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CONTENTS
THE TEAM
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Advertisers List About the Cover World’s Champion Producer Charmed And Bewitched Pieter Hugo 2009 - 2016 The Africa Saddlebred Futurity In South Africa Sandra Harding Bethlehem Show Parys Christmas Festival 2016 Misty Meadows Show Uniondale Show Philipolis Show Western Cape Saddle Horse Show 2017 Saddle Seat Invitational/Test Event Olivia Schumacher Victoria West Show SA Boerperd - Modern Trends. Much More Than Meets The Eye Dr Petro Grové Standerton Show Caretaker Spotlight: Brothers Tim “T-Bone” And Samuel “Butch” Bess Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer The Ties That Bind: Mothers and Son’s Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer Joe Brown - Young Trainer Continued Meghan von Ballmoos Spotlight on Andre van Schalkwyk Mark Turner And His Desmar Stables Meghan von Ballmoos Kate Grom: A Rising Star Meghan von Ballmoos The Rudder Family: Generations of Saddlebred Success Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer Hackney Limited Breeders - Continuing Education and New Ideas Nick Schubert
PHOTOGRAPHERS : Howard Schatzberg; Jon McCar thy Photography; Doug Shiflet; Rick Osteen; Brooke and Jane Jacobs; Hunt Digital; Elpita Photography; Fotojan Photography; Johan Blom; Avis Girdler ; eAzur ; Saddlebred Web; Jen Corcoran; Ross Millin; Kelly Campbell; Washburn; Stuart Vesty; Sandy; Liz McMillan; Sargent, Jamie, Mar ty Snor tum Studio; E motion Photography; David Jampsa; Lisa Harger ; Rachel Kelly; Stevie Bagdasarian; Cour tney Church, Phillip Tibs
Pieter Hugo Managing Director
Johan Blom Chief Executive Officer
Madge Bass USA Sales Manager
Marguerite le Roux Senior Designer
Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer Features/Profiles
Marie Chin Advertising Executive
Meghan von Ballmoos Features/Billing Director
Nick Schubert Junior Staff Writer
Gasnat Jaffer Office Manager
www.showhorse.co.za EDITORIALS: Johan Blom johan@silvermane.co.za (0027) 83 324 3709 Pieter Hugo pieter@showhorse.co.za (001) 502 321 8305 Meghan von Ballmoos meghan@showhorse.co.za (001) 860 605 5041 Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer DESIGN: Marguerite le Roux mleroux@silvermane.co.za ADVERTISING: Madge Bass bass.madge@gmail.com (001) 502 299 8523 Marie Chin marie@silvermane.co.za (0027) 82 497 4475 ORDERS & INVOICING: Gasnat Jaffer gasnat@showhorse.co.za 32b Whitlers Way, Hout Bay 7806, South Africa
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ABOUT THE COVER “Excellence must be pursued, it must be wooed with all of one’s might and every bit of effort that we have. The spirit, the will to excel, the will to win, these are the things that endure.” - Vince Lombardi
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ROCK-A-BILLY C A P TA I N D E N M A R K X I ’ M A S TA R
WILLIE DE JAGER, UP
As I started this venture 20 years ago, I had no idea how much charm it would reveal to me. The game has taught me how to win and lose and by unveiling the truth behind all the glamorous parades, I learned the value of hard work and dedication. I am eternally grateful to my loving parents, Elizka and the Buck-Ridge Team as well as all the beautiful horses that have so dearly enriched my life by fulfilling my every dream. All My Love, Willie
Dearest Willie The selfless manner in which you share yourself with our industry is truly admirable. Your intentions so pure, your character invariably just, your sportsmanship exemplary, your dedication relentless and your manners impeccable. You have accomplished so much amidst your endeavor, your next pursuit, so finely planned. I just know, no matter what challenges are thrown before you, quit, you never will! All my love & support Elizka
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By Pieter Hugo
WORLD’S CHAMPION PRODUCER
CHARMED AND BEWITCHED NOW AVAILABLE TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN BREEDERS.
PB THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE
Exciting news for Saddle Horse breeders in South Africa as World’s Champion producer Charmed and Bewitched will be available to South African breeders in 2017. Owned by Pieter Hugo and Patrice Watson, Charmed and Bewitched now resides at De Bosch Stables in Stellenbosch under direction of Adriaan Odendaal and Francois Dercksen. Charmed and Bewitched is sired by the great World’s Champion of Champions Santana’s Charm and is out of Belle’s Bewitched, whose dam is the legendary World’s Grand Champion CH Belle Elegant. (left) Pictured here is two of his full siblings, WC Pisgah Pike (left) and RWC CH Belleavanti. (right) His dam Belle Bewitched also produced RWC Gotta Lotta Charm, RWC Oceanfront as well as World’s Champion producing stud Bobese. Charmed and Bewitched’s sire, WCC Santana’s Charm, himself a World’s Champion Amateur Five-gaited champion, has amongst others sired the following World’s and Reserve World’s Champions: WC and WC producer Sir William Robert, WC Tremendously Charming, WC Ashlyn’s Voodoo Charm, WC CH Mojo, WC CH I’m Something Wicked, WC I’m Royalty Too, WC Sheba’s Charm, WC A Silver Charm, WC Sass With Class, WC CH Amusing, WCC Waltz, WC CH Cameos Carte Blanche, WC Full Color, WC Pisgah Pike, WC Charmson, WC Tasty Charm, RWC MY Royale Charm, RWC Charmed By Chance, RWC Helen’s Charm and RWC Puttin’ on the Charm. Charmed and Bewitched’s bottom side of his pedigree is equally impressive with the 1977 Five-gaited World’s Grand Champion, WC, RWGC, RWC Belle Elegant as his second
dam. His dam Belle Bewitched, is by the 1976 Fine Harness Reserve World’s Grand Champion, RWC Kourageous Kalu. Belle Elegant has also produced World’s Champion CH Bahia Belle and CH El Cortez. With limited availability to the public in the US, Charmed and Bewitched has sired some truly remarkable offspring. His award winning offspring include: • World’s Champion Bewitching Lad (out of Harlem’s Irish Lass), was the 2011 World’s Champion Fine Harness Two Year Old Stallion/Gelding. (right) • Reserve World’s Champion Kokopelli’s Bewitched Blue (out of Savannah Blue), was the 2013 Reserve World’s Champion Yearling Breeders Open, and has continued to be in the top ribbons across the USA. This stunning mare mostly recently was the Three-Gaited Park Champion and Reserve Grand Champion at the Iowa State Fair, under the direction of Renae van Zomeren. • Reserve World’s Champion Elegantly Beautiful (out of Attache’s Born Beautiful), owned by Julie BehrendsJones, was in 2014 the Reserve World’s Champion ASR Kentucky Amateur Futurity Yearling. In the same year she was also Top 3 in the ASR Kentucky Amateur Futurity Yearling and Yearling Breeders Open. • Bewitching Orchid, ASR National Futurity Two Year Old Fine Harness Champion. (top right) • Superstitious Friday (out of Harlem’s Black Orchid), owned by Barbara Goodman Manilow, is the current National Champion Five-Gaited Three-Year Old under the direction of Skyline Stables. (right)
