Untacked march 2015

The CHRONICLE off the HORSE

VOL. 3, NO. 2

MARCH /APRIL 2015

SANDY FERRELL

FROM BARN TO BALLROOM

EVERY SPORT NEEDS A

SALLY IKE

SPRING FASHION PREVIEW A SUPPLEMENT TO THE CHRONICLE OF THE HORSE

LEXINGTON’S

CULINARY RENAISSANCE

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Or offered with 5 acres for $850,000.

Red Fox Road | 13.47 Acres 3BR/2.5BA | 7 Stall Morton Barn Fenced Pasture | Mtn. Views | 90 x 185 Ring In-ground Pool | Trailer Parking Offered at $1,200,000

Peniel Road Tryon, NC 83.08 Acres | Mountain Views Caretakers House Approx. 90% in Pasture Offered at $1,750,000

The Meadows of Campbell Creek Rolling Pasture | Mountain Views Tracts Range from 13 Acres and up Located on the GENTS Trail System Located on a Private Road | Equestrian Neighborhood

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Mockingbird Hill | 26.4 Acres Mountain Views | Pool w/ Pool House 2 Stall Barn w/additional Garage Space Lush Pastures | Meticulous Landscape Offered at $1,325,000

Tryon, NC | Old Hunt Country 9.29 Acres | 3 Fenced Paddocks 3 Stall Barn | Feta Trail Area 3BR/3.5 BA Home Offered at $499,000.

Formerly Fairview Farms, Greenspace of Fairview is one of the last large pristine tracts in the Upstate. It is protected in perpetuity by a conservation easement to preserve its historic character as open space and horse country subject to the limited development of only 14 residential/horse farm tracts.

Greenspace encompasses 1,331 acres with 778 acres of open space offering over 20 miles of riding/hiking trails, a 12.5 acre lake, a 3/4 mile racetrack perfect for conditioning your horse, Pacolet River frontage, agricultural land, streams, open fields and hardwood forest.

Tract A 26 Acres Lush Pasture | Mountain Views Offered at $1,092,000

Tract L 25 Acres Lush Pasture | Mountain Views Offered at $1,050,000

Tract M 25 Acres Lush Pasture | Hardwoods Offered at $975,000

s t n e t n Co

The C HRONICLE of the HORSE

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BORIS MABILLARD PHOTO

VOL. 3, NO. 2

ON THE COVER: Elena Lusenti Photo

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The Perpetual Reinvention Of Sally Ike Passion Play: Florence Flameng The Maryland Hunt Cup: Where Tradition Always Wins Tripping The Light Fantastic The Fading History Of The Tea Horse Road Where Boot Camp Meets Paradise A Nomad’s World: Crossing Kyrgyzstan On Horseback Charleston By Carriage

PATRICK BLANCHE PHOTO

DOUGLAS LEES PHOTO

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New Ariat Monaco™ LX Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum knows that her new contoured Monaco LX boots are ďŹ t to perform.

s t n e t n Co

CONTACT US: SUBSCRIPTIONS & RENEWALS:

Mail: The Chronicle of the Horse P. O. Box 433288 Palm Coast, FL 32143-3288 Phone: 800.877.5467 Email: subscriptions@chronofhorse.com Manuscripts and photographs, accompanied by return postage, will be handled with care. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material.

Copyright© 2015 by The Chronicle of the Horse, LLC. Reproduction of any material (including photographs and drawings) without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. The Chronicle of the Horse® and the distinctive masthead that appear on the cover of the magazine are all registered trademarks of The Chronicle of the Horse, LLC and may not be used in any manner without prior written permission.

THE CHRONICLE OF THE HORSE (ISSN 0009-5990) is published weekly except for January 5, February 2, March 2, March 23, April 27, June 1, June 29, July 20, September 7, October 5, December 7 and December 28 by The Chronicle of the Horse, LLC 108 The Plains Road, Middleburg, Virginia. Periodicals postage paid at Middleburg, VA and additional mailing offices.

THE CHRONICLE OF THE HORSE UNTACKED is published bimonthly. It is part of your subscription to The Chronicle of the Horse. To order single copies, call 800-877-5467 or e-mail subscriptions@chronofhorse.com.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES United States and possessions $59.95/yr. Canada $79.95/yr. Foreign (other than Canada) $159.95/yr.

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POSTMASTER SUBMIT ADDRESS CHANGES TO P.O. Box 433288, Palm Coast, Florida 32143-3288

CANADA POST

Editor’s Letter

20

Contributors

28

Around The Arena

32

Tech Spotlight

34

Test Lab

36

Editor’s Picks

38

The Clothes Horse

138

City Guide

146

Charity Spotlight

148

Best Of Web & Print

152

Parting Ways

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KIMBERLY LOUSHIN PHOTO

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138

ALEXANDRA BECKSTETT PHOTO

Departments

Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Canada Returns to be sent to Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON, N6C6B2

Judges’ Favorite Style and Grace Meet Unmatched Performance Every outdoor space is a unique mix of your character and style. The components of the Suncast ELEMENTS™ Outdoor Furniture Collection have been designed to mix and match to create your own distinctive environment.

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Explore the complete Suncast ELEMENTS™ Outdoor Furniture Collection at Suncast.com/outdoorfurniture Patents Pending. ©2015 Suncast Corporation

EDITOR’S LETTER

Life Lived Organically We face a lot of pressure, as riders in America in the 21st century, to get ahead.

We want to talent-spot our team members of the future as early as possible so we can get them into programs that will hasten their development.

We want our young, talented horses funneled into a pipeline so they can advance to the top level of sport as quickly as possible. Even amateur riders experience these pressures—perhaps even more acutely than juniors and professionals, since they often have more to balance—to know what you want and how you’ll get there and to relentlessly strive for it until you do. We even devoted our January/February issue of Untacked, the Resolutions Issue, to this very theme.

But as you flip through the pages of this edition of the magazine, you’ll find stories of equestrians whose paths in life have led to some truly remarkable places, almost by accident.

For recent lifetime achievement award winner Sally Ike (p. 60), that’s meant going from a spot on the U.S. Equestrian Team to becoming a Pony Club mom, then helping manage gold-medal championship teams and now ensuring opportunities for generations of hardworking young riders to come.

For Sandy Ferrell (p. 88), that’s meant taking a chance on a hobby, at age 43, so foreign to her experience as a top hunter rider and trainer that at first it almost qualified as a dare. But the more she learned of ballroom dancing, the more she found she loved it, and today she travels the country to compete in her pastime almost as much as she does in her profession.

And for the classically trained and naturalborn French artist Florence Flameng (p. 70), that’s meant spending five decades on a meandering 16

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path through education, travel, love, heartbreak, motherhood and horses before finally returning to painting full time and establishing her own business, L’Art du Foulard.

I’ve heard plenty of times throughout my life that people don’t change, but stories like these, which highlight humans’ unique ability to embrace the unexpected and reinvent themselves time and time again, are inspiring evidence to the contrary.

As Sally, now 70, explained to associate editor Molly Sorge in the course of her interview for this issue, “One thing has really led to another, without any real thought process or intent that, ‘I need to go do this.’ I’ve just been doing my job and had lucky opportunities.”

Sometimes I worry that my generation and the ones coming after it won’t feel this same freedom to allow life to happen organically.

Plans are great, and goals are vital tools to help us get where we want to go in life. And we all want to feel in control of our own destinies. But in the midst of our overscheduled, overstressed and overstimulated daily grind, we’re pushing the joys of spontaneity further and further into the periphery.

I hope the likes of Sally, Sandy and Florence will encourage you, as they have me, to take a breath, open your mind, and take a chance on the unknown. As they’re discovered themselves, it could be better than you ever imagined.

—Kat Netzler, Editor

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CONTRIBUTORS

LIZ CALLAR PHOTO

In This Issue

A native of Lexington, Ky., Meghan is a former member of the Chronicle editorial staff who now calls Louisville, Ky., home.

She logs most of her time in the saddle foxhunting and competing in the jumpers.

When she’s not with horses, she likes to travel and shop for vintage clothing (preferably at the same time).

SABINE SCHARNBERG PHOTO

Amy Dragoo

Elena Lusenti Originally from Milan, Italy, Elena is a photographer of horses and riders around the world. She brings her insightful eye to an equestrian culture she knows well, having competed with great success in high amateur-owner show jumping. Her travels around the globe always bring her back to her equestrian roots in Wellington, Fla., where she currently resides.

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A longtime contributor to the Chronicle, Amy is an award-winning photojournalist and animal lover based in eastern Pennsylvania. She spent 14 years as a staff photographer for a daily newspaper in suburban Philadelphia while also traveling the world as a freelance equestrian photographer. While she now mostly focuses on the Olympic disciplines, particularly eventing, you can find her everywhere from her local hunt’s Thanksgiving meet to the pony ring at the Devon Horse Show.

Ann Glavan Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ann grew up competing at A-circuit shows in the hunter and equitation divisions, first on her pony Is A Belle and more recently on her horse Happy Go Lucky (pictured).

Ann is a former editorial intern for The Chronicle of the Horse, and she continues to freelance for the magazine while attending the University of Missouri, where she studies journalism and economics.

Laura St. Clair Laura is a writer, adult amateur dressage rider, and the fresh voice behind the equestrian style blog SHADBELLY. Raised on her family’s farm near Nashville, Laura still holds dear her Middle Tennessee Pony Club pin. She recently returned to her love of all things equestrian after a notable career in commercial real estate.

Laura, her husband George, and their two Hanoverians now reside in Litchfield, Conn., and Naples, Fla. Away from the barn, Laura serves as assistant taster for George’s Napa-based winery, and she’s finishing edits to her first feature screenplay, Jubilation.

BORIS MABILLARD PHOTO

Meghan Blackburn

Diana is a freelance photojournalist and editor specializing in equestrian, outdoor recreation and travel subjects. A lifelong horsewoman, she has foxhunted, packed in the mountains and evented; currently she’s training her young PRE for a career in dressage.

LILI WEIK PHOTO

Diana Hunt

After graduating with a photojournalism degree in Paris in 1997, Patrick has gone on to have his stories and images published in numerous French and international magazines. He’s also published five books, on subjects from Madagascar to Indonesia, including Horses and Equestrian Traditions in Asia (2013). His driving passion is to bear testimony to ancestral traditions and cultures living on borrowed time.

SUE STICKLE PHOTO

Patrick Blanche

Holly Brewer Holly travels the United Kingdom and the rest of the world—often on horseback— living in tents, caravans and dilapidated farmhouses while working as a rider and writer. Her obsessions include horsetrading, the nomadic horse cultures of the world, and her never-ending quest for a decent pair of waterproof riding gloves.

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The C HRONICLE of the HORSE

Untacked 6OLUME s .UMBER s -ARCH !PRIL

produced and published by The Chronicle of the Horse PUBLISHER

KATHERINE BELLISSIMO PRESIDENT/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

BETH RASIN, beth@chronofhorse.com

Editorial EDITOR

KAT NETZLER, kat@chronofhorse.com MANAGING EDITOR

SARA LIESER, slieser@chronofhorse.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR

MOLLY SORGE, molly@chronofhorse.com EDITORIAL STAFF

SHARON ROSE, sharon@chronofhorse.com MOLLIE BAILEY, mbailey@chronofhorse.com LISA SLADE, lisa@chronofhorse.com LINDSAY BERRETH, lindsay@chronofhorse.com JENNIFER CALDER, jbcalder@chronofhorse.com TAYLOR JOYCE, taylor@chronofhorse.com HALEY BURTON, haley@chronofhorse.com KIMBERLY LOUSHIN, kimberly@chronofhorse.com EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER

LAUREN FOLEY, lauren@chronofhorse.com

Design & Production ART DIRECTOR

SYLVIA GASHI-SILVER, sylvia@chronofhorse.com SENIOR DESIGNERS

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fine leather equestrian handbags

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Minutes to TIEC: Professional equestrian facility: 17-Stall main barn, 6-stall second barn, each with apartment. Six large paddocks, riding ring and pond. 4 Bedroom home with sweeping mtn views. Neighborhood trails, hack to GCH Hunt Country.

34+ Acres. $2,900,000

7 Miles to TIEC: Wonderful equestrian farm with 2 barns totaling 15 stalls. 4-Bay garage and equipment buildings, large riding ring - on the sought-after FETA and CETA riding trails. Charming main house and guest house with mountain views.

64+ Acres. $2,275,000

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FOX HAVEN FARM CIRCA 1823

20 Min. to TIEC: Impeccable Hunter-jumper facility: 2 barns totaling 16 stalls, 2 large riding rings with irrigation, 12 paddocks, and round pen. Spacious owner’s residence, second barn apt plus guest house. Miles of trails. Magnificent mtn views.

22+ Acres. $2,250,000

Federal-style main residence, meticulously renovated — 6 FP, heart pine floors, soaring ceiling/crown molding. 1 Guest house, 2 rental cottages, 4-stall barn, lush pastures, trail system. FAA approved airplane hanger, deed rights to landing strip.

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30 Min. to TIEC: In Motlow Creek Farms community, exceptional 4 BR, 4 full/2 half-bath estate—great room with 15' stone FP, Master suite with adobe FP, private sitting room. Custom 4-stall barn, 95'x200' irrigated ring w/66' wide mirrored wall.

13.85 Acres. $1,200,000

Near TIEC in Green Fields community —traditional 3 BR, 2.5 BA brick home. Open floor plan enjoys living room with fireplace, master suite with tray ceiling. 4-Stall Morton barn includes all amenities, and three pastures with 3-board fencing.

8.75 Acres. $979,000

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tidbits from across the industry

Aroundthe Arena Salem sits and comes on command. He’s housebroken and is always looking for a treat. You can leave him with the golf cart, and he’ll relax until someone comes over to give him some attention.

With a description like that, you’d think braider Adam Smith and his wife Erin, who grooms for hunter rider Havens Schatt, have the world’s best horse show dog, but in fact, Salem is a 40-pound pig.

The Smiths, of West Palm Beach, Fla., had long talked about getting a miniature pig—a quest Adam said started as a bit of a joke. But just over 1 ½ years ago, while staying at the Kentucky Horse Park, Erin came across an ad online for a litter of piglets, so they went to see them.

“Well, you know how that works,” Adam said with a grin.

“We checked them out and fell in love with him.”

At 4 weeks old, Salem was diagnosed with two untreatable heart murmurs, so the veterinarians told the Smiths to take him home and show him a good time—but not to expect him to live more than a few months. But so far, this pig has beaten the odds.

“I didn’t realize how attached I’d get. He’s quickly turned into Daddy’s little boy. He goes everywhere with me,” Adam said.

Salem adjusted to the horse show life quickly and gets along great with the Smiths’ two dogs, even though he’s not into playing—he’d much rather watch cartoons on the couch.

He’s fed a diet of grain mixed with some vegetables, but his favorite treat is Cheerios.

“He could be clear across a field, and I could say, ‘Salem, come. I’ll give you donuts! I’ll give you cake! I’ll feed you!’ And he’ll ignore me. But then I’ll glance over at a box of Cheerios and say, ‘I’ve got some Cheerios,’ and he’ll perk up, spin and come running across the field back to me,” said Adam.

And it’s a minor miracle when Adam makes it anywhere on time when he’s at a show with Salem in tow. He’s constantly

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KIMBERLY LOUSHIN PHOTO

A Horse Show Ham

stopped by others asking questions about his dutiful companion.

“If you were to ride around in the golf cart with me one day, you’d just hear everybody asking, ‘Hey, where’s the pig?’ It’s not, ‘Hey Adam, how are you doing?’ ” he said. “It’s, ‘Where’s your pig?’ ” —KIMBERLY LOUSHIN

N IO IT D % RS E (

IS ( : s e v a My F

On Deck

Dom & Jimmie Schramm

Mark your calendar with these upcoming important dates.

RIGHT START PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO

The husband and wife team of eventers behind the awardwinning video tutorial sensation Evention share with us a few of their favorite things.

HIS -Y NEW 3ARM (IPPIQUES -Y FAMOUS GREY TOPPED 4UCCI CUSTOM JUMP BOOTS 4HONGS AKA hmIP mOPSv HERE IN THE STATES 0LANTATION &IELD 0A OR 2ICHLAND 0ARK -ICH HOWEVER ) D REALLY LIKE TO RIDE AT THE 7ELLINGTON %VENTING 3HOWCASE &LA NEXT YEAR 4HE HILLS AND WOODS OF #HESTER #OUNTY 0A HUNT COUNTRY #HOCOLATE MILKSHAKES AND 4HAI FOOD

7ACKY DOCUMENTARIES ON .ETmIX 6EGEMITE MY PRECIOUS SHOW QUALITY LONGHAIRED WHIPPET !NYWHERE WITH WHITE SAND BLUE WATER AND COLD BEER )T S A THREE WAY TIE BETWEEN 3EATTLE

3YDNEY AND $ALLAS 7ALMART 0LAYING VIDEO GAMES 3HOOTING SPORTING CLAYS 2UGBY

HERS Breeches Riding boot

3ARM (IPPIQUE AND 0IKEUR 4UCCI FOR SURE

Street footwear

) WEAR $ANSKOS MOST DAYS )F NOT THOSE ) M IN 4/-3 OR HOUSE SHOES

Competition venue

0LANTATION &IELD 0A AND #AROLINA (ORSE 0ARK . #

Place to ride

'IBBES &ARM 3T -ATTHEWS 3 #

Comfort food or drink

.UTELLA !ND MY DAD MAKES ME CHICKEN FRIED PORK TENDERLOIN EVERY TIME ) COME HOME

Guilty pleasure Pet Vacation destination City Place to shop Stress reliever Non-horsey hobby Non-equestrian sport to watch

'ALLOPING UP .ELSON S (ILL IN 0ENN SYLVANIA AS THE SUN COMES UP AND REALIZING JUST HOW COOL OF A JOB ) HAVE

Memory in the saddle

) TEND TO BE ATTRACTED TO THE TALENTED BUT QUIRKY ONES !ND ) DO LIKE A GOOD 4HOROUGHBRED

Type of horse

7ATCHING 'OSSIP 'IRL AND MOVIE TRAILERS -Y DOGGIES 7ILLOW AND 6EGGIE !NYWHERE MY FAMILY IS $ALLAS -ALVERN 3ADDLERY OR .ORDSTROM 7ATCHING (ARRY 0OTTER EATING ICE CREAM OR GOING FOR A RUN #ROSS&IT OR READING "ASKETBALL %VERY DAY RIDING WITH $OM

) DO LOVE A GOOD MARE BUT ) DO LOVE A SWEET HORSE ON THE GROUND AS WELL

X April 12 Ever considered getting into jump racing, but never knew quite how?

The National Steeplechase Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Promotion and Growth Task Force will be staging its inaugural Owners Symposium and Marketplace Auction at Shawan Downs in Hunt Valley, Md. For more information on the event and sale, visit gojumpracing.org or contact Danielle Oster at danielleoster@ gmail.com.

X April 15-19 For the first time since 2009, the FEI World Cup Finals in show jumping and dressage are returning to U.S. soil. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still time to book flights to Las Vegas and purchase tickets at worldcuplasvegas. com, or make plans to stream the event live on feitv.org.

X April 17- May 31 If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re heading to Lexington, Ky., this spring, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss the American Academy of Equine Art Spring Invitational show and sale, which opens with a public reception at Spindletop Hall from 6-8 p.m. on April 17 and will remain on display through the end of May. The exhibition includes upwards of 50 paintings and sculptures highlighting familiar Bluegrass traditions such as the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Kentucky Derby and the spring race meet at Keeneland. Visit aaea. net for more information.

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TECH SPOTLIGHT

Track Your Horse’s Heart In The Palm Of Your Hand Heart rate monitors like the Polar Equine V800 can help riders hone their horses’ fitness regimens at home, but they’re not dummy-proof just yet.

By SAR A LIESER I’ve become one of those people who track every detail of my life on various electronic gadgets. I wear a watch that records my activity, heart rate and sleep—in addition to showing me text messages, and, oh yes, telling time. I use a diet app on my phone to track what I eat, a running app to record my exercise and get training tips, and a sleep app gives me lessons on how to fall asleep more quickly based on my electronic sleep diary, which I dutifully record every day. It’s hard to imagine how I could get up, dress myself, and go to work each day before I possessed all this life changing information.

In all seriousness, I do appreciate knowing this stuff, and having the information at my fingertips helps me make better choices.

Thus when I started hearing about equine heart monitors, my ears pricked up. And I 32

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was psyched when the opportunity arose to try out the Polar Equine V800 GPS Heart Rate Monitor Set. Heart rate is the easiest scientific method to measure how hard your horse is working. A horse’s average resting heart rate varies from 25-40 beats per minute, but in max work it can go as high as 220-230. I’m not a veterinarian or even an expert in equine fitness, but general guidelines suggest working your horse at about 60-70 percent of heart rate max, or 135155 beats per minute.

Measuring your horse’s heart rate with the Polar Equine monitor is a little more complicated than a watch or a chest band. I studied the directions for at least half an hour before attempting to place it on my horse.

You attach the Polar Equine H7 heart

rate sensor to the front of your saddle.

Then there are two electrodes, one negative that goes under the girth on the left side and one positive that goes under the saddle. You can also purchase a set with a belt instead of the electrodes, and this is useful for extended use or monitoring your horse in his stall or on the trailer.

I have to admit I wasn’t entirely successful despite my studying—the lower electrode still managed to slip out from under my girth for most of my first ride.

But none of it interfered with my horse or was distracting—well, except that I kept glancing at my Polar V800 training computer and GPS device (otherwise known as a watch) that syncs with the sensor throughout my ride to check my horse’s heart rate!

What It Offers Q

4RACKING OF SPEED DISTANCE ALTITUDE GRADIENT CHANGE AND ROUTE WITH THE INTE GRATED '03 PLUS HEART RATES

Q 4HE ABILITY TO SET HEART ZONES AND IDENTIFY THE AEROBIC ANAEROBIC THRESHOLD LEVELS

OF YOUR HORSE Q 4HE OPTION TO SET INTERVAL TRAINING SESSIONS TIME HEART RATE AND DISTANCE GET

GUIDANCE DURING THE SESSION AUDIO AND VIBRATION ALERTS AND ANALYZE TRAINING SESSIONS WITH THE FREE 0OLAR &LOW APP WEB SERVICE AND RIDE ANALYSIS MODULE THIS IS A SERVICE PROVIDED THROUGH THE #OURSE7ALK APP AND IT ALLOWS YOU TO SEE YOUR HORSE S HEART RATE AROUND THE TRACK Q !N AVAILABLE TIMING FEATURE THAT CAN BEEP AT ONE MINUTE INTERVALS THUS ELIMINATING

THE NEED FOR A CROSS COUNTRY WATCH Q #OMPATIBILITY WITH THE 0OLAR 3PEED 3ENSOR SOLD SEPARATELY TO MONITOR TRAINING

SESSIONS ON AN EQUINE TREADMILL

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to wet your horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coat before placing the sensors, although it turns out that equine perspiration is an

excellent conductor, so your heart rate readings may become more accurate once your horse is warmed up.

This is one of those gadgets that can be as useful or useless as the time you put into it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not for the Luddite whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s afraid or scornful of technology, because there is a fair amount of setup in the beginning and a learning curve when it comes to using it and analyzing the data. But for the horseman looking for a technological advantage to manage his or her horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fitness, this is a must-have accessory.

As a bonus, it comes with a human chest strap, giving you the opportunity to make sure your fitness matches that of your steed.

It retails for $609.95, and CourseWalk app inventor Nicholas Hinze is happy to provide customer support. You can purchase the Polar Equine V800 GPS Heart Rate Monitor Set through the coursewalkapp.com store or at polar.com.

Equifit,IncŽ and the Equifit logo are registred trademarks. All rights reserved Š2015

EF15_03 1/15

TIGHT IS RIGHT Properly positioned snugly against the leg, D-Teqâ&#x201E;˘ Boots with ImpacTeqâ&#x201E;˘ Proper liners p provide ultimate comfort with the utmost protection. ImpacTeq liners contour contou the leg, creating a custom ďŹ t every time. The close contact helps guard against rubbing and unwanted debris while ImpacTeq technology forms form a protective shield upon impact. For comfort, security, safety, and protection, the best ďŹ t is D-Teq. Learn more about D-Teq Boots as well as our entire collection of boots and legwear at EquiFit.net.

OFFICIAL PERFORMANCE HORSE BOOT AND LEG WEAR OF THE USEF

Better fit. For a better finish.

