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HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE EST. 1991
APRIL 2013 Volume XII Issue 3 horseconnection.com
FIRST Ladies of Eventing GREENER PASTURES For SE Farm
Partnerships in
BLACK & WHITE Lewitz, Germany
A HORSE FACTORY
Clair de Lune SE Sire of FEH Champions
Orrion Farms
Proudly offered For Sale
A world-renowned equine shopping venue, Orrion Farms nestles the hillside of the Manastash Ridge in Ellensburg, Washington. Unmatched in it's entertaining capabilities, the main residence is a masterpiece of timeless luxury, boasting spacious accommodations, indoor and outdoor pools, and breathtaking views. The sales center features guest apartments, a conference room, offices and a commercial kitchen. Top-of-the line equestrian facilities include three barns totaling 80 stalls, 2 indoor arenas, round pens, lush fenced pastures, and a breeding lab. 155 acres in total, with housing for multiple families, maintenance and mechanic shops, hay barn, irrigation, orchard and more. Located approximately 90 minutes east of Seattle, Washington, USA.
Visit www.OrrionFarmsForPurchase.com for details.
Your Resource for Lifestyle Properties 206-650-3015/cell • 425-455-9800/office maria@mariadanieli.com
MLS# 454582 • 160’ x 260’ Arena • 145 Gorgeous Flat & Rolling Acres • FEI Professional Cross Country Course On-site • 2,000’+ Deschutes
10050 State Route 507 Rainier, WA 98576
$1,150,000
River Frontage
Premier Equestrian Center Tenhulzen Real Estate proudly offers for sale. The Premier Equestrian Center in the Pacific Northwest Offers Incredible Opportunities for All Ventures! 145+ Acres, Arenas, an Established FEI Cross Country Course with Two Water Training Areas, 150 Stalls, and an Office. Enjoy 2,000+ feet of Deschutes River Frontage, Trails, and Wide Open Space Speckled with Old Growth Evergreens. There are Multiple Building Opportunities with Amazing Soil for the Farmer as Well. This is Truly the Development, Business, and Living Opportunity of the Century. All of this is on the 35 Mile Chehalis Trail and Boasts Pristine Mountain Views. Welcome Home!
For a private showing, please contact:
Kimberly Tenhulzen 206.409.0771 Kimberly@TenhulzenRE.com www.tenhulzenrealestate.com Tenhulzen Real Estate 11000 151st Avenue NE Redmond, WA 98052
MLS# 454582
10050 State Route 507, Rainier, WA 98576
At a Glance... • Office Space • 150 12’ x 12’ Stalls • Elevated Judge & Announcing Booth • Multiple Building Sites • Zoned R 1-5 • Amazing Existing Equestrian & Private Event Business
$448,000
For a private showing, please contact:
Kimberly Tenhulzen 206.409.0771 Kimberly@TenhulzenRE.com www.tenhulzenrealestate.com Tenhulzen Real Estate 11000 151st Avenue NE Redmond, WA 98052
Table of Contents
APRIL 2013
FEATURES 14
Greener Pastures for SE Farm
28
The First Ladies of Eventing
38
Partnerships in Black & White
58
The Horse Factory of Lewitz
38 28
14 Photo: Hanah Fields-Austin
MONTHLY 10
Publisher’s Page
22
HC Sport
12
HC’s Travel Connection
52
Definitely Dressage
16
Adds & Scratches
70
The Horse Connection
About the cover Clair de Lune SE
Standing at stud at SE Farm, Clair de Lune SE is one of the hottest young stallions in the U.S. today. After debuting his jumping career in the eventing world in ’09, he finished off his first year undefeated in all the YEH competitions he competed in. He scored the highest score nationally with a 87.78% and won the west coast five-year-old Year End YEH finals. Clair de Lune SE’s offspring have won national FEH championships in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Clair won the Lifetime Achievement Award for Eventing for the BWP, and the bronze medal for Eventing for ’09. Clair is a product of embryo transfer, proudly bred by SE Farm. His pedigree includes some of the best show jumping bloodlines in the world including Calypso II, one of the top European international show jumpers, and Cor de la Breyre, a foundation sire for the Holsteiners. Photo credit: Amy McCool 8 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
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Publisher’s Page
T
he ROLEX Kentucky Three-Day Event, the highest level of eventing competition in the US, returns to the Kentucky Horse Park on April 25–28. This is one of the stellar equestrian shows in North America and is made possible by the sponsorship of ROLEX. That is why it was great news to hear that ROLEX Watch USA and the USEF will continue their longstanding partnership, as Rolex will remain the “Official Timepiece” of the USEF, the title sponsor of the Kentucky Three-Day Event and the USEF Show Jumping Computer Ranking List. This partnership has spanned 32 years and has been an integral part of the storied evolution of equestrian excellence in the United States, specifically through ROLEX USA’s title sponsorship of the ROLEX Kentucky Three-Day Event. The lush green landscape of the Pacific Northwest has been attracting more and more equestrians to relocate here. Washington and particularly Oregon have many attractive amenities for equestrians and their horses. Space, available pastureland, plentiful grass and a mild climate are enticing to horse owners who feel confined in populated places like southern California. Barb Ellison and her magnificent Wild Turkey Farm relocated to Oregon a couple of years ago and Rose Sullivan and her well known SE Farm, just moved from So Cal to Oregon in March. HC has seen the potential of the Northwest as well, and we have opened our west coast office in Redmond, Washington. HC is still published in Colorado, but we felt that we needed to personally expand our reach to welcome more of the west coast into the Horse Connection family. We are really looking forward to more interaction with the equestrian industry in the Northwest, while maintaining our “family ties” to the prominent Colorado equestrian scene. I have already ordered my waterproof riding boots! As to the ongoing horse welfare issues that continue to haunt our equestrian passion, it was encouraging
10 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
to hear US Hunter Jumper Association president Bill Moroney, at the recent USEF town hall meeting, discuss the importance of changing the sporthorse culture when it comes to the overuse and misuse of drugs and medications. He didn’t mince words when he said, “We have to admit we have an issue. In my mind, it’s not that there’s a majority of people going off the reservation. But, a minority of people are ruining your sport for you. We need to fix this sport. Otherwise, outside influences such as the Humane Society, PETA and Congress are going to come in and [do it for us].” On the other hand, another organization continues with the outdated mindset of horses being nothing more than equipment to use and discard when no longer beneficial. A letter from the American Quarter Horse Association stated that both the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship and the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship would continue to take place in Oklahoma, regardless of the law that would allow horse slaughter in that state. The letter also states that horse slaughter is a responsible solution for unwanted horses facing neglect. This is no big surprise coming from the most over-bred horse association in the country. We are becoming a more enlightened society as we move further into the 21st century, recognizing that same-sex marriage is an equality issue as well as reevaluating our roles as caretakers of the animal world instead of oppressors. But the AQHA is not moving forward and is no friend of the horse. Any person who truly loves horses and continues to do business in Oklahoma or support the AQHA needs to look into their horse’s eyes, and then look into the mirror. A life without compassion is not a life I care to live.
Geoff Young, Publisher
Publishers
Geoff & Valerie L. Young GYoung@horseconnection.com VYoung@horseconnection.com Editor
Geoff Young
GYoung@horseconnection.com V.P. Sales & Marketing
Valerie L. Young
VYoung@horseconnection.com Art Director
Kathy Bone Copy Editor
T. J. Forrest Contributing Writers
Evalyn Bemis Kip Mistral Marc Patoile CuChullaine O’Reilly Butte Dawson BDawson@horseconnection.com Photography
Geoff Young Evalyn Bemis Sharon McElvain Meghann Norris Advertising & Rates
getresults@horseconnection.com General questions, advertising, and comments can be made to:
vyoung@horseconnection.com or call 303.663.1300 Sorry, but Horse Connection cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited materials Horse Connection © 2013, Volume XII, Edition 3. Published monthly by Horse Connection, LLC., in Sedalia, Colorado 80135 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.