For more information on this stunning stallion or to book your mare today, please contact: Francois Dercksen/ Adriaan Odendaal 079 771 3925 DeBosch Stables Stellenbosch, South Africa Francois@Dercksen.co.za
By Sandra Harding
2009 - 2016 THE AFRICA SADDLEBRED FUTURITY IN SOUTH AFRICA BACKGROUND The concept was proposed by Ross Millin during November 2009 to boost and inspire the Saddle Horse breeding industry in South Africa. The idea is based on the very successful All American Cup by Jim Aikman and Melissa Moore’s Blue Grass Futurity with unique adjustments to accommodate the local Saddle Horse industry. A Trust, the AFRICA SADDLE HORSE FUTURITY TRUST (ASF) was established with three trustees, Ross Millin, George Borcherds and Francois Dercksen. This trust is utilized as legal entity to manage the ASF. The basic concept establishes a nominated breeding class with a level playing field for both the small and large breeder and where the foal owner, breeder and the owner of the stallion have a better opportunity to get a return on investment. No foals are nominated – only stallions and broodmares in foal from the nominated stallions. Only foals from the nominated broodmares qualify to participate in the Weanling Futurity. The first ASF stallion auction took place in 2009 at the annual
Parys Indoor Show where services of twenty five of the country’s best stallions were auctioned. During this auction services to the value of just under R70 000 were sold. From a small beginning the ASF has grown into a very popular competition where the services of fifty one stallions were sold for more than R400 000 during 2016. Ever since the inception of the competition five judges have been utilized to ensure transparency. During the preliminary judging the foals enter the show ring one by one and are judged on conformation, type and action. Judges are not informed of the foal’s breeding beforehand and they do not have the opportunity to view one another’s score cards. The breeding of the foals is only revealed during the final prize giving ceremony. On the final day of judging, the preliminary judging has no influence as each foal starts with a clean slate which levels the playing field. All ASF foals that qualify can compete in the Futurity Fine Harness and Three Gaited class as three year olds and the Five Gaited Futurity Division as four year olds.
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Perfect Style & Grace winning the Junior Park Championship at the WP Saddle Horse Championship at Robertson in 2015
PB THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE
Perfect Style & Grace (Tornado’s Perfect Timing x SJ Sharp Salute)
Over the past five years, the number of trophies for the competition has grown from one to four. From the original Sir Clarence Ronald trophy, the WC (SA) War Image trophy for the winner’s sire was donated by Luci Nouwens in honour of WC (SA) War Image that passed away in 2013, the Lenie van Vuuren Memorial trophy for the ASF Thee Gaited Futurity and the Uncle Angus Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by the Du Plessis brothers to honour their beautiful stallion that died early in 2015. This trophy is awarded to the owner of the mare producing the ASF winner. The ASF continues to go from strength to strength to such an extent that the organizers are now looking to the future and the possibility of a show where all the horses that qualify to participate in the ASF, will be able to compete.
ASF 2011 The first ever Africa Saddlebred Futurity in South Africa took place during the Middelburg (Eastern Cape) Show in March 2011 and lived up to all the hype, anticipation and great expectations with exhibitors traveling from afar as Dundee in Kwazulu Natal and Gauteng to participate. Of the forty six foals that qualified, twelve participated in the class. The organizers indicated that the number of foals that entered the class compared well with the 25% of foals that qualify and participate in the All American Cup. Perfect Style and Grace shown by George Borcherds, was the winner of the 2011 competition. Her owner, Ross Millin did not
The complete results as well as the earning of the top ten foals are as follow : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Name of foal Perfect Style and Grace Golden Top Deck Miley Hanna War Timing Pretty Uma Eros Tamagotchi Cameo’s O’Lee Golden Obsession
Breeding Tornado’s Perfect Timing x SJ Sharp Salute Golden Nite x Feliko Some Lady Captain Denmark x Cloverleaf I’m A Star War Image Boy x Ventana Perfect Tango Limited Assignment x Trujo Unexpected Applause Tamagotchi x SJ Red Ruby Crocodile Dundee x Sunset Rest Mustang’s Golden Girl Golden Nite x Feliko Fancy Day
Stallion Owner Ross Millin D. Vosloo Van Zyl Schoeman Botha Brothers Wim van Bergen Michelle Emberson Kosie Pansegrouw D. Vosloo
Prize money R25 000 R7 000 R4 000 R3 000 R2 000 R1 800 R1 600 R 1500
Something French – Limited 5 year old Park Horse winner and Reserve Grand Champion Park Horse at Parys Christmas Festival 2016. Presented by CJ du Plessis
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Something French (French Legionnaire x Miss Gracias)
Something French presented by Jaco du Plessis in true Du Plessis style Winners of the Fine Harness class for juveniles between 12 and 18 years at Parys Christmas Festival 2016
Legionnaire while her dam is the well-known Miss Gracias. Luci Nouwens, received R10 000 prize money for being the owner (needless to say a proud one) of the winner’s sire while C.J. du Plessis received the R40 000 cheque for the winner. Since 2012 Something French continued her winning streak and was also ASF 2012 crowned the SA Champion Weanling Filly in 2012 and the Year The second Africa Saddlebred Futurity in South Africa was staged Old Filly in 2013, the Two Year Old Filly class in 2014 and the during the largest open air agricultural exhibition in South Africa, Champion Mare Over Three Years Old in 2015 and 2016. the annual Bloemfontein Show during April 2012. The prediction that the ASF, with its unequalled prize money A total of twenty two foals, almost twice as many as the first would become very popular had already materialized by 2012. competition, participated in the preliminary round. The winning foal in 2014 would receive an amount of almost Something French, bred, trained and exhibited by C.J. du Plessis R100 000 after a very successful stallion auction on 21 April 2012 was the winner of the second competition. during which services to the value of more than R290 000 were sold. The highest price of R82 500 was paid by C.J. du Plessis for Something French’s sire is the imported stallion French a service of the imported stallion Wine, Women and Song while only receive the R25 000 prize money but also an additional R5 000 for being the owner of the winner’s sire. He was also the first recipient of the Sir Clarence Ronald Memorial Trophy.
