

We hope you enjoy, and we hope this helps you make the next few months the very best summer yet!

HC: What are your must-haves when packing for the show this summer?

Hope: Spanx! They are very comfortable under riding pants, they have a slimming effect and don’t leave you with any panty lines, but the biggest thing for me is that the amount I ride can lead to discomfort! I don’t know how to gracefully put that. At the end of the day if you’ve ridden 40 rounds it’s just more comfortable if you have an extra layer against the saddle!

Annie: My biggest scenario is sunglasses! That’s the must-have, sunglasses. Which ones do you ride in so you don’t look ridiculous? Which ones do you wear before you go to dinner? It’s a whole sunglass scenario!

Charlotte: I already shipped all of my riding stuff to Brussels. Seriously, I am the world’s worst packer - I think I can’t live without everything!

HOPE GLYNN

HC: What is a typical morning of the show like for you?

Hope: On days that I compete I usually don’t work out, but on days when I’m coaching I’ll hit the gym before or after depending on who needs to be hacked in the morning. The thing I like to do best if it’s available is swim. You can’t be distracted when you’re in the pool, so it’s as close to meditation as I get.

Annie: I’m never late for a show.

Actually, it’s the thing I’m always early for.

They say to be there an hour before but I’m usually there an hour and fifteen minutes before and I always have coffee and I always go look at the course first and then I come back and get dressed.

Charlotte: I’m not a morning person. I’m really disorganized in the morning and am always in a rush. The night before, I help myself out a little bit and lay everything out in order of what I need to do.

Then I wake up and get dressed as fast as I can because I’m always late.

HC: What is your breakfast of champions?

Hope: I can’t get to work without a cup of coffee but I make sure breakfast is an important meal with at least 20 grams of protein, and I’m a stickler about that as a coach.

Annie: I definitely do lattes and coffee before anything and I eat Perfect Bar protein bars for breakfast.

Charlotte: I gave up coffee but I will drink a hot chai latte that will definitely get my energy up in the morning along with protein shakes or smoothies.

HC: What are your beauty musthaves for the show circuit?

barn. Thank god there’s always a bobby pin in my purse or in my car. I keep a goody bag of Katherine Cosmetics in my tack vanity and during the day, as I’m sweating and needing to reapply sunscreen, I use a powder from Colorscience.

Charlotte: I use Shiseido sunscreen for face and neck - it’s made for sensitive skin, and I’m kind of lost without my makeup. I also put on Chanel cover up and drugstore mascara but that’s about it.

Annie: I use the Katherine Cosmetics Wowstick with SPF 20 and the Katherine Cosmetics lip-glosses with sunscreen that I named after my horses. I go back and forth between Swing and Cloudy, but if I’m riding Cloudy I like to wear Cloudy!

Hope: My friends call me “hair McGyver” because I can literally whip up an up-doo in like two seconds flat at the

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HC: It’s early morning at the showgrounds. What would we catch you wearing?

Hope: I usually come to the barn in my Ariat breeches, that I love. I usually wear a pair of cute boots to the barn, either my Dubarry rain boots or Ariat brown boots. I usually have an Equifit jacket or another jacket on. I start the day off with a hat as well with my current favorite being a white WCHR hat.

Annie: I always wear a white monogrammed show-shirt. I’m obsessed with monograms - I have the sleeve monogrammed and the snap-collar monogrammed. I have a series of navy blue V-neck cashmere sweaters so you’ll usually see me in one of those along with a traditional Hermes belt, and then I’ve switched over to Ariat breeches because they’re lower. If I don’t have my show boots on I always wear casual tall boots from Italy.

I wear Ariat boots because I’m so sick of custom boots that never come in right. I just buy Ariat off the shelf and I love them!

Charlotte: I always wear a sweater, every single day. Even if it’s 90 degrees out in Florida, in the morning, I always wear a sweater. I like the sweaters from Alessandro Albanese. Recently my friend turned me on to Equiline breeches and I love them-they’re so comfortable. For shoes I usually wear Converse or Toms.

I’m kind of known for never brushing my hair, so in the morning it will be a mess!

HC: Time to talk sunnies- what pair are you wearing?

Hope: I wear Bex sunglasses. They make fashionable glasses but they also make glasses that slip under your helmet and they don’t fog up. I’m addicted to them - I don’t go in the ring or walk around without them.

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Annie: For wearing around the horse show they’re brown leather-wrapped Gucci ray-ban style. They’re very cool.

Charlotte: I have these big brown Gucci aviators. They’re plastic which is really nice because when you put them in your backpack they won’t bend like the metal ones will. They’re bulletproof.

HC: Now on to the all-important bag- what are you carrying?

Hope: For Easter I got a new Louis Vuitton purse, but at horseshows I always have a HackSack backpack.

Annie: I’m obsessed with the old fashioned Goyard totes- the super lightweight ones you can fold up and roll into a ball. I hate to say it but I have this cool cross-body Chanel bag that is so perfect for horseshows it’s not even funny.

Charlotte: I put my helmet and all my riding stuff in my riding backpack. I have one of the Louis Vuitton Neverfull bagsthe white and beige one that I’m obsessed with. I got it for Christmas and it’s perfect for horse shows because it’s so big.

HC: How do you deal with the dreaded “Helmet Hair”?

Hope: What I usually do is a low pony and then either flip it up into a bun or take parts of it and twist it into a bun, but I can also throw in a braid in five seconds flat!

Annie: You know, I think I’m the only person that showers and blow-dries my hair before I go ride! I shower in the morning and do my hair. So when I take my helmet off, it’s not so bad! If you put a baseball cap on, you’re done. You can’t change your mind at dinner and take it off, but if I never put a baseball hat on, I’ll be fine! At least I think I am - maybe I’m not and nobody’s told me!

Charlotte: I don’t get bad helmet hair. I’ll brush my hair and put it in a bun

which kind of hides it, but if it’s really bad and I’m sweaty and looking really gross I’ll braid it or put it in a ponytail and put a baseball cap on.

HC: The show is over, and it’s time to go out to dinner. What are you wearing?

Hope: I love things that can dress up an outfit. I’m never afraid to spend money on a jacket or a blazer or a purse. When I go out I’m more of a funky dresser. I really like bright colors and fun shoes. I’m a little edgy but I’m not afraid to wear big hoops and high-heeled tennis shoes.

Annie: My boot heel gets higher and my jean color maybe goes to dark denim or white and that’s about it - maybe a few more bracelets. My style is definitely more west coast, more casual. My favorite designer ever is Celine. I just bought a Celine dress the other day that, to me, is art. I don’t even know if I’ll ever even wear it.