303.663.1300
www.horseconnection.com
SE Farm Rose Sullivan
Travel
Connection israel
Laura Ackerman with HC in hand travels to the holy land. This photo was taken in the ruins at Caesarea. She is standing in what was the hippodrome, where chariot races were held.
seattle Steve and Cathi Logan visit the world famous Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington with a copy of Horse Connection magazine.
Send Us Your Photos Get a free subscription
Send us your photo holding up Horse Connection and get published in our next issue. Those chosen each edition will receive a free subscription to Horse Connection. Be sure to email a picture and a brief paragraph about who you are, where you are, and why you are there. It can be anywhere in the world. The more unique the place, and of course, the more “horsey� the place, the better chance you have of getting your picture in Horse Connection. Email your travel connection to gyoung@ horseconnection.com. 12 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
for sale As Good As It Gets In Douglas County Banbury Cross
Minutes to light rail Yet a Million Miles away from Busy
An incredible historic paradise nestled between the grassland rolling hills and the water lands. Create the country lifestyle of your dreams. 14 to 21 acre custom home building sites. Prices range from the mid $300’s to the high $500’s. Gated community. Fantastic grassland horse property. Only 5 remain. http://www.spotlighthometours.com/tours/tour. php?&tourid=22703&reloaded=true www.banburycross-farm.com
The Klein Ranch
own a Piece of Colorado History
95 Acre 1800’s Historic Estate overlooking the Plum Creek Valley 3450 Big Bear Drive Fantasic 6391 sq. ft home. 5 Bedrooms, 6 baths. 4 pastures, 2 stocked ponds, 8 stall barn, Workshop/storage building $3,500,000 A one-of-a-kind offering. Virtual tour: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pC4VFshhido
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One of the star therapy horses of Helping Hands Equine Therapy and Horse Rescue is Ghost, who portrayed the unicorn in the movie The Chronicles of Narnia.
for SE Farm
R
ose Sullivan has had her hands full running a top notch breeding operation as well as a horse rescue and an equine therapy program. And, with the success of her operation, her current farm in southern California became too small for the 45 horses and various rescue animals that live at SE Farm. After 21 years in California, the grass was looking greener in Oregon, so, after a year of planning, Rose has moved her entire operation to Newburg, Oregon. “I have loved Oregon for years,” she said, “and have always thought that I’d love to move there one day. The land is
14 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
flat, green, and the hay is wonderful.” SE Farm’s new location has a spacious 20 acres, indoor and outdoor arenas, and a field that Rose plans to turn into a crosscountry course for her eventing horses. It has seven pastures full of orchard grass, hundreds of trees, and is, according to Rose, “just beautiful.” Rose has built a solid reputation over the years for producing quality sporthorses that excel in jumping and eventing. She stands four internationally approved stallions including Darco’s Legacy SE, a premium stallion, approved BWP, out of an “elite” Darco mare, Mistery. Mistery is a retired grand prix
horse and the sister to McClain Ward’s international superstar and Olympic gold medal winner, Sapphire. Darco’s Legacy SE is the brother to Rose’s eventing superstar and five- year-old undefeated Young Eventing Horse champion and year end winner, Clair de Lune SE. Her breeding produces really nice babies that win young horse futurities in show jumping and eventing. That makes the move to Oregon all the more important to Rose. “The youngsters deserve to have room to run. I want to give them a good childhood.” Rose has a unique program for her sporthorses. She develops partnerships
with many international trainers in exchange for a percentage of the horse with the understanding that they will take the horse to the upper levels. Many of those partnerships are proving very successful in national and international competition.
Rose will be leaving many people whose lives have been improved by the therapy program. “Every day, people come to say goodbye with lots of hugs and tears,” she said. “I’ve invited everyone to come to Oregon to come see us and the calendar is booked up June
Every horse on the farm has a job, whether they are two years old or twenty. For most, running a breeding operation with many horses and clients is a full time job. For Rose, it is just one part of her passion. With a degree in Nursing and an extensive psychology background, Rose wanted to give back and so she created the non-profit Helping Hands Equine Therapy and Horse Rescue. The therapy program provides special needs children and adults equine psychotherapy and animal interaction to help patients deal with mental and physical obstacles. Relying on grants and donations, Rose offers the therapy program for free to those that can’t afford it. With 80% of her clients unable to afford the therapy, the financial aid is a tremendous gift to those in need. The horse rescue takes in older horses that have been given up by their owners, an unacceptable choice according to Rose. Perfectly suited as therapy horses, these senior equines have so much left to give and every horse on the farm has a job, whether they are two years old or twenty. One of the most popular therapy horses at SE Farm is Ghost, a horse that came to the farm with cancer. Ghost’s owners had planned to euthanize him but Rose adopted him instead. Ghost is a celebrity, having starred as the unicorn in the movie The Chronicles of Narnia. He is a trick horse that knows how to rear on command, kneel and bow. Clients of the therapy program love to have their picture taken with him, and even though he can’t be ridden, he contributes to the program in many ways.
through August with people coming to visit.” That is a testament to the impact Rose and her SE Farm have had on people. Rose will be looking for a new therapist at the Oregon farm, however her loyal staff of ten years will be joining her in the Pacific Northwest. She wants to continue to work with people of special needs and is excited about continuing the rescue
Rose Sullivan with one of her prize-winning horses.
and therapy programs and has plans to add some new animals to a petting zoo at the Newburg farm. “I’m excited because I will finally have some room to do the things I want to do,” she said. The equestrian community of Oregon should be excited as well! For more information on SE Farm visit www.sefarm.com
One of SE Farm’s stallions is Darco’s Legacy SE, a premium stallion, approved BWP, out of an “elite” Darco mare, Mistery. Mistery is a retired grand prix horse and the sister to McClain Ward’s international superstar and Olympic gold medal winner, Sapphire.
HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013 | 15
Adds & Scratches
Come Enjoy New Colorado Spring Shows The Colorado Horse Park (CHP) is pleased to announce their two new weeks of A-Rated spring Horse Shows. Spring Warm Up I from April 25 through April 28, 2013 and Spring Warm Up II May 2 through May 5, 2013 promise to deliver a fun and competitive experience. Spring in the Rocky Mountains is glorious and with all the Colorado Horse Park upgrades these shows are not to be missed. Enjoy new top-of-the-line GGT Footing in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena and its schooling arena, the Olson Family Hunter Ring and Hunter Ring 2 and the associated schooling rings as well as the two CHP indoor arenas. In addition, enjoy seven rings of new jumps, new lunging pads, a 16,000 square foot party pavilion, an improved sound system and new turn-out paddocks. This year the High Point Trainer for all six CHP A-Rated shows will win a trip to the Patagonia region in Argentina. The CHP shows included in the High Point Trainer Award include Spring Warm Up I and II, Fall Classic I and II and Fall Finals I and II. In each class, only the highest scoring horse will earn points for its trainer. Please see show management or the show office for all of the details. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@ cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer). Visit CHP at: www.coloradohorsepark.com
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Adds & Scratches
Sylvan Farm Announces End of Breeding Program Judy Hedreen of Sylvan Farm has announced her retirement from sport horse breeding after more than thirty years. As part of her retirement, Hedreen will sell the majority of her horses via live auction. A purchase from this herd is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own her coveted bloodlines. The Sylvan Farm program has produced countless champions including licensed stallions, international jumper stars, superb hunters and USDF Horses of the Year. As a life member of the American Hanoverian Society, USEF ‘R’ judge and educator/mentor to breeders around the world, Hedreen leaves a legacy for future American breeders. On June 1, 2013, Sylvan Farm will hold a dispersal auction where buyers can bid on horses in person, over the phone, or via live Internet bidding. The sale will stream live via the internet at www.sylvanfarmauction.com. This unprecedented access to their collection of homebreds includes show horses, young prospects and broodmares. Low reserves will apply. The sale will take place on June 1, 2013 at North Star Farm in Arlington, WA. For buyers unable to attend in person, a live streaming preview will showcase the horses offered for sale.