MADE IN USA

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TEST LAB

Non-Slip Pads Put Through Their Paces A well-fitting saddle is key in any discipline, but sometimes you need a little extra security. We tested five no-slip pads to see if they lived up to their claims.

By MOLLIE BAILEY and LINDSAY BERRETH

>> FOR THE IMPOSSIBLY SLICK HORSE 4HIS MODEL FEATURES A BREATHABLE RUB BERY GRIP ON BOTH SIDES 4HE LAYER ON THE OUTER SURFACE IN THE SEAT AREA HOLDS YOUR SADDLE IN PLACE WHILE THE SECTIONS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE PAD DOWN THE FRONT QUARTER AND ALONG THE SPINE MAKE SURE THE ENTIRE COMBINATION STAYS SECURE 4HERE S ALSO A SOFT SATIN SECTION AT THE WITHERS TO ELIMINATE RUBBING WHICH CAME IN HANDY FOR MY VERY HIGH WITHERED OFF THE TRACK 4HOROUGHBRED 4HE PAD FEATURES OPEN CELL BREATH ABLE FOAM CUSHIONING IN THE SEAT AREA TO HELP WITH SHOCK ABSORPTION BUT THE QUILTED FABRIC ON THE REST OF THE PAD WICKS AWAY MOISTURE NICELY AND PREVENTS IT FROM HOLDING TOO MUCH HEAT ) FOUND THAT IT WAS EASY TO WASH AND DRIED QUICKLY 4HE FOAM CUSHIONING HELPED ME BREATHE EASY WHEN ) TRIED THE PAD ON MY YEAR OLD WHO S OF AVERAGE SHAPE AND WITHERS BUT STILL GROWING KNOWING HE WOULDN T NEED AN EXTRA HALF PAD OR GEL PAD TO HELP WITH SADDLE lT )T WAS JUST THICK ENOUGH TO PROVIDE SOME SUPPORT UNDER MY SEAT "ESIDES THE INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH GRIPPI NESS MY FAVORITE FEATURE IS THE FOUR INDI VIDUAL BILLET STRAP HOLDERS WHICH GIVE YOU A VARIETY OF OPTIONS FOR PERFECT lT -Y ONLY COMPLAINT WAS THAT DURING THE lRST FEW RIDES THIS PAD ACTUALLY SQUEAKED A BIT AS ) TROTTED AROUND 3O BE SURE TO BREAK YOURS IN AT HOME BEFORE YOU SADDLE UP FOR YOUR NEXT DRESSAGE TEST ,UCKILY THE

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PROBLEM SEEMS TO RESOLVE ITSELF 3UCCESS OFFERS TWO SIZES OF THEIR DRESSAGE PAD MEDIUM AND LARGE AND ALSO MAKES SEVERAL OTHER NO SLIP MODELS

INCLUDING A HALF PAD CROSS COUNTRY PAD AND HUNTER PAD 4HEY RE RELATIVELY BUDGET FRIENDLY AND CAN BE FOUND AT ONLINE RETAIL ERS FOR UNDER "UT A PORTION OF PRO CEEDS FROM EACH PAD PURCHASED DIRECTLY FROM successequestrian.com WHERE THEY RETAIL FOR GOES TO THE %QUESTRIAN !ID &OUNDATION

Success Equestrian Deluxe Dressage No-Slip

Nunn Finer No Slip Contour Ultra

>> FOR THE BUDGET CONSCIOUS )F YOU DON T WANT TO INVEST IN A FULL SADDLE PAD .UNN &INER S #ONTOUR 5LTRA IS A GREAT ACCESSORY TO ADD TO YOUR ARSENAL .EWLY REDESIGNED THIS PAD IS PRETTY SIMPLE AND EASY TO USE 3HAPED LIKE A HALF PAD IT S EXTREMELY LIGHTWEIGHT AND GOES RIGHT UNDER YOUR NORMAL PAD AND ITS PER FORATED FABRIC ALLOWS FOR INCREASED VENTILA TION 5NFORTUNATELY IT ONLY COMES IN ONE SIZE AND IT WAS JUST BARELY BIG ENOUGH TO lT UNDER MY v SADDLE "UT THE PAD IS THIN ENOUGH THAT ) DON T THINK IT CREATES PRESSURE POINTS IF IT S TOO SMALL )T S ALSO EASY TO CARE FOR ON DAYS WHEN MY HORSE SWEATED A LOT IT DRIED QUICKLY WHILE HANGING ON THE FENCE AND WASN T STICKY .UNN &INER ALSO MAKES A SQUARE AND POMMEL PAD VERSION FOR A MORE CUSTOM SOLUTION 4HIS MODEL RETAILS FOR AT bitofbritain.com.

Ultra ThinLine Basic Foam English Contour

>> FOR THE CUSTOM >> FOR THE SENSITIVE

QUEEN )F YOU SIMPLY COULDN T dream OF MAKING YOUR HORSE WEAR A NO SLIP PAD OFF THE RACK /GILVY S GOT YOU COVERED 9OU GET TO CHOOSE THE BODY PIPING AND BINDING COLOR OF YOUR PAD FROM A RAINBOW OF CLASSY COLORS AND YOU CAN ADD PERSONALIZED EM BROIDERY TOO 4HE *UMP &RICTION&REE 0AD IS LUXU RIOUSLY SOFT AND FEATURES AN INTEGRATED HALF PAD UNDER THE SADDLE AREA TO ABSORB SHOCK STABILIZE AND HELP ELIMINATE FRIC TION 4HE PAD MATERIAL IS ALSO ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL ON THE UNDERSIDE ) FOUND THAT IT DRIED VERY QUICKLY AND CLEANED UP NICELY "UT WHEN IT CAME TO THIS PAD S ANTI SLIP PROPERTIES IT DIDN T WORK OUT AS WELL AS ) D HOPED ON MY AVERAGE SHAPED YEAR OLD 4HOROUGHBRED !FTER AN HOUR LONG LESSON IN MY MONOmAP JUMP SADDLE THE PAD HAD SLIPPED BACK CONSIDERABLY EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SECURED IN THE BILLET LOOP 4HAT SAID WITH THE SAME SADDLE ON MY HIGH WITHERED SECOND HORSE IT ACTU ALLY STAYED IN PLACE A BIT BETTER WITHOUT ANY EXTRA HELP !ND THE hFRICTION FREEv LABEL IS DElNITELY TRUE AS THERE WERE NO ROUGH SPOTS OR RUBS UNDER MY SADDLE AFTER CON TINUED USE 4HE *UMP &RICTION&REE COMES IN THREE SIZES AND RETAILS FOR /GILVY ALSO PRODUCES &RICTION&REE PADS FOR DRES SAGE HUNTERS AND EVENTING WHICH YOU CAN PERUSE AT ogilvyequestrian.com.

Ogilvy Jump FrictionFree

BACK

>> FOR THE GOLD STANDARD-SEEKING MINIMALIST ,ET S GET ONE THING STRAIGHT 7ITH THIS PAD

YOUR SADDLE ISN T GOING ANYWHERE ) TOOK AN ODDLY SHAPED DRAFT CROSS OUT FOR A TWO HOUR HACK SANS BREASTPLATE AND CAME BACK WITHOUT THE SADDLE HAVING BUDGEDÂ&#x2C6; AND THAT WAS A LIFETIME lRST FOR HIM 4HE BREATHABLE MATERIAL KEPT MY HORSE S BACK A BIT DRIER THAN ) M USED TO BUT MY FAVORITE PART IS THAT IT S EASY TO CLEAN 7HILE THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS RECOM MEND WASHING IN WARM WATER AND DETER GENT ) FOUND A QUICK SPRAY WITH A HOSE WORKED GREAT ON THE HIGH TECH FABRIC

LENGTHENING THE TIME BETWEEN PROPER WASHES )T ALSO DRIES COMPLETELY ON THE FENCELINE 9OU CERTAINLY CAN T DO THAT WITH A TRADITIONAL SADDLE PAD 3IMILAR TO THE 3UCCESS %QUESTRIAN MODEL %COGOLD S PAD GRIPS THE SADDLE ON THE TOP SO LAYERING ISN T REALLY AN OPTION ) USUALLY USE A GEL SHOCK ABSORBING PAD UNDER MY SADDLE BUT THIS PAD RENDERED THAT UNNECESSARYÂ&#x2C6;) FELT THERE WAS PLENTY OF SQUISH BUILT INTO THE FOAM SEAT AND ) LOVED THAT CONVENIENCE "UT IF YOU RE A STICKLER FOR ALWAYS USING A PARTICULAR GEL PAD THIS ISN T THE CHOICE FOR YOU ) USED A STANDARD SIZE IN THE JUMPER STYLE AND ) FOUND THE BILLETS ON THE SHORT SIDE FOR MY v 3TACKHOUSE SADDLE SO CONSIDER SIZING UP TO THE EXTRA LONG IF YOU RE ON THE FENCE 7HILE ) TESTED THIS PAD FOR A FEW MONTHS MY FELLOW REVIEWER HAS HAD HER VERSION FOR lVE YEARS AND IT S STILL GOING STRONG WHICH SHOULD TAKE THE STING OUT OF THE PRICE TAG #HECK OUT ALL THE COLORS AND ADDITIONAL MODELS INCLUDING FOR DRESSAGE AND CROSS COUNTRY AT ecogold.ca.

) VE BEEN A FAN OF 4HIN,INE PADS FOR YEARS THEIR APPEAL IS OBVIOUS 4HEY OFFER AN UNBELIEVABLE AMOUNT OF SHOCK ABSORPTION PACKED INTO A REALLY SLENDER PAD AND THEY DON T COME MUCH SLIMMER THAN THE 5LTRA 4HIN,INE "UT ) VE NEVER THOUGHT OF THESE PADS AS NON SLIP SO ) DECIDED TO TAKE IT FOR A TEST RUN !N !PPENDIX HUNT HORSE ) RIDE SUFFERS FROM KISSING SPINE AND COMES IN BACK SORE FROM TIME TO TIME (E HAS HIS SADDLE lT ADJUSTED CONSTANTLY AND OUR SADDLE lT TER IS PICKY ABOUT WHAT MATERIAL IS AGAINST HIS SKIN WHICH MEANS ) VE USUALLY TAKEN HIM OUT WITHOUT A NON SLIP PAD !ND THAT S ALL RIGHT IT S JUST MEANT ME HOPPING DOWN AT EVERY CHECK TO READJUST AND lNDING A DECENT SIZED LOG TO USE TO CLIMB BACK UP AGAIN SO ) DON T STRESS HIS BACK MOUNTING FROM THE GROUND 7HEN ) SWAPPED OUT HIS NORMAL SHOCK ABSORBING PAD FOR THE 5LTRA 4HIN ,INE HIS SADDLE STAYED MUCH CLOSER TO WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE )T DID SLIP A BIT BUT MUCH LESS THAN WITHOUT IT AND MY HORSE S BACK FELT GOOD AFTER A WEEK OF WORK 4HE 5LTRA 4HIN,INE "ASIC &OAM %NG LISH #ONTOUR COMES REGULAR OR LARGE AND IT RETAILS FOR AT thinlineglobal.com. ,OOKING FOR EVEN MORE STICKINESS 4HE BRAND ALSO OFFERS A SUPER SLIM NON SLIP LAYER FOR DESIGNED TO BE USED IN TANDEM WITH YOUR REGULAR 4HIN,INE OR 5LTRA 4HIN,INE

Ecogold Secure

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EDITOR’S PICKS

Kingsland Dressage Dali Advanced Training Jacket When it comes to jackets I wear inside the barn in the dead of winter, I don’t ask too much of them. They have to be warm, but that’s really the only requirement. Not breathable at all? OK. Resembles a sleeping bag in fit and form? That’s fine. Can’t move or even find my arms? No biggie.

But when it’s time to slip on a jacket for riding, especially as the temperatures start climbing with the change in seasons, I require a little more from my choice in outerwear. Any riding coat should move with me, not feel bulky, resist the wind, rain and cool air but not trap heat inside and, yes, I want it to look nice as well.

And the new Kingsland Dressage Dali Advanced Training Jacket fits all of my requirements for the perfect spring softshell riding coat. When Kingsland started their dressage collection, they wanted modern, functional materials in a well-fitting and quality package, and the Dali jacket adheres to that philosophy.

The first thing you notice about it, before you even take it for a ride, is that it’s beautifully constructed and looks fashionable. It fits close to the body—I most often wear mine over a long-sleeved shirt, as anything more would probably make it look bulky, or I’d need a larger size—and the length is short enough that it doesn’t interfere with the saddle.

The material is super thin and flexible, so much so that I feared it wouldn’t hold any warmth, but it works well despite a wide temperature range. The jacket is windproof, which helps insulate during breezy but warm rides, and it’s water-resistant as well. I never felt overheated in it, but I could also wear it while riding in temperatures as low as 40 degrees, with just the long-sleeved shirt underneath.

It stretches easily when you need motion, and I especially felt that over the arms and back, but then maintains its sleek form the rest of the time. It was so comfortable, I found myself feeling sad on days it was really too cold for me to wear it—yet another reason to hope for a swift arrival of spring.

Available in black, the jacket’s fabric has a bit of sheen to it.

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It also features small versions of the classic Kingsland emblems across the arms and four small rhinestones across the back, below the collar—enough bling to make it fun, but not enough that anyone will be blinded or offended. The zipper pockets don’t distract from the coat’s nice lines, but they’re large enough to store an iPhone in one and some sugar cubes in the other.

It’s not likely that you’d take this jacket into a recognized show ring, though it certainly looks good enough for a schooling show, but Kingsland also offers show coats in comparable stretchy and comfortable materials.

The Dali jacket retails for $375 and comes in sizes XXS to XL. Kingsland, a Norwegian company, is working to expand its retailers in the United States in 2015, but for now you can check out their booth at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla., or email usa@kingslandequestrian.com.

—Lisa Slade, Editorial Staff

The Winning Formula for Champions

Lauren Kieffer and Team Rebecca’s Veronica are 2014 USEF National CCI 4* Eventing Champions

Adequan® i.m. is now available through your veterinarian.

Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is the only product approved by the FDA for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses. To learn more, visit www.adequan.com There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Adequan® i.m. brand Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan in horses. Studies have not been conducted to establish safety in breeding horses. WARNING: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Each 5 mL contains 500 mg Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan. Brief Summary Indications: For the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses.

SEE PRODUCT PACKAGE INSERT AT WWW.ADEQUAN.COM FOR FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. Adequan® is a registered trademark of Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ©LUITPOLD PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., Animal Health Division, 2014 Shirley, NY 11967. Image of Lauren Kieffer and Veronica ©Shannon Brinkman is used with permission. AHD100 Iss. 1/2015

THE CLOTHES HORSE

2015 In Technicolor Our preview of the upcoming spring and summer lines from all your favorite equestrian brands reveals plenty of exciting new textures and patterns, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bold, beautiful colors that are really taking center stage and turning heads.

<<

By K AT N E T Z LER and L AU R A S T. CL A IR

Kathryn Lily Competition Shirt

4HESE COLORFUL SHIRTS WITH SIMPLE WHITE POINTS WILL KEEP YOU AT THE FOREFRONT OF FASHION OUT SIDE THE RING BUT LOOKING TRADITIONAL IN YOUR NEXT EQUITATION CLASS WHILE THE BRAND S 0RO !IR FABRIC KEEPS YOU COOL AS A CUCUMBER NO MATTER WHAT )NCLUDES A ZIP SNAP COLLAR AND MONOGRAMMED BRANDED DETAILING !VAILABLE IN YELLOW BLUE COLOR BLOCK *UST7ORLD COLOR BLOCK (shown) BLUE PINK COLOR BLOCK 'EORGIA PEACH MINT (shown) AND SKY BLUE CHILDREN S SIZES 83 , ADULT SIZES 83 8, kathrynlily.com.

<<

TuffRider Neon Knee Patch Breech h

h3KITTLES ESQUEv IS THE TERM THAT MIGHT BEST DESCRIBE 4UFF2IDER S NEW .EON LINEÂ&#x2C6;ONE LOOK AND YOU REALLY CAN ALMOST TASTE THE RAINBOW 7ITH WATER REPELLENT STRETCH FABRIC AND A NEW INSET KNEE PATCH WITH GRIPPY SILICONE PRINT YOU LL WANT TO SCHOOL IN THEM EVERY DAY AND AT A PRICE LIKE THIS WHY NOT COLLECT THEM ALL !VAILABLE IN PEACH PINK BLUE YELLOW AND GREEN SIZES breeches.com.

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<< Gumleaf Iceni Rain Boot

<<

Asmar City Jacket

4HE TRENDY OVERSIZED COLLAR ON THE #ITY *ACKET A SHORTER MODEL REMINISCENT OF THE BRAND S POPULAR 4OWN #OAT TRANSITIONS RIGHT INTO A HOOD SO YOU LL NEVER BE CAUGHT UNPREPARED BY A SUD DEN SPRING SHOWER AGAIN !SMAR S BREATHABLE $INTEX MEMBRANE REPELS WATER WIND AND ALL MANNER OF DEBRIS SO YOU STAY CLEAN AND COMFY IN THE BARN OR BEYOND !VAILABLE IN WHITE PUNCH (shown), SUNSHINE (shown) MIDNIGHT NAVY OR BLACK SIZES 83 8, asmarequestrian.com.

Fior da Liso Jetta I & Veronica I Shirts

$ESIGNER AND BRAND FOUNDER ,OTTE 3CHOCKEM├ЪHLE CONTIN UES TO IMPRESS SEASON AFTER SEASON WITH HER EFFORTLESSLY CHIC STYLE *UST LOOK AT THE CUT┬ИLONG AND lGURE mATTERING

WITH BACK DARTS AND NARROW SPACING BETWEEN THE BUTTONS 7E LOVE &IOR DA ,ISO FOR THE lT BUT WE RE obsessed WITH THE COLLECTION S ALL NEW SHADES OF PAPAYA HIBISCUS AND SPORTY BLUE CURACAO *ETTA ) BLOUSE (shown on model) AVAILABLE IN %UROPEAN SIZES 6ERONICA ) "LOUSE (shown in detail) AVAILABLE IN SIZES

ямБor-da-liso.de OR exceptionalequestrian.com.

<<

<<

9OU LL BE PUDDLE SPLASHING AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY WHEN ARMED WITH THESE WATERPROOF DUDS FROM 'UMLEAF #LOTHING #OMPANY 'UMLEAF BOOTS ARE REAL WELLIES DESIGNED AND HANDMADE IN %UROPE OF NATURAL RUBBER

AND THE )CENI MODEL IS COTTON LINED TO KEEP YOU DRY AND COMFORTABLE ON THE MOST HUMID OF DAYS !VAIL ABLE IN REGULAR STYLE OR A hVENTv STYLE FOR A WIDER CALF lT IN BLUE RED OR BLACK WOMEN S 5 3 SIZES pbwellies.com.

THE CLOTHES HORSE

<<

Schockemรถhle Sports Maeve Polo Shirt & Sylvie Gilet

3AIL INTO THE EQUESTRIAN ARENA IN STYLE WITH 3CHOCKEMรถHLE 4HEIR NEW COLLECTION IS A REFRESHING TAKE ON THE EVER CLASSIC NAUTICAL THEME FEATURING BOLD BLUE CITRUS AND BLUE RED COLOR COMBINATIONS !NCHORS AWEIGH -AEVE POLO AVAILABLE IN NAUTICAL BLUE PORT RED OR CITRUS (shown) SIZES 883 8, 3YLVIE SOFTSHELL VEST AVAILABLE IN NAUTICAL BLUE (shown) PORT RED OR CITRUS 883 8, schockemoehle-sports.com/en.

<< Annieโ s Ladiesโ Schooling Breech 7HY SHOULD KIDS HAVE ALL THE FUN 4HE NEW SPRING COLLECTION AT !NNIE S %QUESTRIENNE !PPAREL FEA TURES ladiesโ BREECHES IN THE MOST DELICIOUS COLORS OF THE SEASON 'O AHEADย BREAK OUT OF BORING AND BECOME THE ENVY OF ALL THE OTHER BARN BABES IN THEIR BEIGE BREECHES !VAILABLE IN ORIGINAL BLUE PAPAYA

LAVENDER AND GREEN TEA FULL SEAT OR KNEE PATCH SIZES anniesusa.com.

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<<

<<

Desautels Twill Riding Jacket & Sweet Seersucker Blouse 4HE $ESAUTELS LINE OF TECHNICAL APPAREL IS CONSTRUCTED OF THE lNEST FABRICS FROM AROUND THE WORLD BUT IS DESIGNED AND HAND SEWN HERE IN !MERICA 4HE 3WEET 3EERSUCKER "LOUSE SHOWN IN WHITE INDIGO STRIPE BUT ALSO AVAILABLE IN ALL WHITE STRIPE IS PERCENT COTTON AND OFFERS THE PERFECT TOUCH OF FEMININ ITY WITH ITS RUFmE FRONT 3IZES 4HE $ESAUTELS 2IDING *ACKET SHOWN IN BLACK TWILL BUT ALSO AVAILABLE IN BLUE DENIM IS BOTH ELEGANT AND CASUAL

WITH JUST ENOUGH STRETCH TO BE COM FORTABLE IN THE RING AND AROUND TOWN 7E RE SMITTEN WITH ITS RElNED DETAILS AND TOUCH OF WHIMSYÂ&#x2C6;A SWALLOWTAIL PRINT LINING IMPORTED FROM &RANCE !LSO INCLUDES AN INSIDE CELL PHONE POCKET WITH INVISIBLE ZIPPER 3IZES desautelsridingapparel.com.

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<< Romfh Lace Pirouette Show Shirt )T S NOT all ABOUT COLOR THIS SEASON┬ИYOU CAN STILL lND MODERN CLASSICS IN MONOCHROME LIKE THE CRISP WHITE BEAUTY OF THE LACY 0IROUETTE 3HOW 3HIRT )T FEATURES A ZIP MOCK NECKLINE AND A SNAP DOWN TAB FOR HOLDING YOUR STOCK TIE IN PLACE 3IZES 83 8, romfh.com.

<<

Noble OutямБtters Ashley Performance Shirt

<< FITS Techtread Full Seat Pull On & Reversible Threat Belt

<<

4HE ULTIMATE IN BREATHABILITY AND COMFORT THE !SHLEY KEEPS YOU COOL YET PROTECTED FROM THE SUN S HARMFUL RAYS WITH 50& RATED FABRIC ! STRETCH MESH BACK PANEL AND POWERMESH UNDER THE ARMS KEEP YOU COM FORTABLE WITHOUT IMPEDING MOVEMENT AND MOISTUREn WICKING /PTI $RY TECHNOLOGY KEEPS YOU EVEN COOLER BY PULLING MOISTURE AWAY FROM YOUR SKIN 4HE WHITE VERSION INCLUDES A STOCK TIE LOOP !LSO AVAILABLE IN ICE (shown), LEMON PERIWINKLE OR VIVACIOUS SIZES 83 8, nobleoutямБtters.com.

&)43 DESCRIBES THEIR NEW SEAT DESIGN AS A hMESMERIZING POWERPATTERNv DESIGNED TO MAXIMIZE GRIP WHERE RIDERS NEED IT MOST AND ALLOW hMOVEABLE GRIPv IN OTHER CON TACT AREAS 4HE SEAT IS PRINTED RIGHT ON &)43 BREATHABLE !LL 3EASON ,ITE FABRIC WITH ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY RUBBERIZED INK !VAILABLE IN BLACK (shown) 3AHARA LEAD OR COFFEE SIZES 83 8, 4HE WIDE FULL GRAIN LEATHER REVERSIBLE BELT COMES IN TWO COLOR SCHEMES BLACK REVERSES TO CLAY LEAD AND CORAL REVERSES TO AQUAMARINE LILAC (shown) SIZES 3 - AND , 8, ямБtsriding.com.

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THE CLOTHES HORSE << Equi In Style Dressed Cool Shirt )F YOU HAVEN T ALREADY JUMPED ON THE %)3 #OOL 3HIRT BAND WAGON NOW S THE TIME TO PRE ORDER ONE OF THEIR NEW COLOR COMBINATIONS LIKE CHERRY BREEZE (shown) FOR 4HIS SHIRT IS MAKING BIG WAVES WITH ITS 50& ULTRA VIOLET PROTECTION RATING AND ITS )CE&IL COOLING TECHNOLOGY TO DECREASE YOUR SKIN TEMPERA TURE BY UP TO DEGREES 0LUS

WITH ITS LONG LASTING .ANOPLEX PARTICLE lNISH IT S WORTH THE RETAIL PRICE OF !LSO AVAIL ABLE IN JADE NAVY BLACK CASH MERE AND SAPPHIRE PISTACHIO

AND IN A VARIETY OF SOLID COLORS FOR LESS 3IZES 83 8, equiinstyle.com.