The complete results as well as the earnings of each foal are reflected below: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Name of foal Something French Johnny Walker Red Dundee’s Final Touch Dundee’s Memories Hello Mollo Legal Warrior Lady Montana Hold Your Breath
Breeding French Legionnaire (IMP) x Miss Gracias Tamagotchi x SJ Red Ruby Crocodile Dundee x Miracles and Dreams Crocodile Dundee x Big Bounce Mollo x Nite Goddess The Judge x Mona Lisa’s Smile Cocktails Wild Believer x Highbury Touch of Africa War Image Boy x The Final Flame
Nominee / Owner C.J. du Plessis Michelle Emberson Kosie Pansegrouw Kosie Pansegrouw Tokkas / Oubaas van Heerden Alwo Dercksen Marius Wehmeyer Dreto Stud
Prize money R 40 000 R 20 000 R 15 000 R 12 000 R 10 000 R 8 000 R 5 000 R 4 000
PB INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE THE
Cloverleaf Benjamen Butten (Captain Denmark x DS Indigo Girl with his owner/breeder Van Zyl Schoeman, Ross Millin, Sandra Harding and Liesbeth Kretschmer with the trophies.
the service of Undulata’s Made in Heaven (also imported) was sold for R41 000. This stallion won the SA Grand Champion Three Gaited S/M/G 3 years and under class in grand style during the 2012 Bloemfontein Show. He was also the Grand Champion Three Gaited horse in South Africa in 2014 and 2015. ASF 2013 By the third ASF, which also took place during the South African National Saddlebred Championships in Bloemfontein the last week in April, the competition was really on a roll and the most successful incentive to breed Saddlebreds in South Africa. It also remains a huge marketing opportunity for the beautiful breed. Eighteen foals participated in the preliminary judging. The ten best foals were selected and competed in the final judging.
The foals were again judged individually. There was no front line, but a number of foals were judged while standing head to head. A bold eight month old chestnut colt, Cloverleaf Benjamen Button bred, trained and shown by Van Zyl Schoeman of Philippolis was placed first. Van Zyl made a clean sweep – not only was he the proud owner of a R40 000 cheque, but also the third recipient of the Sir Clarence Ronald Trophy, the WC (SA) War Image trophy as well as an additional R10 000 for being the owner of the sire of the foal, Captain Denmark. During the fifth Stallion Auction services of thirty eight of the country’s best stallions were offered for sale. The auction was a huge success and the total earnings for the 2015 ASF Weanling show amounted to more than R250 000.
The complete results as well as the earning of each foal are as follows : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Name of foal Cloverleaf Benjamin Button Uncle Clarens The Solicitor Jaggerbomb The Prototype Golden Nite Star Caroline’s War Prince Tamagotchi’s J&B
Stallion Captain Denmark Uncle Angus The Judge Tamagotchi Undulata’s Made in Heaven (Imp) Golden Nite Bit of War Tamagotchi
Nominee Van Zyl Schoeman CJ du Plessis / Jaco de Bruyn Francois Dercksen Michelle Emberson Newline Stud DJ Vosloo Nico Olivier Michelle Emberson
Prize money R40 000 R20 000 R17 000 R11 000 R9 000 R7 000 R5 000 R3 000
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Coco’s Justice (The Judge x Coco C) presented by Adriaan Odendaal with owner/breeder Nico Olivier receiving the prize money.
ASF 2014 The fourth African Saddlebred Futurity was again a huge success with a total of twenty three high quality foals competing for unequalled prize money of almost R300 000.
The War Image Stallion’s Trophy and R15 000 were won by Francois Dercksen, the stallion owner of The Judge. During 2014 it was also decided to give all the stallion owners of the 4th – 10th placing foals R1 000 prize money as well.
The winner, Coco’s Justice, continued where she left the preliminary judging. She did not drop an ear and continued to amaze and provide great pleasure to the spectators. One has to mention that she was expertly shown by Adriaan Odendaal from the The Bosch Stables.
A record number of forty seven stallions were entered for the Sixth ASF Stallion Auction. Services to the value of R350 000 were sold at an average of almost R7 500 per stallion.
Breeder and owner, Nico Olivier was overwhelmed and commented that the reality of winning R100 000 in prize money would only register later.
The first ASF foals, which participated in the Middelburg Show in 2011, were eligible to participate in the ASF performance classes during 2014.
ASF PERFORMANCE CLASSES
The complete results as well as the earnings of each foal are reflected below: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Name of foal Coco’s Justice Supreme’s Belladonna Castelina Center Star Song Of Grace Spanish Jive Cavalli’s Tom Ford Uncle Pat Touch the Stars Cavalli’s Gojira
Breeding The Judge x Miss Coco C Rare Supreme x Belle Of LA Captain Denmark x Nite Time Limited Assignment x Cracklin’ Rosie Wine, Women & Song x Miss Gracias Mr. Mojive x Spanish Harlem Wine, Women & Song x Elegant Space Uncle Angus x Time’s Patsy Touch Me Twice x Starring Angel Wee Pee’s Lover x Esperanze
Breeder Nico Olivier Piet Moller Van Zyl Schoeman Ninian Barrie C.J. du Plessis L. Nouwens Cavalli Stud C.J. du Plessis C.J. du Plessis/ Human Auto Cavalli Stud
Prize money R100 000 R50 000 R25 000 R20 000 R18 000 R15 000 R10 000 R8 000 R1 000 R1 000
PB THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE
Touch Me Nice (Touch Me Twice x Valley Starmaker). Owned and bred by Jaco de Bruyn and presented by Junior Mocke.
Uncle Angus Broodmare Trophy.
The ASF Fine Harness S/M/G 3 Year Old class was won by Wilmar Gloria French while Wilmar Wild Night with Neil Valentine in the saddle for the Wilmar Stud won the ASF Three Gaited S/M/G 3 Year Old class. This combination was the first recipient of the Lenie van Vuuren Memorial trophy.
The foal that was placed second in 2012, Johnnie Walker Red (Tamagotchi by SJ Red Ruby) matured into a high stepping two year old. He won the Fine Harness Two Year Old S/M/G Section A class and was ultimately crowned as the SA Champion Fine Harness S/M/G Two Year Old.
A number of foals that had previously competed in the ASF competition showed their style during the show.
ASF 2015
The 2013 runner-up, Uncle Clarens, (Uncle Angus by Miss Gracias) was placed second in the SA Champion Year Old Colt class while the winner of the ASF in 2012, Something French (French Legionnaire x Miss Gracias), won the Two Year Old Filly Championship. Both these horses are bred and owned by CJ and Kosie du Plessis.
On Monday, 20 April 2015, fourteen foals, each one of them a potential winner, entered the arena at the Bloemfontein Show for the fifth ASF. Touch Me Nice of Jaco de Bruyn was eventually awarded the Sir Clarence Ronald Trophy and a winner’s cheque of R60 000.
The complete results as well as the earnings of each foal are reflected below: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Name of foal Touch Me Nice SA’s Assignment Time and the River Touch of Grace Hell-Of-A-Spider Uncle Dan Secret Minion Shelby County Supreme’s Rare Twister Xmas Richa
Breeding Touch Me Twice x Valley’s Starmaker Limited Assignment x Miss South Africa Riverman x Miss Debby Touch Me Twice x Miss Gracias Mr. Africa x Spider Girl Uncle Angus x Make My Day Whiplash x Secret Machine Black Assignment x Miss Shelbyville Rare Supreme x Miss LA Pappa Don x Merry Christmas
Breeder Jaco de Bruyn Wim van Bergen Piet Moller and Derek Wessels CJ & Kosie du Plessis Jandri du Plessis CJ & Kosie du Plessis Dries Moolman CJ & Kosie du Plessis Piet Moller Jandri du Plessis
Prize money R60 000 R30 000 R15 000 R10 000 R8 000 R6 000 R5 000 R4 000 R1 000 R1 000
Luci Nouwens with the War Image Trophy, Sandra Harding with the Sir Clarence Ronald Trophy, Ross Millin with the Uncle Angus Trophy and Van Zyl Schoeman presenting Lavender Lilly (French Flame x Passion Flower.