ANNIE FINCH

CHARLOTTE JACOBS PHOTO BY SPORTFOT

CHARLOTTE JACOBS PHOTO BY JAMES PARKER

Charlotte: Comfort is key for me so I’m never wearing super-tight shorts or tops. I love skinny jeans and a big sweater or a comfortable tank top or blouse. I have everything in my closet, I could be totally classic one day and bohemian or a little edgy the next. I have a crazy shoe collection and I’m always buying shoes and always buying dresses. I just got this dress last week from this brand called For Love and Lemons, that’s my favorite dress right now and probably my favorite designer.

HC: Do you have any good luck charms or rituals?

Hope: There’s a company called Spicy Tails and they make horse tail extensions and kids bows, and they make really cute subtle bows in your barn colors. I always have those in my derby horse’s tails kind of as a lucky charm.

Annie: I get really stressed out if I do a round and I get off and I don’t have a mint to give my horse! Whether the round was good or bad, whether you won or you didn’t, that whole getting off and giving them a mint is just a happy moment.

Charlotte: I have a couple of lucky bracelets, but before every show I have to do these breathing exercises because

sometimes I get really nervous. When I’m at the show I’m always hanging out with my mom. It’s not really a ritual, just sort of a thing I do all the time. When we’re at the shows we’re cemented at the hip.

She calms me down a lot. I can’t really sit with friends because I’ll start talking too much, and it just kind of all goes downhill from there. I actually talked with a sports psychologist for a while when I was 15 or 16, who turned me on to the breathing exercises. If I’m getting ready for a big class I’ll imagine myself doing the course in my head. Once you go in the ring it’s like you already did it. That helps big time! I’ve definitely learned how to calm my nerves over the years. A lot of other athletes use sports psychologists so I think it should be acceptable for riders to use them too.

HC: What is your advice to others on how to have the best summer yet?

Hope: Being fit and healthy will help you be a better rider, guaranteed. It’s the biggest thing I can tell people to do add cardio and strength training. Adding in the extra exercise and strength training has brought my level of focus to where I think I’m riding as well as I have my whole life.

Annie: It’s really fun to plan who’s going to the show in your barn, planning the social activities along with what you’re showing in and what your goals are and then you can really get the most out of it.

People don’t like you any more or less if you win or lose. Your friends are your friends and the experience is about that- then no matter what happens, it’s always fun!

Charlotte: I would say it’s just good to stay positive, even in the worst situations.

Thinking positive has gotten me very far, I always think of the best-case scenario.

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Caroline Roffman

A L G UDEN

Chloe Reid

Welcome to

The Dress Code Hayley Barnhill

R EBECCA W ALTON /P HELPS M EDIA G ROUP

M ANCINI P HOTOS

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JUST DO IT. (on a horse)

By Geoff Young

S

erena Williams, LeBron James, Tiger Woods and Ayden Uhlir all have one thing in common. Three of the names listed are known to anyone who has been on planet earth the last several years. They are superstar athletes who have won multiple championships, Olympic Gold Medals, and a fan base in the millions. So who is Ayden Uhlir and what does she have in common with Serena, LeBron and Tiger?

Nineteen-year-old Ayden Uhlir has been signed to a sponsorship deal with Nike, making her the first US equestrian athlete to join the giant sportswear conglomerate and take her place along side the other illustrious athletes who wear the swoosh logo. And the Nike slogan, “Just Do It,” certainly applies to Ayden, because against all odds she went and did it!

Ayden, while unknown to the general public, is an equestrian superstar in her own right winning back-toback Individual Gold Medals at the 2012 and 2013 North American Junior and Young Riders Championships (NAJYRC), becoming the first young rider to achieve such an accomplishment. Of course Ayden couldn’t have done all of this without her

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partner and horse, Sjapoer (by Contango), a 14-year-old KWPN gelding.

Horse Connection caught up with Ayden while she and Sjapoer were competing in Dressage Week at the Del Mar National horse show. She had just

completed her first I-1 competition and had scored a 72.7%. Needless to say she was very excited.

HC: How do the classes at the Del Mar show compare to the NAJYR Championships, where you won two gold medals?

AU: It felt a little more intense than NAJYRC, but I was able to keep my nerves in check so it didn’t bother me that much.

HC: How long have you been competing?

AU: I’ve competed since I was about eight-years-old, but only for the last three and a half years at FEI level.

HC: Did you ride in any other disciplines before getting into dressage?

Sjapoer has shoes and now, thanks to Nike, so does Ayden.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Uhlir

AU: When I was seven, my mom let me do some jumping, but only for a little bit. It was uncomfortable for me because my mom made me wear this protective safety vest that was so large and restrictive, and I’m all about feel in the saddle and this vest was getting in the way. If I’m not comfortable I don’t like to do it so I got out of jumping really quickly and then got hooked on dressage, and have been ever since.

“… we are so affectionate towards one another and I know all his likes and dislikes.” photo by Elma Garcia 2014

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HC: Are you someone who likes to be in control?

HC: Getting that connection with a horse is important isn’t it?

AU: Well, some people think that being a control freak is a bad thing but in the dressage world I think it’s a good thing, especially when executing the movements.

AU: It really is. Why would a horse want to work hard for a rider he isn’t connected with or cares about?

HC: Tell us about your horse Sjapoer?

AU: Sjapoer is a Dutch Warmblood I bought in Holland in the winter of 2011, and he just turned 15 in February.

HC: Did you develop a quick connection with Sjapoer?

AU: Oh yes, within three months of getting him we did the Juniors but we didn’t do too well that year; we were just working the kinks out in our relationship and we didn’t know each other very well. We were brand new so it took some time to develop a bond, but the next year we really jelled and that’s when we won the gold medal in Individual.

HC: You are the first young rider to win back-to-back gold medals at the NAJYR Championships. Following that amazing accomplishment, you started reaching out to find sponsors to help further your riding career. Can you take us through your process for finding a sponsor?

AU: Basically, my parents can’t continue to pay for my riding forever and I’m 19 and like most normal 19-year-olds, I should

HC: To get to the top of the podium, it usually takes years to develop that partnership with a horse. You did it in one year.

AU: Yeah, I love to spend time with Sjapoer, just sitting in his stall with him, and I don’t even have to spend time petting him. I just have to be in his area and he in mine, and we are so affectionate towards one another and I know all his likes and dislikes. It has definitely been a journey.