The preview will be broadcast on May 31, 2013 at 4pm PDT. The auction website will have photos, pedigree, sale information, maps, bidder registration, etc. All horses available for veterinary inspection starting May 28, 2013 by appointment. Visit www. sylvanfarmauction.com
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HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013 | 17
Adds & Scratches
Fund Raiser a Huge Success for Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE) Photos by Justin Schmauser, schmauserphoto.com
The 2013 Heart of the Horse fundraiser, benefitting the Woodinville, WA–based SAFE program, was a huge success. Held at the beautiful estate of the Cheatau St. Michelle winery, the evening offered a silent and live auction, wine tasting and a wonderful vegetarian menu from the winery’s head chef. Preliminary totals indicate that the evening raised more than $43,000, including $15,400 for the SAFE Veterinary Care Fund! Executive Director of SAFE, Bonnie Hammond expressed her gratitude. “We are so incredibly grateful to our kind and generous guests. Thank you so much for attending this year’s Heart of the Horse, and we hope to see you all next year!”
SAFE Executive Director Bonnie Hammond welcomes guests to the Heart of the Horse
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Adds & Scratches
History of SAFE The founding members of SAFE met online on the Chronicle of the Horse (COTH) bulletin board in the spring of 2005. What began as a few people pooling money to purchase a single horse off a feedlot turned into quite a large group of people banding together in support of a Washington feedlot rescue group.
Money raised on COTH was used to
and careful adoption processes.
purchase and sponsor a large number
The new rescue was christened
of slaughter-bound animals, and
Save a Forgotten Equine, or SAFE.
the group expanded to overseeing
SAFE created a new website, a
the adoption of these horses into
bulletin board, and a Board of
permanent homes.
Directors, who worked together to
At the end of 2005, the group
establish formal adoption policies and
broke away from the feedlot rescue to
guidelines, adoption contracts, and
form a rescue of their own that would
foster home criteria.
have a greater focus on rehabilitation
SAFE became a non-profit orporation in Washington State in October 2006, and received its 501(c)(3) status in June of 2007. Since the founding of SAFE in 2005, Executive Director Bonnie Hammond has focused on creating an organization that is open and accessible to its supporters, from its transparent financials to the wealth of information available about the horses on their website. Bonnie has
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worked locally as a graphic designer for the past 18 years, and she lends her skills to the public face of SAFE through its website and other communications. Bonnie is responsible for finding continual sources of funding for SAFE’s operation. She is devoted to the stewardship of their valued donors and acts as the primary point of contact for donors and other members of the public. She loves meeting new people and introducing them to SAFE. A relative newcomer to the horse world, Bonnie started riding at the age of 37, but quickly made up for lost time. In addition to co-founding SAFE, she also competed on the local Hunter/Jumper circuit, and has two Thoroughbred geldings of her own. She shares her fiveacre farm in Silverdale, WA with SAFE horse Honeycutt. SAFE’s next open house is Sunday, April 28, 2013. For more information and to donate to SAFE, visit www.safehorses.org HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013 | 19
Adds & Scratches
Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE) Photos by Justin Schmauser, schmauserphoto.com
Guests enjoyed fine wine and a silent auction before dinner.
It was all about the horses at the Heart of the Horse fundraiser.
A gourmet meal and an incredible auction made for a memorable evening.
One of two adorable mini horses greet a guest at the Heart of the Horse event
20 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Amazing Sporthorses
For Sale
Please go online to view our Stallions, Sales Horses and the Farm. Ph: 303.621.8512 Fax: 303.621.8511 info@HarmonySporthorses.net www.HarmonySporthorses.net
sport
HITS Thermal Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum Thrills a Packed House to Win AIG Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Desert Circuit whole new level. It’s a tremendous step and the future of the sport is becoming more and more exciting in this country.” And the money, it seems, is attracting riders from all corners of the world to American soil for top-notch competition. With three countries represented in the top three, nine different nations made it into the top-twenty money. There were 40 competitors vying for a slice of the million-dollar pie. After 32 had completed the first-round course without a single clear, it appeared that no one would crack Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Bella Donna were the ones to beat at the code that was HITS Thermal in the AIG Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix, presented by Olympic gold medalLamborghini Newport Beach. Flying Horse Photography ist Conrad Homfeld’s track and a jump-off of four-faulters became a real possibilWith a first-place prize of $350,000 on the line, Germany’s Meredith Michaels- ity. Spectators looked on in anticipation as Beerbaum rose to the occasion, piloting John Pearce of Bermuda Dunes, California Bella Donna to a paycheck she will not rode in on Chianto, owned by Forest View soon forget as winner of the first-ever AIG Farm Allison Moore, and cracked the code Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix, presented to a triumphant clear round. With only three more challenges to by Lamborghini Newport Beach. The best of only two clear rounds, Michaels- Pearce, Michaels-Beerbaum entered on Beerbaum and the ten-year-old mare that her bay mare and guaranteed a twoshe co-owns with EOS Sport capitalized on horse jump-off with a flawless effort a successful season at HITS Desert Horse over Homfeld’s 14-obstacle track, which featured 17 jumping efforts at heights up Park with the sweetest win of them all. “California is my home and it was to 1.60m. In the jump-off, Pearce was clear until a great to come here and ride for this kind of prize,” said Michaels-Beerbaum, who slight rub at the second-to-last fence led a was named the Platinum Performance rail down for four faults. “I knew Meredith Leading Rider at the conclusion of the was behind me, so I was trying to use as HITS Desert Circuit. “Money like this is much speed as I could over obstacles this more often given away in Europe and it size while still being careful,” said Pearce. is bringing the American standard to a All Michaels-Beerbaum and Bella Donna 22 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
had to do was go clear, and go clear she did. Despite picking up three time faults, victory was hers. Pearce posted a time of 53.70 seconds, while Michaels-Beerbaum rode in 56.70 seconds with a 54-second time allowed. “The course was brilliant and a very good test for $1 million,” said MichaelsBeerbaum. “There weren’t any bad pictures out there today—some rails came down, but overall it was very good competition.” The AIG Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix put the final exclamation point on the 2013 HITS Desert Circuit and as the sea of spectators headed home and prize money checks went to the bank, thoughts turned ahead to the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson on September 8th, where riders will again converge in Saugerties, New York to rewrite show jumping history.