The owner of Touch Me Twice, Human Auto, received the R10 000 prize and the War Image Stallion Trophy. Another impressive trophy, the Uncle Angus Memorial Perpetual trophy, was donated by the Du Plessis brothers to honour their beautiful stallion. Jaco de Bruyn, owner of the broodmare Valley’s Starmaker, was the first recipient of the trophy. Saddlehorse breeders had the opportunity to buy services from almost fifty of the best bred and imported stallions in the country during the seventh consecutive stallion auction. Services of the imported stallions were in demand and again realized the highest prices. The total earnings were more than R300 000. ASF PERFORMANCE CLASSES
In 2015 Johnnie Walker Red (Tamagotchi by SJ Red Ruby) won the Fine Harness Two Year Old S/M/G/ Section A class and was ultimately crowned as the SA Champion Fine Harness S/M/G Two Year Old. As a foal, he was placed second in the 2012 ASF. In 2016 he won the ASF Fine Harness S/M/G Three Year Old class and prize money of R7 000 for owner Michelle Emberson. Johnnie Walker Red was also the Reserve SA Champion Fine Harness S/M/G Three Year Old during the show. The ASF 2015 Three Gaited S/M/G Three Year Old Class was won by Something French, trained, ridden and owned by CJ du Plessis. This class had prize money to the value of R8 000. Something French was also crowned the Champion Mare Over Three Years.
The complete results as well as the earnings of each foal are reflected below: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Name of foal Lavender Lilly Golden Kourni Secret Night Saai Don’t Go Dirty Harry Queens Counsel Belle Amoure Quantum’s Secret Agent Heir to Tango Sola Gracia
Breeding French Flame x Passion Flower Golden Nite x Kournikova War Image Boy x Lady Gahga Uncle Angus x Stake Emotion Tamagotchi x Al Starlight Seranade The Judge x Chosen to be Royalty T-Bag x Cornel Ta-Amore Quantum of Solace x War Secret Tango’s Daylight x Some Lady Ever so Clever x Al Tyra Banks
Breeder Van Zyl Schoeman DJ Vosloo Dreto Stud CJ du Plessis M. Emberson F. Dercksen M. Emberson J. Goosen J. du Plessis A. Hertzog
Prize R100 000 R50 000 R25 000 R18 000 R14 000 R10 000 R8 000 R6 000 R3 000 R2 000
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Hold Your Breath ( War Image Boy x The Final Flame)
The Lady Is French (French Legionairre x Senorita Bonita)
DMB Red John (Whiplash x Space Dancer)
PB THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE
ASF 2016 Seventy seven (77) mare nominations were received and with twenty six (26) weanlings entered for the ASF 2016 competition and most probably the most important of all, a first prize of R100 000-00, it was evident that the 2016 competition would again be wide open and of exceptional high standard. On 25 April 2016 nineteen (19) foals turned up for this prestigious competition. Late afternoon on Monday, 25 April 2016, saddlehorse breeders had the opportunity to buy services of some of the best locally bred and imported stallions in the country during the eighth consecutive stallion auction. The total earnings were more than R400 000. FINAL ASF JUDGING
Since 2011 the names of Golden Nite, Captain Denmark, War Image Boy, Limited Assignment,Tamagotchi, Crocodile Dundee, French Legionnaire, The Judge, Uncle Angus, Touch Me Twice and Wine, Women & Song repeatedly appear on the top ten ASF foal’s breeding, with only three mares, the renowned Miss Gracias, SJ Red Ruby and SJ Sharp Salute, appearing more than once on the dam’s side of the winning foals. War Secret should also be mentioned. She is the dam of Lady Gagha, whose foal by War Image Boy, was placed third and the dam of Quantum’s Secret Agent the foal that was placed eighth during 2016. ASF PERFORMANCE CLASSES A big bay, DMB Red John (Whiplash x Space Dancer) owned by Dries Moolman and shown by Kobus Kemp won the ASF Fine Harness 3-year old class. This horse was crowned the SA Grand Champion Fine Harness 3-year old later during the show.
Lavender Lilly, bred and shown by Van Zyl Schoeman was eventually awarded the first prize of R100 000 and the Sir Clarence Ronald trophy. Van Zyl also received an additional R30 000 and the War Image trophy as the owner of French Flame, The Lady is French (French Legionnaire x Senorita Bonita) the sire of the winning filly. He also received the Uncle Angus shown by Nicola Burger and owned by Luci Nouwens won the ASF Three Gaited 3-year old class. Memorial Perpetual trophy as the owner of the broodmare. Since the commencement of the competition it is only the second time that the same breeder has managed to win the competition.The stallion trophy will however have a new name added to the winning stallions of previous years.
The ASF Five Gaited 4-year old was won by Hold Your Breath ridden by André Botha. Prior to his win in Bloemfontein this horse won the Three Year old five gaited class in Philippolis and the Four Year old five gaited class in Hopetown.
FIVE-GAITED GRAND CHAMPION: JUHANTHA DESIRED GUTS & HANLO SMITH. SPONSOR NOUWENS CARPETS.
PARYS CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2016 Photos by Elpita Photography
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ARYS CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL once again provided a spectacular ending to the 2016 Saddle Horse Show Season in South Africa. Nearly four hundred breathtaking Saddle Horses and a good number of Hackney Ponies, expertly trained and exhibited by their trainers and/or owners, entertained spectators with their talent and competed for the honour to take home the blue ribbon on Championship Saturday. Sumeri Botha, Francois van der Merwe and John Murdoch called the cards, with Johann Swanepoel and Poy Coetzee mastering the show arena. Dawie Lotter and DeVos Malan
By Tersia Malan
did the announcing, once again unequalled in their passion and style, while Karel Papenfuss and Wessel Vermaas expertly ruled the collecting arena. The show officials were of the highest standard and contributed greatly to the success and standard of quality at the show. Under the chairmanship of Dries Moolman, Parys Christmas Festival Committee expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of the show sponsors. Without the support of sponsors, a show of this magnitude could not happen.The Premier Sponsor for the last few years, also the sponsor of the Five-Gaited Grand Championship, Nouwens Carpets, owned by Luci Nouwens, never hesitates to trust
THREE-GAITED GRAND CHAMPION: MAKIETIE VIVA TONITE & MADRIE VAN HUYSSTEEN. SPONSOR VETSBRANDS.