“I love to spend time with Sjapoer, just sitting in his stall with him, and I don’t even have to spend time petting him. I just have to be in his area and he in mine…”

Photo by Elma Garcia 2014

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have a job and be going to school but that’s just not what my life was meant to be like, and I really needed to find a way to fund my riding myself. So, I decided to send sponsor books out to every company I knew of, and not just companies but families and breeders and individuals. Because what’s the worst that could happen? They say no.

HC: What was the sponsor book all about? What was in it?

AU: The book was all about me - my life and my story, the bond between Sjapoer and myself and what I want to achieve in my career. And what I really wanted the book to portray to potential sponsors is that Sjapoer and I are worth taking a risk on. There are not many people who want to invest money and products on a young person because there isn’t a lot of show experience, results or consistency. I really want people to believe in us like I believe in us. I’m really proud of the book and I feel like it showed who we are as a team.

The book has lots of photos of me growing up, my first ponies, going up the levels, and of course, Sjapoer.

HC: I find it interesting that none of the equestrian companies you sent sponsor books to agree to sign you, but then here comes Nike, and suddenly you become the first US equestrian to be sponsored by this huge sportswear giant. That had to be incredibly exciting.

AU: Yes, some executives at Nike were interested in my story and they were in southern California for an ironman competition and contacted me and wanted to meet Sjapoer and me and see my barn.

Ayden Uhlir is the only young rider to have won back-to-back Individual Gold Medals at the NAJYRC. She accomplished the double gold in 2012 and 2013.

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We hit it off and they wanted to know my plans and goals. A week later they emailed me and said they were interested in helping me out. Then around the first of April they flew me out to the Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon and I met with the team and took a tour of the campus and it was amazing. If I had to work at an indoor job I would work at the Nike campus. It is a wonderful place.

HC: What is it that Nike wants to do for you?

AU: As a rider you have to be in great physical shape and Nike really wants to help me with that by providing products and different workout techniques using the Nike Training Club App that features videos of workouts that take you step by step, showing you how to properly condition yourself. It is a great app and I can take it with me everywhere and still get the workouts that I need.

HC: What Nike clothing do you enjoy wearing?

AU: I really love the Nike Tech Fleece jacket that is a lightweight shell that is so soft with really great material that I wear to the barn and over my workout clothes.

They also sent me some great shoes with my favorite being the Nike Free 3.0. I wear them all day at the barn when I ‘m not in my riding boots.

HC: So will we see the Nike swoosh logo on your saddle pads or on you?

AU: I have to see if the dressage rules allow it, but I think it would be a great idea.

This is a funny story; after I was signed by

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HC: Have you met any of the other Nike athletes, and if not, whom would you like to meet?

AU: I haven’t had a chance yet because I was only on the Nike campus for a day, but I’m sure I will next time I visit. Nike would like to see me become part of the Nike team going to different events with the other athletes. I would really like to meet Gabby Douglas and Shawn Johnson, the Olympic Gymnastic medalists.

HC: Speaking of the Olympics, is that a goal of yours?

AU: Oh absolutely, that is my main goal. Since riders have a very long career, I can potentially qualify for seven or eight Olympics, and Nike is excited with that possibility. At the last Olympics, there was a 70+ year-old Dressage rider competing.

HC: So Nike is putting together a training program for you?

AU: Yes, they’re really excited about dipping their toe into the equestrian world and they thought that this would be a good time to test the waters with me. The dressage world is fairly big and Nike is really intrigued with the sport, especially with how hard you have to work when you’re on the horse, while making it appear that you aren’t doing anything.

Nike has developed a lot of resistance training and core strength techniques and they think they can make me a betterconditioned athlete in those areas.

Nike, I got some colored hair chalk and drew a Nike swoosh on Sjapoer’s flank.

It was really adorable and I can do it in different colors but I don’t think the show regulations will allow that.

HC: That’s a good point because potentially, Nike has an athlete that can be on the world stage for 40 years, something that can only be done in equestrian sport.

“Why would a horse want to work hard for a rider he isn’t connected with or cares about?”

AU: Yes, that is one thing that Nike is excited about – that the public can kind of grow up with me, that young girls can go through life with me.

That excites me that I could be a potential role model and help young girls. The sport is amazing and I am so excited to be able to expose it to everybody and give it the appreciation that it deserves.

Sjapoer stands patiently as Ayden puts their sponsor’s iconic logo on his flank, using colored hair chalk. Signed as a team, Sjapoer, at 1800 pounds, has to be the largest athlete ever signed by Nike. Photo courtesy of Lisa Uhlir

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HC: I think you are in the perfect position to be a great role model, not just because of winning the double gold medals in young riders, but the initiative that you took to find a sponsor, and to present yourself in such a way that a huge company like Nike would take an interest in you. Has the discipline of Dressage given you some tools that have helped you achieve all of this at such a young age?

AU: I think Dressage has helped me become more independent – not in a way where I can do whatever I want, but in a way where what I do is done correctly.

Especially with horses - you have to be in charge of taking care of this big animal. It’s not like a soccer ball where when you’re done with it you put it in the closet. You have to exercise and feed and groom a horse and it is a really big job that teaches you responsibility for yourself and the horse.

for me is learning how to keep my hands steady and not disrupt the horse’s natural movement. I need to be able to go with the gaits of the horse and follow him with my hands and be steady. That’s the finesse end of it, to be able to follow the horse with a calm steadiness.

HC: I heard that you have a funny nickname for Christine. What is it?

AU: The “magical unicorn.” I think it is so funny that this has become a thing. All of us who ride with Christine have a really fun relationship with her and we were talking one day about how awesome she was and I said,“she is like a magical unicorn, because she can make things happen and we

AU: Right now Sjapoer and I will be doing I-1 classes while he is preparing me for my future horse. I am looking for a younger horse that could do the Brentina cup classes. Sjapoer is not able to take me to the grand prix level - it’s a huge jump from young riders to the under 25 grand prix, and it’s hard to make that jump to reach that next level, so I’m working on creating a solid base for myself for that next horse.

AU: He has taught me unconditional love. He is always there for me no matter what and that is something that I want to be for my friends and family - someone that they can count on. I also need to learn that you can’t always control things and horses can definitely teach you that!

AU: She has been teaching me finesse with effectiveness and she is a wonderful teacher and I admire her and what she has done throughout her career.

HC: Since you and Sjapoer have been signed as a team

by Nike, does that make Sjapoer the largest athlete Nike has ever sponsored?