Cavallo Caja Grip Breech >>

<<

Equiline MacKenzie Hunter Shadbelly

/N THE HEELS OF %QUILINE S VERY POPULAR DRESSAGE TAILCOAT

THE #ADENCE COMES THEIR NEW SHADBELLY FOR HUNTER RIDERS THE -AC+ENZIE 7ITH SLIGHTLY SHORTER UNWEIGHTED TAILS SET WIDER AT THE WAIST AND TRIMMED WITH A SILKY LINING THE NEW VERSION IS MADE WITH THE JUMPING RIDER IN MIND BUT IT STILL BOASTS %QUILINE S CLASSIC )TALIAN TAILORED lT MACHINE WASH ABLE AND STRETCHY 8#OOL FABRIC AND CUSTOMIZABLE TRIM !VAIL ABLE IN BLACK OR NAVY BROWN OR GREY CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED

BY SPECIAL ORDER WITH A RANGE OF TRIM COLORS )TALIAN SIZES EQUIVALENT 5 3 equilineamerica.com.

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#AVALLO IS ROLLING OUT A BRAND NEW LINE OF BREECHES FOR THIS SEASON AND IT S HARD TO PIN POINT THEIR COOLEST FEATURE )S IT THE INNOVATIVE NEW #AVAGRIP FULL SEAT 4HE DESIGN OF THE NEW SLIM lT CALF SLEEVE 4HE TEMPERATURE EQUALIZATION PROPERTIES OF THE #AJA 'RIP "REECH S FABRIC 4HE AWE SOME COLOR LINE UP PERFECT FOR COMPETITION or SCHOOLING 9OU LL JUST HAVE TO JUDGE FOR YOURSELF !VAILABLE IN SIGNAL RED (shown) MINT DARK BLUE OR NUDE HAZEL SIZES 2 2 cavallo.info.

<< Back On Track Scarf 4HE WEATHER MAY BE WARMING UP BUT THE LIGHTWEIGHT AND BREATHABLE "ACK /N 4RACK SCARF CAN BE WORN COM FORTABLY EVEN ON SUNNY SPRING DAYS )T S MADE OF "ACK /N 4RACK S MUCH LAUDED 7ELLTEX MATERIAL INFUSED WITH CERAMIC POWDER AND ONLINE REVIEWERS SAY IT HELPS RELIEVE MUSCLE TENSION AND AIDS IN RELAXATION backontrackproducts.com.

<< ร ce Equestrian Coat "EST FRIENDS %MILY 4HOMPSON AND %LLEN (ART FOUNDED ยกCE %QUESTRIAN #O IN

AND THEY COMMISSIONED TOP -AN HATTAN PATTERNMAKER )KUYO )SHITOBI TO CREATE INNOVATIVE HIGH FASHION ATHLETIC ATTIRE 4HIS SPRING MARKS THE DEBUT OF ยกCE S h4HE #OAT v A MACHINE WASHABLE

STRETCHY COMPRESSING AND mATTERING SPORT JACKET WITH GREAT DETAILS !VAIL ABLE IN BLACK AND ROYAL BLUE SIZES eceequestrian.com.

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<< BackJoy PostureWear Elite Comfort Fit Shirt & Sports Bra

<<

0ROPER POSTURE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING A rider VERSUS A passenger AND THAT S WHY "ACK*OY CREATED A LINE OF PRODUCTS PERFECT FOR EQUESTRIANS /PTI&ORM AN INTE GRATED SYSTEM OF PANELS THROUGHOUT THE UPPER BODY PULLS THE SHOULDERS BACK CORRECTLY ALIGNS THE SPINE AND PRO MOTES OPTIMAL NEUTRAL POSTURE "RA AVAILABLE IN WHITE BLACK

PERIWINKLE OR RASPBERRY (shown) SIZES 83 8, 3HIRT AVAILABLE IN BLACK CHARCOAL OR WHITE SILVER MEN S AND WOMEN S SIZES 83 8, backjoy.com.

<< Tredste Tredstep Solo Pro Jacket

<<

)NTRODUCING THE )NTRODUCING THE CROWN JEWEL OF 4REDSTEP S 3OLO PERFORMANCE COLLECTION A HUNT COAT WITH INTERCHANGEABLE CUSTOMIZABLE COLLECTION A HU COLLARS AND REVERSIBLE BUTTONS 7HY DIDN T WE THINK OF THIS COLLARS AND REVE 4HE 3OLO 0RO *ACKET IS MADE OF MACHINE WASHABLE FOUR WAY 4HE 3OLO 0RO *A STRETCH MATERIAL WITH A TRADITIONAL TAILORED LOOK SUITABLE FOR STRETCH MATERIA MULTI DISCIPLINE COMPETITION !VAILABLE IN NAVY OR BLACK WITH MULTI DISCIPLINE COLLAR COLORS SIZES JACKET AND ADDITIONAL COLLAR COLORS COLLARS tredstep.com.

COLLARS

<< 20x60 Hannah Breech >> 7HETHER IT S YOUR lRST TIME IN A DRESSAGE ARENA OR YOU RE A SEASONED /LYMPIC RIDER YOU ARE DANCING IN THE SAME SPACE 4HAT S THE IDEA BEHIND X

A BRAND DESIGNED BY AND FOR DRESSAGE ATHLETES 4HE (ANNAH "REECH IS BRILLIANTLY FUNCTIONAL WITH ITS BUILT IN SMART PHONE POCKET ON THE RIGHT THIGH !VAILABLE IN WALNUT GREY BLACK (shown) BURNT SIENNA TAN NAVY TAN AND COMPETITION WHITE WHITE SIZES 20x60.com.

This Springâ&#x20AC;¦be part of a tradition SPEND A DAY AT THE 119TH RUNNING OF THE MARYLAND HUNT CUP Glyndon, Md.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2015 POST TIME: 4:00 P.M.

PURSE: $75,000 Member of Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup Series

Douglas Lees Photos

Twitter@MDHuntCup www.marylandhuntcup.com 2014 WINNER GUTS FOR GARTERS RIDER: JODY PETTY TRAINER: SANNA NEILSON OWNER: STEWART STRAWBRIDGE C H RO N O F H O R S E .CO M

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THE CLOTHES HORSE

Accademia Italiana Zipper LG Indigo & Camouï¬&#x201A;age LG Woods << Breeches >> )NSPIRED BY 3ICILIAN STYLIST 'INO -OSCHETTI S PASSION FOR HORSES AND BACKED BY HIS YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS A DESIGNER

!CCADEMIA )TALIANA HAS TAKEN THE INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN WORLD BY STORM -ADE ENTIRELY IN )TALY THE COLLECTION IS RICH IN DETAIL HIGHLY TECHNICAL AND BRILLIANTLY CONTEM PORARY AND MOST STYLES ARE AVAIL ABLE IN hPOWER GRIPv FOR DRESSAGE OR hLIMITED GRIPv FOR JUMPING 4HE :IPPER ,' )NDIGO BREECH IS AVAIL ABLE IN MEN S 5 3 SIZES AND WOMEN S FROM 7ANT TO STAND OUT IN A CROWDED ARENA 4RY CAMOUmAGE BREECHES IN IRRESISTIBLY EYE CATCHING COLORS 7OMEN S SIZES accademiaitalianastyle.com.

<< Essex Classics Talent Yarn Paisley Shirt 3PRING DOESN T HAVE TO BARGE IN LIKE A LIONÂ&#x2C6;YOU CAN WELCOME HER POLITELY WITH THE UNDERSTATED GRACE OF %SSEX 4HE BRAND HAS INCOR PORATED SUBTLE CONTRAST TOPSTITCHING IN THE NEW PAISLEY DETAIL EDI TIONS OF ITS POPULAR 4ALENT 9ARN COLLECTION 0AISLEYS AVAILABLE IN BLUE

LAVENDER PINK AQUA GREY OR GREEN (shown) LADIES SIZES 83 8, AND GIRLS 3 8, essexclassics.com.

THE CLOTHES HORSE

Le Fash White Twill W “CC” Long Sleeve Shirt

<<

h4HE FASHION RUNWAY IS FULL OF GREEN FOR SPRING AND SO IS ,E &ASH v SAYS COM PANY FOUNDER !RIANNA 6ASTINO 7E RE LOVING THIS BRAND S LONG SLEEVED 7HITE 4WILL 7 h##v CLEAN COLLAR CLEAN CUFF SHIRT IN PISTACHIO WITH GINGHAM DETAILS

BUT IT S ALSO AVAILABLE IN CHARCOAL SLATE BLUE EGGPLANT OR NAVY 3IZES 83 8, ,OOKING FOR SOMETHING MORE MODERN #HECK OUT THE SHORT SLEEVED 3PORT 3HOW 3HIRT ALSO AVAILABLE IN PISTACHIO CHECK lefashny.com.

<<

USG Claire Full Seat & Lara Knee Patch Breeches >>

)T S HARD NOT TO GO GAGA FOR THE #LAIRE BREECH S GLITTERING BELT LIKE WAISTBAND TWO TONE STITCHING AND METALLIC EMBROIDERED DETAILS !VAILABLE IN GREEN NAVY OR NAVY NAVY LADIES SIZES 2 2 AND , , AND GIRLS SIZES 4HE SPORTY ,ARA BREECH OFFERS A SILICONE KNEE PATCH TWO SLIDE IN FRONT POCKETS AND TWO DECORATIVE BACK POCKETS WITH CONTRAST PIP ING !VAILABLE BLACK WHITE (shown) NAVY WHITE OR WHITE WHITE LADIES SIZES 2 2 klselect.com.

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<< Goode Rider Active Jacket ,IGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUC TION WITH A TOUCH OF STRETCH AND A mATTERING

STREAMLINED SILHOUETTE MAKE THE !CTIVE *ACKET THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF FASHION AND FUNCTION )T ALSO OFFERS SUBTLE QUILT ING AND REmECTIVE TRIM AND GUSSETS !VAILABLE IN LAVENDER OR SMOKE (shown) SIZES 83 8, gooderider.com.

<<

Cheval Charlotte Princess Stretch Shirt Equine Couture >> Ladies Centennial Knee Patch Breech 4HESE BREECHES WON T LEAVE ANYONE WONDERING WHO YOU RE CHEERING FOR AT THE NEXT .ATIONS #UP COMPETITION 3HOW OFF YOUR TEAM PRIDE WITH %QUINE #OUTURE S BEAUTI FUL RED AND WHITE BRAIDED POCKET TRIM TINY STAR DETAILS

AN !MERICAN mAG EMBLEM ON THE HIP AND BOLD RED AND WHITE BACK POCKETS )NCLUDES SILICONE KNEE PATCHES AND COMFY STRETCH CALF PANELS !VAILABLE IN SAFARI CHARCOAL

NAVY (shown) AND WHITE SIZES n breeches.com.

'REEN HUNT COATS ARE de rigueur THIS SEA SON AND #HEVAL HAS CREATED THE PERFECT MODERN COMPLEMENT A CRISP WHITE STRETCH SHIRT WITH JEWEL TONE TRIM -ADE IN #ANADA FROM A LIGHT AS AIR COTTON STRETCH THE #HAR LOTTE SHIRT FEATURES A CLOSE TO CUSTOM lT WITH AN EXTRA LONG LENGTH WRAP COLLAR WITH COVERED BUTTON FRONT ROLL UP SLEEVE TAB AND PEARL CUFF SNAPS !VAILABLE IN BLACK POPPY

MAGENTA 4ORY " (shown) FUCHSIA TAN COLOR BLOCK TURQUOISE TAN COLOR BLOCK NAVY LIME COLOR BLOCK AND FUCHSIA ORANGE COLOR BLOCK SIZES #!$ APPROXI MATELY 53 chevalfashions.com.

C H RO N O F H O R S E .CO M

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THE CLOTHES HORSE << Irideon CoolDown IceFil Jersey ,ONG SLEEVES IN HOT WEATHER 9OU BETTER BELIEVE IT )CE&IL COOLING TECHNOLOGY WICKS MOISTURE AWAY FROM SKIN TO KEEP YOU COMFORTABLE EVEN ON STEAMY SUMMER DAYS

REDUCING BODY SURFACE TEM PERATURE BY UP TO DEGREES 4HE #OOL$OWN *ERSEY FEATURES LIGHT WEIGHT MESH UNDER ARM PANELS FOR EXTRA VENTILATION AND THERE S ALSO A SIDE SEAM POCKET DESIGNED FOR YOUR CELL PHONE !VAILABLE IN COBALT

CORAL LAGOON SEASPRAY (shown), WHITE WHITE CORAL AND WHITE LAGOON SIZES 3 8, !LSO AVAILABLE IN KIDS AND PLUS SIZES OR WITH SHORT SLEEVES toklat.com.

<< Middy N Me Prix De Lutèce Shirt .AMED AFTER THE FAMOUS &RENCH HORSE RACE THIS STYLISHLY CUT TOP BOASTS A CHIC LEATHER REIN PRINT IN A CHEVRON PATTERN AND ITS CUFFS AND COLLAR ARE LINED WITH VINTAGE RACING PRINT FABRIC )T S ALREADY ONE OF -IDDY . -E S BESTSELLERS AND IS AVAILABLE AS A DRESS AS WELL 3IZES middynme.com.

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<< Barbour Dressage Jacket /UR FAVORITE ITEM FROM "ARBOUR S BEAUTIFUL SPRING LINE IS THE FEMININE

FULLY WATERPROOF $RESSAGE *ACKET 7ITH A DETACHABLE HOOD REmECTIVE TAPE BINDING AND 4ATTERSALL PRINT CUFFS THIS RAINCOAT IS AS FUNCTIONAL AS IT IS CLASSIC !VAILABLE IN PALE BLUE (shown) AND BLACK 5+ SIZES barbour.com.

Huntley Equestrian Black Full Seat Breech >>

SHADBELLY.COM PHOTO

.OTHING SAYS h,OOK AT ME v LIKE A GREAT PAIR OF BREECHES AND THIS SEQUIN EMBELLISHED PAIR WILL REALLY GET YOU NOTICED 4HE BREECH FEATURES MODIlED MID RISE STYLING A $AEWOO SUEDE FULL SEAT PANEL CONTRAST STITCH ING AND OF COURSE THOSE FABULOUS BACK ZIP POCKETS 3IZES huntleyequestrian.com.

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<<

Horseware Platinum Allie Sleeveless Wrap Polo << & Nina Breech

<<

7E RE PRETTY CONlDENT THAT WRAP DRESS INVENTOR $IANE VON &URSTENBERG WOULD SWOON AT (ORSEWARE S EQUESTRIAN ITERATION OF HER ULTRA mATTERING DESIGN 0AIR IT WITH BREECHES FOR SCHOOLING OR A PAIR OF JEANS TO GO OUT !VAILABLE IN BLACK OLIVE (shown) AND WHITE SIZES 83 8, 4HE NEW .INA BREECH COMES IN KNEE PATCH OR FULL SEAT STYLES AND THREE COLORS CHERRY (shown) BLUE AND WHITE SIZES 2 2 horseware.com.

Ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tech Show Shirt 4HE NEW SHOW TOP FROM /VATION STILL HAS CLASSIC RATCATCHER STYLING WITH A WRAP COLLAR BUT IT ALSO BOASTS A BACK PANEL AND SLEEVES MADE FROM $RY 4EX MICROlBER MESH PLUS SHEER UNDERSLEEVES AND A FUN PATTERNED COLLAR AND CUFFS !VAILABLE IN WHITE LARKSPUR (shown) WHITE ASTER WHITE DAHLIA OR WHITE WILDmOWER SIZES ovationriding.com.

)F FULL ON NEON DOESN T APPEAL TO YOU !RIAT S BEAUTIFUL NAVY BLUE SPRING LINE MAY BE MORE YOUR BAG OF CHIPS 7ITH JUST A HINT OF BRIGHT BLUE DETAIL THE /LYMPIA !CCLAIM KNEE PATCH BREECH ALSO AVAILABLE IN CHARCOAL FOR THE EVEN MORE TRADITIONAL OFFERS 3CHOELLER PRESTIGE FOUR WAY STRETCH COMFORT 3IZES !ND THE ADORABLY DOTTY 3UNSTOPPER 1UARTER :IP TOP ALSO AVAILABLE IN PINK OFFERS BREATHABLE UNDERARM PANELS A MOCK COLLAR AND STOCK TIE LOOP 3IZES 83 8, ariat.com.

<<

<< Ovation Jorden

Ariat Olympia Acclaim Breech & Sunstopper Quarter-Zip

Palm Beach Polo Kensington: This magnificent custom built estate home in Kensington of Palm Beach Polo Golf and Countr y Club has been totally remodeled. Wrought iron gates lead into the courtyard surrounding the elegant entry and lush landscaping. Imported materials were used to craft this Mediterranean masterpiece. The formal foyer features a grand staircase to the second level with solid limestone steps and elegant railings. The living room has soaring ceilings and overlooks the incredible rear patio and spa, fountains and a beautiful free form pool. The home sits on a large lot with stunning golf views. Offered at $3,500,000

Palm Beach Polo Winding Oaks: This custom house has been completely remodeled over the last year, resulting in an absolutely stunning dream home. Located on an oversized corner lot, this property has a 2 car + golf cart garage, expansive outdoor living area, and lush, professional landscaping. The three bedroom, 3.5 bathroom main house has an office, rustic European gourmet kitchen with a La Cornue gas range, hardwood floors, hurricane impact windows and doors, and so much more. Offered at $3,800,000

Palm Beach Polo Winding Oaks: The house includes 4Br , 4Ba, 2 half-bathrooms, a large office, and a one-bedroom guest suite above the two-car garage. Upgrades to the home include all new Kolbe impact windows and doors, Nano doors leading from the master suite to a private garden, and µsmart house¶ controls for lighting, climate, pool, spa, and AV. The new kitchen has sub-zero and Wolf appliances, along with Jerusalem gold stone counters. The exterior has Koi ponds leading up to the front entrance, and a brand new resort style pool and spa overlooking a garden. Offered at $3,200,000

Carol A. Sollak, P.A. Phone +1 561-818-9476 Fax +1 561-791-2221 www.carolsollak.evusa.com Wellington, Florida Carol.Sollak@evusa.com

©2015 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

Vacant Land in Wellington Preserve

The property is made up of 2, 5-acre lots in up and coming Wellington Preserve subdivision. This is a great opportunity to custom build a equestrian facility within minutes of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and Global Dressage showgrounds. This vacant land will not last and prices are on the rise! Offered at $2,052,000

5-acres of land located on the south side of the Wellington Preserve subdivision. The rear of the property backs up to a canal with a natural preserve just across the way – making for a private and secluded space. Surrounding properties in the Preserve are being developed for equestrian and residential uses. The development will soon be gated for extra privacy and security for owners. Offered at $1,000,000

Carol A. Sollak, P.A. Phone +1 561-818-9476 Fax +1 561-791-2221 www.carolsollak.evusa.com Wellington, Florida Carol.Sollak@evusa.com

©2015 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

Southfields: The pr oper ty has 2.8 acr es of land that holds a main house, a guest cottage, a 7-stall barn, large paddocks, a sand ring, and a backyard paradise. The main house is 2Br and 3Ba, with a tranquil backyard that has a pool, outdoor fireplace, and plenty of room for entertaining. The guest cottage has a spacious living area with kitchenette, 1Br, and 1Ba. Offered at $3,900,000

Palm Beach Polo Eagles Landing: With high ceilings, a lar ge great room for the family and entertaining, and an eat-in kitchen, this home is family ready. The master suite includes a large walk-in closet, an oversized shower, and a roman tub. The exterior of the property includes a 2.5-car garage, an in-ground heated pool, and a covered patio. Offered at $645,000

Palm Beach Polo: This fully renovated 3Br, 3Ba plus office corner unit is a rare find. The fenced courtyard offers a lovely and private space to relax and enjoy the sunshine. The rear of the home has a large screened in patio that is ideal for entertaining, and offers a spectacular lake view. Offered at $640,000

Palm Beach Polo Polo Island: Vaulted ceilings and natur al light cascade throughout this home to create an open and inviting feeling. The expansive living room and airy kitchen are ideal for entertaining family and friends. The views of the sunsets are absolutely stunning. This home overlooks the Global Dressage Festival show grounds. Offered at $620,000

Amy Carr Phone +1 561-662-0728 Fax +1 561-791-2221 www.amycarr.evusa.com Wellington, Florida Amy.Carr@evusa.com

©2015 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

Exceptional Equestrian Estate

On 3.7 acres and a short hack to either WEF or GDF, this property is perfect for anyone looking for something spectacular. The beautifully constructed home was built with the highest quality materials and a discerning eye. Four large bedrooms, 5.5 baths, and an open living area with a gourmet kitchen offer plenty of space for entertaining and relaxing.

The backyard includes a large, screened-in patio with an

outdoor kitchen and fireplace, and a swimming pool with hot tub and 100ft lap pool, all of which overlook the wonderful 200' x 130' rizzo ring. The property also enjoys an 11-stall, center aisle barn with 2 wash bays, tack room, laundry room, feed room, lots of storage, and a peaceful viewing lanai. Separate from, but close to the barn, is a two bedroom grooms' apartment. This delightful equestrian estate truly is an exceptional property. Offered at $6,700,000

Amy Carr Phone +1 561-662-0728 Fax +1 561-791-2221 www.amycarr.evusa.com Wellington, Florida Amy.Carr@evusa.com

©2015 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

Southfields: This beautiful 5+ acr e pr oper ty is per fectly situated adjacent to the Palm Beach Equine Clinic. Located within the lovely Southfields neighborhood, this barn is a quick hack to the Global Dressage Festival and the Winter Equestrian Festival. This facility is well-equipped with two, two bedroom, two bathroom apartments, three tack rooms, and three feed rooms. The grounds have 11 paddocks and a round pen. Offered at $3,750,000 Amy Carr +1 561-662-0728

Southfields: This exceptional far m is situated on 5.37 acr es of well-maintained grounds. Property includes two barns with a total of 38 stalls. There is a large ring with all-weather footing, and a second ring for lunging. There is plenty of living space with two 2-bedroom apartments plus staff quarters. Great location to the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) or the Global Dressage Festival (GDF).

Great opportunity to own a working farm. Offered at $4,350,000 Carol A. Sollak +1 561-818-9476

Southfields: Situated on 2.94-acres within the gates of the quiet Southfields neighborhood. This home is move-in ready and has 4Br, 5Ba. The kitchen is open and airy and flows into the rest of the house beautifully. Brand new flooring throughout majority of the home. The large master suite overlooks the lovely outdoor living space and saltwater pool. The property is 2-lots in one and there is plenty of space to build a barn and arena. Offered at $5,250,000 Amy Carr +1 561-662-0728

Saddle Trail: Fabulous home situated on over two acr es just a short hack to the Winter Equestrian Festival. The main house has five bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms and an office/den. The gourmet kitchen will quickly become the center of your new home with granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances. There is an amazing four -stall barn that includes groom¶s quarters, feed and tack room, and large paddocks. Offered at $2,750,000 Carol A. Sollak +1 561-818-9476

©2015 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

PROFILE

the perpetual reinvention

Of Sally Ike From training horses to the highest level to fielding gold-medal teams to paving a path for future generations, this quiet horsewoman has left a lasting mark on U.S. horse sports.

And she isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done yet.

Sally Ike has worn many hats in her decades of involvement with U.S. horse sport, BUT SOME OF HER MOST IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE BEEN BEHIND THE SCENES AND OUT OF THE PUBLIC EYE

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TRICIA BOOKER PHOTO

By MOLLY SORGE

Sally Ikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst horse, Punkin Tart, was a gift from her uncle, George S. Howell.

4HE HOMEBRED 4HOROUGHBRED lLLY WAS TOO SMALL TO RACE SO )KE TRAINED HER FOR THE HUNTER RING

EVENTUALLY WINNING RIBBONS AT PRESTIGIOUS COMPETITIONS LIKE $EVON AND THE .ATIONAL (ORSE 3HOW IN -ADISON 3QUARE 'ARDEN

PHOTO COURTESY SALLY IKE

Sally Ike asks me intently.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the cardinal rule of interviewing: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talk about yourself. So I hesitate.