GRAND CHAMPION PARK HORSE: WILMAR DARK STORM & HELIZKA JORDAAN. SPONSOR BÖCKMANN.
the committee’s vision and to support the show substantially. Luci’s support is unequalled, and very much appreciated. The show committee also greatly appreciates all the Sponsors of our Grand Championships for 2016: Boeckmann, sponsor of the Grand Champion Three-Gaited Park Horse; also the sponsor of a magnificent horse box for our Horse Box Towing Competition; Vetsbrands, Dr. Ockert Botha, sponsored the Three-Gaited Championships, with Ukuqala/Dries Moolman Farms putting their name to the Fine Harness Championship; and LSP Energy fueling the speedsters in the Single Harness Championships. The Amateur Championships were sponsored by Junior Smith Trucking, Afridome, Heymans Kole and Appledew Guest House, with the three Pleasure Horse Championships paid for by Entyce Beverages – Five Roses/Frisco/Fresh Pack. Raising The Bar/ IXU Sport (Heinrich Rix) provided for the Three-Gaited Children’s Championship, and Wilgekrans Game Reserve (Wim Bester) the Five-Gaited Children’s Championship. Both the Amateur and Open Ladies Fine Harness Classes were once again sponsored by Moleine van Staden of Van Staden Qualygrow. All of these sponsorships are greatly valued by the show and could not function without such support.
A heartfelt thank you is also due to all the sponsors of the qualifying classes. The unwavering support of each union member and saddle horse friend, is the reason why Parys can still host a great show. Saddle Horses are exceptional animals and those who own and love them are as welltheir attitude when help is required is proof of this! Raising The Bar/ IXU Sport was once again the sponsor and organiser of the very popular Grooms’ Six-a-side Soccer Tournament, the prelims hosted in the arena on Wednesday evening before start of show, with the final game in peak hour on Saturday. Soccer balls and full kits were sponsored for every player. The team from Parys Afridome was crowned well deserved victors this year. Thank you to Heinrich Rix for sponsoring this event for our caretakers, who really do deserve a bit of fun and a lot of appreciation for all their effort with our horses. A Special Braai for all the caretakers was sponsored by PEPSICO and DJ Vosloo. Boeckmann was the sponsor of our popular Horse Box Towing competition, and their handsome horse box added to the style and flair required for this year’s competition. This crowd-pleasing event was made a bit more difficult this year, taking a bit of speed and muscle away and adding
FINE HARNESS GRAND CHAMPION: SHOW ME ULTIMATE JOE & CHARLIE BROWN. SPONSOR UKUQALA/DRIES MOOLMAN BDY
accuracy, pace and clever maneuvering. Not surprising then that girl-power ruled. Well done to Hannelie Beukes (assisted by her young son, Llewellyn) who showed the men that ladies are indeed the better drivers. As promised last year, Father Christmas still visited the kids in his special VALTRAC carriage, but 2016 Parys Christmas Festival turned the tables a bit and initiated the Dare2Care Project, where the saddle horse community could generously give to those who are not as privileged. In conjunction with MAC’S MOTORCYCLE CLUB, the guardians and care-givers of two homes for traumatised children, we requested sponsors for Christmas Gift Bags for the 100 children in these homes. About 40% of these were received, with JUHANTHA STABLES graciously offering to fill up the balance. We salute you for this grand gesture, Juhantha. Riders from MAC’S MOTORCYCLE CLUB honoured us with their presence in the arena on Saturday to come and accept these gifts - quite an impressive display of “horses of steel” this was for sure. The Sponsor- and Exhibitor’s Function, catered for by La Oma Spitbraais, Vereeniging, was a lovely get-together in the arena on Thursday evening after the first day’s classes.
The NGSU Equitation Team to compete at the SSSA Protea 2017 trials, was introduced at this occasion and colours awarded. A few items were expertly auctioned off by Wim Bester for fund-raising. Thank you to everyone who supported and contributed to this effort. As requested by exhibitors and spectators, the show classes this year ran until later on Friday and Saturday evenings, thus utilising the magnificent Afridome Indoor Venue. Thank you to Dries Venter for his vision of having such an elite facility as Afridome. Once more the Lucky Draw Competition, where all horses’ show numbers are entered and with excellent prizes to be won, proved to be a hit amongst exhibitors, horse owners, and also spectators, with extra tickets to be bought for the draw. First prize, a 3-day Cruise for two on the MSC Sinfonia, was won by Ben Stapelberg. Second prize was an upmarket GPS sponsored by MyGPS; third a bit of choice sponsored by Hein Nieuwoudt; and fourht a “My Roller” cart sponsored by Ira Basson. The date for the next Parys Christmas Festival is 7-9 December, 2017. We invite you once again to diarize, prioritise and be there. We need, love and appreciate your support.
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GRAND CHAMPION FINE HARNESS HACKNEY PONY: NIGEL NEWMAN & SILVER OAKS CODE OF ETHICS.
MUCH APPRECIATION TO ALL OUR 2016 SPONSORS Afridome Andre Swanepoel Appledew Guest House Arnold Naude Bethlehem Vurkkhysers Blue Ribbon Products Bรถckmann Bospre Stalle BP North West Brenhindy Horse Carriers Casino Stalle Crommico Saalperd Stoet Dale Brits De Bosch Stalle Diamond D Cattle Farms DJ Vosloo - Pepsico DMV Consultants Dream Acres Equestrian Centre Dries du Preez El Shaddai Stalle Entyce Beverages Frik Rothmann Heavy Duty Towing Heymans Kole Jabbies en Elra Lotz
JoJo Stalle Junior Smith Trucking Junior Tonkin Jurijan Stalle Kosie Pansegrouw La Cola Stalle LSP Energy Malan Stalle MC Bergh Mine Depot Noble Equestrian Stables Nouwens Carpets Piet van Schalkwyk Pretoria Saddlery RTB / IXU Sport Reiviraz Stalle Rovic Stalle Shaylee Management Services Show Me Stalle Stephan Loock Truway Engineering Valentine Stalle Valtrac Van Staden Qualigrow Vetsbrands Ukuqala/Dries Moolman Bdy Wikus Lock Wim van Bergen Wilgekrans Game Reserve
CHILDREN’S THREE-GAITED GRAND CHAMPION: WILMAR WILD NIGHT & NICOLE BESTER
2017 SADDLE SEAT
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INVITATIONAL/TEST EVENT
By Olivia Schumacher
he 2017 Saddle Seat Young Riders Invitational/Test Event took place in Perry, Georgia April 3-6. There were two days of tough practice and hard work leading up to the competition on April 5-6.