HC: What is finesse with effectiveness?

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HC: What are your plans for the rest of 2014?

HC: What lessons has Sjapoer taught you in your life?

HC: You are now training in California with Olympic Bronze medalist Christine Traurig. What are you learning under her guidance?

AU: It is being able to sit on the horse and look like you’re not doing anything. Achieving effectiveness is about getting the horse connected without pulling him around and forcing him into the contest - being able to get him to be willing to go there without force by using technique and leg aids. The finesse part

don’t know how.” And everybody started laughing and we all just started calling her that.

Ayden trains with Olympic Bronze medalist Christine Traurig.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Uhlir

AU: Definitely the largest.

I don’t think there is anybody larger than him. He is 1,800 pounds of raw energy and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.

Ayden - photo by Elma Garcia 2014

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A

yden will certainly be a fantastic ambassador for the sport of dressage and equestrians everywhere should be excited with the news that Nike has entered the world of sporthorses. However, it remains to be seen where all of this will lead. Dressage as a sport is far from mainstream, but this is a step that could be very positive in moving horse sport into public awareness.

We can only hope that one day we might see Air Uhlir Dressage Boots or Air Sjapoer saddle pads and bell boots under the Nike brand. After all, there wasn’t any Nike golf equipment until Tiger Woods came along. One can only hope and wait.

To keep up with Ayden, visit her blog at http://dressagespot.blogspot.com/

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CLOSE CONTACT

Jill Apfelbaum of

ltd

M alvern Saddlery Name of business.

Malvern Saddlery Ltd First business?

Buyer for European Fashion Boutique and Executive Director Personal Shopping Service for Bloomingdales King of Prussia location Other businesses?

Corinthian Farm Sport Horse Breeding Tell us about YOU I have always seen the world in terms of color and texture - everything I have ever been drawn to has been a reflection of that instinct. Combining a fine arts and fashion background with deep roots in the equestrian world has allowed me to merge and share those passions with others and hopefully provide an inspirational resource for the barn, the home and of course, the horse and rider.

Besides you business, what is your involvement or connection with horses?

I trained, coached and rode hunters and jumpers coming out of college, transitioned to dressage in the late 70’s and started a careful breeding program at the onset of the importation trend. After scribing for big breeding shows for three years and researching extensively, I felt prepared to begin crossing top European blood lines with very proven Thoroughbred lines and was fortunate to put some exceptional young horses on the ground.

What encouraged you to create an equestrian business?

As a longtime horseman, I found a void locally in quality tack stores with knowledgeable staff. After canvasing other professionals I discovered that I was not alone so I saw the opportunity to combine my equestrian background with 24 years of retail fashion into a business whose tag line remains today - “The Difference is Quality.”

What is the most fulfilling part of your business?

It is developing long-term relationships with our clients for sure, and procuring and developing products to suit their specific needs. The store is focused not just on the technical needs of the horse and rider but the lifestyle of that individual. It is exciting for us to be their ‘go to’ for their everyday fashion, gifts and home décor.

What is the least fulfilling?

Paperwork Is there anything that horses have taught you that translates into your business model?

PATIENCE! Who inspires you?

I am inspired by creative people.

The energy that comes from creativity filters down to excellence in products and becomes the fuel for me to continue to have

excitement and energy within the store.

I seek leaders, not followers to drive my business and that’s what inspires me.

What do you consider your toughest challenge?

In a world filled with instant gratification and people looking for a ‘deal,’ what sets stores like ours and many other dedicated equestrian stores apart is the ability to not only seek out the very best assortment of products for our clientele, but service all of their needs through a high level of knowledgeable professional and personal service. It is the difference philosophically from having a ‘customer ‘who responds to the latest coupon in the mail and the ability to develop a loyal ‘client.‘ We are very grateful to our many loyal and appreciative clients.

What is your favorite charity?

It’s very difficult to say because my heart goes out in many directions. Through my business we make sure to support a few of the dedicated organizations working to do horse rescues. We also help where we can the Ryers Horse Retirement Farm and several Therapeutic Riding Organizations who do phenomenal work.

What is your favorite country that you have visited?

Italy.

Favorite shoes?

I’m on my feet all day seven days a week, so I resort to my Tucci paddock boots for my favorite shoes. No fancy high heels for this lady!

Who is your favorite stud?

I’m old school and am a big fan of the Furioso II bloodlines.

Favorite saddle? Equipe.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Crème Brulee.

Were you a wild or mild child growing up? Mild.

Where do you live in your dreams?

At the farm.

You’re partner “must love horses.” What else must they love besides you?

Passion.

Dogs or children? Dogs.

Greatest regret?

Not enough hours in the day.

Number one on your bucket list?

Choreographing and riding Grand Prix freestyle.

What is your motto?

“In order to achieve excellence, you must surround yourself by excellence.”

What’s on the horizon?

Continuing to work with our vendors here and abroad to develop exclusive products that we can offer through our storefront and website. We will be set up at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, May22-June 1st followed by the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. In September we will back on the Devon Show grounds for the Devon Fall Classic Jumper show and two weeks later for Dressage at Devon.

Contact Information: Jill Apfelbaum c/o Malvern Saddlery Ltd #1 E. King St, Malvern, PA 19355 p.610-695-9980 malvern01@comcast.net MalvernSaddlery.com

soulbox the place that inspires or calms the soul of the equestrian

Stay Calm and Yoga On

By Anna Jensen

b

etter body awareness, flexibility, balance, presence of mind, focus, and relaxation- those all seem like extremely beneficial abilities for a rider to possess. Lindsay Smith, a beautiful redheaded yogini and equestrienne who has been riding since she was nine, is hoping to bring all of those elusive skills to riders everywhere.

Lindsay started in hunter and jumpers, but has also dabbled in eventing and dressage, and currently shows Arabians and Saddlebreds nationally with her husband. Based out of Los Angeles, Smith teaches sport-oriented yoga at a variety of different area studios. She is currently the yoga coach for the LA professional soccer team, Chivas USA, and is the exclusive yoga instructor for the athlete’s village at the upcoming X-Games in Austin as well as the World Series of Beach Volleyball.

She has amassed a client list that includes players from NFL, NBA, and MLB teams, as well as numerous college athletes.

through horse and rider.” Smith insists that adding yoga to your riding, not just experiencing a blissed-out ride as “good enough” to get your Zen-fix, can bring about profound changes in your physical and mental state and consequently your horse’s physical and mental state.