But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obviousâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Ike really wants to know how my career in the horse world started, what twists and turns through barn aisles brought me to this conversation with her.

We discuss Pony Club. We talk about how vital it is to have an engaging, devoted first instructor. She tells me of her days raising her two daughters as riders, when kids kept their horses in the backyard, and mothers drove ponies to shows in two-horse trailers behind station wagons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If your horse is at home, you have to take care of it,â&#x20AC;?

Ike says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What changed? The business changed. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so different now. Kids donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep their horses at home anymore.

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at boarding stables.â&#x20AC;?

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve shifted from an interview into a conversation.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to do with Ike. She answers questions, then asks some of her own.

I have vivid memories of the first time I interviewed her, close to a decade ago now, on the deck of a Middleburg, Va., restaurant. Like many people, I knew her simply as the director of the U.S. Equestrian Federation show jumping team. I had no idea how down-to-earth she was for a high-powered official, nor did I know anything of her own remarkable career as horsewomanâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;eventing at the Olympic level, foxhunting, racing over fences, showing hunters. Ike has done it all. My voice recorder, used to brief, cursory answers, wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite up to the task of documenting her life, and it wound down to a slow crawl with a dead battery.

At the end of 2014, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Asso-

PHOTO COURTESY SALLY IKE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;How did you grow up with horses?â&#x20AC;?

Sally Ike (right), credits her uncle, Thoroughbred trainer George S. Howell, WITH IGNITING HER AND HER TWIN -UFlN ,ORD S PASSION FOR RIDING AND HORSEMANSHIP WHILE GROWING UP IN .EW *ERSEY IN THE S

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PROFILE PROFILE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A mutual friend told him, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sally keeps reinventing herself.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thought of it like that, but it is true. It occurred to me that while Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve essentially worked for the same organization for 26 years, my jobs have evolved from one thing to another.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;SALLY IKE

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was a very modern rider in a prehistoric time,â&#x20AC;? says James C. Wofford of Sally Ike, PICTURED HERE WITH %VENING -AIL AT THE 53%4 HEADQUARTERS IN 'LADSTONE . * IN

PHOTO COURTESY SALLY IKE

ciation awarded Ike their Lifetime Achievement award and produced a lovely video tribute. In it, Ike reveals why, after more than 25 years working on the administrative side of high performance horse sports, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now thrilled to chair the USHJAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Emerging Athletes Program and serve as managing director of education for the USEF. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m worried about the future of the sport,â&#x20AC;? she admits. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel lucky to be involved in the Emerging Athletes Program, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a small step in what I perceive as an increasing need to remember why weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing it for the horses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find a way to create the next generation of horsemen,â&#x20AC;? she continues, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the mold we have from the people I was lucky enough to be involved with will be lost, and we will have no future.â&#x20AC;?

Ike spent 25 years guiding and assisting international U.S. teams in administrative roles, including as the USEF managing director of show jumping teams that won Olympic gold medals. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s her work with the EAPâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;searching out and educating the kids who

PHOTO COURTESY SALLY IKE

PHOTO COURTESY SALLY IKE

Evening Mail and Sally Ike at the 1968 Badminton Horse Trials in England, WHERE THEIR SUCCESSFUL TRIP ACROSS COUNTRY PUT THEM ON THE /LYMPIC SHORT LIST

After serving as alternates for the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City in eventing, 3ALLY )KE AND %VENING -AIL EARNED EVEN MORE ACCOLADES IN LADIES TIMBER RACES (above) ,EGENDARY SHOW JUMPER &RANK #HAPOT EVEN RODE THE GELDING IN THE PRESTIGIOUS -ARYLAND (UNT #UP (right).

EVENING MAIL: A Horse Of A Lifetime

DOUGLAS LEES PHOTO

“He was a fabulous horse and would do anything for her,” RECALLS 4RISH 'ILBERT OF %VENING -AIL h4HEY HAD A VERY SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP )T WAS ONE OF THOSE @RIGHT PONY WITH THE RIGHT PERSON DOING THE RIGHT JOB AT THE RIGHT TIME KINDS OF THINGS v

THAT S AN INDICATION OF HOW GOOD THE RIDERS AND HORSES HAVE GOTTEN 9OU CAN ONLY BUILD THE JUMPS SO BIG SO THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS ARE GETTING SO MUCH HARDER !ND YOU HAVE TO RIDE WELL TO DO THEM WELL v h7E SIT DOWN AND CHUCKLE EVERY NOW AND THEN ABOUT LOOKING BACK

AS OFlCIALS AT SOME OF THE COURSES WE USED TO JUMP v SAYS 'ILBERT h!T COMPETITIONS IN THIS DAY AND AGE WE RE LOOKING FOR THE BIG LOGS THE GROUNDLINES THE SOLID JUMPS AND ALL THE SAFETY ISSUES !ND BACK THEN

THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN ONE TINY RAIL OVER A HUGE GAPING DITCH v !FTER HER /LYMPIC ALTERNATE EXPERIENCE IN )KE STARTED ON A NEW ROUTE WITH %VENING -AIL 3HE GOT BITTEN BY THE STEEPLECHASING BUG AND BEGAN RACING HIM OVER FENCES h(E DIDN T EVEN START HIS RACING CAREER UNTIL HE WAS AND HE CLEANED UP IN THE LADIES TIMBER RACES WITH ME v )KE SAYS h4HEN ) THOUGHT HE SHOULD HAVE A SHOT AT THE -ARYLAND (UNT #UP AND HE WAS THIRD WITH &RANK #HAPOT ON HIM h) WANTED TO DO EVERYTHING v SHE ADDS h)F WE HAVE ONE HORSE IN OUR LIFETIME LIKE THAT WE RE BLESSED v C H RO N O F H O R S E .CO M

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PHOTO COURTESY SALLY IKE

A

FTER 3ALLY )KE RETURNED FROM TRAINING IN %NGLAND IN THE EARLY S SHE AND HER PARENTS BOUGHT %VENING -AIL A GRAY 4HOROUGHBRED GELDING

FOR FROM A RACE HORSE TRAINER h7ILLYv QUICKLY BECAME A WIN NER IN THE lRST AND SECOND YEAR GREEN HUNTER DIVISIONS AT THE BEST SHOWS "UT THEN IN )KE DECIDED TO START EVENTING !ND SHE AND 7ILLY TOOK THE EVENTING WORLD BY STORM WINNING THE $E"ROKE .ATIONAL #HAM PIONSHIP AND CLAIMING THE (ORSE OF THE 9EAR TITLE IN 4HAT FALL THEY COMPLETED THE "URGHLEY (ORSE 4RIALS IN %NGLAND PLACING EIGHTH ! SUC CESSFUL TRIP AROUND "RITAIN S FAMED "ADMINTON (ORSE 4RIALS THE NEXT SPRING PUT THEM ON THE /LYMPIC SHORT LIST 4HEY EVENTUALLY SERVED AS THE ALTER NATES FOR THE /LYMPIC 'AMES IN -EXICO #ITY )KE S FRIEND OF YEARS AND FELLOW EVENTER AND EVENTING OFlCIAL 4RISH 'ILBERT RECALLS %VENING -AIL FONDLY h(E WAS A FABULOUS HORSE AND WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR HER 4HEY HAD A VERY SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP )T WAS ONE OF THOSE @RIGHT PONY WITH THE RIGHT PERSON DOING THE RIGHT JOB AT THE RIGHT TIME KINDS OF THINGS v SHE SAYS h7HAT WAS FUN ABOUT WATCHING 3ALLY RIDE WAS THAT SHE WAS A VERY MODERN RIDER IN A PREHISTORIC TIME v SAYS *AMES # 7OFFORD h3HE HAD GOOD DRESSAGE SKILLS AND GOOD SHOW JUMPING SKILLS AND THAT WAS UNUSUAL IN THAT DAY BECAUSE THAT WAS THE ERA OF THE SLASHING BOLD CROSS COUNTRY RIDER WHO DIDN T PAY MUCH ATTENTION TO THE OTHER TWO DISCIPLINES 3ALLY COULD DO ALL THREE DISCIPLINES EQUALLY WELL v !ND WHILE )KE S RIDING STYLE WAS MODERN THE SPORT AT THAT TIME WAS VERY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IT IS TODAY h4HE SPORT WAS SO SMALL THEN v SAYS )KE h4HAT YEAR ) WAS ON THE SQUAD

WITH -ASON 0HELPS -ICHAEL 0AGE *IM 7OFFORD -ICHAEL 0LUMB AND +EVIN &REEMAN THOSE OF US WHO WERE THERE WERE ABOUT THE ONLY PEOPLE RIDING AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL 4O SEE HOW THE SPORT HAS GROWN HAS BEEN FASCINATING h7OULD ) GET ON A TEAM NOW .O v SHE CONTINUES h4HE QUALITY OF THE HORSES HAS GOTTEN SO GOOD AT ALL THE LEVELS AND THERE ARE SO MANY MORE GOOD RIDERS !ND THE COURSES HAVE GOTTEN MORE TECHNICAL !ND ) THINK

PROFILE just plain love horses a 2-year-old homebred and want them in filly that was too small their livesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that feeds to race. She named her her soul. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a Punkin Tart. driving force behind â&#x20AC;&#x153;I broke her and the program since its trained her myself. She inception in 2009. was perfect. How does â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enlightthat happen? I look ening, Molly, is when back on it now, and you see the applicaI canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe it,â&#x20AC;? Ike tions from these kids,â&#x20AC;? says. she tells me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These That mare ended arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kids who are up winning ribbons going to go to Welin the green worklington or Thermal or ing hunter division at Ocala. Some of them shows such as Devon are kids of profession(Pa.) and the National als, but most are just Horse Show in MadiMementos of Sally Ikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ordinary kids. son Square Garden (N.Y.). Ike took her along many international championship â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can remember when I was a kid, there was when she left to attend Miss Porterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School in experiences WITH THE 5 3 %QUESTRIAN 4EAM a small hack stable in my town, and my twin and Connecticut, but she lost the horse to colic when I would walk over there and spend all day just to the mare was just 6. be around the horses,â&#x20AC;? she continues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the kind of kid weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re In the USHJA video, Ike recalls how her parents came to her seeing in Emerging Athletes, and they are our future.â&#x20AC;? room to break the news, and her voice cracks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was 60 years ago, and I stillâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? She has to pause, gather ONCE A HORSEWOMAN, ALWAYS herself, and quell the tears.

A HORSEWOMAN â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how much effect horses have on our lives,â&#x20AC;? she says.

Ike, now 70, was that kid, the one who hung on the rail at local This is what so many people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to know about Ike. New Jersey horse shows, studying each rider. Even though their She might have spent the last two decades standing on the ground, parents had no horse experience, she and her twin, Muffin, were watching other people ride, but sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never lost her connection a constant presence at their uncleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thoroughbred breeding farm to the horse. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a rider, and a horsewoman, at heart. She in Monmouth County, N.J., and at the racetrack. used to sneak out from her administrative job in Gladstone, N.J., That uncle, George S. Howell, helped foster the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; love of to nearby Hunterdon to hack horses, including the famed 2004 riding, but he also instilled in them the basics of good horsemanship.

Olympic team gold medalist Royal Kaliber. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We grew up learning how to put perfect wraps on horses and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about as a horsewoman. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a wonto do it to a high standard,â&#x20AC;? Ike says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had my own Emerging derful person,â&#x20AC;? says George Morris. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It seems like everyone has Athletes Program.â&#x20AC;? an agenda. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s above all that. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like the old guard who are Howell gave them yearlings to groom and train in-hand when passionate and altruistic. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so passionate about the things that they were 10, and in 1957, when Ike was 13, he gifted her with nobody has time for anymore, things that we need. And she makes decisions from a horsewomanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point of view, not an administrative point of view.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not that she ever worked as a teacher,

but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how she approaches her work. She wants to teach people what she knows, but in a collaborative way.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;MUFFIN LORD

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REINVENTING HERSELF Ike skipped college, choosing instead to travel to England to learn from famed show jumper Jack Talbot-Ponsonby. She showed hunters at Madison Square Garden and Devon before eventing to the four-star level with her horse of a lifetime, Evening Mail (see side-

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PROFILE PROFILE

HALEY BURTON PHOTO

bar). She was a regular And in 2013, she fixture in the hunt field evolved again, leaving with the Monmouth jumping behind and County Hunt and the becoming the director Essex Fox Hounds in of education for USEF New Jersey. and the managing After she married director of licensed John Ike in 1969 and officials. had her daughters, Sally laughs softly Beth and Sara, Sallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as she describes getriding career slowed. ting the issue of the She became a stay-atUSHJAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s In Stride home mom and Pony magazine with coverClub volunteer, helpage of her Lifetime ing the girls keep their Achievement Award. ponies in a field in â&#x20AC;&#x153;I looked through back of their New Jerit and said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This looks sey home and serving like itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Sally Ike as District Commisissue!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I was like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Who â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ďŹ nd a way to create sioner for Somerset Hill Pony Club. She worked is that person?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; It just doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem connected next generation of horsemen,â&#x20AC;? for hunt MFH and steeplechase trainer Jill Fan- thesays to my life,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a total surprise and Sally Ike, PICTURED WITH 0ETER 7YLDE AND 53(*! %MERGING ning, hunting green horses. She also volunteered so humbling. But I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m any differ!THLETES 0ROGRAM WINNER #ARLY 7ILLIAMS

at Gladstone, the U.S. Equestrian Team head- hTHE MOLD WE HAVE FROM THE PEOPLE ) WAS ent than so many people in this industry. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE INVOLVED WITH WILL BE quarters. just been doing my job and had lucky opporLOST AND WE WILL HAVE NO FUTURE v By 1989, the girls were grown, and Sally tunities.â&#x20AC;? accepted a full-time job at the USET as director THE ETERNAL OPTIMIST of show jumping and eventing, tasked with funding, planning and But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bit hard to believe Sally has taken such a go-with-the-flow equipping the international teams. attitude to her career, given that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a stickler for details and Over her years with the USET, and then the USEF, Sallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role approaches problems with a ruthlessly deliberate thought process. has morphed numerous times.

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also very properâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;frequently seen with a sweater carefully â&#x20AC;&#x153;My ex-husband, who Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still quite friendly with, lives in draped and knotted around her shoulders, a crisp button-down Millbrook,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A mutual friend of ours there told him, shirt, and ironed khakis. From appearances, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be easy to dismiss â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sally keeps reinventing herself.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thought of it like that, but her as intimidating, but that couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be further from the truth. it is true. It occurred to me that while Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve essentially worked for Speak to her, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warm, engaging and curious. the same organization for 26 years, my jobs have evolved from one â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every time I see Sally, my face lights up,â&#x20AC;? says Peter Wylde, thing to another.â&#x20AC;? who was on the 2004 Olympic Games gold-medal U.S. show When USEF officials decided to split the show jumping/eventjumping team that Sally oversaw and now works with her in the ing director job, Sally chose to administer show jumping so that she EAP. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m happy to see her. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a nice person.â&#x20AC;? could pursue other roles within eventing, her first love. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now a It can be a tough line to walk to be a nice person and command technical delegate, â&#x20AC;&#x153;râ&#x20AC;? judge and course designer for eventing. respect, but Sally seems to negotiate it effortlessly. EAP participants straighten their shoulders a bit when sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watching and make sure â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real art, to be a mentor to someone to voice their most insightful questions when sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s listening in, but and support them, then let them go out to do sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the first to smile and give them a pat on the back.

Lizzy Chesson worked under Sally and then took over Sallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their thing, but also be there to help.â&#x20AC;? job as USEF managing director for show jumping in 2013 when â&#x20AC;&#x201D;LIZZY CHESSON Sally moved to administrate the Education and Licensed Offi66

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NANCY JAFFER PHOTO

cials departments. She chuckles as ing a bit,â&#x20AC;? Sally recalls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One day she reveals that when people need I can remember I had the epiphanswers about high performance any that teaching is the ultimate show jumping, they sometimes still kick, because to be able to convey call Sally first. Because Sally knows something to someone else and everything. have their light bulb go off and see â&#x20AC;&#x153;She has so much respect all over them improveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get any the world; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just in the States. better than that.â&#x20AC;?

Everyone knows Sally,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Wylde has seen Sally work was always amazed how she handled both as director of jumping teams the rider meetings. There were some and within the EAP and admires contentious things going on, and the dedication sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brought to the riders had so much respect for both roles. her that she was able to get through â&#x20AC;&#x153;She is selfless toward the betthe tough things in a positive fashterment of our team, the betterion and move forward. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ment of our country,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At organizers or riders or trainers, they any competition, Sally was always all have great respect for her, so sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100 percent about doing the able to get a lot done.â&#x20AC;? right thing and doing it well and Chesson reveals that Sallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proudly representing our country. favorite saying is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know me, â&#x20AC;&#x153;And now for her to make the Sara Ike followed in her mother Sallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s footsteps AT THE 5 3 Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m the eternal optimist.â&#x20AC;? transition from doing everything %QUESTRIAN &EDERATION AND 5 3 %QUESTRIAN 4EAM &OUNDATION It fits with her quiet, yet steelsheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done to put that kind of spirit willed desire to make progress, to impact the world in a positive way. and effort into the kids and the future generations of riders, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in such awe of Sallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to that,â&#x20AC;? he continues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s THE ART OF MENTORING incredibly organized, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incredibly professional, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tireWhile Sally has ended up as an educator of riders, she herself didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t less. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s constantly trying to do the right thing. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so lucky at take riding lessons until her late teens. And while she dabbled in the EAP that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken this under her wing.â&#x20AC;? teaching when her daughters were young riders, she never hung out Sallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mentoring has also extended to her daughter Saraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a shingle and declared herself a â&#x20AC;&#x153;professional trainer.â&#x20AC;? career. Sara followed in her motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s footsteps, starting with the And yet, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a teacher at heart. Teachers help their students USEF in 2003 as director of vaulting, then took on the high find paths to excellence and knowledge, and Sally has devoted herperformance director and managing director of eventing role. In self to helping others find their way on those paths, whether it be 2014, Sara shifted again to serve as major gifts officer of the USET as a manager of a team aiming for a medal or as a mentor in the Foundation. halls of the USEF. Chesson, too, has matured in her career under Sallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guidance â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t she teach? She would, because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the way she and defines her as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the dream boss.â&#x20AC;? looks at the world,â&#x20AC;? says Sallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s twin sister, Muffin Lord, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made â&#x20AC;&#x153;She doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t second-guess your judgment, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always her career in education (see sidebar). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curious, and she wants there to support you in your decisions,â&#x20AC;? Chesson says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very other people to know what she knows. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curious for them. thorough about teaching you. She doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t throw you out there to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our father was one of those people who gives back all the watch you drown. She throws you out there and is right there ready time. He did a lot of charity work, and I think we both absorbed with the life preserver if you need it. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real art, to be a mena version of that,â&#x20AC;? Lord adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My version is that I work with stutor to someone and support them, then let them go out to do their dents, and hers is that she passes on what she knows. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not that thing, but also be there to help.â&#x20AC;? she ever worked as a teacher, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how she approaches her MAKING A PATH work. She wants to teach people what she knows, but in a collabSally hopes EAP is sending young athletes out into the horse world orative way. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always open to ideas and feedback.â&#x20AC;? with life preservers as well. She wants the program to help fill a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right before I took the [USET] job, I was still teaching rid68

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PAR ALLEL PATHS

G

Twin sisters Sally Ike (left) and MufďŹ n Lord, PICTURED HERE IN

ENJOYED AN ANIMAL RICH CHILDHOOD

PHOTO COURTESY SALLY IKE

ROWING UP 3ALLY )KE HAD AN OMNIPRESENT SIDEKICKÂ&#x2C6;HER TWIN -UFlN ,ORD 4HE TWO WERE INSEPARABLE CATCHING THE HORSE CRAZY BUG TOGETHER AND SHARING PONIES 4HEY ATTENDED THE SAME BOARDING SCHOOLÂ&#x2C6;-ISS 0ORTER S IN #ONNECTICUT "UT AFTER HIGH SCHOOL THEIR PATHS DIVERGED )KE PURSUED RIDING WHILE ,ORD WENT OFF TO COLLEGE !ND EVEN THOUGH ,ORD SPENT A FEW YEARS WORKING AS A BARN MANAGER IN -ARYLAND

SHE EVENTUALLY FOUND HER WAY TO GRADUATE SCHOOL AND THEN A CAREER IN ACADEMIA 3HE S NOW THE ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE 3CHOOL OF !RTS AND 3CIENCES AT 2UTGERS 5NIVERSITY . * h) VE BEEN AT 2UTGERS ALMOST YEARS 3ALLY STARTED AT THE 53%4 ABOUT SIX MONTHS BEFORE ) STARTED AT 2UTGERS 7E BOTH LANDED IN THE CAREER JOBS OF OUR LIVES AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME v ,ORD SAYS h4HE PATH JUST SORT OF UNFOLDS AND THAT S WHAT HAP PENED WITH 3ALLY UNTIL SHE GOT TO THE 53%4 AND THEN SHE WAS IN THE RIGHT PLACE v ,ORD CHARACTERIZES BOTH THEIR LIFE JOURNEYS AS SOMEWHAT ORGANIC h) THINK WHAT HAPPENED WAS THAT WE GREW UP IN THIS HOUSE HOLD WHERE WOMEN DIDN T WORK -Y MOTHER DIDN T WORK AND NONE OF MY AUNTS WORKED ) THINK WE WERE BOTH EXPECTED TO GET MARRIED AND HAVE KIDS v SHE SAYS h4HERE WASN T A SENSE OF LIKE THERE IS NOW THAT YOU HAD TO PLAN A CAREER PATH 7E JUST SORT OF LANDED IN THINGS v

void that she sees in the hunter/jumper industry, because she canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t visualize how a modern-day version of her young selfâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;untaught raw talent with limited resources but an intense driveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;might make it to the top anymore. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a path for these kids [before EAP],â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While in eventing and dressage, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always been a place for the working student, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how some of those kids found their way up, there really hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been a place for working students in hunter/jumper land. I think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeing a little more of that now.â&#x20AC;?

She emphasizes that EAP isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t meant to be a talent scout program focused on future international team ridersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about education and facilitating networking connections for future professionals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My hope is that we can help some kids along the way to find careers in the horse industry. Maybe not so much riders, but as barn managers and trainers,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting there. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be more emphasis on the stable management side of EAP as well as more recognition for those kids. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And even if we are lucky enough that EAP discovers the next Conrad Homfeld, at the end of the day, the 240 kids that we help to teach every year will know more about their horses

and how to take care of them than when they started. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success,â&#x20AC;? she adds.

Of course, Sally doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to stop there. In the future sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to fill even more perceived gaps in the system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There needs to be, in my mind, a program below EAP, probably at the zone level, and then also have a program above EAP, so we can do more for people who are already young professionals and provide them with more education, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to run a business or how to train young horses,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are still spaces to expand, things to teach.â&#x20AC;?

Standing in a cold Ohio indoor in November watching young hopefuls jump borrowed horses in the EAP Nationals is a far cry from applauding at the in-gate as U.S. athletes bow their heads to receive Olympic gold medals, but Sally has enjoyed both equally.

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gotten to help people fulfill their dreamsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;big and little. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d get bored of watching horses go and kids ride, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. I just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always fun,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really her passion for the horse that drives her, no matter what hat sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wearing,â&#x20AC;? Chesson says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She does so much with the EAP, and really, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that passion for the horse and horsemanship that keeps her going and making sure weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the right track.â&#x20AC;?

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PROFILE

PASSION PLAY Florence Flameng was born with an innate artistic talent and a love for the horse. More than 50 years later, she’s now parlayed those passions into a magnificent career—thanks to a kindhearted butcher, a famous French artist and a Belgian show jumper.

LISA SLADE PHOTO

By TAYLOR JOYCE

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COURTESY OF FLORENCE FLAMENG

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have two passions: I love painting, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m passionate about animals.

3O ) CAN JOIN BOTH v SAYS ARTIST &LORENCE &LAMENG h&OR ME

BEING ABLE TO PAINT WAS JUST A WAY TO GET CLOSER TO THE ANIMAL v

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The one who could ďŹ&#x201A;y without wings and conquer without sword,â&#x20AC;?