Teams from the United States, South Africa and Canada all arrived in Georgia ready to represent their countries’ saddle seat riding skills. Junior and Senior teams, each with five members, represented the five-gaited division from the United States and South Africa. The USA and South Africa also had senior teams in the three-gaited division. Canada was represented by their junior three-gaited team which made that the only division with three complete teams. Horses for the competition were graciously donated from riding programs around the country and the team mounts were randomly drawn for each day of the event. No rider was allowed to show the same horse twice. Once the team horses were picked, each team was given a brief, 20 minute, practice session, on Tuesday, to determine the best matches between horses and riders. Longtime supporter, Barbe Smith noted, “I thought the Young Riders competition was fantastic! All of the donated horses were great at their jobs and the comradery between all the countries was super!” The competition event began on Wednesday morning with rail work followed by individual patterns. Three judges (one from each participating country) scored the rail work and then gave scores for each element of the pattern as well as a score for overall performance and horsemanship. The first day of competition was made even more eventful by the threat of severe storms and tornado warnings all around the area. Each team gave it their all to show their talents. Thursday performances were scored in the same manner with each rider competing on a new mount and all teams showed at the highest level of horsemanship.
Africa were also very competitive and strived for the medals. Five-Gaited Senior Gold Medal-South Africa Silver Medal-USA When the time came to announce the medals for the junior five-gaited teams a shock was displayed on everyone’s faces. For the first time there was a tie for the Gold! So many emotions were being expressed as well as the excitement of the teams coming together and celebrating making history together. The decision to share the medal was made in the same fashion as in the Olympics. Both teams were delighted to share the gold in this unprecedented tie. Five-Gaited Junior Gold Medal-TIE- USA and South Africa The common agreement from competitors of all three counties was that they would like to have more time to get to know each other. Taylor Lunny, Canadian junior three-gaited team member said, “We need more time to socialize. I think everyone should be given a small group of people with riders from each team from each country to do activities.” Holly Sarette, USA senior five-gaited team stated, “I believe that they should have all the teams eat lunch and dinner together so that we can talk and get to know each other before the competition.” Denielle Dercksen, South Africa senior three-gaited Captain said, “We really enjoyed the event. There could maybe be a team’s bonding activity or evening the day before the competition and practice sessions start, because once it starts everyone gets really busy and very tired quickly.”
Another consensus of opinion is that this international competition was one of the best and most memorable experiences of these young riders’ lives. “To be able to represent your country and the The awards ceremony followed on Thursday evening and began horses you love is a huge honor,” said Madine Dercksen who is one with the National Anthems of each of the participating countries. of three sisters on the South African team. Team members stood before their flags with pride and awaited the final scores. Also, the friendships they have made because of these teams Three-Gaited Senior will never be forgotten. Maybe the leaders of nations could Gold Medal- USA learn something about international relations from these young Silver Medal- South Africa horsemen and women. Three-Gaited Junior Gold Medal- USA Silver Medal- South Africa Bronze Medal-Canada The five-gaited senior teams for both the United States and South
Coach Avery Bull reflected,“It was an honor to have been selected as a coach for the young riders “Stars” team. All the kids showed outstanding horsemanship, sportsmanship and composure throughout the week. The Double Gold was the ‘icing on the cake!’ Special thanks to Lori Nelson and the rest of the USEF staff and all the volunteers who made this event run so well!”
Note: Olivia Schumacher is a member of the USA Young Riders Team and competed with her team in the five-gaited junior division. She shows both American Saddlebreds (with DeVore Stables) and Hackney Ponies (with Majestic Oaks).
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Boschendal Captain Rider Matthys Streicher. Photo H2 Photography
By Dr Petro Grové
SA BOERPERD MODERN TRENDS MUCH MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
Vlampies Cha-Cha with Diededrik Cloete. Photo Fotojan
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Burgerstrots Katryn with Johannes Langenhoven. Photo Fotojan
ot many people know that the SA Boerperd has a natural ability to high knee action, i.e. 90° and higher. This natural ability on its own, is a magnificent sight. Enhancing this natural ability, with responsible training and schooling, results in a spectacular athletic display in the show arena. SA Boerperd Shows make provision for both highly trained horses in SHOW HORSE classes, as well as horses with more natural movement, in Traditional Classes, where a stunning extended trot is frequently shown off. All horses are expected to execute a flatfooted walk, trot and canter with long elevated strides showing off ample cadence. Beginning in 2017, Saddle Seat Equitation will form part of the SA Boerperd International Championships. SA Boerperd are equally suited to a wide variety of disciplines including showing, single harness and private drive
Jurust 86 Fire with Piet Uys. Photo Fotojan
Voorslag Mandoza with Wilfred Gelderblom. Photo Fotojan
classes, as well as eventing, equitation, Western- and English mounted games, dressage and eventing, to name but a few. Within SA Boerperd Shows, provision is made for the Universal horse with its schooling that leans more toward the classical riding style, as well as the Traditional horse with its specific training to enhance high knee action that resembles the action, and in some cases training, similar to that of Saddlebreds. Single Harness Classes, as well as Fine Harness classes are presented in shows with spectacular movement and style. Five gaited classes are the highlight of the action with horses racking away, immaculately turned out with their natural tail, mane and standard shoes. In this milieu, size does not count. The spectators are closely involved in the action by supporting horse and rider from the stands. According to well-known international Saddlebred,
Hessequa Flikker with William Gelderblom. Photo Fotojan
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Rooigras Orkaan with Kobie Smit. Photo Fotojan
Hackney and Fresian/Flemish judge, Jaco Jonker (who also judged at the SA Boerperd National Championships 2015 & 2016), the Traditional SA Boerperd displays exceptional stamina in the show arena, riding multiple show horse classes within days of showing. The SA Boerperd is also very versatile and able to compete in various disciplines in the same week, namely show jumping, dressage, carriage driving and showing. He confirms that the breed is growing and improving at a rapid pace, thus a force to be reckoned with. Although SA Boerperd Breed’s own judges and inspectors are being thoroughly trained within the SA Boerperd Society in conjunction with the SA Riding Horse Judges’ Association, it is always a privilege to engage with international judges, thereby cultivating positive input from other breed judges worldwide. Being a relatively young breed, the SA Boerperd Society encourage research projects by universities to analyse unique aspects of the breed, as well as compare them
Calela Ditto with Shopani Masina.
scientifically, to the conformation and movement of other breeds. Currently, the research results of data gathered over the past 5 years by Dawn Mansfield (for her Masters’ degree at the University of Tshwane), specifically to investigate and analyse the link between the trot and conformation of the SA Boerperd, is being concluded. This should be fascinating reading and video material. In another more genetically and empirical study undertaken by Nadia Breytenbach at the University of the Free State, an analyses is currently being done to determine the specific genetic DNA markers present in SA Boerperd that might predict the manifestation specifically in aptitude, as well as height. The SA Boerperd are well known for their intelligence and willingness to serve. They are calm, ambitious, reliable and orderly but alert and make excellent companions. The same horse that gives and excellent performance in the showing arena, can be taken out on a hack in the veld with confidence. Nothing can be further from the truth
Lang-Carel Ekspert. Photo Meilleur Ami, Jaco Wiid
than to make the SA Boerperd off as a mere farm horse. The modern SA Boerperd are not to be confused with the Cape Boerperd or Nooitgedacht horses. Although these are now separate developing South African breeds, the SA Boerperd (formerly known as the Historic Boerperd) is an internationally recognised and fully developed South African breed. The huge gene pool within the SA Boerperd Breeders guarantees that the Society is of sufficient strength to ensure prosperous breeding without inbreeding in the future. The increasing popularity of the SA Boerperd in neighbouring countries is evident from extensive exports to neighbouring countries, as well as the establishment of breeders affiliated with the SA Boerperd Breeders’ Society, specifically.