“What I see in riders that I’ve been helping is that yoga is great for correcting any imbalances that could be translating to your horse. By that, I mean the little things we do in our daily lives. We always drive with our right foot, so that hip may be a little bit tighter and a little bit stronger so cueing with our right leg might be a little bit different. On a really sensitive horse that makes all the difference.” Smith explains.

Smith started doing yoga about 15 years ago when she was a fashion industry executive and, as she describes herself, was “well dressed and high stressed” Her hours on the yoga mat immediately made her feel better mentally and physically, especially with aches and pains caused by falls from horses.

“Taking those few minutes before I get on helps me to have a really clear mindset and be a little bit more present.

I’m not thinking about what happened in the last ride, and then freaking out about that. I’m thinking, okay, this is a new ride, this is a new day and I’m able to take each little thing as it comes and be more confident.”

Many riders say that riding is their yoga and Smith agrees that the benefits can feel similar. “I think so many people find meditation, or that calmness of mind, through movement and being really present. Many riders are able to find that moment of stillness through the movement created, that trust created,

“From doing yoga you will remember to take a deep breath and relax your muscles, which affects your horse.”

How many times have you been asked to move your leg a certain way, to bring your shoulders back more, to tuck in your tush- and that same instruction seems to be repeated from your instructor with every single lesson you take? Smith says that’s another plus from time spent on a yoga mat.

“I grew up doing ballet and riding, and I think body awareness and position is a really hard thing to grasp if you haven’t been taught that from a very young age. I think that is something yoga really emphasizes- knowing where your body is in space- without actually having to look.”

Lindsay Smith, when not riding, teaches sportoriented yoga to equestrians and athletes and is currently the yoga coach for Chivas USA, the Los Angles professional soccer team.

Smith also has an interesting way of helping riders prepare and practice for those times when mid-course, or midride, you lose your cool and everything seems to shut down. “I will put you into really uncomfortable situations. I’ll put you in a deep stretch and make you hold it for a really long time. It takes a little time for the body to get over that period of freaking out because it’s a really hard stretch and you wondering how you are going to make it. That allows you to let go and then the mind clears and you realize it’s going to be okay. I think that directly translates to riding because if something happens unexpectedly you might have that moment where all of your muscles tense and your breath stops. From doing yoga you will remember to take a deep breath and relax your muscles, which affects your horse.”

Smith says that learning to stay mentally present through yoga and then on your horse also affects your horse’s trust in you and what you ask them to do. She says that when we get nervous it is easy to go into a kind of anxiety-fueled tunnel vision. By staying present and calm, she says we take in the entire field of vision around us and our mounts can detect that. Smith says that when your mount senses that you are on the same wavelength as to what your surroundings and possible dangers are, they will feel more in-sync and more trusting of you as leader.

Smith believes equestrian-oriented yoga is in its infant-stages, but it’s growing. She works with many equestrians privately and in her yoga classes throughout the LA- area. She is currently developing a workshop series to bring to interested showstables, equestrian centers and groups, and is available for private instruction worldwide though various media platforms.

For more information visit www. facebook.com/YogaForEquestrians or www.rawsportsyoga.com

soulbox “What I see in riders that I’ve been helping is that yoga is great for correcting any imbalances that could be translating to your horse.”

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THE STORIES R O L E X

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Words and photographs

by Evalyn Bemis

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Previous pages: Jan Byyny on Inmidair gave a riding lesson in how to attack the course.

Clockwise from top left: Ruy Fonseca of Brazil on Tom Bombadill II was the picture of poise in his top hat and tails, entering at A while the ring crew stood at the ready.

Kevin Keane, 59, is a full-time practicing veterinarian but he made his first Rolex on Fernhill Flutter look easy, here jumping one of the signature ducks at the Head of the Lake.

Buck Davidson and Park Trader at fence 8.

Fernhill Fearless and Kim Severson, a three-time Rolex champion, hoped to show this partnership is ready to represent the US at the upcoming World Equestrian Games.

The Angled Brushes at fence 16a/b required serious concentration from Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda

I

t is the Indy 500, Super Bowl, and Big Kahuna all in one. It is the CCI**** event that every ambitious rider hopes to qualify for some day. It has been associated so long with the title sponsor that it has come to be known simply as Rolex, and to wear the winner’s Gold Oyster watch is the ultimate equestrian bling.

This year’s Rolex Kentucky ThreeDay Event served as one of the US team selection trials for the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France in August.

Riders planned their competition schedules months or even years ahead to culminate at Rolex.

The weather was near perfect, mostly sunny, with enough rain during Friday’s midday dressage tests to make a few riders miserable but all the riders happy for the footing on cross-country. Sunday’s breezy

but clear skies made for a grand finale, with a mere two rails separating the top ten riders going into stadium.

For every beautifully executed dressage test, thrilling cross-country ride, and nailbiting stadium round, there were hundreds of women and girls (and a few brave men and boys) watching and wondering if Old Buck at home could be as obedient, athletic and talented. If not, they could at least buy Buck some fancy gear at the trade fair to look the part. They could also meet and get autographs from their favorites riders, who probably started on an Old Buck themselves.

Here are some of the stories behind the class of Rolex 2014.

Youngest competitor Libby Head, 22, found her little 15.1-hand horse Sir Rockstar on his way to the killers, so neglected and malnourished that he was anemic and had a heart murmur. She gave him a second chance at life. Her belief in her horse took them all the way to the Four-Star level, and they finished in the top twenty, an amazing achievement.

Kim Severson, former three-time champion with Winsome Adante, was competing at Rolex again after a dry spell, this time with Fernhill Fearless. Kim was hoping to show she was back in the game and her 11th place finish showed she is.

Laine Ashker was entered on Anthony Patch, an ex-racehorse and with whom she won the American Eventing Championships in 2013. Laine had to withdraw her horse before the start of competition due to a hoof abscess, but stayed to cheer on her long-time coach, Buck Davidson.

Several newcomers had successful completions to earn a coveted Rolex cooler, including veterinarian Kevin Keane, the oldest first-timer (59), on Fernhill Flutter, 28th; Julie Norman on the 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding Consensus, 30th; and Jennifer McFall from California on her handsome Holsteiner High Times, 36th.

Ellen Doughty can lay claim to having both bitter and sweet Rolex experiences. A heel grab on Sir Oberon from a previous horse show was bothersome enough HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JUNE 2014 | 85

to prevent him from competing. “Obie” spent the weekend hand grazing around the stable area. Ellen still went out on the cross-country course but instead of riding she got married there on Friday.