READS THE INSCRIPTION ON CASHMERE SCARVES PRINTED WITH &LORENCE &LAMENG S PAINTING The Eye of Hickstead, COMMEMORATING %RIC ,AMAZE S LEGENDARY SHOW JUMPING PARTNER

it was a tragic death in the public eye that shocked the equestrian community around the world, including Florence Flameng. But when the legendary Hickstead collapsed and died in the arena during the Rolex Grand Prix of Verona CSI-W in Italy on Nov. 6, 2011, Flameng was immediately moved to honor her friend Eric Lamazeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous stallion.

Flameng, a French artist and amateur rider married to Belgian show jumper Eric Flameng, commemorated Hickstead in a stunning oil portrait. In it, the bay Dutch Warmbloodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s countenance is genuine, and the details of his muscling and

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PROFILE PROFILE tack are a radiant, lifelike portrayal.

But capturing this single image of Hickstead on canvas wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough; Florence wanted to share a gift with everyone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been involved in the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

And there were many. The stallion carried Lamaze to individual gold and team silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

for Canada and won almost every major grand prix in the world. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d touched so many lives during his career.

So Florence sought out a fine cashmere company in India, had her image printed onto 100 cashmere scarves, and shipped them to her house in Wellington, Fla. The scarves were broad, and the texture

of the quality material, Florence hoped, would reflect the great respect Hickstead commandedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;more so than a reprinted poster of her painting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I gave each one of them to people who were close to the horse or close to Eric,â&#x20AC;? says Florence, 54. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So I never sold one; I only gave them away. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And when I had no more,â&#x20AC;? she adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;everybody was telling me, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You know, you should really do a business out of this.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;?

A BENEVOLENT BUTCHER

A 3-year-old Florence Flameng with her father and mentor, THE &RENCH PAINTER AND SCULPTOR !LAIN !SLAN IN

That business, now known as Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Art du Foulard (which translates to the art of the scarf) and based in Wellington, is a world away from Paris, where Florence was born in 1960 and grew up in a flat with views of the Eiffel Tower. But as a child her attention was almost always focused on what was inside: her fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art studio, on the floor above her bedroom.

Alain Aslanâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;known throughout France by his surname aloneâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;was famous for his paintings, sculptures and pin-up drawings, and he imparted his love of stunningly lifelike art to his firstborn daughter as soon as she could wield a paintbrush.

Florenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first memory of working with him was when he allowed her to help him sculpt a giant bronze bust of a French military general, which is today displayed in a Paris park. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The hat had a lot of decoration, with

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORENCE FLAMENG

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would bicycle there, I would grab the first horse that would come to me, and I would put a western saddle on, and I would take off into the woods for eight, nine hours, and come back at night.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;florence flameng 72

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Florence Flameng uses a combination of gouache, acrylics, watercolors, pencils and ink TO CREATE HER STUNNING PORTRAITS

LIKE THIS ONE OF !USTRALIAN SHOW JUMPER %DWINA 4OPS !LEXANDER S LONGTIME PARTNER #EVO )TOT DU #HATEAU

little moldings and embroideries all around,â&#x20AC;? Florence recalls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So I did all the embroideries in clay and all of the little design and all of the little flowers. It was very tedious work. [But] it was fun to do that; we worked a whole month together side by sideâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;while he was doing the face, I was doing the hat.â&#x20AC;?

Florenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, Brigitte Aslan, was an artist as well, and she imparted her creative spirit at every opportunity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She would make our coats; she would make our dresses; she would make everything,â&#x20AC;? Florence says.

In the summers, the Aslans would journey to a family home in the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We never had a TV, and if it was raining, the only thing that was left to do was to draw or to paint or to sculpt wood,â&#x20AC;? she recalls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just to be with my father was also just my pleasure; I would have done anything just to make him happy, teaching me what to do.â&#x20AC;?

But the peaceful environment and slow pace of life werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Florenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only sources of happiness on their country vaca-

saddled one up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what it was, its age or anything, and we took him out for four hours, and I tions. The local just learned to hold on,â&#x20AC;? says meat shop, just a G EN AM Florence with a laugh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After that, three-mile bicycle L F CE EN R every weekend, I would spend my ride away, was run by O FL OF whole dayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I would bicycle there, I would a horse-loving butcher.

SY E T UR CO grab the first horse that would come to me, When horses were sent and I would put a western saddle on, and to him for slaughter, he rescued those he could and cared for them I would take off into the woods for eight, on his large farm. Florence and one of her nine hours, and come back at night. I am neighborhood friends were shocked when, absolutely, totally self-taught. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And you have to learn quickly,â&#x20AC;? she after venturing down the butcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s driveway one day, they were invited to spend as continues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once the only horse that came to me was a 3-year-old that was never much time as they liked with his horses.

And so they went right to work and broke. And I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know that, so I just C H RO N O F H O R S E .CO M

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PROFILE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORENCE FLAMENG

Florence Flameng calls Halvah (left), A FORMER BARREL RACER SHE FOUND THROUGH A NEWSPAPER AD FOR HER hSAVIOR v CREDITING HIM WITH REIGNITING HER PASSION FOR RIDING DURING A DIFlCULT TIME IN HER LIFE !FTER LEARNING TO FOXHUNT ON THE STURDY GRAY

&LAMENG THEN GOT HOOKED ON SHOW JUMPING THANKS TO HER NEXT HORSE (ARRY (below).

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was young, I was speaking French, and I lived in a beautiful house. So when I would come out of there, nobody would talk to me because everybody thought I was the au pair. I was a little depressed, and I tried to remember what I loved the most in life. And after my son, it was horses.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;florence flameng 74

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threw the saddle on, and I was wondering why he was bucking a little when I left.

By the end of the day, when I came home, he was perfectly well-mannered. And the butcher was laughing hysterically, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;That one?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yeah, why?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; [And he said] â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Well, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a first!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;What do you mean?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nobodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever ridden that one! I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about 3; it just came from the racetrack!â&#x20AC;?

Florence spent every moment of her free time getting to know the butcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horses and thinking up creative ways to try to recreate their beauty. She even designed her own horse tail to adorn the back of her bicycle.

She approached horses in a fearless, naĂŻve way, and in turn, they mostly took care of the little girl, save for a few instances when she insisted on galloping over hill and dale a bit too fast. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, when you have no fear...â&#x20AC;? Florence says, trailing off. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And when you love, absolutely crazy love themâ&#x20AC;Ś I mean, I would have done anything to be able to even sleep in a stall with a horse! I was so fascinated; I just adored them since I was 6 years old. The first time I saw a horse, I was like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oh my God; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so beautiful.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I would put the tail around my waist, and I would gallop around and imagine that I was a horse myself. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would have done anything to be on a horse, so when that man offered me to take them whenever I wanted, I was like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;OK!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;? she adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was super.â&#x20AC;?

SAVED BY HORSES Florence continued to ride at the butcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm on weekends and vacations and

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORENCE FLAMENG

Florence Flameng and her husband, Belgian show jumper Eric Flameng, ESTABLISHED THEIR TRAINING AND SALES BUSINESS

&LORIAC ,,# IN IN 7ELLINGTON &LA !

DECADE LATER AFTER BEING INSPIRED BY THE SPORT AND ITS ATHLETES &LORENCE lNALLY INTRODUCED HER STUNNING EQUINE ARTWORK TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH HER COMPANY , !RT DU &OULARD

around her studies at Les Beaux-Arts School in the city from ages 15 to 18. But the freedom and anonymity of galloping wildly through the countryside was quite a contrast to the Parisian art scene, especially for Aslanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Actually, three of the teachers were my dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friends from when he graduated,â&#x20AC;? recalls Florence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was funny, because I told him I had a teacher named Nadar, and he said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nadar? I went to art school with him!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Their sculpture teacher was Paul Landowski, the one that sculpted the Christ in Rio [de Janeiro].â&#x20AC;?

In addition, Brigitte Bardot, who modeled for Aslan for his rendition of her as the Fifth Republic Marianne (the goddess of liberty and a popular symbol of French society), became a family friend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very small world when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an

artist in Paris,â&#x20AC;? Florence explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody knows each other.â&#x20AC;?

But Florence was about to embark on a new adventure, far from both her beloved French countryside and the intimate cultural community of its capital. After meeting her future first husband, an American named Lee Casty, Florence decided to test out a new life in suburban Chicago with him at age 21. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was not a very easy move, to be away from your family, from everything you know,â&#x20AC;? she admits. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak English, so it was total, full immersion.â&#x20AC;?

Within a year of their marriage, Florence had her first son, Corey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was a tough time because everybody thought I was the au pair,â&#x20AC;? she recalls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was young, I was speaking French, and I lived in a beautiful house. So when I would

come out of there, nobody would talk to me because everybody thought I was the au pair. I was a little depressed, and I tried to remember what I loved the most in life.

And after my son, it was horses.â&#x20AC;?

Florence saw an ad in a local newspaper for a 16-year-old Quarter Horse-ArabianThoroughbred cross, and even though the retired barrel racer had a bowed tendon, she still considers it the best $400 sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever spent. Florence still refers to Halvah as her saviorâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the inspiration she needed to pick up riding again.

Halvah proved a trusty foxhunting mount, and aboard him Florence eventually became an active member of the Wayne-DuPage Hunt (Ill.). â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was not a live hunt; I would not have done a live huntâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I love animals too much for that!â&#x20AC;? Florence admits. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a drag hunt, which was a lot of fun because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty much the same thing, except you just follow a scent and go out for three hours instead of six or seven! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of fun, and you have all the social parts of gathering and the hunt ball and all that, which is really cute.â&#x20AC;?

Florence had her second son, Ivan, five years after Corey, and she got them both in the saddle as well, splitting time between their house in Chicago and their farm in Wayne, Ill. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I kind of recreated a little bit of what I was used to in Europe: to be in the city during the week and to be in the country on weekends,â&#x20AC;? Florence explains.

Corey rode for several years and competed at the U.S. Equestrian Federation Pony Finals for two years under the tutelage of grand prix show jumper Charlie Jayne before he eventually switched to other sports. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Corey is very artistic as well; heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more musical,â&#x20AC;? says Florence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It runs in the family: My uncle was an artist, and my grandmother was a wonderful musician.â&#x20AC;?

Once Halvah retired, Florence bought a C H RO N O F H O R S E .CO M

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PROFILE PROFILE

A MATCH MADE IN BELGIUM Florence found the perfect horse on her trip, a mare named Tosca, but she also met the man who would become her second husband. She felt an immediate bond with trainer Eric Flameng, and the two became fast friends.

Over the next several months, Eric started expanding his equestrian business to the United States; meanwhile, Florence and Lee were going through a divorce. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew [Eric] was the love of my life.

It was love at first sight,â&#x20AC;? admits Florence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were friends for two years, only talking on the phone.â&#x20AC;?

At first, Ericâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U.S. business included teaching clinics in the Chicago area, then he eventually relocated to Florida. Florence started splitting her time between 76

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her home in Chicago, raising her sons, and Wellington, where, in late 2000, she and Eric started Floriac LLCâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;their eponymous training and sales business.

In 2010, Ivan started college, so Florence moved to Florida permanently, and only then did she return to painting full time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really a horse person and an artist together; she really tried to mix both,â&#x20AC;? says Eric, 56, now her husband of 12 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interesting for her to find some expression on the horse, to find an attitude, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what she really tries to translate onto paper. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always looking for something really different, something she can see in the horse. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the main thing is that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really between an artist and a horse person,â&#x20AC;? he adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an animal person, actually. All the animals in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been interested in them forever.â&#x20AC;?

A TRUE LIKENESS Florence usually happens upon â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most animals have a her greatest ideas for new position they like to take; A HORSE WILL ALWAYS HOLD HIS paintings in the morning, and HEAD A CERTAIN WAY OR LOOK AT she likes to listen to calming YOU A CERTAIN WAY v SAYS ARTIST &LORENCE &LAMENG h!ND music as she works in her home THAT S WHY ) THINK SOMEONE studio, which she disassembled COMMISSIONS YOU TO MAKE A PORTRAIT THEY WANT TO SEE THEIR and rebuilt in January when ANIMAL THE WAY they SEE IT v she and Eric bought a second home near Wellington, on the Intracoastal Waterway. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I imagine things that I want to do or paint; I dream about them sometimes,â&#x20AC;? she explains.

Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Art du Foulard offers customized portraits, silk and cashmere scarves, and other one-of-a-kind paintings, most of which are equestrian-themed.

Although there hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been a special horse in Florenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life since Tosca retired, she now devotes so much of her time to observing and painting other horses that she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss having one of her own.

Her first step, when commissioned to create a portrait, is to spend a significant COURTESY OF FLORENCE FLAMENG

Hanoverian named Harry and boarded him at Kinvarra Farm in St. Charles, Ill., right next door to her house; she took lessons with its owner, Janet Sassmannshausen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really liked dressage, except my horse didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like it!â&#x20AC;? she says with a laugh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And every time we would pass by a jump, he was always pulling me to the jump. And one day I was like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Maybe I should try jumping him, because I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what he wants to do.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; And he actually loved to jump, and we started to have fun. That was my beginning of formally jumping. Because in the hunt, I was jumping, but I never knew what I was doingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I was just trusting my old horse, and I just had no fear or knowledge of anything! I just went with himâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was more to have fun,â&#x20AC;? she continues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I competed a little bit, but in very little things. My goal was never to compete; my goal was to have fun and for my horse to have fun.â&#x20AC;?

But as Harry got older and Florence wanted to jump higher, advice from friends and trainers prompted her to take a horsehunting trip to Belgium in 1998 that would change her life forever.

The Makings Of A Method )N ADDITION TO HORSES TWO PEOPLE HAVE HELPED SHAPE &LORENCE &LA MENG S UNIQUE ARTISTIC STYLE (ER FATHER !LAIN !SLAN WAS AN AMBIDEXTROUS &RENCH ARTIST WHO

WHEN PAINTING USED WATER BASED GOUACHE A LESS COMMON MEDIUM THAN ACRYLICS OR OIL AND OFTEN CHOSE PAPER RATHER THAN CANVAS (IS SKILL AND SPEED UTILIZING BOTH HANDS FASCINATED &LAMENG SINCE HER CHILDHOOD !ND SOMETIMES HE WOULD MIX GOUACHE WITH OIL ON THIN CANVAS YIELDING A TRULY PERSONAL STYLE THAT HIS DAUGHTER WOULD ADAPT AND ADOPT HERSELF 4ODAY &LAMENG S STUDIO IS STOCKED WITH GOUACHE ACRYLICS WA TERCOLORS AND PENCILS ALL OF WHICH SHE USUALLY COMBINES TO MAKE HER PORTRAITS h-Y TRAINING WAS IN GOUACHE AND GOUACHE IS A PAINT THAT SHOULD MIX WITH A LOT OF WATER v SHE EXPLAINS h)T S VERY CLEAR BUT IT S NOT LIKE WATERCOLOR )T S STILL MATTE IT STILL POWDERS UP BUT IT S VERY LIQUID !ND ) ALMOST USE MY ACRYLIC TO PAINT LIKE ) WOULD PAINT WITH GOUACHE v &LAMENG S SECOND GREATEST INmUENCE CAME LATER IN LIFE AS THE 0ARISIAN GREW ACCUSTOMED TO SUBURBAN #HICAGO )T WAS THEN THAT SHE FELL IN LOVE WITH .ORMAN 2OCKWELL S LIFELIKE GOUACHE PAINTINGS h) THINK HE WAS AMAZINGÂ&#x2C6;THE WAY HE PORTRAYED !MERICA v SHE SAYS h(E WOULD ALWAYS DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY AND ) ADMIRED THAT v

amount of time with the animal, whether alone or with its owner, and take a variety of photographs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most animals have a position they like to take; like, a dog will always sit a certain way. Or a horse will always hold his head a certain way, or look at you a certain way,â&#x20AC;? she explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why I think someone commissions you to make a portrait; they want to see their animal the way they see it, not the way it is in a pictureâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or you might as well frame a nice picture. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You see an animal in a picture, but you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really know the temperament,â&#x20AC;? she continues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to translate that.

And you can really only translate it when you take your own picture, when you see the horse, when you interact with them, when you see if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re curious, if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fearfulâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;their most common attitude.â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise that the method Florence developed over time would be so hands-on with the horse. Neither art nor equines have ever been mutually exclusive pursuitsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one has always been an excuse to enjoy the other. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even in a question in my family,â&#x20AC;? Florence says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have two passions: I love painting, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m passionate about animals. So I can join both. For me, being able to paint was just a way to get closer to the animal.â&#x20AC;?

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HISTORY

THE MARYL AND HUNT CUP

Where Tradition Always Wins Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toughest steeplechase is a showcase of gritty endurance surpassed only by the tenacity of the 121-year-old race itself.

By JENNIFER B. CALDER

The view from the paddock at the 1947 EDITION OF THE -ARYLAND (UNT #UP

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T

he rolling meadows of northern Maryland are the electric green of early spring and the trees are fuzzy with fat buds as jockeys and horses gather to race over the post-and-rail fences of Worthington Farms, much as they have done for the past 121 years.

While the outside world has changed dramatically since that first running in 1894, tradition still triumphs in

the Maryland Hunt Cup, a single race run at 4 p.m. on the last Saturday of every April. The challenging 4-mile course includes 22 unyielding fences, some nearly 5 feet high, making it the longest steeplechase race in the United States and the oldest timber race in the world.

It is a contest that takes less than 10 minutes, yet itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an experience that has endured for generations. And many of

AMY DRAGOO PHOTO

BERT MORGAN PHOTO

Now, as it was then, there are no concession stands, no advertising, no announcers and no betting windows. The prize, a coveted silver cup engraved with the Maryland coat of arms, is charmingly awarded from the back of a hay wagon adjacent to the finish line.

The Maryland Hunt Cupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adherence to simplicity and tradition MAKES PHOTOS LIKE THIS ONE

TAKEN IN ESPECIALLY TIMELESS

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HISTORY

The ďŹ eld makes quick work of one of the Hunt Cupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous post-and-rail fences in this photo dated 1947, THE YEAR A HORSE NAMED 7INTON CEMENTED HIS THIRD WIN AND CAPTURED THE COVETED -ARYLAND (UNT #UP #HALLENGE 4ROPHY FOR OWNER 3TUART 3 *ANNEY *R

the present-day participants can trace their involvement back through family connections to those early first runnings.

THE EARLY YEARS The Maryland Hunt Cup began in 1894 as a friendly challenge between two local foxhunting clubsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;still in existence today as the Elkridge-Harford Hounds and the 80

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Green Spring Valley Houndsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to determine who had the best hunt horse. Johnny Miller, owned and ridden by Mr. John McHenry, crossed the wire first that day.

Such a success was that maiden contest that it was declared an annual event, opened in its second year to any members of Maryland hunts, and in 1903, to members of any hunt in North America. Save

BERT MORGAN PHOTO

BERT MORGAN PHOTO

A sea of humanity strains against the humble temporary fence NEAR THE lNISH AS % 1 -C6ITTY S 0ETERSKI RACES TO THE WIN IN THE -ARYLAND (UNT #UP

for three years during the height of World War II, the race has persevered ever since.

This spring will mark its 119th running.

The early years saw the race float about to various locations, usually in the Worthington or Green Spring Valleys. The course was kept secret until just before the big day, until, in 1922, the Maryland Hunt Cup would settle into its permanent home, Worthington Farms in Glyndon, Md. Now, as it was then, there are no concession stands, no advertising, no announcers and no betting windows. Picnic blankets share space alongside elaborate tailgates. Spectators line the fences and sit on the dandelion-flecked hills to watch the race unfold. The prize, a coveted silver cup engraved with the Maryland coat of arms, is charmingly awarded from the back of a hay wagon adjacent to the finish line.

Winning this ultimate test of endurance and bravado is a lifelong goal for many, and high performance athletes in various horse sports have been drawn to it, including Olympic show jumper Frank Chapot and Olympic eventer Bruce

Davidson.

But the Maryland Hunt Cup is not necessarily the pinnacle of competition for all the sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletes. Like the Olympic Games, it was conceived to be an amateuronly event, staged by its founding fathers (all amateur riders themselves) for the love of the sport, not profit. Until 1972, there wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even a purse.

Now the timber race carries a $75,000 prize. And while the National Steeplechase Association has come to define an amateur as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a rider who does not accept compensation for riding in races,â&#x20AC;? the Hunt Cup committee does consider jockey entries on a case-by-case basis.

Because no matter how your classification as a rider may change, the Maryland Hunt Cup stays the same. It will always be a grueling, punishing, terrifying test unlike anything else in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a test that former professionals, semi-professionals and true amateurs alike can fail with equal ease. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No Maryland Hunt Cup has ever been park-like,â&#x20AC;? wrote Ellinor Stewart Heiser, a witness of the inaugural race and

dozens thereafter, in her 1940 memoir Days Gone By. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The tendency has always been to make the post-and-rail and plank fences stiffer rather than easier, the devil take the hindmost.â&#x20AC;?

THE LEGACY OF THE LAND In 1922, Worthington Farms, a 510acre parcel estate nestled in the heart of Maryland horse country 20 miles outside of Baltimore, was owned by Charles L.A. Heiser. It was purchased from him in 1937 by the Martin family, who have been stewards of the land, and the race, ever since. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My parents bought it when they were first married and allowed the race to continue over their property,â&#x20AC;? explains current owner J.W.Y. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Duckâ&#x20AC;? Martin Jr. Today Martin, 65, is a jt.-MFH of Green Spring Valley, and his life is inseparable from this land and this race. His family made the fortunes that financed their equestrian passions in steel and finance, and Martin and his three siblings inherited the property in 1977. That was five years after he rode to victory in the C H RO N O F H O R S E .CO M

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WINANT BROS. PHOTO

Entries head to the post for the 1963 running of the Hunt Cup, IN WHICH (ALL OF &AME HORSE *AY 4RUMP WOULD WIN THE lRST OF HIS THREE TITLES

Hunt Cup himself aboard Early Earner (Career Boyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Woodlawn Belle, Prince Simon), a horse he also owned and trained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That win was something you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever forget,â&#x20AC;? Martin says now, more than 40 years later. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the equivalent of someone winning the Kentucky Derby in flat racing. The Maryland Hunt Cup is the Kentucky Derby of steeplechasing.â&#x20AC;?

Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Worthington Farms is currently home to more than 40 horses, most of them broodmares, who graze in its lush pastures 364 days a year.

On the 365th, the fences that enclose them are fitted with the simple red and white flags that denote them as race obstacles. Nearby Tufton Avenue, a paved road that the race crisscrosses twice, is covered with dirt. And the last Saturday of April comes with, Martin jokes humbly, â&#x20AC;&#x153;a lot of grass to cut.â&#x20AC;?

As a father of two and grandfather of four, Martin says he hopes â&#x20AC;&#x153;to keep the property as it is and in the familyâ&#x20AC;? for many more generations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But you never know for sure what the future brings.â&#x20AC;?

Tradition has a tenacious grip in this valley, however, and a loyal collection of familiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with names such as Bonsal and Bosley, Brewster and Elders, Fisher and Fenwick, Griswold and Hannum, Janney, Merryman and Smithwickâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all intend to see it continue.

DOUGLAS LEES PHOTO

THESE CHANGING TIMES

â&#x20AC;&#x153;That win was something you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever forget,â&#x20AC;? says J.W.Y. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Duckâ&#x20AC;? Martin (far left), WHO RODE TO VICTORY IN AND WHOSE FAMILY HAS OWNED 7ORTHINGTON &ARMS THE LAND ON WHICH THE RACE IS RUN SINCE (E S PICTURED HERE WITH ( 4URNEY -C+NIGHT (center) AND ,OUIS h0ADDYv .EILSON

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That the race has remained mostly unchanged as decades passed counts as a positive for many of its devotees. But resistance to adaptation can also breed conflict, and one decade stands out in Hunt Cup history as having been especially challenging.

A belated but significant concession came in 1971 at the 75th running of the race, when the first female rider was allowed to participate.

Thirteen years earlier, in 1958, a retired professional jockey named Daniel Marzani had petitioned to ride in the raceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a

BERT MORGAN PHOTO

HISTORY

This image from 1948 shows the ямБeld cruising over the ямБrst jump, A MERE WARM UP FOR THE REMAINING TIMBER FENCES SOME OF WHICH MEASURE NEARLY FEET HIGH

MERSHAN STUDIO PHOTO

Dated somewhere between 1948 and 1950, THIS PHOTO PERFECTLY ILLUSTRATES THE RACE DAY FASHION OF THE TIMES

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HISTORY decision which lay solely with the committee and which they subsequently voted to allow. This precedent of case-by-case, individual decisions therefore opened the door for review of female jockeys.