SA Studbook. Parental DNA verification is a prerequisite. To continue the improvement of this relatively young horse breed, all animals are additionally inspected and evaluated by highly trained inspectors prior to full registration and branding. The finest animals that pass this process, continue to improve the quality of the breed in a sustainable way.
Studbook is the national animal and recording system and home to at least 15 horse breeds, as well as dogs, cattle, sheep, etc. used to document the breed. In order to own a SA Boerperd that is fully registered, it must be recorded at
The SA Boerperd as an indigenously developed horse breed in South Africa is hardened enough to survive the harsh South African climate. Many horses were part of shipwrecked cargo that swam ashore and were taken in by
As a result, the quality of horses that are being produced throughout Southern Africa currently is rapidly improving. The SA Boerperd is also the fastest growing horse breed in South Africa. With minimum heights of 13.3hh (mares) and 14.2hh (stallions), there are no limits to the maximum height and the modern SA Boerperd are often bred to be 16hh and higher.
Meer En Meer Habana with Christian Theunissen. Photo Fotojan
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Lang-Carel Wikkel with Ansie Uys. Photo Elpita
the local residents to breed with the then resident horse population. The main horse breeds that contributed to the development of the breed were: The Java Pony & Arabs (1652 – 1752), Arabs, Andalusians & Thoroughbreds (1753 – 1898) Hackneys & Fresians / Flemish horses (after 1899) Saddlebreds (1916 -1947). Reaching its height in 1769, horse-breeding had developed into a thriving industry in the then Dutch Cape colony. Trading and the exporting of war horses especially to the British army in India took place on a frequent basis. The period thereafter was marked by the loss of thousands of horses due to African Horse Sickness, as well as the war period from the Great Trek (1836) to the Anglo Boer Wars (1899). In 1905, after losing thousands of these horses, a register of horses that survived the war was started. One of the main objectives was to preserve the then Colonial horses (also called the Cape Horse) from losing its identity
Devondale Yahoo with Rider Kobie Smit. Photo Fotojan
through breeding with other imported and often inferior animals of various breeds. This initiative was not maintained and many attempts with the same goal were embarked upon thereafter to revive this project. It was only in 1973 that a group of breeders succeeded to follow through on this 60 year old initiative, again a universal movement that happened concurrent with for example the Australian Stock Horses (1971). Similarities can also be found in the Australian Brumbies. To survive as primary means of transport since 1652, be a strong a work horse, riding horse and war horse, only the most comfortable and versatile horses with stamina and sound conformation that could ride across plains, and in rocky mountain regions survived. It was a question of the survival of the fittest. Higher knee action and solid conformation with a smaller hoof was required in rocky areas. Looking at the modern SA Boerperd today, the result of this process going back 450 years is a proudly South African ideal sporting and pleasure horse. References: Kobus du Toit, 2010. BOERPERD. www.boerperd.net. SA Boerperd Breeders’ Society, Documents & Archives. www.saboerperd.com.
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PB THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE
BROTHERS TIM “T-BONE” AND SAMUEL “BUTCH” BESS
CARETAKER SPOTLIGHT This past winter when the horses were all let down and out of show mode, and the youngsters were entering their training routines for the first time, I got to thinking about how lucky we have been personally to have had some wonderful caretakers over the years. Our main caretaker, Jeff Repinski, has worked for Zubrod Stables for nearly 40 years. He’s been a part of the team basically since its inception, and while he left for a few years to try his hand at something else, the horses drew him back and he’s been with us ever since. He now works shorter days, and while he leaves the show travel to the younger guys, he’s a great person to have at home “holding down the fort”. The caretakers are the pulse of our industry. Their blood flows through the veins of every aspect of our business, and so much success is owed to them; from making sure the horses are turned out immaculately, to noticing any small sore; they take care of our precious cargo in both sickness and in health. Thinking of how vital they are to the achievements of these magnificent animals in the show ring, the wheels in my head started turning. I’m really excited to debut this new monthly feature, where we will be taking a look at some of these incredible caretakers that have been immersed in the Saddlebred business for many years.
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By Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer
he Bess Brothers need no introduction. They have been working with horses since they were barely double digits.
They grew up in Harrodsburg, Kentucky at a time when Saddlebreds were the lifeblood of the town, much like we see Simpsonville now. Their cousin Willie “Jack Rabbit” Bottoms was a Standardbred horse trainer that kept his horses at the Mercer County Fairgrounds, and also selected some to show in road horse classes throughout the Kentucky County Fair circuit. Bottoms was well known to many saddle horse people because he worked for E.B. “Shine” Ogan. He also trained for the Freeman Brothers for many years and took many Standardbreds from the track to the show ring as world-class roadsters. He won the Roadster World’s Grand Championship at the Kentucky State Fair with a trotter he bought at a sale in Ohio, making him the first and only black man to train a winner in this prestigious class. Both T-Bone and Butch credit their cousin for getting them hooked. “He would always pick a kid out from the neighborhood and put them to work, getting them to help clean the stalls and rake the barn, get them off the streets, said the younger Bess. “He got me started with it when I was about nine or ten.” Their stepfather, Thomas Meaux, worked for iconic Rose-ALee Farm in Harrodsburg and their brother-in-law, Mike Van Dyke, worked for Garland Bradshaw before moving to Ohio to train, so they were exposed to the Saddlebreds early on. Butch was about ten-years-old when he started hanging around the barn where his stepfather worked. He would go to shows with Jack Rabbit, and then he ended up working under the legendary Tom Moore at his Arrowhead Farm
Butch and T-Bone at their sister’s wedding in 2000.
First Class Day and T-Bone, painted by his wife Anne Crawford Bess.
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in Harrodsburg for more than 15 years. Butch started at Arrowhead just before the horrible barn fire at the farm in the summer of 1991. He was there when they rebuilt after losing so many horses as well as all the tack and equipment. Although he is retired now, he worked for the Moore family until he quit. “When it gets in your blood it’s hard to get away from it.” Working for the legendary Moore was an experience, and over the years both Bess brothers became family to both Tom and Donna Moore. “With Tom, he would never walk around back [to the stalls]. If he was ready for you to ginger he’d just give you the motion. He would never leave out front when he was around there. If he had to come back there something was wrong,” he laughed. “We would bring the horse out. He would just touch the curb and get on the horse,” explained Butch. T-Bone reiterated that Moore would show you one time where the bridle would go, tell you where he wanted the curb chain, and after that, it was their responsibility to put it on and in the proper position every time.
we took care of four horses at home and three when we were on the road,” said Butch. “Then it went to five and four on the road that we took care of. If I was home working on the farm I had five horses to get ready. We had three trainers in those days. They split the horses up like that. We did everything with the horse, and the trainers were the ones that see that they got worked.” “We maintained the horses,” added Butch. “When the vet would come in and do something to the horse – he would tell us what it was, what it needed and when – and after that it was left up to me to see that that horse got that. We all maintained them and it was left up to us.Tom would stand there and watch the vet explaining to us, and then he would walk on off.”