Doug Payne rode a great dressage test on Thursday on Crown Talisman, knowing from the outset he would withdraw the horse before cross-country. Doug had received a Land Rover grant to compete at Saumur *** at the end of May and was using Rolex to give his horse practice in a big, exciting atmosphere. When asked what he thought of the cross-country course designed by Derek di Grazia, Doug joked that while it looked very big and testing, since they weren’t actually going to have to ride it, he was sure he and Crown Talisman would have been perfect!

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda were fit and ready to run at last year’s Rolex, so much so that Cambalda was full of high jinxs on the longe line before dressage and got away from his groom. He slipped on pavement and was a bit bruised and skinned up so Jennie withdrew him. This year they were loaded for bear and had a good dressage score going into crosscountry. They stormed around the course, with bold, forward riding, only to learn after finishing that they had jumped the wrong side of the flags at fence 12b, the Whiskey Corners, and thus were eliminated for technically not jumping the obstacle.

This was an example of the genius of the course design by Derek di Grazia. If ridden correctly, it was possible to go clear and inside the optimum time, which 19 out of the 55 starters accomplished. 29 pairs made it around with no jump penalties, only time faults. Those that couldn’t hold a line to one of the many skinnies, corners, and angle fences on the technical course picked up 20 penalties for a run-out or refusal, but then used a softer but time-wasting option to go on.

Allison Springer was one of those who had a slight but very costly bobble on the course with her Irish Sport Horse Arthur. They started the course at the top of the leader board, having had the test of their lives in dressage to be the only ones 86 | JUNE 2014 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE

on a score under 40. They were having a brilliant round up to fence 21 but came in too quietly to fence 21c, the brush corner after the Normandy Bank, and Arthur declined to jump. Allison then piloted Arthur through the black-flag options and jumped the remaining 10 fences on course cleanly. Their one mistake dropped them all the way down to 26th, her dream of riding at the 2014 Normandy WEG likely over.

Rolex veteran Jan Byyny produced one of the best cross-country rides of the day. Jan made an incredible comeback to the sport after a fall two years ago caused serious injuries. She rode Inmidair with superb skill but gave much of the credit to her horse. She said, “We had a scary moment out there. I tell my students if you’re not sure, push them up. I let him get behind my leg; thank god he stayed on his feet and stayed up. He was awesome, he was really on it, he’s so brave. I just love him.” Jan had just one rail in stadium the next day to finish in 7th, a fantastic result for her.

Also demonstrating the value of experience was Phillip Dutton, who had three horses entered. One of them was Trading Aces, a horse usually ridden by Boyd Martin. Boyd was sitting out due to a badly-broken leg which needed more time to heal and he had asked his friend, mentor, and fellow former Aussie Phillip to take “Oscar” for him. With only a few rides to get to know the horse, Phillip had a cracking round to stop the clock exactly on optimum time, thus winning the keys to a new Land Rover Evoque for two years.

Phillip and Oscar also had an excellent show jumping round with just one rail down to finish in 8th place. As Phillip exited the arena, he apologized for the rail to Boyd, who responded cheerfully, “No worries, mate”.

Marilyn Little was one of the riders to compete with two horses, a challenging test of fitness and focus. She excelled with both, taking 5th overall on RF Smoke on the Water and 6th with RF Demeter, a strong result no doubt noted by team selectors. In a cruel twist of fate, after returning home to Raylyn Farm in Maryland, Marilyn lost

Clockwise from top left: Rookie Lillian Heard rode a terrific cross-country round on her own Share Option and afterward said she had so much fun she was hooked for life.

Veronica and Lauren Kieffer showed plenty of stamina, neatly clearing all the fences on Derek di Grazia’s challenging cross-country course to move up to 2nd.

Buck Davidson gave “Reggie” a pat of appreciation for their clear round which put them in 3rd, breaking a tie with Andrew Nicholson and Sinead Halpin.

Meghan O’Donoghue sailed through the Land Rover Hollow on Pirate, starting with the keyhole, down 3 strides to a brush corner and 4 strides up to an oxer out.

“Smoke” when he got cast in his stall while rolling in the fresh bedding and suffered severe spinal damage.

Many eyes were on Sinead Halpin and Selle Francais gelding Manoir de Carneville throughout the show. Sinead and “Tate” were on a mission to be named to the WEG team, having been denied a spot for the 2012 London Olympics. They won The Fork *** three weeks earlier, breaking a tie with Marilyn Little on RF Demeter by being exactly on the optimum time on cross-country.

A relaxed and expressive dressage score started them off on 51.7 at Rolex and they added nothing to their score in the crosscountry and stadium phases. They were actually tied with Buck Davidson but because in this instance Buck was closer to the optimum time, Sinead and Tate took 4th.

In addition to all the other skills required for success in eventing, being able to sneak peeks at your watch while going at 570 mpm is a big one!

Buck Davidson overcame what had begun to seem like a habit of two rails down in stadium by working very hard on technique over the past year. His dedication was rewarded with a clear round on the final day to finish 3rd on the lovely Irish Sport Horse gelding Ballynoe Castle RM (“Reggie”). He made a lot of people happy, including David O’Conner, the US Chef d’Equipe, and Reggie’s owners Carl and Cassie Segal.

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Clockwise from top left: Only after the final fence was cleared did William Fox-Pitt allow himself to believe he had won on Bay My Hero.

Lauren Kieffer handled the pressure and kept all the rails up with Veronica to retain 2nd and the National Spring Eventing Championship.

William Fox-Pitt and Bay My Hero were the picture of refinement at the 2nd Horse Inspection on Sunday.

Lauren Kieffer, 26, became acquainted with Veronica when she was asked to train the newly imported Dutch Warmblood mare for resale. When Lauren broke her arm she asked her trainer Karen O’Connor to ride the mare. Karen liked her so much she bought her. Then Karen was injured in a fall that effectively ended her competition career and she passed the reins back to Lauren. In his Rolex preview in the Chronicle of the Horse, Jimmy Wofford said, “Lauren is reeking with talent and will give this horse the ride she needs.” And indeed she did, upsetting many of the more experienced pairs to take 2nd and the national spring eventing championship.

Saving perhaps the best story for last, this one is about an unlikely champion.

He’s only 11 years old but already showing super powers. He can leap tall obstacles in a single bound and carry a 6’6” man at a gallop over four miles in under 11:12 minutes, barely breathing hard at the

finish. He can score a dressage test of 44 on the first day and keep all the rails in their cups on the final day, in front of a packed stadium. He has done only one other CCI****, the top level in Eventing, and Jimmy Wofford, who handicaps the field every year, doesn’t think the horse’s record warrants including him in his top-ten picks.