Eventually, in 1971, the race committee accepted the entry of Kathy Kusner, an established race rider and Olympic veteran in show jumping who had waged a successful legal battle under the Civil Rights

Act to become the first licensed female jockey in the United States three years prior. For her maiden Hunt Cup outing, she saddled up Viking Stablesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Whackerjack (Twenty-fiveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Donnawhacker, Bushwacker) to finish sixth.

But the glass ceiling Kusner broke was inexplicably reinstalled the following year, when the committee forbade female jockeys from entering the race.

The legendary horse Jay Trump earned his spot in the racing Hall of Fame after winning the Maryland Hunt Cup in 1963 PICTURED HERE WITH JOCKEY #OMPTON 3MITH *UNIOR AND

AND THE %NGLISH 'RAND .ATIONAL IN

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want some nice young woman to go out on a bad horse and get beaten up for life,â&#x20AC;? Frank A. Bonsal Jr., a committee member and former winning jockey (1927 and â&#x20AC;&#x2122;28), told The Maryland Horse magazine that spring.

It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until 1979 that the committee acquiesced to the changing overall climate and once again returned to a case-by-case decision-making process.

One year following the reversal, in 1980, Joy Slater would become the first woman to win the Cup, expertly piloting Cancottage (Cantabâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Nellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cottage, Boro Boudour) around the course and winning by 2 lengths. And just in case there were any doubts about her talent, Slater repeated her trip to the winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circle the next year aboard the same horse.

WINANTS BROS. PHOTO

ENDURING DYNASTIES

THE HUNT CUPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WINNINGEST HORSES No horse has ever won the Maryland Hunt Cup four times, but several have completed a hat trick. *OHN / $ONOVAN S Gary Owen )RA % "RIDEÂ&#x2C6;3TELLA *ACK (ARDY

7 * ( 7ATTERS *R S Princeton 6OLTIGEURÂ&#x2C6;3TELLA (UNTER S ,EXINGTON

-RS % 2EAD "EARD S Blockade -AN / 7ARÂ&#x2C6;2OCK %MERALD 4RAP 2OCK

3TUART 3 *ANNEY *R S Winton "ELLI #ASUSÂ&#x2C6;2OSEQUARTZ 4RAP 2OCK

-RS * 7 #LOTHIER S Pine Pep 0ETEE 7RACKÂ&#x2C6;2ED 1UEEN -AD (ATTER

* &ISHER *R S Mountain Dew (UNTER S -OON )6Â&#x2C6;,AELIA 7AR !DMIRAL

-ARY 3TEPHENSON S Jay Trump 4ONGA 0RINCEÂ&#x2C6;"E 4RUMP "ERNBOROUGH

*OY 6ALENTINE S Cancottage #ANTABÂ&#x2C6;.ELL S #OTTAGE "ORO "OUDOUR

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Slaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory also constituted a trifecta of generational girl power, as Cancottage was owned by her grandmother and namesake, Joy Valentine, and trained by her mother, Jill Fanning.

When Cancottage won the race a third time, in 1983, Valentine earned the Maryland Hunt Cup Challenge Trophy. The feat the award recognizesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one owner winning the race three times (not even necessarily with the same horse or in successive years)â&#x20AC;&#x201D;has never been repeated since.

Unfortunately, Slater would not be in the irons for Cancottageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third victory; she was sidelined by an injury, and the ride went to Charles Fenwick that day. But exactly a decade after Slaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second victory, in 1991, she would return to collect the Hunt Cup again.

This time she took her place atop the hay wagon as the owner of Tom Bob (Proverbâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Calamity Jane, Never Dwell), who was trained by her husband, Russell Carrier, and ridden by yet another woman, Sanna Neilson Hendriks. That female jockey would win again in 1993 on Landslide Farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ivory Poacher (Buckfinderâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;White

DOUGLAS LEES PHOTOS

Kathy Kusner became the ďŹ rst woman to ride in the Maryland Hunt Cup IN PILOTING 7HACKERJACK TO SIXTH

DOUGLAS LEES PHOTO

Knuckles, Cloudy Dawn), trained by her mother, Ann Stewart.

Hendriks, who revisited the winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circle as a trainer in 2014, is a poster child for the kind of family legacy this niche sport produces. Her father, Louis â&#x20AC;&#x153;Paddyâ&#x20AC;? Neilson III, is a three-time Hunt Cup winner and rode the race 21 times. Her grandfather, Redmond C. Stewart Jr., rode in six Cups, never crossing the finish line first, but securing his reputation as the owner of Ben Nevis II (Casmiriâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Ben Trumiss, Hop Bridge), who won in 1977 and â&#x20AC;&#x2122;78 and held the track record until 2002.

In fact, Hendriks is able to trace her

Jockey Joy Slaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s win aboard Cancottage in 1980 MARKED THE lRST -ARYLAND (UNT #UP VICTORY BY A FEMALE RIDERÂ&#x2C6;AN ACCOMPLISH MENT SHE CELEBRATED WITH HER GRANDMOTHER AND #ANCOTTAGE S OWNER *OY 6ALENTINE (left) AND HER MOTHER *ILL &ANNING THE HORSE S TRAINER

At 4 miles and including 22 unyielding fences, the Maryland Hunt Cup IS THE LONGEST STEEPLECHASE RACE IN THE 5NITED 3TATES AND THE OLDEST TIMBER RACE IN THE WORLD Above all else, tradition comes ďŹ rst at the Maryland Hunt Cup. 4HE OFlCIAL RACE PROGRAM FROM LOOKED JUST AS IT HAD FOR DECADES

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HISTORY THE HUNT CUP BY THE NUMBERS

6:

Wins by leading jockey D. Michael â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mikeyâ&#x20AC;?

Smithwick (1948-1950, 1952, 1954 and 1960)

8:

Most starts by a horse (The Squire, in the 1890s-1900s, and Mountain Dew, in the 1960s)

22:

connection back to the very first Most starts by running of the Hunt Cup. Her a jockey (Billy great-grandfather, Redmond C. Meister) Stewart, was the founder of Green Spring Valley Hounds and came in second by half a length in that fateful inaugural race.

In Days Gone By, Heiser dismissed the winner that day, Johnny Miller, as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a rather coarse type of half-bred with a docked tail, incapable of speed but a splendid jumper.â&#x20AC;?

But (perhaps not surprisingly, as Stewart was also her brother) she had plenty of praise for his second-placed horse, Tim Burr: â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was at his best in the midst of his beloved hounds,â&#x20AC;? she wrote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With his ears cocked and his eyes following them, he made a picture once seen, impossible to forget. And when the fox broke cover with hounds hot on the line, making the countryside ring with their music, Tim Burr was like a charger dashing into battle.â&#x20AC;?

Several generations later, Heiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family remains as committed to the traditions of hunting and racing as ever, and members of it could likely apply her lyrical and timeless description to many of the mounts theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re running in the Maryland Hunt Cup today.

AMY DRAGOO PHOTO

BECAUSE OF, NOT IN SPITE OF

Unlike other races that may encourage a raucous party atmosphere, THE SOCIAL SCENE AT THE -ARYLAND (UNT #UP HAS ALWAYS BEEN A LAIDBACK FAMILY AFFAIR

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Throughout the 1980s, the elegant underpinnings of the Maryland Hunt Cup were challenged in the form of revelers who saw the event as a purely social event, often getting unruly. With its close proximity to Baltimore, the race is an easy destination for college coeds and various party-seekers more interested in tailgating than equestrian tradition.

The behavior was eventually curtailed, however, by race organizers limiting same-day passes and increasing the parking fees.

The crowds these days are a fraction of what they were in the raceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heydayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;approximately 3,500, versus 30,000â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but for many the allure remains, and tradition is the true winner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Maryland Hunt Cup has endured because of the history and uniqueness,â&#x20AC;? Duck Martin explains. Not in spite of it.

So for one shining afternoon in April, families and fans of steeplechasing will continue to gather in a rolling, verdant valley to celebrate a day of sport and rituals that slow time down, even as the horses and jockeys race past.

PROFILE COVER STORY

IF YOU CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T FIND TOP HUNTER RIDER SANDY FERRELL AT THE BARN, YOUR NEXT BEST BET IS THE BALLROOM.

By ANN GLAVAN Photos by ELENA LUSENTI

N Sandy Ferrell with her dog, Piggy, AND 3TEPHANIE 2IGGIO "ULGER S ADULT AMATEUR HUNTER

#OMPLIMENT

ot every rider can rock a shadbelly and a ball gown with equal grace, but Sandy Ferrell can. When her responsibilities as a top horse trainer in Wellington, Fla., are done for the day, she trades her tall boots for heels and heads off to practice a decidedly different passion: ballroom dancing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Four years ago, when we were down here for [the Winter Equestrian Festival], on the way to the show we would always drive past this little dance lesson studio,â&#x20AC;? recalls Ferrell, 47. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I kept joking with my assistant trainer, Devon DePhillips, how that could be fun, so for Christmas that year she bought me three lessons.â&#x20AC;?

It was never meant to turn into a major commitment, and it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exactly love at first dance. To the casual observer, twirling around a ballroom looks easy and effortless, and Ferrell admits she initially expected the same. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought I would be gliding across the floor at the first lesson, and all we did was a box step,â&#x20AC;? she says with a laugh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So I was kind of bored,

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really am passionate about it,â&#x20AC;? says Ferrell of the hobby she discovered four years ago. h) REALLY WANT TO KEEP LEARNING AND PRACTICING ! LOT OF TIMES IN THE HORSE WORLD PEOPLE ARE SO BUSY AND INVOLVED IN THE SPORT THAT THEY DON T DO ANYTHING ELSE 3O IT S NICE TO HAVE SOMETHING COMPLETELY UNRELATED TO GO AND DO v

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more to these dancing shoes than meets the eye.

"ALLROOM SHOES HAVE SUEDE BOTTOMS TO BETTER ENABLE DANCERS TO GLIDE THROUGH MOVEMENTS

AND &ERRELL SAYS LOWER LEVEL DANCERS ALMOST ALWAYS WEAR NUDE COLORED ONES FOR THE REASON NEW DRESSAGE RIDERS DON T WEAR WHITE GLOVESÂ&#x2C6;IT DOESN T DRAW ATTENTION TO ERRORS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Riding is all about the relationship between you and your horse, and dancing is no different,â&#x20AC;? &ERRELL SAYS h9OU HAVE TO HAVE A CONNECTION WITH YOUR PARTNER AND KNOW HOW THEY RE GOING TO MOVE AND WHEN AND HOW WHAT YOU DO AFFECTS THEM v

and I kept canceling and rescheduling my second lesson. But when I finally went and did it, we got to dance and do a little bit more, and I was hooked.â&#x20AC;?

THRIVING ON LIMELIGHT If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re surprised a person can be drawn to both the dirt and sweat of barn work and the glitz and glamour of dancing, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not alone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I grew up on a cow farm and have been riding horses since I was 4 years old; I never danced as a kid,â&#x20AC;? says Ferrell, who now owns and operates Royall Show Hunters Inc. in Wellington and Bel Air, Md. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I never would have guessed I would do this.â&#x20AC;?

But Ferrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitive streak runs deep. She won the World Championship Hunter Rider Professional Finals in 2008 (Md.) and has countless tricolors from the fall indoor shows, WEF and Devon (Pa.) to her credit. So she wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t content to dance for funâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Ferrell entered her first contest just three months after her introduction to the floor.

And now, four years later, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more committed than ever. Ferrell trains yearround with Dan Radler, owner of Ballroom Dance Florida and Ballroom Dance New England (in Boston), and he also serves as her partner in competitions. That C H RO N O F H O R S E .CO M

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COVER STORY PROFILE

Prior to a competition, Ferrell gets a taste of the lengthy grooming process her horses go throughâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it usually takes her upwards of two hours to get danceï¬&#x201A;oor ready. (ERE #ECELIA 4ORRES A FELLOW BALL ROOM DANCER PUTS THE lNAL TOUCHES ON HER MAKE UP AND HAIR h4HERE ARE PROBABLY BOBBY PINS IN THERE v &ERRELL SAYS OF HER UP DOS hAND AFTER A COMPETITION WHEN YOU TAKE THEM ALL OUT YOUR HAIR STILL DOESN T MOVE FROM ALL THE HAIR SPRAY v

What the hunters lack in glitter and sparkle &ERRELL MORE THAN MAKES UP FOR WITH HER PASTIME

Special Thanks 3PECIAL THANKS TO 3TEPHANIE "ULGER AND THE ENTIRE TEAM AT -EADOWVIEW &ARM IN 7ELLINGTON &LA FOR HOSTING THIS SHOOT AND TO +AREN #ARISTO FOR HER LOGISTICAL ASSISTANCE &ERRELL S HAIR AND MAKE UP STYLING AND COS TUME CONSULTATIONS WERE PROVIDED ORR ING BY #ECELIA 4ORRES

AND HER RIDING RIDING ATTIRE WAS PROVIDED BY 2* #LASSICS ATT BY 2 #LA

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Dancing trophies and riding accolades share shelf space in Ferrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home, AS WELL AS A PICTURE OR TWO OF &ERRELL DANCING SUCH AS THE SHOT SEEN HERE FROM A COMPETITION

Ferrell takes a moment to tip her hat to her friend Karen Caristoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dog, *ETER (left) AND HER OWN POOCH 0IGGY

means she logs a lot of miles flying to practice, especially in the summer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because I have specific routines, and Dan is the only partner I compete with, finding an instructor locally in Maryland isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really an option,â&#x20AC;? she explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Team Radlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; consists of Dan, his assistant Janet Stetson, and his wife Deirdre Radler, who puts all the finishing touches on my hair, make-up, fashion and dancing to make sure everything is the best it can be when I walk out on the dance floor. And let me tell you, it takes a team!â&#x20AC;?

For her first public performance, Ferrell chose a competition in Costa Rica. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because I told my partner I wanted to be as far away from anyone I knew as possible!â&#x20AC;? she says.

But one familiar face was invited along for emotional support; Ferrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friend, mentor and fellow professional hunter

rider Louise Serio was in the audience at her first dance performance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a lot of fun to see how a whole other competition works,â&#x20AC;? Serio says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You cheer for them and yell out the number theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re wearing, and Sandy did great. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And after the competition, we went to a barn in Costa Rica and rode horses in our tennis shoes and jeans to just relax; we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any riding clothes with us,â&#x20AC;?

Serio adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a great trip.â&#x20AC;?

AN EXERCISE IN EMPATHY As a newcomer to ballroom dance with no prior experience, Ferrell says she now has a different perspective on what the riders she coaches are feeling when they go to a horse show. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Before my first dance competition, when we were about to start, I was so nervous I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop shaking,â&#x20AC;? she says.

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COVER STORY

Pastel show shirts, dark hunt coats and vibrant ball gowns ALL lND A HOME IN &ERRELL S CLOSET IN HER 7ELLINGTON HOME

Each style of ballroom dance requires different apparel. &ERRELL SPORTS THIS ENSEMBLE FOR HER INTERNATIONAL ,ATIN PERFORMANCES

“It has definitely made me a better riding instructor. I have so much more empathy for my amateurs sitting at the in-gate and how nervous they are.”

And Ferrell, who earned the 2012 Rider Wellness Award at WEF, has been able to find several crossovers between her two passions.

“I think it was maybe a little easier than usual for me to pick up dancing because it’s very similar to riding,” she says. “Riding is all about the relationship between you and your horse, and dancing is no different. You have to have a connection with your partner and know how they’re going to move and when, and how what you do affects them.”

There might be something to that theory. With just a few years of amateur experience, Ferrell has won both single dances (the horse show equivalent of classes) and multi-dance championships (divisions). In horse talk, you could say she’s a really talented greenie with a bright future.

“When we go to a competition, it’s

like I’m the horse at a show,” Ferrell says.

“The ‘braider’ does my hair and make-up at 3 in the morning, we get to practice on the floor we compete on like we’re longeing or hacking, and then there are classes all throughout the day. It’s hilarious how similar they are!”

The necessity of working around her horse show schedule means the winter circuit is one of the only times Ferrell’s in one place long enough to really practice with her dance partner. It makes for a jam-packed schedule, and it’s not unusual for her to ride and show all day and begin dance lessons at 9 p.m.

“I really am passionate about it. I really want to keep learning and practicing,” she says. “A lot of times in the horse world people are so busy and involved in the sport that they don’t do anything else.

So it’s nice to have something completely unrelated to go and do.”

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GLOBAL CULTURE

The Fading History Of The Tea Horse Road For more than 1,400 years, one treacherous trail facilitated commerce between two great cultures, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fading quickly into obscurity.

Story and photos by PATRICK BLANCHE

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In the mountainous region surrounding Lake Lugu, STUCK BETWEEN THE SOUTHWEST #HINESE PROVINCES OF 3ICHUAN AND 9UNNAN THE CULTURAL IDENTITY OF THE -OSUO PEOPLE HAS BUILT UP FOR THE CENTURIES AROUND THE HORSE 4HIS WOMAN IS LEAVING HER VILLAGE FOR A DAY TO VISIT HER FAMILY

In full gallop, two proud Mosuo riders straddle their powerful, surprisingly dexterous mounts and head for the little village squeezed between two hills. Today, a young couple has just made their previously secret zou hun or â&#x20AC;&#x153;walking marriageâ&#x20AC;? official.

In this remote, mountainous part of the Yongning prefecture in southwest Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Yunnan province, the Mosuo society has managed to preserve its identity and to develop its lifestyle around horses. For this festive day, women don their elaborate traditional dress and dance or sing with their mellow, sweet voices. Still others, splendidly turned out, dismount their white, chestnut and black horses.

In recent years the Mosuo culture has gained worldwide notoriety as being a â&#x20AC;&#x153;matriarchal societyâ&#x20AC;? in which women serve as heads of house-

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GLOBAL CULTURE holds and do not marry, instead choosing men to couple with at their will, hence the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;walking marriage.â&#x20AC;? But the novelty of this familial structure frequently overshadows the Mosuo cultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connection with the horse.

Here, in this ancient community nestled near the border of Tibet, white horses have strong symbolic meaning. Legend has it that Shenrab, founder of the Bon religionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;established long before Buddhism was introduced to the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;was taken to Tibet by a magic white horse.

In addition, horses are considered to be purveyors of religion and feature prominently on prayer flags, such as the famous lungta, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;wind horses.â&#x20AC;? In Buddhist writings, spirits are often transformed into wild horses, which, if untamed, only have limited worth.

In the village, celebratory circular dances continue endlessly amongst laughter and singing, and the light of day illuminates colorful costumes and elaborate hairstyles. The slim faces of these A young Mosuo man in colorful, traditional dress POSES WITH HIS PONY AT THE SIDE OF ,UGU ,AKE

Livestock pass in front of the under-repair Xinjiao Temple IN THE CENTER OF 3HAXI IN 9UNNAN PROVINCE 4HIS VILLAGE IS ONE OF THE LAST VESTIGES OF THE 4EA (ORSE 2OAD AS MANY OTHERS LIKE IT WERE DESTROYED DURING THE -AO REVOLUTION

extremely beautiful womenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;their high cheekbones seemingly carved by the harsh climateâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;shine with gaiety and spontaneity.

Outside the enclosure, young children who are already excellent riders spur their horses to a gallop, manes flying in the wind over a long plain abutting a mountain range that is the buttress to the Himalayas.

Carved by trudging hooves and feet for more than a millennium, THE 4EA (ORSE 2OAD IS STILL VISIBLE ALONG THIS MOUNTAINSIDE ABOVE THE JADE COLORED "AISHUI 2IVER IN #HINA S 9UNNAN PROVINCE

My Kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tea For A Horse This regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern day isolation is no reflection of its past vitality. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s believed that the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first trade relations with central China date back to the Shang dynasty (1600 to 1046 BC). And from the 1st century BC, when the Silk Road rose to prominence, exchanges between farther-flung cultures began to shape the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity and develop a tradition of caravan lifestyle.

Around the sixth century AD, a new trade route developed between horse-rich Tibet and the tea-growing province of YunC H RO N O F H O R S E .CO M

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GLOBAL CULTURE

Lake Lugu has become a popular tourist destination IN RECENT YEARS THANKS TO ITS STUNNING VIEWS AND ITS LINKS TO -OSUO HERITAGE

TIBET

CHAMDO

LHASA

SICHUAN

BATANG YAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AN KANGDING NYINGCHI DEGIN Lake Lugu SHAXI

DALI

YUNNAN TENGCHONG XISHUANGBANNA 100

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ANCIENT TEA HORSE ROAD

A young Mosuo man will traditionally remain living in his motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house THROUGHOUT HIS LIFETIME AS WOMEN SERVE AS HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS 7HILE HE MAY FATHER CHILDREN AS PART OF ONE OR MULTIPLE hWALKING MARRIAGES v HIS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REMAINS WITH HIS MOTHER S FAMILY

MEANING HE S CHARGED WITH SUPPORTING AND RAISING THE CHILDREN OF HIS FEMALE RELATIVESÂ&#x2C6;SISTERS AUNTS OR NIECESÂ&#x2C6;NOT HIS OWN 4HIS hMATRILINEALv SOCIAL STRUCTURE WITHIN THE -OSUO CULTURE HAS ENDURED FOR CENTURIES AND PROVEN QUITE STABLE

nan and its northern neighbor Sichuan. Aptly coined the Tea Horse Road, the topographically diverse, treacherous footpath stretched for more than 3,000 miles and connected the Han and the Tibetans in commerce for more than 1,000 years.

The southern route began at Xishuangbanna in Yunnan province, while the northern leg originated at Yaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an in Sichuan. Both climbed westward over the Hengduan mountains, cresting treacherous summits over 17,000 feet multiple times before dropping into the plateau city of Lhasa, Tibet. This dry, arid metropolis at an altitude of 11,800 feet had an insatiable thirst for the bitter drink but could not grow tea of its own, so men on footâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;some even carrying more than their bodyweightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;as well as mule caravans transported thousands of pounds worth of Chinese tea bricks into Tibet. And in exchange for every 130 pounds they delivered, the Chinese would get something

Mosuo women prepare for a dance in the village of Xiaowanzi, in Sichuan province NEAR ,AKE ,UGU 4HIS MATRILINEAL SOCIETY IN WHICH WOMEN ARE THE HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS

WAS DEVELOPED FOR CENTURIES AS -OSUO MEN WERE OFTEN RECRUITED FOR CARAVANS ALONG THE 4EA (ORSE 2OAD

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CONSTANTIN DE SLIZEWICZ FOR PATRICK BLANCHE PHOTO

GLOBAL CULTURE

A young woman of the Akha ethnic minority hill tribe from southern Yunnan province, WHERE ONE LEG OF THE 4EA (ORSE 2OAD ORIGINATED AND MUCH OF #HINA S TEA TRADE WAS GROWN FOR CENTURIES

they needed: one warhorse.

Despite its poor soil, Tibet produced strong horses. The region was well stocked with sturdy pony varieties descended from ancient stock like the Mongolian horse, but its Nangchen horse breed was special. Purpose-bred since the ninth century, it comprised hardy little mounts with remarkable lung capacity that would prove invaluable to the Chinese in their ongoing battles against northern invaders. One study suggests that during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127) alone, China traded

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enough tea with Tibet to import 20,000 horses per year.

And on and on it went, until 1949.

The Last Caravan Located roughly 180 miles south of the Mosuoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historical home of Lake Lugu, the Tea Horse Road village of Shaxi is still home to the octogenarian Zhao Deyuan, one of the last caravan leaders still alive.

After working on his family farm until the age of 28 (in the

The practice of portering tea to Tibet was ofďŹ cially ended in 1949, BUT TO THIS DAY MULE CARAVANS ARE STILL USED FOR SHORTER DISTANCE TRADE ON CERTAIN REMOTE STRETCHES OF THE 4EA (ORSE 2OAD

Colorful Tibetan prayer ďŹ&#x201A;ags bearing â&#x20AC;&#x153;wind horses,â&#x20AC;? a symbol of wellbeing and good fortune, HANG ALONG A STRETCH OF THE OLD 4EA (ORSE 2OAD IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE (IMALAYAS

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GLOBAL CULTURE

The hardy little horses of Tibet are well accustomed to life far above the tree line, HAVING BEEN BRED OVER THOUSANDS OF YEARS TO POSSESS ENLARGED LUNGS STURDY BODIES AND TOUGH HOOVES

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Mosuo culture, male children remain with their motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family throughout their lifetimes rather than establishing a new household with a wife), Zhao decided to take up the life of the caravans.