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sport
John Pearce and Chianto Take Two Grand Prix Wins at Thermal It was big and it was fast! Forty-nine horse and rider teams competed for top slots in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis. Seventeen made the jump-off, with times getting progressively faster and building to a bang as the last pair to take the field, John Pearce and Chianto, knocked it out of the park for the win in 42.68 seconds. It was the second SmartPak Grand Prix win this winter for Pearce and Chianto, owned by Forest View Farm and Allison Moore. The duo won the $30,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, on February 24. “It was just a great jump-off, right down to the wire,” Pearce said. “I went last, and the times just kept getting faster and faster. When Meredith went before me and was winning I knew I’d have to push as hard as I could.” Pearce’s strategy was to “gallop to the first line, which nobody else did. Out of the gate, I was flat out, and that’s what made the difference.” John Pearce and Chianto won their second Smartpak Grand Prix of the HITS Desert Circuit winter season. The duo rode to a win in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, over a star-studded jump-off. Flying Horse Photography
Amateur Tiffany Sullivan Wins the $54,500 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix CSI-W2*, sponsored by Zoetis qualifying classes at HITS Desert Horse Park, the Los Angeles-based Sullivan rocked the house as the first to go clear in the order of 22 horse-and-rider pairs. “This is my first year competing in the meterfifties, let alone metersixties,” said Sullivan after the class. Tiffany Sullivan scored her first big win after moving up to 1.50Though the audience 1.60m competition at HITS Thermal. She and Tristan topped the didn’t get a jump-off, the $54,500 Purina Animal Health CSI-W2* Grand Prix, presented by excitement of watching Zoetis. Flying Horse Photography two young amateurs and some seasoned veterans more than A grand prix victory is always impresmade up for the lack of a second round. sive, but when it’s your first, and it’s in a “I had jumped clear in every grand prix, 1.60m class, that bumps it into the realm of stunning, and stun the crowd is exactly but always had two or three time faults, so I’ve never placed in the grand prix on this what Tiffany Sullivan, riding Tristan to the front of the pack in the $54,500 Purina circuit,” said the 33-year-old Sullivan, who also competes in the hunters. She and her Animal Nutrition CSI-W 2* Grand Prix, own Easy Company were in fact Desert presented by Zoetis. Circuit IV Champions in the AmateurCompeting before an overflow audiOwner Hunter 18-35 division. ence for the last of three FEI World Cup HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013 | 23
sport
Hits Ocala Andre Thieme Makes Germany Proud in $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group Andre Thieme didn’t think it was Contanga 3’s day when they were one of nine pairs to return to jump off yesterday in the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, at HITS Ocala. “I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to be fast enough, but when everyone started having rails, I
reconsidered,” he said. “I am very happy with my horse’s performance.” Mexico’s Florencio Hernandez built the track that 48 pairs rode on Sunday, which included 14 obstacles with three double combinations. In front of a packed VIP tent and exuberant crowd that stacked the grandstands at HITS Ocala for the richest class of the season, Thieme was
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Andre Thieme and Contanga 3 were the faster of two clear rounds in the jump-off of the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, and will return to Germany with a win. ESI Photography
first to return to the short course. He and Contanga 3 finished in 50.51 seconds, topping one of the largest grand prix fields HITS Ocala has ever seen. Thieme was crowned Pfizer Million champion in 2011 after riding Aragon Rouet to a historic victory. Thieme knows good horses after he and Aragon Rouet rode to the richest prize in show jumping over one of the most difficult courses he will ever face, but he admits that Contanga 3 is rapidly becoming one of the best horses he has ever ridden. “She is young, but very experienced,” he said of the nine-year-old mare. “She has had a very successful winter and I am so surprised at how far she has come.” Thieme will return to Germany after a successful winter circuit, and after some well-deserved time off, will again join the German Nations Cup Team. “I have had a great season in the states, but I miss my family and can’t wait to get back to them,” said Thieme, who will make the trip back to Europe, with a $30,000 firstplace check in hand, where his wife and six-year-old son wait.
sport
Florida’s Own Kate Conover Dominates $50,000 East Meets West Hunter Challenge East Coast hunter riders went to bats with their West Coast rivals Saturday in the highly-anticipated $50,000 East Meets West Hunter Challenge, where Kate Conover rode to first and second-place honors. Conover, of Ocala, Florida, piloted Caroline Kellogg’s Trendy to the win and James Johnson’s Kingston to second. Challengers from both HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida and HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California rotated rounds in a “battle of the coasts” that was evaluated by two sets of judges—Pat Boyle and Brian Lenehan in Florida and Keith Hastings and Alex Talmage in California. “I have never done something like this before, so it was a little nerve-racking, but it went beautifully,” said Hastings. “It was definitely a new vantage point to view the class from a television screen, but it was still clear that we had a great group of horses out there. The quality of horse and rider was great and it’s obvious that classes like this bring out the best in our sport.” A live simulcast connected the two sets of judges watching on high definition monitors while the audience watched the events play out on the opposite coast with ringside scoreboards. Furthering the cutting-edge nature of the class, offsite spectators were able to get in on the action, thanks to a live webcast provided by Galopando TV and iEquine.com. “It is always great for hunters from all over the U.S. to get to compete against each other,” said Tom Struzzieri, HITS president and CEO. “The combination of the big prize money, the unique format and the added benefit of points counting for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final in Saugerties next September made for a very special hunter experience.” “My goal this week was just to make it to today’s final round,” said Conover. “Going late in the class was a huge benefit—I was able to watch or hear all the scores coming out of both Ocala and Thermal. HITS continues to give away huge purses to hunters—something that is so rare in our sport. Aside from the money; the course was great, the jumps were fun and getting to compete against riders from the West Coast was especially exciting.”
Kate Conover of Ocala, Florida and Trendy on their way to a victory in the $50,000 East Meets West Hunter Challenge, which was presented at both HITS Ocala and Thermal. ESI Photography
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sport
Jared Petersen and Titus 2:11 Make it Three in a Row to Dominate HITS Ocala Jared Petersen will likely never forget the 2013 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. He and Titus 2:11 won their third consecutive Sunday grand prix, and their fourth grand prix of the circuit in winning the $50,000 Ring Power Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis. The 20-year-old rider from Archer, Florida is sitting on a relatively new mount with Titus 2:11, owned by his father Derek Petersen, and this season marks their first at grand prix-level competition together. The Petersen family, while elated at the recent string of successes, is admittedly shocked at how things have played out so early in this duo’s career. “Don’t pinch me!” said Petersen’s father Derek after Sunday’s event. “We are blown away by how well this horse keeps jumping.” “This horse has one of the biggest strides of any horse I have ever ridden and it makes him hard to beat in the jump-off,” said Petersen of Titus 2:11, a nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding.
Jared Petersen and Titus 2:11 soared to another win on Sunday. The $50,000 Ring Power Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, was their fourth grand prix title in just two weeks and their third in a row. ESI Photography
photo: Zone 8 photography
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Champion Hanoverian Stallion by Wolkenstein II, Matcho, Pik Koenig The epitome of modern sporthorse breeding, Waterford was the 1998 Stallion Licensing Champion and 1999 Stallion Testing Champion with some of the highest scores ever of 149.94 overall, 154.48 Dressage, 115.84 Jumping. He is ranked in the top 1% of all warmblood stallions for breed value in dressage by the World Sporthorse Breeding Federation. Imported in 2006 from the Hanoverian State Stud at Celle, Waterford is a successful competitor in the U.S.A. with multiple championships and wins in dressage and sport horse in-hand classes including USEF National Champion at 3rd level in 2007. He has produced several licensed stallion sons, state premium and performance tested mares, and offspring selected for the prestigious Verden auction in Germany. His fantastic temperament, ridability, powerful elastic gaits, willingness to work, athletic ability and superior conformation are consistently passed on to his foals.
Fee for 2013, $1,900 (includes $800 booking fee, 3 collections and shipping,) consideration for Elite or State Premium mares; early booking discount; multiple mare discount, also licensed Oldenburg/ISR. For more information, pictures, video, youngsters for sale and contract: www.ESWaterford.com, LMcEnespy @Yahoo.com or 530-343-6806.
Photo by Kit Houghton/FEI
The
First Ladies
of Eventing By Geoff Young
T
he Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event showcases the top riders, men and women (mostly women), from all over the world, but it wasn’t all that long ago that the sport was an exclusive male dominated activity. That would all change of course due to the women that galloped through the glass ceiling of eventing, and left their mark in the history books. It all started with Jenny, who beat the Germans at their own game, followed by Lana and Karen who jumped gender barriers and mastered the other obstacles, on their way to becoming, the first ladies of eventing. Three-day eventing was long a sport dominated by the military and men. The U.S. Army’s breeding program in the 1920’s created the Army Remount Service, which was a defined scientific approach to cavalry horse breeding as well as the establishment of the Advanced Equitation School at Fort Riley. The purpose of the school was to increase the quality of horses and riders and it became the testing ground for Olympic hopefuls with nearly all of the riders who competed in the Olympics for the U.S. in the ’20s and ’30s coming from the program.
Eventing had long been considered to be too demanding for “the weaker sex.”