In fact, even his rider doesn’t come with high expectations.

He is Bay My Hero, an Irish Sport Horse (Cult Hero x Bing Power) owned

by Catherine Witt, and he has given rider William Fox-Pitt a third gold watch from Kentucky by winning on his dressage score.

He has been with leading British rider Fox-Pitt for the past five years and is considered a member of the family. At Saturday’s press conference following cross-country, William said with affection, “My chubby horse may look more like an event horse by the end of the day Sunday”.

William said that he normally likes his horses to carry a little extra weight before traveling overseas because they tend to lose some during the shipping. This turned out not to be the case with Bay My Hero, who apparently thought the automated feeding system at Chicago during three days in quarantine was an all-you-can-eat buffet.

William brought two horses, as he has been doing for the past several years. He won the event in 2010 with Cool Mountain and in 2012 with Parklane Hawk. Jimmy Wofford described William as one of the two or three best riders in the sport today, and one of the best ten of all time – high praise from a former Olympian and longtime coach and commentator.

This year William was again one of the favored riders, with Seacookie TSF, on whom he finished 2nd last year behind archrival Andrew Nicholson (NZ). He brought Bay My Hero for the horse to gain experience. Speaking after crosscountry, William said, “I knew that for my two horses it was a decent track and a big test. I was thrilled with both my horses but particularly Bay My Hero, who is much less experienced. He was a little bit surprised by the Head of the Lake but it didn’t seem to matter. I know that with him, when he can HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | JUNE 2014 | 89

William Fox-Pitt of England had a lot of reasons to celebrate, including receiving the winner’s prize money of $80000 and a gold Rolex. Next year he might stay somewhere a bit fancier than the Georgetown Holiday Inn.

see where he has to go, he will go there – he is as clever as a cat and super genuine and I was delighted with him and he carried his tubby little body around in the time as well so that was a bonus!”

Bay My Hero almost didn’t make it into the Rolex Stadium when it was his turn to show-jump as the last to go in reverse order of standing. The every-seat-filled crowd were giving Lauren Kieffer’s clear round on Veronica an enthusiastic response as Bay My Hero was coming down the ramp.

He thought it might be a better idea to turn around and head back to the barn. William prevailed upon him to enter and you could hear a pin drop as they tackled the testing course by Richard Jeffrey, who utilized many of the jumps from the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

The pair came at just the right pace and distance to meet each fence with apparent ease but not until they had cleared the final fence did William allow himself a smile and an arm thrust into the air to acknowledge the cheers. They made a quick exit to gather the winner’s cooler and ribbons, and then returned for the awards presentations for the top twenty.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear presented the crystal horse-head trophy to William and said jokingly, “I hope you can find room on your mantle for this trophy and room on your arm for another Rolex.”

William responded,“I will make room.”

Bay My Hero’s favorite moment was when he thought he was being presented a bouquet of flowers to eat. He also seemed to enjoy his two victory laps and looked as though he could do several more. It was all in a day’s work for a super hero.

A photo album from Rolex can be viewed at www.evalynbemisphotography.com

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear smiles over Bay My Hero’s attempt to eat the flowers.

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to 50 1 I S

A

S U R E

B E T

New movie dramatizes the 2009 upset victory of Mine That Bird in the Kentucky Derby. photos and story by Evalyn Bemis

T

he red carpet was rolled out and ready. The marquee of the historic theater read “World Premiere, 50 to 1.”

Photographers, reporters and TV crews had staked out their turf to capture the stars upon arrival.

The first to make an entrance was the leading man. He had been groomed to look his best for his moment in the spotlight. He wore shiny silver shoes and a luxurious coat of a rich dark hue. A hint of mint could be detected as he leaned over the barrier to greet his fans. “Look, is it really Bird?” said a young girl to her mother as she offered a peppermint.

Indeed it was. Mine That Bird (Birdstone x Mining My Own) and his connections had come to the opening of “50 to 1” at the Kimo Theater in Albuquerque, NM in March. [Spoiler alert: the film is based on the true

Calvin and Bird share a tender moment at the premiere.

Film Director Jim Wilson, jockey Calvin Borel, and Lisa Borel.

to 50 1 Bird’s co-owner Leonard Blach DVM, sports his 50 to 1 belt buckle at the world premiere.

Country music star Christian Kane plays owner Mark Allen as a fun-loving and charismatic guy with the ability to turn an RV breakdown into an excuse for a party.

Trainer Chip Wooley hauled Mine That Bird in a beat-up old bumper-pull trailer, from New Mexico to Churchill Down, and history.

“

Calvin was given high marks by 50 to 1 director Jim Wilson for the excellent job he did Jockey Calvin Borel played himself in the movie. This still from the film portrays Bird and Borel pulling away from the rest of the Derby field on their way to the finish line. Photo courtesy of 50 to 1

story of Mine That Bird’s improbable victory in the Kentucky Derby, so yes, he does win the race]. Bird traveled from the Double Eagle Ranch in Roswell, NM to attend the movie’s premiere, riding in a custom Turnbow trailer emblazoned with his own logo.

It was a much more fitting rig for the winner of over $2,200,000 than the beat-up old bumper-pull that he was hauled in to Kentucky in April of 2009.

Now eight-years-old and having nothing more pressing to do than deciding which side of the pasture to graze, Bird came out of retirement to play himself in some of the scenes in the movie. That’s him eating grass at a rest stop somewhere on the way to Louisville, while his trainer Chip Wooley and exercise rider Alex discuss whether he has a chance in the race (not much of one is the honest assessment). That’s him hanging out in the real stall where he was stabled at Churchill Downs.

And that’s him with Calvin Borel, the jockey whose brilliant maneuvering

through the mud and mayhem of a 19-horse race took them from dead last before the turn for home to going away by 6 ¾ lengths at the finish.

Calvin was given high marks by 50 to 1 director Jim Wilson for the excellent job he did playing himself in the movie.

Apparently that is something hard to do.

Certainly he was a natural when he hammed it up with Bird at the premiere.

playing himself in the movie.

Apparently that is something hard to do.

”

Calvin Borel’s expression says it all, moments after pulling off one of the biggest come-from-behind victories in Derby history. Photo courtesy of Wiki Commons

Calvin was given high marks by 50 to 1 director Jim Wilson for the excellent job he did playing himself in the movie.