In addition to tea, the Chinese would export salt and bring back Tibetan yak furs and medicines.

But Zhaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s courage and strength was best applied to horses, and he became a leader responsible for a coupling of 70 to 80 headâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;considered a medium-sized team compared to the largest traveling bands that consisted of up to 300 horses at a time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The caravans left the Tensheng [Xishuangbanna] tea plantations in southern Yunnan and went via Yunlong [county] and the

A Mosuo woman with her pony.

salt mines of Qiaotou,” says Zhao. “They stocked up and continued their long journey. In Shaxi, the nomads stopped off for a day or two.

“Thereafter they did an average of some 30 kilometers [18.6 miles] a day,” he continues. “Crossing Yunnan [province alone] could take two good months.”

It was not then, nor ever, a journey undertaken for fun. The men (and some women) who served as porters did so out of dire necessity to support their families, risking their lives nearly every step of the way. The odyssey northwest was a topographical torture full of freezing rivers to ford, deadly precipices to navigate, and unpredictable weather that could cost even the most experienced porter his life.

But once the journey was complete, “in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, one could sell or trade anything,” Zhao says. “On the way C H RO N O F H O R S E .CO M

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GLOBAL CULTURE

Caravans of rugged mountain ponies still travel along the ancient Tea Horse Road, BUT WITH THE MODERN ADDITIONS OF PAVEMENT AND HORSESHOES

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back, the caravans mainly transported medicinal herbsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and maybe a little Buddhist spirituality.â&#x20AC;?

Zhao is a member of the last generation who participated in this ancient caravan tradition, which finally came to an end after the communist Chairman Mao took power in 1949 and redistributed much of the land from the wealthy to the poor. Highways across Yunnan and Sichuan and into Tibet were constructed. And while it previously took at least a week to reach Shaxi village from Lake Lugu, a road along the peaks now offers a quick commute for increasing numbers of tourists and curious onlookers.

The Tea Horse Road, carved by millions of hooves and feet over more than 1,000 years, is now growing indistinguishable in some places. One hopes the same wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be said for the Mosuo and their beloved horses any time soon.

COME JOIN US THIS SPRING

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TRAVEL

WHERE BOOT CAMP

Meets Paradise

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Can riding beautiful horses in a beautiful setting equal beautiful riding? It’s certainly worth a try at La Patrona, Mexico’s newest equestrian holiday destination.

Story and photos by DI A NA H U N T

“T

Salvador Fábregas leads a group ride on the beach aboard Herniona, a Friesian mare imported from the Netherlands. Behind him (from left) are riders Carrie Miller of South Carolina, Curro Arnaiz from Spain, Julie Cannon and her daughter Magdalene Cannon of Kentucky, and Rod Hawk from North Carolina.

iighten, ig ghten n, but then release. Don’t hang h ang on o his h mouth,” Salvador tells me me in a slightly exasperated but warranted w arrantted d tone. “He is not going to away.

You’re too tense.” rrun un away y. Y As m much h as I’d looked forward to blissfully bli f ll easy rides on one of the welltrained PREs in the barn, I have to admit that I’m learning more of what I need to learn from this snarky, flea-bitten gray of indeterminate origin. My mount for today is anything but cooperative. I have to have faith that, even at a canter with a long rein, I can wait for the relaxation.

“You test the sensitivity of the horse through your legs and his mouth,” Salvador continues. “Ride in long reins in the beginning, keeping a connection with the mouth. Your position in dressage is like Pilates, always controlling your core. The sensitivity of your hand— this is the secret of equitation. Make the horse walk like a panther. Then I want to see you trot and canter on the long rein before collecting the horse. The inside rein is the steering wheel, while the outside rein is the brake; use this to reduce the speed and for collection.”

I am definitely in a beautiful place, but I clearly have plenty of work ahead of me before I become a beautiful rider.

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TRAVEL

The villa where guests stay is ďŹ&#x201A;anked by the Sierra Madre mountains in the background AND BOASTS VIEWS OF THE 0ACIlC /CEAN AND OF THE POLO lELD BARN AND DRESSAGE RING FROM WHICH THIS PHOTO IS TAKEN

Welcome To Paradise La Patrona Polo and Equestrian Club is a super-luxury equestrian facility being created out of 1,500 acres of the Sierra de Vallejo, a jungle that tumbles down the mountainsides north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, before straggling onto the beach at the village of San Francisco. This is part of a beautiful 200-mile coastline dubbed the Riviera Nayarit (named for the state) by the Mexican Tourism Board.

La Patrona is the dream of polo players Ivan Echevarria of Mexico and his wife, Gabrielle Weber of Switzerland.

And theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve nailed the polo aspect of their effort, but it is Salvador FĂĄbregasâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the

Anke Bruinsma rides Coyote, an Andalusian/Azteca stallionÂ&#x2C6;SIMILAR TO AN !NDALUSIAN 1UARTER (ORSE CROSS POPULAR IN -EXICOÂ&#x2C6;IN AN AFTERNOON DRESSAGE LESSON ON THE VERDANT POLO lELD

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you die, God and the angels will hold you accountable for all the pleasures you were allowed in life that you denied yourself.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Anonymous

former head of Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national eventing committee and the owner, for the past several decades, of Molino de la Umbria, an equestrian holiday center in northern Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;who is their consultant and instructor for dressage and jumping.

Salvador has scoured the country, drawing on all his contacts, to find upperlevel schoolmaster horses, predominately PREs, for his instructional program at La Patrona. He sets up shop here in winter, taking a maximum of six riding guests per week from mid-December to mid-April.

Our four-bedroom/four-bath villa has views of the Pacific Ocean in one direction and La Patronaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manicured polo field and dressage ring, restaurant/viewing area and stables in the other. But what makes this experience truly special and different from most equestrian holidays is that students are actually houseguests of Salvador

After morning lessons, riders have a chance to enjoy the pool before lunch. 4HE GUEST BEDROOMS OPEN ONTO THE VERANDA WHILE UPSTAIRS IS THE KITCHEN DINING AND LIVING ROOM AS WELL AS 3ALVADOR AND !UGUSTA S QUARTERS C H RO N O F H O R S E .CO M

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TRAVEL and his long-time partner, Augusta, rather than booked into a hotel.

A Typical Day

Grooms exercise a few of La Patronaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 120 Arabian polo ponies ON A MILE PLUS OVAL TRACK LOCATED AT THE EDGE OF THE CLUB

BETWEEN THE JUNGLE AND THE JUMPING ARENA

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Breakfast is set out about 8 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock on the upstairs balcony. Afterward we all squeeze in the Jeepney and roar down the hills to the barn, where we get our horses for our morning lessons. In the course of a week, one may ride four, five or six different mounts, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to watch other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lessons as wellâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you may have that horse next, and there is always something new to learn.

By mid-day itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting hot, so we all bounce back up the hill to our villa, where we are greeted by the aromas of the midday meal. As cook, Augusta always comes up with original, healthy and delicious recipes. After lunch, we might take a siesta or walk down to the village of San Pancho (the Spanish diminutive of San Francisco).

Warning: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy enough walking down, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tough climb back up.

When it starts to cool off at about 4 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock, we again roar back down the hill in the Jeepney for our afternoon rides.

We might have jumping lessons, hack on

The Pacific surf crashes ashore ONTO THE BEACH AT 3AN 0ANCHO

Julie Cannon enjoys an afternoon hack on an Arabian FROM THE TEACHING PROGRAM WITH #URRO !RNAIZ RIDING ONE OF ,A 0ATRONA S THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM MOUNTS

PLAN YOUR TRIP )F THIS PAST WINTER TOOK ITS TOLL ON YOU NOW S THE PERFECT TIME TO START PLANNING A TRIP TO RIDING PARA DISE )F YOU RE LOOKING FOR AN IMPROMPTU GETAWAY

3ALVADOR &ÉBREGAS PROGRAM AT ,A 0ATRONA STILL HAS LIMITED AVAILABILITY DURING -ARCH THROUGH EARLY !PRIL

OR YOU CAN BOOK AHEAD FOR TRIPS BETWEEN MID $ECEMBER AND !PRIL OF Q ! WEEK S STAY AT ,A 0ATRONA INCLUDING AIRPORT TRANSFERS SIX NIGHTS LODGING ALL MEALS AND RIDING TWICE A DAY FOR lVE DAYS IS LESS THAN FOR DOUBLE OCCUPANCY BASED ON THE CURRENT CURRENCY

“What the heck is that?” asked both horses and riders when we happened upon this mysterious carving during a jungle ride. ! LOCAL ARTIST NAMED #ESAR CREATED THIS SCULPTURE IN WHAT HE CALLS hA MAGIC PLACEv IN THE FOREST AND MANY OTHERS IN THE AREA INCLUDING IN A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN NEAR THE EQUESTRIAN CLUB

EXCHANGE RATE FOR € 0RICE FOR A SINGLE IS €

OR ABOUT 3PECIAL RATES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR NON RIDERS Q 4O BOOK CONTACT 3ALVADOR &ÉBREGAS AT salvador

@molinodelaumbria.com OR VIA HIS WEBSITE

molinodelaumbria.com 9OU CAN ALSO lND HIM ON &ACEBOOK BY SEARCHING FOR -OLINO DE LA 5MBRIA %QUESTRIAN #ENTER Q ,A 0ATRONA IS A QUICK MINUTE DRIVE FROM 0UERTO 6ALLARTA WHICH HAS DAILY NON STOP AIR SERVICE FROM ALL MAJOR 5 3 AND #ANADIAN DESTINATIONS Q 2IVIERA .AYARIT IS ONE OF -EXICO S NEWEST VACA

TION DESTINATIONS DOTTED WITH DOZENS OF AUTHENTIC COASTAL TOWNS LUSH RUGGED MOUNTAIN PEAKS NA TURE SANCTUARIES PALM FRINGED BEACHES AND LUXURI OUS RESORTS )T IS STILL RELATIVELY OFF THE WELL TRAVELED CIRCUIT BUT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS PUMPING MILLIONS INTO NEW DEVELOPMENTS TO FURTHER ENHANCE VISITORS DREAM VACATIONS Q .ON EQUESTRIANS CAN lND PLENTY TO DO HERE ,OCALS LOVE THE PUBLIC NINE HOLE GOLF COURSE OR FOR MORE CHALLENGE HEAD TO NEARBY 0UNTA -ITA WHERE YOU CAN PLAY TWO *ACK .ICKLAUS DESIGNED COURSES AMIDST ALL THE LUXURY RESORT TRIMMINGS

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TRAVEL the beach or take a ride in the jungle. Polo matches are usually scheduled for Saturday afternoons.

Dinner is ready at 8 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock, by which time we descend upon the food like vultures. The next day we start all over againâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and it never gets boring.

Being Salvadorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s houseguest is hilarious. He is a character larger than life, a true Zorba figure, and it is easy to get swept up in his infectious enthusiasm. He is a passionate Mediterranean man, living and loving every minute to its maximum.

Watching other ridersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lessons IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE PROGRAM (From left) #ARRIE -ILLER

*ULIE #ANNON AND -AGDALENE #ANNON ENJOY A BREAK FROM THE SADDLE WITH A RESIDENT POLO PLAYER S FRIENDLY DOG 'RASSY BERMS LIKE THE ONE ON WHICH THEY SIT DIVIDE THE POLO lELDS AND RIDING ARENAS 4HEY ALSO ACT AS UNDERGROUND GARAGES FOR EQUIPMENT

World Class La Patrona is just two years into construction, but the facility already shows its class.

The barns at La Patrona ARE MODERN CLEAN AND AIRY WITH SPACIOUS STALLS AND BEAUTIFUL TILED WATER TROUGHS DIVIDING EACH AISLEWAY

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The first barn is beautifully appointed with wood and brick walls, and water fountains divide the shed rows. Each roomy stall has its own outdoor shower, and horses can look up and down and across at their neighbors.

Just outside the main barn is the polo field, a grass dressage arena and a warmup area. Large grass berms not only divide the polo and dressage venues, but they also act as natural bleachers and underground garages, cleverly hiding machinery.

The re-channeling of the Arroyo Charco Hondo river to make way for the polo field is an example of the lengths to which Ivan and Gabrielle have gone in order to make this an equestrian utopia.

The morning dew makes the grass arenas slippery, so a second dressage arena and a jumping arena have been built for morning lessons, using the latest in technological footing. A compact cross-country course

On our ďŹ rst day, Salvador demonstrates correct position ON $UTCH RIDER !NKE "RUINSMA AN ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR AND GROOM WITH THE PROGRAM

was recently inaugurated with a clinic by Spanish Olympic eventer Santiago de la Rocha. Additional barns will be built near each arena, and a restaurant is nearing completion. There is talk of incorporating real

estate as part of the club experience as well.

La Patrona is able to mount visiting polo players with a choice of 120 Arabian polo ponies, and a variety of other breeds also reside there, including five Friesians

La Patrona was designed with efďŹ ciency and sustainability in mind. 3OME BARN ROOFS ARE SEEDED WITH GRASS WHILE OTHERS FACING SOUTH HAVE SOLAR PANELS %VERY STALL ALSO HAS ITS OWN GROOMING AND WASH STALL IN BACK

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TRAVEL (the mare we rode was conformation champion in the Netherlands), several Thoroughbreds, the PREs and a number of steady-Eddies who are available for hire and for the nascent therapeutic riding program.

Every day on the way to the stables, we pass an equestrian â&#x20AC;&#x153;gardenâ&#x20AC;? where bits of horse sculptures are scattered over the ground. And oddly enough, on our ride in the jungle we come across those same strange carvings.

Days later at a polo match I talk with a man who, it turns out, is the sculptor. He

Carrie Miller admires local artist Cesarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s EQUESTRIAN CARVINGS IN A GARDEN NEAR THE BARN

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placed the pieces in the jungle because he said it was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;magic place,â&#x20AC;? and the ones in the abandoned â&#x20AC;&#x153;gardenâ&#x20AC;? were remnants from his former studio on that site.

How I wanted to bring one home for my garden, but sadly, five-foot concrete horse heads donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit in the overhead airplane bins.

The Keys To Beautiful Riding Not all the horses at La Patrona are easy rides, but they all have something to teach us, no matter our riding level. While none of us emerge from our intensive five days

as Grand Prix riders (too big a leap for any of us!), we each have at least one of our worst demons eliminated and at least one of our major goals accomplished. A gallop in the ocean surf is just icing on the cake. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the ambience of being here and working on my basic riding to improve, like positive use of aids,â&#x20AC;? says Rod Hawk, a surgeon visiting from North Carolina. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m confident on my horse, but my management is lousy. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to be a better rider, and that is a never-ending task. This time, though, I have felt it come together for me.â&#x20AC;?

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TRAVEL

A Nomad’s World:

CROSSING KYRGYZSTAN ON HORSEBACK There’s an old Kyrgyz saying: “On the long road, you may judge your horse.” And for three months in the wild solitude, this rider knew it was also where her horse would judge her.

By HOLLY BREWER Photos by BORIS MABILLARD

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D

Crow is a native mountain pony, SO HE S RIGHT AT HOME IN THIS LANDSCAPE AND TAKES ALMOST EVERYTHING IN STRIDE

eep in the heart of central Asia, nestled between China and Kazakhstan, is a vast, mountainous Silk Road country dotted only occasionally with yurts, nomads and horses. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever wondered, as I did, how it feels to be alone with just yourself, your horse and nature, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do much better than Kyrgyzstanâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a land where fences are even more rare than cars.

In 2009, I was looking for a personal challenge and hoping to experience the ancient nomadic lifestyle before it disappears forever. With previous experience leading rides in Spain, as well as across Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thar desert, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d learned to rely on horses in some pretty tough places. So I embarked on a three-month, 620-mile solo ride across some of the wildest regions of Kyrgyzstan.

When planning a trip of this magnitude, timing is everything. I knew that even in June, snowstorms were common in Kyrgyzstanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mountain ranges, and some of the passes weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be navigating ascended more than 13,000 feetâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;nearly the height of Coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famed Pikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peak.

So to avoid the worst weather, I planned to set out on July 1, expecting to complete the route within two months. But as the day approached, Crow, the packhorse I had finally settled on at the village market a month before, was still too thin for my comfort. After countless long-distance rides and 20 years working in the horse trade, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve adopted a mantra: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finish with your horse in better shape than when you started.â&#x20AC;? If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do that, you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be starting at all.

But start we did, at long last, and we

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TRAVEL

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surprising how much you end up walking on a long-distance ride, WHETHER TO REST YOUR HORSE OR YOUR OWN ACHING BONES 4HE AIR IS THIN AND THE INCLINE STEEP AS WE CREST 4OSOR 0ASS SO WE STOP FREQUENTLY FOR A BREATHER "UT THEN IT S ALL DOWNHILL FROM THERE AND JUST A DAY S JOURNEY TO OUR VILLAGE

didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look back. After two weeks on the road, I had already determined that the Kyrgyz people are amazing, but tough as nails (as are the horses and the weather). Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d also learned to always pitch my tent where the morning sun could find me, and to never pass by a really good patch of grass.

One of the Long Ridersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guildâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top pieces of advice is that for every hour you spend riding, you should stop to allow your horse a 15-minute graze. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an old cavalry system that still works wonders to help a horse 120

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maintain his condition.

I very rarely felt afraid at night, which was something Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d particularly dreaded.

Wolves and snow leopards roam the countryside, but the nights are amazingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;cold and clear and burning with stars. I fell asleep peacefully every night, as long as I could hear Crow grazing near my tent.

The Kyrgyz are horsemen and always have been; they herd them like cattle, for milk and meat. So Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d often awake to the vibration of galloping hooves in the middle

A Kyrgyz horseman in his traditional felt hat. 4HE MEN OF HIS GENERATION WERE PRACTICALLY BORN IN THE SADDLE On Jailoo Suu we meet wolf hunters, who cook us a hot lunch at their yurt.

4HEY SAY THE WOLVES GET BOLDER ONCE THE WEATHER TURNS BAD AND IT S NOT UNHEARD OF THAT THEY TAKE DOWN HORSES

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PHOTO FEATURE TRAVEL

The morning after a night of wild weather I struggle to get Crowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back dry enough to saddle. 7E RE BOTH FREEZING COLD AND EXHAUSTED BUT IT S ONLY A LULL IN THE STORM AND WE NEED TO MAKE IT TO LOWER GROUND AS FAST AS POSSIBLE With lush grass and plenty of water, Kyrgyzstanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s valleys are perfect for horses, BUT WHEN THE SNOW MELTS THE RIVERS RUN FAST AND STRONG OFTEN WASHING AWAY BRIDGES WITH THEM

of the nightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;nomadsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; herds coming to check us out. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d fight with Crow, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d run out of my tent in boots and thermals, flashing my torch and waving my arms. Luckily the colts were half-wild, and a nervously cursing Englishwoman was usually enough to send them galloping off into the night again, tails waving high up in the air like flags.

Our worst days were undoubtedly the ones on which storms came; an ice storm in July brought flash floods and mudslides.

But the more we got through together, the more I knew I could count on my horse. I hoped he felt the same way about me. The best times were the early mornings, when Crow nickered a greeting when I stepped out of the tent. I boiled tea with water from the ice-cold streams and watched the sun illuminate the mountains.

After more than two months of traveling on my own, my partner Boris Mabillard, the photojournalist who captured these amazing memories, joined me for 122

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A young shepherd boy rounds up his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sheep.

4HE SMALL NOMADIC POPULATION RUSHES TO CROSS THE MOUNTAIN PASSES BEFORE WINTER SETS IN FOR GOOD AS ONE HEAVY SNOWFALL COULD LEAVE SHEPHERDS AND THEIR HERDS STRANDED INDElNITELY

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TRAVEL A Kyrgyz graveyard sits up above a village IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE 4IEN 3HAN MOUNTAINS

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TRAVEL

On a particularly stormy night, this shepherd family offered us shelter in their warm and cozy house. 4HEY EVEN FOUND A SAFE PLACE FOR #ROW TETHERING HIM BEHIND A WALL WITH A NICE PILE OF HAY 4HE NATIVE +YRGYZ DON T HAVE MUCH

BUT THEY STICK TOGETHER A PERSON COULD DIE ALONE OUTSIDE ON A BAD NIGHT LIKE THIS ONE SO STRANGERS ARE ALWAYS MADE WELCOME By morning, the storm has ďŹ nally blown itself out. %VERYTHING THAT DIDN T FULLY DRY BY THE WOODSTOVE OVERNIGHT HANGS ON THE FENCE TO CATCH SOME RAYS

the last 11 days of the journey. Together we rushed across the Tosor Pass, racing against the fast-approaching winter.

Alone on horseback is a tough way to travel, but deeply grounding, in ways I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagined. The discipline and routine of always putting your horse first takes your mind off aching muscles and cold, dark nights. Spending 24/7 together, you realize how a horse will communicate constantly, and you learn firsthand that trust can be won or lost on how you act when the chips are down.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an old Kyrgyz saying: â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the long road, you may judge your horse.â&#x20AC;? And for three months in the wild solitude, I tried to remember that it was also where he would judge me.

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PHOTO FEATURE

CHARLESTON BY CARRIAGE A glimpse into a controversial industry in one of America’s most scenic cities.

Photos by A M Y DR AGOO

The carriages of Charleston, S.C., have long been considered a charming institution of this quintessential southern city.

But just as larger cities have—and are still—grappling with many tough questions related to this urban equine tradition, even the quieter streets of Charleston haven’t been immune to

>>

Old South Carriage Company in Charleston, S.C.

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>>

A draft horse gets a sponge-off in the shade after a tour. (ORSES AND MULES DON T WORK IF THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS OVER DEGREES AS DETERMINED BY THE OFlCIAL CITY THERMOMETER

One of Palmetto Carriage Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mule-drawn tours WINDS ITS WAY THOUGH THE SHOPPING DISTRICT ON +ING 3TREET

increased scrutiny by concerned citizens, elected officials, and animal rights and welfare activists.

But in 2011, after more than three years of study of its industry by independent veterinarians and a citizen subcommittee, the city completed a sweeping overhaul of its carriage horse ordinance.

Today, Charlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s carriage industry is governed by strict policies dictating when a horse may or may not work. An official city thermometer is checked every 15 minutes during the summer season to ensure that ambient temperature in the city doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t break 98 degrees, the limit at which carriage horses and mules are allowed to work.

In addition, temperatures of the animals must be measured and recorded after every tour they take.

Charlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ordinance also requires an exact level of body condition (4 to 7 on the Henneke Scale), the use of barn fans at temperatures over 80 degrees, strict watering schedules, specific shoe designs, and consecutive pasture daysâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all documented in detailed records that can be inspected at a momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notice.

For many animal lovers, these policies arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough; like the carriage industries in many cities, Charlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still faces intense pressure to shut down for good. But to others, the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s changes constitute big steps in the right direction.

Photographer Amy Dragoo went along for the ride with several of Charlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s carriage companies to seeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and documentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Holy Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;? horse-related policies in action.

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PHOTO FEATURE

Meticulous records are required of each company, DENOTING THE NUMBER OF TOURS THEY HAVE ACTIVE AT ONE TIME THE ROUTE THEY TAKE AND THE NUMBER OF GUESTS ON EACH TOUR )N ADDITION

EVERY HORSE MUST HAVE ITS OWN RECORD TO TRACK ITS ENTIRE WORKDAY AS WELL AS RECORDED TEMPERATURE AFTER EVERY OUTING

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To provide both traction for the animals and protection for the roadways, HORSES AND MULES ARE lTTED WITH 2EMUDA SHOES WHICH INCLUDE THICK HARD RUBBER PADS AND ARE ALSO FREQUENTLY WORN BY POLICE AND PARADE HORSES

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PHOTO FEATURE

The horses and mules at Palmetto Carriage Company ARE SUPPLEMENTED WITH 3MART0AKS

A team from Palmetto Carriage SHARES THE ROAD

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In addition to laws governing the care of horses and mules, Charleston also has a system in place for cleaning up AFTER THEM $RIVERS DROP SMALL RUBBER MARKERS TO ALERT EQUINE SANITATION CREWS TO ANY URINE OR MANURE LEFT ON STREETS

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PHOTO FEATURE

Many carriage companies have worked to improve public perception

BY OPENING THEIR BARNS TO THE PUBLIC AND BOARDING THEIR TOURS THERE

Palmetto Carriage driver Jenny Nance aims her one-horse TOUR TOWARD 3T 0HILIP S %PISCOPAL #HURCH ONE OF #HARLESTON S MOST FAMOUS LANDMARKS 7ITH MORE THAN PLACES OF WORSHIP WITHIN ITS LIMITS

#HARLESTON HAS BEEN COINED h4HE (OLY #ITY v

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One of Palmettoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinctive blue carriages WITH RED AND YELLOW DETAILING

A team from Palmetto Carriage pulls through the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Big Red Barn TO A COVERED COOLING AREA WHERE WATER BUCKETS AND MISTING FANS ARE AVAILABLE

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PHOTO FEATURE

A leisurely ride down one of Charleston’s peaceful backstreets.