Captain Thomson and Jenny Camp take the 35th and final obstacle during the cross-country competition. The pair would go on to secure the Individual Silver medal for the United States. Photo USEF archive
It was from this program that one of the greatest eventing horses of all time was bred—the tenacious and courageous mare Jenny Camp. Jenny Camp was foaled at the Fort Robinson Remount Station in Virginia in 1926. The bay mare was small, under 16 hands, but her sire, Gordon Russell, was a recognized thoroughbred jumper. Her dam was most likely part TB and part Standardbred. The small mare started out as a polo pony but the natural jumper kept getting out of the paddocks, so her eventing career began with partner, lieutenant Earl ”Tommy” Thomson. Together, the pair would make history. Their first Olympics together were the 1932 games in Los Angeles where many countries were absent due to the Great Depression. There was nothing special about Jenny Camp’s performance at these games despite her picking up an Individual Silver in eventing and leading the U.S. to Team Silver. The U.S. Army organized these Olympic Games and criticism reigned down that the event was set up to favor the American horses. Tommy Thomson ignored the critics and vowed to prove that his Jenny was the best sports horse in the world. It would take four years and another Olympics to prove it. And the controversy and politics
that had played out in these Games would follow them to Berlin. With the backdrop of an approaching World War II, and controversy over the efforts of Germany to show the world its dominance through the Nazi party, the Berlin Games of 1936 would become a war of wills between the U.S. and German equestrian teams. When the Three-Day Eventing started, the highly touted U.S. team found itself shut out of the medals in Jumping and Dressage, while the Germans had swept
The first U.S. rider to approach The Pond, Captain Raguse and his horse Trailolka, fell hard and the horse injured its shoulder. Photo Max Ammann archive 30 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
the individual and team medals in both of those events. The home country was dominating and the last medal hope for the U.S. was with their eventing team. After the dressage phase the U.S. was in second place behind the Germans and Jenny Camp was in contention for a medal. But ahead lay the cross-country course and the notorious fence four—The Pond. The route to fence four appeared straightforward—a three-foot post and rail
The eventing gold medalist from Germany, Captain Stubbendorf mounted on Nurmi negotiates the massive ditch on the difficult and controversial cross-country course. Photo Olympic archive
HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013 | 31
fence into water, across the pond and a jump the Germans had no problems, except though he hadn’t inspected the longer up and out. But something was not right as for one fall and recovery, and their horses left-hand route, took it anyway, wagering all made it through The Pond without that the talented Jenny Camp would the horses started going around the course. The first U.S. rider to approach fence faults, by taking a wider and much longer figure it out as they went through. The mighty mare with the hopes of a four, Captain Raguse and his horse line to the left side of the fence. They Trailolka, jumped into the water taking apparently knew something that the other nation on her back completed the course the straightest and shortest route through teams didn’t. Protests were filed from all without penalties and followed that up with two clear rounds in Stadium Jumping the obstacle. What they discovered to take home the Individual Silver was that the water was considerably medal and deny the Germans a sweep deeper and the bottom softer and he mighty mare with the of the medals. Jenny Camp became muddier than it had been on course one of only three horses in history to inspection. They took a bad fall and hopes of a nation on her back win individual eventing medals in Trailolka injured a shoulder but the completed the course without consecutive Olympic Games. courageous horse managed to finish As to the mystery of fence four? the course. penalties and followed that up Well, the results were astonishing. All There was no communication tech with two clear rounds in Stadium of the German riders, who took the nology in those days so there were long route through what appeared no walkie talkies or radios to send Jumping to take home the to be a straightforward obstacle, messages back to the waiting riders Individual Silver medal. completed The Pond. Of the other 18 warning them of fence four, and sure teams, only three finished the threeenough, one by one, horse and rider fell day event with enough riders to earn a at The Pond with tragic results. The second eighteen teams to no avail. Since Jenny Camp was in second team score! U.S. rider, Captain Willems on Slippery Slim, Further reinforcing the suspicion that fell and the horse landed heavily in the mud place after dressage, she would go late becoming trapped and breaking a foreleg. in the order of go. By the time she and things weren’t what they seemed, for the Sadly, he was immediately put down along Thomson were ready to start, rumors first and only time in Olympic history, had started to filter back to the waiting Germany, the host country, captured all six with any hope for a U.S. team medal. Other countries fell victim to The Pond riders that something was not right at equestrian gold medals! But, was fence four rigged? According as well with only 18 of 48 starters able to fence four. Tommy sensed that something negotiate fence four, but astonishingly, was suspicious about the fence and even to the Olympic report released after the
T
Lt. Earl “Tommy” Thomson and his legendary Calvary mount, Jenny Camp. Photo ARMOR (Calvary Journal)
32 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Lana du Pont Wright and Mr. Wister on the cross-country course at the 1964 Tokyo Games. Photo USEA archive
Games, 18 horses fell at The Pond and another 10 dislodged their riders. The pond was drained on the day after the test to determine whether holes, unevenness, stones or other peculiarities of the ground could have caused the many falls. It was found that the ground had no faults, no holes or hollows, but that it was a little higher on the left side, so that the water was more shallow there. The final statement on the matter concluded that— “We cannot entirely explain the secret of not falling, of passing through smoothly. It is certain only that those riders who were most successful at the pond were going very slowly before they jumped, did not lean forward, but sat erect or even leaned backward somewhat, and kept the horses tightly reined in.” Germany of course won the gold followed by Poland and Britain. France and Italy did not have a single horse and rider complete the competition. All of the controversy would soon be On the third day of the three-day-event in the stadium forgotten as the world entered jumping phase, Captain Thomson and his clever little mare, war with Germany. The Germans Jenny Camp, secure the silver medal. Photo USEF archive would eventually be vanquished, as the allies, led by U.S. forces, became Germany’s “Fence Four.” And what became of Jenny Camp, the only horse to come through for the Americans on the treacherous cross-country course? The Berlin Games would be the last Olympics until after the war so Jenny never had a chance at gaining a third medal. World War II relied more on machinery than horsepower so few horses saw active duty, and for Jenny it didn’t matter. She was too old now for cavalry use and saw out her days of the war as a broodmare in California. She eventually passed away at the beautifully old age of 32. Jenny Camp’s legacy lived on when in the 1960s the introductory division at horse trials was named the Jenny Camp division. Today, the Jenny Camp Horse Trials, hosted by the Maryland Combined Training Association, is held every September.
Jumping the Glass Ceiling Eventing had long been considered to be too demanding for “the weaker sex” but one woman, with steely determination, put that false notion to shame and would go on to become a leader and a visionary in equestrian sport. The glass ceiling for women in eventing all over the world came down when Lana du Pont Wright became the first woman to compete on an Olympic team and receive a medal when the U.S. won Team Silver at the 1964 Tokyo Games. With her horse Mr. Wister, Lana took on the cross-country course at Karuizawa, Japan—a course that had become slippery and treacherous due to heavy rains. As du Pont and Mr. Wister headed out in the pouring rain, Lana described the first mishap at fence three. “We fell hard, Wister breaking several bones in his jaw. We were badly disheveled and shaken, but Wister was nonetheless eager to continue. We fell a second time near the end of the course, tripping over another spread. When we finished, we were a collection of bruises, broken bones and mud. Anyway, we proved that a woman could get around an Olympic cross country course, and HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013 | 33
Lana du Pont Wright, on the left, became the first woman to stand on an Olympic eventing medal podium. Photo Max Ammann archive
“Once upon a time, there was an
inductee like Lana du Pont Wright… but only once, for she is indeed unique.” nobody could have said that we looked feminine at the finish!” The U.S. won the Team Silver medal, and the notion that women were too delicate for such a grueling sport was laid to rest forever. But Lana’s groundbreaking efforts didn’t end with the ’64 Games. After the Olympics, Lana foxhunted with Mr. Wister and recalled that he was “a wonderful hunter.”