Here they are on the set of the movie 50 to 1. Photo courtesy of 50 to 1

They made funny faces at each other while Calvin unwrapped a handful of mints, these being Bird’s favorite thing in the world.

The other stars of the movie arrived on what looked like a rock-and-roll band’s tour bus. It was covered with images from the film and would be carrying the cast on a seven-state promotional trip, that started in New Mexico and would end in Kentucky shortly before the 2014 edition of the Run for the Roses. This novel approach was Writer/Producer/Director Wilson’s way to build excitement for the film after getting the cold shoulder from Hollywood.

Apparently movies featuring horses have not been big at the box office so 50 to 1 almost didn’t make it out of the starting gate. But just like Bird made a dreamer out of his trainer and owners, so too his story inspired Wilson, who staked his reputation as the producer of Dancing With Wolves and his knowledge as an owner of racehorses to get this one made.

“Nobody gave them a chance.”

Skeet Ulrich is cast as down-onhis-luck trainer Chip Wooley. He is at his best when he comes to the rescue of others, whether it is improving the odds in a bar fight, using his crutches in interesting ways, or figuring out Bird’s preference for running from behind.

Country music star Christian Kane plays owner Mark Allen as a fun-loving and charismatic guy with the ability to turn an RV breakdown into an excuse for a party. You want these guys with their black cowboy hats to trump all those snobby owners at Churchill Downs.

William Devane is cast as co-owner Leonard Blach DVM and represents the sober side of Bird’s connections.

Madelyn Deutch is vivacious as Bird’s exercise jockey and looks pretty good with a stick in her back pocket. Bruce Wayne Eckelman plays thoroughbred trainer Bob Baffert with an uncanny physical resemblance and a certain prissiness. You have to wonder – can anyone work with horses and really stay that impeccably dressed?

Chip Wooley got his first look at the film at the premiere, watching it with his brother, assistant trainer Bill Wooley, his sisters and their husbands, and many other family members and friends. When asked his impression, he answered guardedly, “it makes a

good story.” He said the best part for him was re-living the race, from the moment the gates opened, to Bird’s astonishing run from so far off the lead that the race-caller didn’t even see him until the last few yards to the finish line.

The audience was equally thrilled, erupting with cheers as Bird began to roar up the rail. Actual race footage was used, particularly the overhead view shot from the blimp, but it would be easy to think it was a Hollywood rendition, so fantastic were those 2 minutes and 2.66 seconds.

The film fittingly ends with the wreath of roses draped over Bird’s neck and all the ‘cowboys from New Mexico’ grinning ear-to-ear.

He was only the second gelding to win the Derby since 1929 and the second biggest upset winner. A two-dollar win wager paid $103.20.

Mine That Bird ran in the Preakness two weeks later under Mike Smith.

He finished closely behind filly Rachel Alexander, ridden by her regular jockey Calvin Borel. With Calvin back in the tack, Bird placed third in the Belmont. His owners engaged D.

Bird was only the second gelding to win the Derby since 1929 and the second biggest upset winner at 50 to 1 odds. A two-dollar win wager paid $103.20. photo courtesy of Churchill Downs

Wayne Lukas to take over his training from Chip Wooley but he never won another race and was retired to New Mexico in November 2010.

When Bird returned to Churchill Downs for the filming of 50 to 1, Calvin said Bird knew exactly where he

was and what was expected of him and that it was such a pleasure to ride him again. Oh, that all racehorse stories should have such happy endings, with a surfeit of mints and one’s own special trailer for road trips and appearances.

In that way, Bird is one in a million.

to 50 1

More than $1 Million in Cash and Prizes at The Colorado Horse Park

June 4-­8 Summer in the Rockies I June 11-­15 Summer in the Rockies II June 18-­22 Summer in the Rockies III

Flying Horse Photography

July 2-­6 Summer in the Rockies IV July 9-­13 Summer in the Rockies V July 16-­20 Summer in the Rockies VI

HUNTERS $40,000 International Hunter Derby (Week 5) $15,000 International Hunter Derby (Week 3) $10,000 National Hunter Derby (Week 5) 2 weeks of WCHR events plus Pony Derby, Children’s/Adult Derby

JUMPERS $220,000 in Grand Prix prize money $20,000 Junior/AO Jumper Classic (Week 5) $10,000 Low Junior/AO Jumper Classic (Week 5) $10,000 Leading Open Jumper Rider (Weeks 4-­6)

Colorado Horse Park Office: 303-841-5550 Showplace Productions : 847-274-6834

Visit www.coloradohorsepark.com for the 2014 schedule

Every equestrian’s dream property 15 minutes to Colorado Horse Park.

• Most coveted property in all of Franktown, CO. 81 acres of beauty and mountain views as far as the eye can see.

Barn has every bell & whistle. “Eagle Span” 115' × 210' INDOOR ARENA. 14 stalls, could add 12. Indoor round pen. 2 wash stalls. Kitchen and bath.

Incredible 1850 Sq Ft attached home. Front 45 acres also for sale.

Please view at: tourfactory.com/1064154

$3,895,000 Offered Exclusively By:

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303.877.9382 ginnykeenan@remax.net | ginnykeenan.com

2013 & 2014 Five Star Award Winning Real Estate Agent

State-of-the-art Equestrian-lovers Colorado dream! $798,000 $798,000

MOUNTAIN KING RANCH - 1035 Newton Road, Pueblo CO • • • • • • •

Olympic riding area, 225 x 110 steel structure State-of-the art 100 x 150 equestrian riding arena 4-box stalls to corral with 12x24 lean-to shed Indoor hay storage / Electric fenced pasture Well-appointed 2500+ sq. ft., 2-bdrm/2-bath home 45.8 acres with adjacent 96 acres available Gourmet kitchen, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances

• • • • • • •

Indoor tennis court & basketball court 4-car garage with oversized doors Sweeping 360 degree mountain views World-class skiing, fishing, boating, hiking and endless trail riding nearby 2 hours from Colorado Horse Park and Denver International Airport 45 minutes from Colorado Springs Airport 20 minutes to downtown Pueblo / 15 minutes to Colorado State Fair Grounds

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The Horse Connection

One of Avery’s four-legged friends at Shiloh Farms enjoys some extra love.

Photo by Karyn Peabody

Send in your photo showing the human – horse connection and win a free subscription.

Email it in high resolution (the largest size) to gyoung@horseconnection.com

106 | JUNE 2014 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE

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