Palmetto Carriage’s Chandler the rooster.

One of Old South Carriage Company’s tours returns to the barn.

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CITY GUIDE

A Culinary Bucket List For Lexington

By MEGHAN BLACKBURN entucky is the horse capital of the United States, and equestrian enthusiasts flock to the city of Lexington from all over the country every April for events like the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and the Thoroughbred racing spring meet at Keeneland.

Since the Kentucky Horse Park hosts a variety of top horse shows in

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every discipline all year long, Chronicle staff members find themselves on assignment in the Lexington area more often than any other location.

We don’t have much time to check out the local attractions, but if there’s one thing our staffers are serious about (other than horses), it’s food.

We’ve scoured the Internet, driven the back roads and picked the brains

of our Lexington-based freelancers to find the best cuisine in the area.

There’s a certain guilty pleasure in indulging in horse show food, but if you’re interested in venturing further afield, check out this list of our favorite Lexington dining establishments.

You may be pleasantly surprised by the culinary renaissance going on in the Midsouth.

EMILY MOSELEY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOS

Table Three Ten

NAVIN RAJAGOPALAN/FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS PHOTO

4HIS PLACE IS JUST COOL 4HE INTERIOR IS DIMLY LIT WITH CREATIVE SEATING OP TIONS AND THE DÏCOR IS MODERN AND OLD FARMHOUSE AT THE SAME TIME )T S A GREAT PLACE FOR A DATE OR A CATCH UP SESSION WITH GIRLFRIENDS 7HILE KNOWN FOR ITS CHEESE AND SMALL PLATES MENUS 4ABLE 4HREE 4EN ALSO OFFERS WEEKLY BLACKBOARD SPECIALS AND A SEASONAL MENU THAT FEATURE LARGE PLATES CHARCUTERIE AND EXCEPTIONAL DESSERTS 310 W. Short St., Lexington. (859) 309-3901. table-three-ten.com.

Spring in Central Kentucky isn’t just a paradise for hungry horses IT HAS PLENTY TO OFFER HUMAN FOODIES AS WELL

CITY GUIDE Stellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kentucky Deli >>

143 Jefferson St., Lexington. (859) 255-3354. stellaskentuckydeli.com.

ALEXANDRA BECKSTETT PHOTO

4HIS QUAINT LITTLE EATERY TUCKED INSIDE A HISTORIC HOME HAS THE FEEL OF AN OLD COUNTRY STORE AND A DINER ALL ROLLED INTO ONE /PEN EVERY DAY FROM 3TELLA S SERVES UP FRESH LOCAL FARE IN CREATIVE DY NAMIC WAYS BUT YOU CAN EASILY PICK UP A MEAL FOR UNDER )T S TINY INSIDE BUT CHARMING

<< National Provisions Part French bakery, part German beer hall (need we say more?), National Provisions isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t far from downtown Lexington, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth a visit. Managed by the same owners as Table Three Ten, this place boasts a big-city vibe with specialty wines, house-made brews, local produce and fresh pastries.

As a one-stop shop brasserie, boulangerie and beer hall, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helped make the National Avenue corridor a popular stop on foodiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lists.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PROVISIONS

264 Walton Ave., Lexington.

(859) 303-4763. Find them on Facebook.

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Azur >> Azur quickly made a name for itself locally and nationally thanks to creative dishes featuring fresh seafood and Kentucky Proud meats, among other innovative American cuisine.

They occasionally feature specialty dinners on holidays and also bring in celebrity chefs.

Dinner entrĂŠe prices range from $19-$35. Away from downtown Lexington in Beaumont Centre, their patio is a refreshing refuge in an otherwise corporate area.

3070 Lakecrest Circle, Lexington.

ALEXANDRA BECKSTETT PHOTO

(859) 296-1007. azurrestaurant.com.

The Chronicle Staffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Favorite

ALEXANDRA BECKSTETT PHOTO

<< Alfalfa !LFALFA HAS BEEN SERVING LOCAL LONG BEFORE LOCAL WAS COOLÂ&#x2C6;SINCE IN FACT &OR VEGETARIANS WHO COMPRISE ABOUT THREE QUARTERS OF OUR STAFF AND MEAT EATERS ALIKE THIS DOWNTOWN EAT ERY IS ALWAYS A MUST GO ON EVERY TRIP TO ,EXINGTON 7HETHER YOU GO THERE FOR A DELI CIOUS DINNER AND A GLASS OF +ENTUCKY "OURBON "ARREL !LE HIGHLY RECOM MENDED BY MANAGING EDITOR 3ARA ,IESER OR STOP BY ON THE WEEKEND FOR BRUNCH YOU LL lND SOMETHING ON THEIR INNOVATIVE AND ECLECTIC MENU TO DE LIGHT YOUR TASTE BUDS ! LONG STANDING SUPPORTER OF LOCAL ARTS !LFALFA FEATURES ,EXINGTON ARTISTS WORK IN THE RESTAURANT AND HAS A HIP

CASUAL ATMOSPHERE $INNER ENTRĂ?ES RANGE FROM WHILE BRUNCH MENU ITEMS ARE AROUND 141 E. Main St., Lexington. (859) 253-0014. alfalfarestaurant.com.

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CITY GUIDE

OBC Kitchen >> "LUEGRASS (OSPITALITY 'ROUP S LATEST CONCEPT /"# /LD "OURBON #OUNTY +ITCHEN REPLACED THE LONGSTANDING (ARRY S 3PORTS "AR IN ,ANSDOWNE 3HOPPES &ROM THE GROUP BEHIND POPULAR ,EXINGTON RESTAURANTS -ALONE S

3AL S !QUA 3USHI AND $RAKE S /"# IS A FORAY INTO SMALL PLATES RARE BOURBON AND CRAFT BEERS PHOTO COURTESY OF OBC KITCHEN

4RY THE "ACON )N ! 'LASS #OLA "RAISED 3HORT 2IBS AND -AQUE #HOUX !ND ASK FOR THE BOURBON LIST )T S A SMALL PLACE SO BOOK A RESERVATION TO ENSURE YOU GET TO TRY OUT THIS NEW HOT SPOT 3373 Tates Creek Rd., Lexington. (859) 977-2600.

<<

obckitchen.com.

The Atomic CafĂŠ

The Grey Goose

)F YOU RE TIRED OF +ENTUCKY FRIED FARE AND WANT SOME mAVORS FROM EVEN

The Grey Goose is right in the middle of the ever-growing Jefferson Street restaurant district in downtown Lexington, so the atmosphere is great. This little joint is highly recommended for its pizzas and has a patio enjoyed by many. EntrĂŠe prices between $10-$15. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a second location in Midway, but with less ambience.

FURTHER DOWN SOUTH CHECK OUT !TOMIC S #ARIBBEAN MENU WHICH INCLUDES STAPLES LIKE CRISPY SWEET POTATO CHIPS ZESTY JERK CHICKEN #UBAN PORK

AND SURF AND TURF $INNER ENTRĂ?ES RANGE IN COST FROM ABOUT *UST WANT TO KICK BACK AND RELAX !TOMIC BOASTS AN IMPRESSIVE DRINK MENU A GREAT OUTDOOR PATIO AND LIVE MUSIC ON MOST WEEKENDS 265 N. Limestone, Lexington. (859) 254-1969. atomiccafeky.com.

170 Jefferson St., Lexington. (859) 233-1500. greygooserestaurants.com.

School

ALEXANDRA BECKSTETT PHOTO

At School, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to wait for all your sushi rolls, as chefs are constantly replenishing the â&#x20AC;&#x153;sushi conveyor beltâ&#x20AC;? with customer favorites. See something on the menu that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t making a round? Just ask.

French fare also served as an interesting twist.

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162 Old Toddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rd. #10, Lexington.

(859) 269-0677. schoolrestaurantlex. com.

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ALEXANDRA BECKSTETT PHOTOS

<< Windy Corner Market %STABLISHED IN 7INDY #ORNER -ARKET IS A HANDY CASUAL VENUE SITUATED RIGHT DOWN THE ROAD FROM THE +ENTUCKY (ORSE 0ARK 4HEIR LUNCH AND DINNER MENUS FEATURE ITEMS LIKE THE SALAD SUPPER PO BOYS

SEAFOOD ""1 BASKETS AND EVEN VEGETARIAN BASKETS "REAKFAST

BAKED GOODS AND ICE CREAM AVAILABLE TOO 3TAFF WRITER -OLLIE "AI LEY CAN NEVER DECIDE JUST WHAT TO GET BECAUSE EVERYTHING LOOKS SO DELICIOUS ,UNCH OPTIONS ARE PRICED FROM 4595 Bryan Station Rd., Lexington. (859) 294-9338. windycornermarket.com.

Wallace Station Deli & Bakery >> ! SHORT DRIVE OUT SCENIC /LD &RANKFORT 0IKE IS WELL WORTH IT TO GET TO 7ALLACE 3TATION &RE QUENTED BY MANY OF THE RACING CROWD DUE TO ITS LOCATION IN THE MIDDLE OF GORGEOUS 4HOR OUGHBRED FARMS THIS DELI WILL SERVE YOU UP A REAL COUNTRY BREAKFAST OR CRAFT YOU A GOURMET SANDWICH TO GO 4HEY RE WELL KNOWN FOR THEIR +ENTUCKY WORK S h$INERS $RIVE )NS AND $IVESv NAMED 7ALLACE 3TATION S h"IG "ROWNv ONE OF HIS TOP lVE BURGER PICKS 3854 Old Frankfort Pike, Versailles.

(859) 846-5161. wallacestation.com.

ALEXANDRA BECKSTETT PHOTOS

0ROUD BURGERS AND 'UY &IERI OF THE &OOD .ET

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<<

CITY GUIDE Coles 735 Main 6OTED ALBEIT UNOFlCIALLY VIA MY &ACEBOOK INQUIRY AS ,EXINGTON S BEST RESTAU RANT #OLES IS REALLY THE TALK OF THE TOWN 4HIS IS A WONDERFUL SPOT TO SCHEDULE A SPECIAL OCCASION ,OCATED IN A ,EXINGTON LANDMARK THAT WAS ONCE CALLED 4HE 3TIRRUP #UP

#OLES FEATURES THREE RESTORED %NGLISH HUNT SCENE MURALS THAT WERE PAINTED FOR THE RESTAURANT IN BY A LOCAL ART TEACHER !ND WITH THE CULINARY SPECIAL TIES OF CHEF #OLE !RIMES YOU LL GET THE TASTE OF lNE DINING IN A MORE CASUAL SETTING $INNER EN TREES RANGE FROM 735 E. Main St., Lexington.

(859) 266-9000.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COLES

coles735main.com.

And Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Forget The Breweries

West Sixth Brewery, Tap Room & Beer Garden 4RY THE ,EMONGRASS !MERICAN 7HEAT FOR AN ESPECIALLY REFRESHING WARM WEATHER TREAT 501 W. Sixth St., Lexington. (859) 951-6006. westsixth.com.

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Ethereal Brewing ! FEW LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL BUDDIES RECENTLY OPENED THIS BREWERY WHICH FEATURES THEIR OWN BREWS AND A ROTATION OF GUEST BRANDS AS WELL 1224 Manchester St., Lexington.

(859) 309-1254. etherealbrew.com.

Country Boy Brewing & Tap Room "9/ FOOD OR ORDER FROM THE FOOD TRUCKS THAT FREQUENT THIS HOT SPOT 7ITH TAPS AND AT LEAST PERCENT OF THE BEERS ON OFFER BREWED ON SIGHT THERE S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE HERE "UT YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO TRY THE #OUGAR "AIT 436 Chair Ave., Lexington. (859) 554-6200. countryboybrewing.com.

PHOTO COURTESY WEST SIXTH BREWING

!LLTECH INTRODUCED ITS +ENTUCKY MADE BEERS ON THE INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN STAGE AS THE TITLE SPONSOR OF THE !LLTECH &%) 7ORLD %QUESTRIAN 'AMES

BUT THEY RE NOT ALONEÂ&#x2C6;CRAFT BREWERIES HAVE BEEN POPPING UP ALL OVER ,EXING TON IN RECENT YEARS )F YOU FANCY A COLD ONE AFTER A LONG DAY AT THE SHOW WE SUGGEST YOU GIVE THESE SPOTS A TRY

Blue Stallion Brewing Company 4HIS MICROBREWERY AND TAP ROOM SPECIAL IZES IN hBOLDLY TRADITIONAL CRAFT BEER v !+!

'ERMAN LAGERS AND "RITISH ALES 610 W. Third St., Lexington. (877) 928-2337. bluestallionbrewing.com.

Ride Oregon Jalapenos A favorite for horse show people, Jalapenos is a place where you’ll almost always be in good company in your breeches and boots. Both of their Lexington locations serve fresh and authentic Mexican food at affordable prices, but the New Circle Road site is closer to the Horse Park.

They accommodate large groups well, and executive editor Beth Rasin will vouch for the margaritas.

295 W. New Circle Rd., Lexington.

(859) 299-8299. Find them on Yelp.

Darlin’ Jean’s Apple Cobbler Café The cookin’ is everything you’d expect from an apple cobbler café— homestyle for breakfast, lunch and dinner (on Friday and Saturday).

Menu favorites include the hot brown and the baked potato salad.

Entrée prices $10-$15.

Just looking for a place to kick back and relax? Darlin’ Jean’s also has plenty of live music in their quirky Silo Bar. 137 W. Main St., Midway. (859) 8469485. Find them on Facebook.

The Village Idiot A stone’s throw from Cheapside Park and a variety of nightlife options, The Village Idiot is touted as Lexington’s first gastropub. Situated in the city’s oldest surviving Post Office building (circa 1825), the locale has charming indoor and outdoor seating and a great beer selection.

Serving brunch on the weekends and dinner each night, The Village

Idiot usually has a lively crowd. Give some serious thought to their Duck & Waffles.

307 W. Short St., Lexington. (859) 252-0099. lexingtonvillageidiot.com.

Heirloom The drive to nearby Midway is totally worth it for dinner at Heirloom.

Arrive early for your reservation and explore the historic Main Street area—a great place for antiquing.

Heirloom’s menu selection is only slightly bested by its wine offerings, which are extensive and thoughtful. Don’t miss eclectic and creative menu items like the curry red lentil soup or the buttermilk poached la bell rouge chicken, and ask about their Italian pizzas, which change daily. Dinner entrées range from $12-$33. Wines by the bottle from $22-$390.

wine country & coast.

SIX DAY RIDING HOLIDAY. Experience west coast adventure with a

-]ZWXMIV ÆIZM

125 W. Main St., Midway. (859) 8465565. heirloommidway.com.

Distilled Replacing an old Lexington favorite, Jonathan’s, Distilled now brings a fresh vibe to the historic Gratz Park Inn. Owner Mark Wombles (also of Heirloom restaurant in Midway) has set his sights high and modeled the menu and feel of Distilled after the James Beard restaurant Husk, located in Charleston, S.C. Expect southern charmed favorites with a twist, a mixologist, and manor-meets-modern décor. Dinner entrees range from $13-$32.

120 W. Second St., Lexington. 859255-0002. distilledatgratzparkinn.com.

For more information visit:

willamettecoastride.com Call 971.241.2684 C H RO N O F H O R S E .CO M

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CHARITY SPOTLIGHT The Barn Buddy Program of Georgia at Save The Horses HELPS CHILDREN WITH EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL CHALLENGES CONNECT WITH RESCUED EQUINES

C

A CLOSER LOOK AT: >> WHAT IT IS: 3AVE 4HE (ORSES ALSO KNOWN AS THE (ORSE 2ESCUE 2ELIEF AND 2ETIREMENT &UND )NC

IS A 'EORGIA BASED C ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO SAVING UNWANTED EQUINES 4HROUGH ITS "ARN "UDDY PRO GRAM IT ALSO FACILITATES HEAL ING AND LEARNING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN CHILDREN WITH PHYSI CAL AND EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES AND THE RESCUED HORSES IN THE PROGRAM S CARE

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Save The Horses This non-profitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barn Buddy program build bonds between children and rescued horses.

By MEGAN BLACKBURN Photos by VICKIE NEE

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heryl Flanagan didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always envision owning a horse rescue. In fact, her first foray into horse ownership wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even until adulthood, when she bought a pony for her three children.

But once horses entered Flanaganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, they became a constant. And when she and her family moved near Tampa Bay Downs (Fla.) in the 1970s, she had a harsh realization. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought owning a horse was such an honorâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;no one would mistreat a beloved equine,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I realized how wrong I was, I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand by and do nothing or look the other way; I was there to help any horse in need that I could.â&#x20AC;?

Flanagan began taking in horses from the racetrackâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ones that werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t winning, maybe because of injuries, or simply because they just werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fast enough. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The owners were not going to spend money shipping a non-winner to the next track, so the horses were bound to slaughter,â&#x20AC;? Flanagan said.

In the 1990s, Flanagan and her family moved to Georgia, where they found a farm and a mission. She founded Save The Horses (formally known as the Horse Rescue Relief and Retirement Fund Inc.) in 1998, and it provides sanctuary for about 80 horses at any given time.

But Flanagan hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stopped there. She also initiated a Barn Buddy program at the farm to partner fostered and adopted children who have attachment and trust issues with horses that have been neglected and abused. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Imagine a child not living in a home with parents or siblings, living in foster care,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No matter how wonderful the foster parents are, the child has been through so much trauma emotionally, and

Because many of the equine residents at Save The Horses also have special needs and arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t considered rideable, THE "ARN "UDDY 0ROGRAM MOSTLY FOCUSES ON FOSTERING HEALING CONNECTIONS THROUGH GROOMING AND GROUNDWORK

>> LEARN MORE: #HECK OUT THE 3AVE 4HE (ORSES WEBSITE savethehorses.org, OR LOOK FOR THE "ARN "UDDY 0ROGRAM OF 'EORGIA ON &ACEBOOK >> GET IN TOUCH: &OR GENERAL INQUIRIES EMAIL info@savethehorses. org, OR CONTACT "ARN "UDDY PROGRAM MANAGER 6ICKIE .EE AT barnbuddy@ savethehorses.org.

many times physically. Their brain shuts down just to survive. I have seen so many humans heal by having a connection with horses.â&#x20AC;?

Since its inception in October 2011, the Barn Buddy Program of Georgia has evolved to serve any children with emotional or physical challenges. Their sessions include learning basic care as well as instruction in horsemanship and some groundwork. And thanks to a recent donation from the Parelli Education Institute, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working on incorporating natural horsemanship into the curriculum.

Under Flanaganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direction, and with the help of many â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Buddyâ&#x20AC;? volunteers, program manager Vickie Nee designs goals for each child. Responsibility, accountability, communication skills, expression of emotions, and self-worth are some of the many important themes addressed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sessions also include free time with the horse, taking him/her for a walk, talking, snuggling and just enjoying being

together,â&#x20AC;? said Nee, who is a recent addition to the Save The Horses team.

Flanagan has witnessed plenty of rewarding success stories, including that of one boy who visited the farm with his mother after a difficult living situation forced them to relocate from a different state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was struggling to understand some major changes in his life. He was confused and scared and not sure who to trust,â&#x20AC;? she recalled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One day there was a beautiful Paint horse in the arena who had just had surgery to remove a badly infected eye. In an instant, a connection was formed. A scared little boy and a hurting horse came together.â&#x20AC;?

After that, whenever the boy came to the farm, he headed straight to spend time with his new friend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He would hug him, talk with him, and brush him for as long as he was allowed,â&#x20AC;?

Flanagan continued. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over time, as the horse healed, the little boy healed too, becoming more confident and outgoing.

>> GET INVOLVED: 4HE "ARN "UDDY PROGRAM IS ALWAYS IN NEED OF ITEMS SUCH AS GROOMING KITS AND FOOT ROPES MINIATURE AND PONY SIZED ROPE HALTERS BUCKETS BALLS AND OTHER HORSE TOYS OBSTACLE COURSE BUILDING SUPPLIES AND HAY GRAIN TREATS AND DEWORMER PASTE FOR THE PROGRAM S HORSES -ONETARY OR SERVICE DONA TIONS FOR FEED FARRIER AND VET BILLS ARE ALWAYS GREATLY APPRECIATED 4HEY ALSO WELCOME DONATIONS OF WOOD FOR REPAIR ING FENCES AND SHELTERS OR GIFT CARDS FROM ,OWE S 4HE (OME $EPOT 4RACTOR 3UPPLY OR $OVER 3ADDLERY He began to make friends with the volunteers at the rescue. He became more trusting of the new people in his life and started opening up to those around him.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working with our special horses helps the children to see beyond themselves and their own circumstances to see the needs of the horses,â&#x20AC;? explained Nee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Horses are so large, your brain needs to be in the moment, not daydreaming or feeling sad about your lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;so your brain is able to emotionally heal. The Barn Buddy Program teaches trust, cooperation, self-control, responsibility and selfesteem,â&#x20AC;? said Flanagan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The children can learn to reconnect with peers, their community and their families.â&#x20AC;?

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BEST OF WEB & PRINT

ALLIE CONRAD PHOTO

What’s Hot On The Web

X Get To Know Your Favorite Equine Stars You’ve seen them jump, and now you can find out what they’re really like back at the barn. The Chronicle is getting invited behind the scenes with some top horses in the new series Behind The Stall Door. Find out why Kent Farrington’s Voyeur is fond of his farrier, what party trick Olympic gold medalist Cedric is famous for and more at coth.com/ category/tags/behind-stall-door.

X Gracia Found Her Way Home Gabrielle Miller bought an elderly, undernourished horse that was said to be “an older grand prix show jumper.” She posted some photos on a Facebook group asking if anyone recognized the mare, and she got some remarkable answers about Gracia’s past. And after their heartwarming story appeared on coth.com, even more gaps in the talented mare’s history were filled in. Read about Gracia’s happy ending at coth.com/article/gracia-way-home.

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X Don’t “Miss” Our New Newsletter Have you signed up to receive the Chronicle’s new “Missed It! Mondays” newsletter? Every week we deliver a crash course to catch you up on the most important stories you may have missed over the past seven days. And yes, you guessed it: Each installment will also include a photo of a spectacular “miss” like this one of managing editor Sara Lieser, who kindly volunteered to go first. Brave enough to share a “miss” photo of your own? We’d love to feature it! Send it to sara@chronofhorse.com, and be sure to visit the Chronicle on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter next Monday to check out our latest edition and sign up for direct delivery to your inbox.

BEST OF WEB & PRINT

Don’t Miss In The Magazine X Where

X The Cream Of

Is The USEF Headed?

The Crop Every year in our American an e Horses In Sport issue, the team at The Chronicle OVERALL HORSEMAN of the Horse gives out OF THE YEAR accolades to the human Chester Weber and equine athletes who proved to be top competitors and ambassadors for the sport. Find out who our 2014 Horses and Horsemen of the Year are, and, more importantly, why, in our Jan. 26 & Feb. 2 issue, which also includes expert commentary from McLain Ward, Bill Moroney, Jeremy Steinberg and Buck Davidson and so much more.

Vol. 78, No. 3

DOUGLAS LEES PHOTO

SARA LIESER PHOTO

New U.S. Equestrian Federation CEO Chris Welton has a plan for the future of the organization, but his first annual meeting was a wild ride. Find out about the problems he’s navigating and the potential he sees within the new federation structure in our Feb. 9 issue of The Chronicle of the Horse.

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American Horses In Sport 2014

January JJa anu a an nu nu uary 26 26 & February

2, 2015

X Focus On Field Sports Our Feb. 16 edition of the Chronicle is a don’t-miss for racing and hunting fans. In our annual Steeplechasing Issue, we’re profiling standout trainer Richard Valentine, giving Free Rein to jockey Willie McCarthy and exploring the National Steeplechase Association’s research into how horses read jumps and how adapting fence design can improve race safety. Plus, we’re checking in with foxhunters from across the pond to see how Britain’s age-old tradition has fared over the 10 years since the Hunting Act.

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