She later would become interested in combined driving and 27 years after winning a silver medal at the Olympic Games, she hoisted the gold medal at the World Driving Championships in 1991. Her enthusiasm for equestrian sport made her a visionary. She is one of the founding members of the United States Combined Training Association (now known as the USEA), and she became involved in endurance riding, placing in many competitions over the years. She has been a strong supporter of Pony Club and is one of the founders of the Fair Hill International. Her many accomplishments and years of support and dedication to equestrian sport is unmatched, but it is her moment in history as the first woman to compete in Olympic Eventing that earned her a place in the USEA Hall of Fame. When you consider that over 80% of the competitors in eventing today are women, consider that not long ago that glass ceiling was well in place, and as we now take for granted the fact that women stand on that Olympic podium, it was not possible until Lana du Pont Wright came along. At her induction to the Hall of Fame in 2012, Jimmy Wofford gave the introduction, closing with these remarks. “Lana is unparalleled, and her achievement is incomparable; there never was anyone like Lana, and there will never be anyone like her again. In years to come, eventers will look at the list of Hall of Fame members, and they will say, ‘Once upon a time, there was an inductee like Lana du Pont Wright...but only once, for she is indeed unique.’ ”
Getting it Done Individually Longtime friend Jim Wolf called her, “A small package with a thousand pound brain.” For the rest of us, Karen Stives will be known as the first woman in eventing history to win an individual Karen Stives and Ben Arthur captured Team Gold and Individual Silver in eventing at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Photo Tish Quirk 34 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
“A
small package with a thousand pound brain.”
Karen Stives, with the help of Ben Arthur, put herself in the history books by becoming the first woman to win an individual Olympic medal in eventing.
medal—the silver, aboard her mother’s big grey gelding, Ben Arthur, at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Karen, a New England rider, rose to the top of international competition through unrelenting determination, hard diligent work, and pure natural ability. She was the USCTA Rider of the Year in 1981, ’87, and ’88. She represented the U.S. in international competition on her talented thoroughbred, The Saint— including the World Championships in Luhmuhlen, Germany in 1982. It was at this championship that an Irish-bred horse named Ben Arthur intrigued Karen’s mother, Lillian Mahoney. A member of the New Zealand team had leased the horse from a British rider. Lillian stepped up and made an offer on Ben, purchasing the horse for Karen and setting into motion a partnership that would pay off big two years later in Los Angeles. The dressage and stadium jumping events were held at Santa Anita racetrack near Los Angeles, but the cross-country course had to be located elsewhere due to the lack of open space in the Los Angeles area. The Fairbanks Ranch in Rancho Santa Fe, California looked to be a suitable location for the course. Owned by Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, the ranch was slated for development and a championship golf course. Working together, course designer Neil Ayer and golf course designer Ted
Robinson created a cross-country course that was later converted to the golf course after the Games. The dressage phase began at Santa Anita racetrack and Karen recalls that her best memory of that first day was winning a bet made with team coach, Jack LeGoff. During warm ups, Ben was going so well that Karen didn’t want to change anything, so by the time she met with Jack in the last of the warm ups, she was just walking Ben around and waiting her turn into the main arena. “What are you doing? Why aren’t you getting to work?” said coach LeGoff. “I told him I had no idea what was going on but whatever it was it was working,” said Karen. “I told him I just wanted to wait until it was my turn to take the test.” The rider that went right before Karen had a fabulous high score and Jack turned to her and said, “I bet you can’t beat that rider’s score.” Karen replied, “Oh yes I can.” Jack bet Karen a case of champagne and the pair entered the dressage test. Recalled Karen, “Ben went in and did the best test he’s ever done in his career. I savored every sip of that champagne!” Entering the show jumping phase, team and individual gold medals were in the sight of the U.S. team. With jumping being Ben’s weakest event, Karen rode the big grey through the course with only one rail down, but that rail cost her the individual gold medal.
The U.S. team of J. Michael Plumb, Torrance Watkins Fleischmann, Bruce Davidson, and Karen Stives would go on to win the Team Gold with solid cross-country rides, holding off eventing powerhouse teams from Great Britain, Australia, and Germany. As the anchor of the team, Karen and Ben’s performance clinched the top spot on the podium for the U.S. and the pair was awarded the Individual Silver medal, missing the Individual Gold by that one downed rail. On that day, Karen became the first of two women ever to win an individual Olympic Three-Day Eventing medal. The other woman was Great Britain’s Virginia Holgate Elliot, who took the bronze. Karen retired from international competition in 1990 and became a FEIlevel eventing judge. She chaired the USET section committee for ten years and was inducted into the U.S. Eventing Association’s Hall of Fame in 2006. Ben retired at Karen’s family farm where he lived out the rest of his life, passing when he was in his mid-20s. There will always be the pioneers, the trailblazers, and the torchbearers in any and all endeavors, and for the most part, these pioneers change the game forever. Such was the case with Jenny, Lana, and Karen, who defied the odds, the obstacles, and the prejudices to become the first ladies of eventing. HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013 | 35
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I am a member of a team, and I rely
on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion. Mia Hamm
nerships in
Black & White Photographs by Meghan Scott Molin
Loyalty and devotion lead to bravery. Bravery leads to the spirit of selfsacrifice. The spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love.
Morihei Ueshiba
40 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
After the horse dance was over, it seemed that I was above the ground and did not touch it when I walked.
Black Elk
hotographer Meghan Scott Molin has been an equine enthusiast since birth. She grew up on her family’s horse breeding farm in rural Colorado and literally rode before she could walk. While in college pursuing her Masters degree in Architecture, Meghan’s love of design coupled with photography classes she was taking, brought her to the realization that she had an eye for creating powerful images. She now cannot imagine her life without the magic that she sees through her lens. “There is no thrill bigger than getting to capture the essence of what makes horses and their human partners unique—an image that is undeniably them,” she explained. From working under saddle, to hanging out in the field, grooming in a stall, or performing at the highest levels in show, Meghan loves the entire process of capturing the equestrian lifestyle. She brings with her a deep knowledge of many disciplines, years as a professional designer, and an ability to put people and animals at ease. She loves creating one-of-a-kind finely crafted art pieces for people to remember that moment, that bond. And she loves it when people get to display a moment from their own life as a piece of art in their homes. Meghan currently lives in Fort Collins, CO with her husband, cat, dog, and two horses (Mac, an OTTB, and Lacey, a Swedish WB cross). She is currently booking her 2013 calendar for photographic projects and is available for travel and special requests. For more information visit www.msmolinphotography.com
A horse’s whiskers are so sensitive; they can find their way through the narrowest crack in a broken heart. Butte Dawson
Maybe some women aren’t meant to be tamed. Maybe they just need to run free till they find someone just as wild to run with them. Carrie Bradshaw—Sex in the City
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Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance. Carl Sandburg
If we are together nothing is impossible. If we are divided all will fail. Winston Churchill
A horse is the projection of people’s dreams about themselves— strong, powerful, and beautiful—and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence. Pam Brown
HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013 | 45
Just because I’m not forever by your side doesn’t mean that’s not precisely where I want to be. Stephanie Laurens
I have found no greater satisfaction
than achieving success through
honest dealing and strict adherence to the view that, for you to gain, those you deal with should gain as well. Alan Greenspan
HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013 | 47
C
ultivate solitude and quiet and a few sincere friends, rather than mob
merriment, noise and thousands of nodding acquaintances. William Powell
Definitely Dressage DEFINITELY DRESSAGE is a new HC feature that is all about the ballet of horse and rider. Each edition of DEFINITELY DRESSAGE will highlight the personalities and horses of the sport as well as showcasing new products, announcing upcoming shows and clinics, as well as the latest news, both here and abroad. If the art of classical riding is your passion, then be sure and enter “D” for DEFINITELY DRESSAGE. If you have news, tips, products, or ideas for this feature, email them to Dressage@horseconnection.com
World and Olympic Dressage Champion Salinero Retires
Photo Kit Houghton/FEI
E
motions ran high in the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands during the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage series when the official retirement ceremony for Anky van Grunsven’s 19-year-old Hannoverian, Salinero, took place. The Dutch rider enjoyed enormous success with this horse whose career might well have
been overshadowed by the memory of his revered predecessor, Bonfire, who, together with van Grunsven, first brought Freestyle Dressage to center stage. Salinero, however, followed faithfully in those very famous hoofprints to become a star in his own right, taking Olympic individual gold in Athens in 2004 and again at the equestrian events of the Beijing Olympic Games in Hong Kong four years later. And he helped van Grunsven to become the most prolific winner of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage title—she won it nine times over a 13-year period between 1995 and 2008. Salinero first came to prominence in 2003 with victory in the Dutch National Championship and was part of the Dutch bronze medal winning team at the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park last summer which brought his spectacular career to a fitting conclusion. 52 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Photo Kit Houghton/FEI
D E F I N I T E LY D R E S S A G E
Enter at “D” for
Lars Petersen and Mariett show off their extended trot en route to their Grand Prix CDI-W victory. Photo Mary Adelaide Brakenridge
S
unny skies, a convivial atmosphere and top-notch dressage performance highlighted the 30th anniversary of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W February 28–March 3. Seasoned international competitors and young rising stars alike came out to vie for victory at the historic event. Lars Petersen and Mariett distanced themselves from the field in the FEI Grand Prix classes, winning both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle by convincing margins. They began the weekend by scoring 72.745% to take the Grand Prix, besting second-place finishers Shelly Francis and Doktor by three percentage points. David Marcus and Don Kontes took third in the competitive class of 15 entrants. The Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday featured standout musical performances by an elite group of riders, several of whom were coming off top finishes on the South Florida winter dressage circuit. Petersen and Mariett looked like they
had the win wrapped up as they coasted through their circus-music themed routine, though their victory was briefly in question when they strayed from their set
choreography in the middle of their ride. Petersen stayed cool under pressure and improvised a way to get back on track. continued‌
Mette Rosencrantz and Finally Win the Grand Prix Special. Photo Mary Adelaide Brakenridge HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013 | 53
D E F I N I T E LY D R E S S A G E
The 30th Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W Delights Competitors and Crowd
D E F I N I T E LY D R E S S A G E
Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W “I was very happy with the horse,” Petersen said after his ride. “I had a little mistake in my choreography, and I did a little bit of taking my own line in the middle of it. I thought about the jumping riders, but otherwise I was very happy with my horse today.” Marcia Pepper, who coowns Mariett with Petersen, explained that they are giving the 15-year-old Danish Warmblood mare the time she needs to mature and progress. “We’ll see how it develops,” she said. “There has never been a plan. Ever. We’re just taking it slowly.” Mette Rosencrantz and Finally put together a fluid, consistent test to lock up the title in Saturday’s Grand Retiring FEI Judge Axel Steiner congratulates Mette Rosencrantz, riding Finally, on her win in the Grand Prix Special Prix Special, improving CDI-W at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby. Photo Mary Adelaide Brakenridge markedly after their 14th place in the Grand Prix. Evi Strasser rode Action Tyme to a second-place finish in the Special, while The Palm Beach Dressage Derby was a fitting stage for Cheryl Meisner and Tango took third. Steiner’s swan song as an FEI judge, as it played a crucial role “I think I did a helluva good job!” Rosencrantz exclaimed in the development of his judging career. Over his decades of after her win. “The other day I had a problem from the warminvolvement with the Derby, he benefited from collaboration up to the ring, but today I thought, ‘I’ve got nothing to lose.’ I with other eminent international judges. think there’s a lot of things I could do better, but it was a good “It was my first exposure to judging with European judges,” test and I was really proud of him.” Steiner recalled. “This year is very important for me. I have many, many memories.” “The Derby was the premier show in Florida and even today Axel Steiner Retires it probably is still one of the most influential,” he added. “What The Palm Beach Dressage Derby marked the last FEI show of Devon is in the fall, the Derby is in the spring.” Judge Axel Steiner’s illustrious career. Steiner received his first national judges’ license in 1968 and attained Official (FEI-O, now designated as FEI 5*) status in 1988. He has judged at the Olympic Games, Pan American Games and World Cup Finals, as well as other world-class competitions. Steiner is a faculty member of USDF’s “L” program, serves as a judge instructor and examiner, and is on the USEF Dressage Committee. A group of competitors, owners and (C) 303-489-3047 spectators staged a flash mob to celebrate skvoth@hotmail.com Steiner’s retirement from FEI judging. Franktown, CO They danced and sang to the Macarena, changing the lyrics to “Hey, Axel Steiner!” Steiner was initially surprised and then joined in with a smile, accepting 30 Years Experience · Custom Care, Direct Routes congratulations for his long years of Competitive Rates · Local and National distinguished service.
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54 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Olympian Guenter Seidel & “Coral Reef Wylea” earned two wins in their international competition debut at the Mid-Winter Dressage Fair CDI 3*/Y/J. Photo: Amy McCool
1369 W. Littleton Blvd. Littleton, CO 80120 303.794.6741
California’s spring CDI season got underway at the Mid-Winter Dressage Fair & CDI 3*/Y/J, February 22–24 in Burbank, CA as riders were looking to get their 2013 international competition season off to a strong start. Some of these exhibitors were also showing off fresh-faced mounts, and in the case of Olympic veterans Guenter Seidel and Steffen Peters, their extensive experience helped guide their exciting new horses to blue ribbons. During the Grand Prix competition, all eyes were on Guenter Seidel with his new partner “Coral Reef Wylea” (Weinberg x Saluut) in their much-anticipated CDI debut, and they did not disappoint. A solid performance earned a winning score of 70.021% from judges. In the Grand Prix Special, Seidel’s partnership with Coral Reef Ranch’s 13-year-old Westfalen mare continued to grow, improving their winning score to 71.313%. For the Grand Prix Freestyle, the Canadian national anthem was played in honor of Karen Pavicic’s victory with the 11-yearold Oldenburg gelding “Don Daiquiri” (Don Cardinale x Rubinstein I) on a score of 70.100% The Mid-Winter Dressage Fair was the first official qualifying competition for the Markel/ Cornerstone Young Talent Search Finals, a new program designed to identify and reward talented young horses on the West Coast, which also will pay out over $10,000 in prize money and awards. In the four-year-old division, Karen Ball rode “Sir Spiderman” (Oldenburg stallion, Sir Donnerhall x Rubinstein I) to a winning score of 75.208% for owners Alan and Theresa Reese. Tamra Smith and the Oldenburg gelding “Quincy” (Quaterback x Brentano II), owned by Jennifer Mason, topped a field of five-year-olds with an impressive score of 77.069%, while Kathleen Raine presented Sandy Harper’s Dutch Warmblood mare “Ceolieta” (Sir Donnerhall x Zeoliet) to win her division with 66.714%. A total of ten young horses earned the first of two required qualifying scores of 65% or better towards an invitation for the inaugural Finals, which will be held during Star Spangled Dressage, June 28–30, 2013 in San Juan Capistrano. The next Cornerstone competition will be the Festival of the Horse CDI 3*/Y/J, to be held March 27–30, 2013 at “The Oaks” in beautiful San Juan Capistrano, CA.
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HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013 | 55
D E F I N I T E LY D R E S S A G E
Olympians Guenter Seidel & Steffen Peters Score Big Wins at 2013 Mid-Winter Dressage Fair & CDI 3*/Y/J
D E F I N I T E LY D R E S S A G E
Helmets Only For All USA National Dressage Events Starting April 1, 2013 Helmets only will be the rule for ALL United States Equestrian Federation events, including for senior riders in Grand Prix and small tour events, effective April 1 this year, though senior riders in International Equestrian Federation (FEI) CDI’s will still be allowed to wear top hats. The decision by the U.S. may be the nearest any major horse sport nation has come to requiring safety helmets at all levels of dressage. For national competitions, the rule will end the contradictory and confusing application for seniors that require a helmet whenever mounted while on show grounds except when warming up and in the competition arena. Some nations experimented with helmet rules before the availability of fashionable but safe headgear, but modified them to exclude Grand Prix riders because of complaints from riders. The new USEF rule requiring helmets applies also to riders who wear military or police uniforms. The United States led the drive for adoption of safety helmets in dressage– they were already required for jumping– after American Olympians Courtney King-Dye and Günter Seidel were seriously injured in 2010. The FEI on Jan. 1 this year implemented the rule that had been adopted by the U.S. requiring safety helmets for all dressage events, except for seniors in CDI’s. However, a growing number of international riders have switched to safety helmets. The essence of the new USEF rule: “From the time horses are officially admitted to the competition grounds by competition management, anyone mounted on a horse at any time on the competition grounds including non-competing riders, riders on noncompeting horses, and those competing in all classes and tests, including ParaEquestrian tests, must wear protective headgear as defined by this rule and otherwise in compliance with GR801. Any rider violating this rule at any time must immediately be prohibited from further riding until such headgear is properly in 56 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
place. Protective headgear is defined as a riding helmet that meets or exceeds ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards for equestrian use and carries the SEI tag. The harness must be secured and properly fitted.” Horse Connections 4.7x7 feb 5_Horse Connections ad 4.7x7 Feb 5 13-02-05 11:29 PM Page 1
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The Horse Fac Story and photographs by Geoff Young
tory of Lewitz
A
moved in the shadows of the massive building. The room had to be at least a block long and was open and airy and filled with two feet of shavings and bedding. Looking at me were sixty pairs of big soft eyes and there was an eerie sense of calm in the air, considering that I was standing in a building with a loose herd of stout three-year-old warmbloods. n equine sea of color and hot breath
The massive buildings make ideal winter quarters for the horses.
I wasn’t sleeping but it was dreamlike to be surrounded by all of these horses while taking a tour of the largest warmblood breeding operation in the world. In the historical district of Mecklenburg, in northeastern Germany, lies the nature reserve known as Lewitz—a 40,000-acre wetland area formed 5000 years ago during the glacial melt off. With thick woods, abundant wildlife and water,
this was a natural paradise until the end of World War II. With the iron curtain in place, Eastern Germany drained the wetlands of Lewitz in order to create massive pasturelands to accommodate the largest cattle breeding station in the Eastern Bloc. Lewitz now had a facility housing 15,000 Holsteiner dairy cows and by 1989, had 50,000 dairy cows on the premises that would become the Lewitz stud. By 1972, the community in Lewitz started to breed ponies with characteristics suitable for children and teenage riders. The horses were very trainable for riding and driving. Thus, the Lewitzhorse was created and became an accepted German breed. After German reunification, equestrian
superstar Paul Schockemohle acquired the stud in 1991, and began to create Europe’s largest warmblood breeding facility. Schockemohle is a legend in the horse world, having won Olympic gold and most other championships, as well as training some of the best riders in the world. An astute businessman, PS, as he is known, is very hands on with the operation at Lewitz. Utilizing all the buildings left over from the cattle operation, he has created an ideal environment for breeding and rearing warmblood horses in one location. The stables, clinics and housing areas consist of more than 70,000 sq ft with an additional 6,000+ acres of pasture for grazing and turnout. Housing around 3,500 horses, Schockemohle breeds around 800 strictly selected mares producing a staggering 650 foals each year! Schockemohle has no peer when it comes to building a stallion line. As the discoverer of Sandro Hit, PS has assembled some of the best bloodlines in the world for
Many of the barns left over from the cattle station have been put to good use at the stud. 60 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
A new arrival at Lewitz stud.
A large staff handles the care of each and every foal.
The nature preserve of Lewitz—After World War II, the preserve of Lewitz was drained for cattle grazing. Today, it has been restored and is an oasis of wildlife, especially birds. 62 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
his breeding empire. Breeders can choose from such exceptional stallions such as Sir Donnerhall, Don Schutro, Baloubet du Rouet, Dobel’s Cento, Furstenball, Sandro Boy, and now, Totilas. Arriving at Lewitz stud I was amazed to see at least 200 horses eating out of a trough that must have been the length of a football field. The sheer number of horses all housed together is staggering. The horses are all segregated according to age and they all wore different colored plastic bands around their necks to designate
Calm mares stand over their foals in the nursery.
that age—from one- to three-year-olds. Broodmares are kept together and the nursery holds the mares and foals. I wanted to see the nursery first because who doesn’t want to see hundreds of adorable foals? What a sight to behold, seeing scores of mares with fuzzy foals napping all over the thick bedding that covered the huge floor. The system here has all of the horses living together in herds, which is the natural and best way to raise horses. The foals all had a shaved area on their sides, indicating that every
one had been ultra-sounded to check for irregularities. They napped and played together in a quiet, calm environment with the mares all watching over them. The stud has an extensive medical facility on the grounds along with a qualified staff of vets and vet technicians. Every horse is monitored in order to maintain optimal health and wellbeing. The breeding lab is able to store and administer fresh or frozen semen from the stallion lines as well as perform embryo transfer.
Every horse born at Lewitz, and especially the colts, go through an evaluation process that is overseen personally by PS himself. Each horse has a note card with its pedigree, picture, and comments from the evaluation. When they are old enough the evaluation includes free jumping, and PS is present to observe the jumping ability and offer his comments and recommendations. PS actually takes the time to look at and grade each horse depending on ability and what its best suitability will be. In HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013 | 63
The Lewitz horses at feeding time.
Best friends napping together. 64 | APRIL 2013 | HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
that respect, he puts his personal seal of approval (or not) on each horse. Despite the fact that some of these buildings held upwards of over 100 horses housed together, they all seemed very calm and not the least bit nervous. This is the result of being raised in a herd. Horses are social animals, and when they are raised in a herd, they are able to find out where they belong in the social pecking order. In this respect, every horse is able to find their “niche,�—anti-social or outcast horses all hang together as opposed to being isolated from the herd. The submissive horses stay with each other away from the dominant horses, but they all co-exist under the same roof. This creates horses with sound and confident minds, perhaps one of the most important traits a horse can have. The ability to house horses indoors during the winter is another asset of the
Different colored neckbands designate the age of the horse.
Lewitz stud. After all, could you imagine trying to blanket thousands of horses? Come spring, the horses are able to enjoy grazing on the vast pasturelands that encompass the stud. Around 90% of the horses at Lewitz stud are sold to foreign customers. Said Schockemohle, “The USA is a very important market as European horses are in high demand there. Asia, China, Japan and Korea, along with the Arab countries are also emerging markets for our horses. In Europe we focus on Great Britain, Italy and Spain.” When asked if he had achieved everything he wanted with his breeding operation, PS responded, “I would like to improve the breeding process. Many of our horses have already proven the quality of our breeding even in international tournaments. But I see more potential for improvement. That is why I bought Totilas. I am 67 years old now, and I do not have any big new projects at the moment. I have to admit that I am not as driven by expansion as I used to be. Now, I prefer to get better at the things I do. My job is my passion, and I would like to continue it for a while, but you never
The nursery is a quiet and calm place—perfect for napping foals.
know. I am thinking about a successor, and I have started to organize things.” Prepare to be overwhelmed if shopping for a horse at Lewitz stud. There are just so many beautiful horses that making a selection becomes very difficult. Just when you think you’ve found your perfect horse, around the corner are another
several dozen that would just take you breath away. A few people who have bought horses here stated that with the immense selection and the quality of the horses, it is very difficult to settle on just one. As one person put it, “it’s like when you go to Disneyland for the first time as a child, you want everything!” HORSE CONNECTION MAGAZINE | APRIL 2013 | 65
“ Many of our horses have already proven the quality of our breeding even in international tournaments. But I see more potential for improvement.�
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Barb Haynie and Kismet Barb loves Kismet. Together they jump as one. Notice Kismet’s ears turned to listen to Barb and how both rider and horse are connected while jumping. Photo by Frank Goss—Compelling Images Photography
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