Butch’s favorite horse that he took care of was CH Callaway’s Criterion, who Tom Moore showed in 1994 and 1995. “He was just a laid-back horse,” recalled Butch.“People would look at me like I was crazy when I would crawl around him. When Tom worked him he always put out 100-percent, every day.”
The responsibility for the horses was on the shoulders of their caretakers. And the days start early when you are in the horse business. From feeding the horses to cleaning the stalls; before the first horse was even put in crossties, a lot of work had already been done. “We treat the horse’s stall like it’s a home – brush their tailboards out, make sure their water is clean, the rest of the day is putting my responsibility to their horses. If you are one of our customer’s when you walk up and look in the horse’s stall, their stall is clean and the tail set is clean. And us putting the time in to see that it’s done,” recalled Butch. Outwardly, it’s easy to see the finished product, without realizing all the hard work that goes into the turnout of both the barn and the horses.
Both brothers take great pride in their work, and their relationship to their string of horses was second to none.“When we started,
T-Bone Bess is ten years the younger brother and followed in the footsteps of Butch. He got his nickname in grade school
A painting done by Anne Crawford Bess. Butch with Hit The Lights, and Tom Moore at the lines.
when his cousin Robert called him a “big ole’ fat T-Bone”, he stated laughing. The name stuck and while his wife Anne calls him Tim, most of those in the industry call him T-Bone. His boss, Melinda Moore usually calls him T.
“He wore four bandages. I could literally sit on the ground and wrap his legs. In the beginning, we couldn’t trim him, but he just needed someone to take his time with him,” he said with clear affection in his voice.
T-Bone was in his early twenties when his step-father first got him a real job in the horse business. He worked for Dave Becker when he was over off of U.S. 68. Dave showed him how to work horses, and they started their mornings off with a little prayer and bible study, in which Tim would usually doze off.
T-Bone now grooms for Tom’s daughter Melinda, who he says gets the best of both him and Donna as far as training skills. “I groom for Melinda now. I feel like a family member. Donna said that before she passed away, ‘Hunny, you family now’.”
He stayed with him for about three years and then went to work for George Knight at Oak Hill Farm. “He was a great person to work for and taught me a lot, and the grooms that I worked for taught me everything and I took what they said and made it my own,” said Tim. He worked for Knight for about five years and in 1990, the second year that CH Man on the Town won the gaited stake with Knight,Tim went to Arrowhead.
Although things have changed over the years, T-Bone’s routine has stayed the same. “We get there at 7, Melinda feeds in the morning. I’m the old man on the farm, so I’m slow,” he laughed. “I get my first horse ready when they’re cleaning stalls.”The first horse he gets ready is Fight Night, who is also the old man on the farm. T-Bone gives him a light jog. Before he gets his good gelding “007” going. “Melinda likes to jog him when it’s quiet,” he stated. “She’s like a mechanic. She’ll change one for the better. She’s easy and there’s no roughhousing with her.”
“Tom was the greatest,” recalled T-Bone with fondness. “He was a gentleman. You want to know about horses, he would teach His string now includes seven horses and the routine is you. He was a good trainer, a good teacher. Words can’t explain consistent. “Monday is a jog or longline day, she rides two days that Tom. He was just that kind of guy.” a week like her dad did.Tuesday or Wednesday in a snaffle and Friday or Saturday in the curb.” “I had a gaited horse for Tom call Unattached. He was my favorite horse,” said T-Bone. “Him and Perfect Prowler. Their “T-Bone puts forth 100-percent, he really does,” reiterated attitude and those kind of horses, everyone liked these horses. Melinda. “He takes care of the little things that people don’t Perfect Prowler came from frank McConnell and Tom took his even notice or think about. He is meticulous and pays time with him.” Adding that the horse flourished under Tom’s attention to the little things that do matter. He is a great quiet hands. ground man and he knows what one is supposed to look
T-Bone with a three-year-old he took care of around 2006.
Butch, T-Bone, T-Bone’s son Timmy and three of Timmy’s four children.
like; he would make a fabulous horse show judge.”
The rest, as they say, was history.
“He’s very thoughtful and considerate,” she continued.“He gave me a painting that Anne did of Sabotage winning the gaited stake at Lexington last year. He’s very caring and very knowledgeable, he’s forgot more about taking care of a horse than half of the guys these days will ever know. He’s one-of-a-kind, T-Bone is and I hope I can keep him around the barn as long as possible.”
Anne attended Murray State University, majoring in Art, and she has been a professional portrait painter since 1989. She worked as a designer for Ceramichrome-DecoArt for nine years. She is also the artist for Historical Medical Art, painting historical medical scenes that are published as limited-edition prints.
Anne had mostly focused on children and family portraiture, and it was just a few short years ago, when she started commissioning the horses. It was an easy transition, as her many years traveling to horse shows gave her a deep understanding of the horses as the subjects of her work, and her experience gave her an innate ability to portray her subjects’ likeness with feeling and light. She quickly became well-known within the Saddlebred industry for her traditional portraiture style ranging “I’ve been looking at horses for a long time and with some of from softly realistic to impressionistic. She has commissioned the best trainers in the world. I’m a good ground man,” said work at all sizes, and now her portfolio focuses primarily on T-Bone confidently.“I have people come up and ask me at horse the horses and their riders. shows, ‘this horse is doing this or that and they want to know what Tom would have done.’ ” Together Anne and T-Bone have a 36-year-old son, Timmy and many grandchildren they enjoy spending their time with. T-Bone couldn’t imagine doing anything else besides working Although he enjoys watching the horses, Timmy has never with the horses. “I love it, I wouldn’t trade my job for nothing in been involved with them himself. Years ago, Anne asked her the world.” husband if he would get Timmy a job grooming. “I said my kids are not going to rub horses,” said T-Bone adamantly. “If Anne Crawford Bess, T-Bone’s wife, is also immersed in someone wants to teach them to train, that’s a different story,” the Saddlebred industry, herself an accomplished artist, reiterating that while he loves doing what he does, he always commissioning portraits of many Saddlebreds. She grew up in wanted better for his son. Danville, Kentucky, and rode hunt seat as a child before buying a Saddlebred from Bobby Funkhouser that she kept at Dick Gray The career path has been fulfilling, but not without its own Stables in Harrodsburg. hardships. Between the long hours, years of traveling on the road, and the toll physically; the life of a caretaker is not They met at a party in Harrodsburg when Anne was just 19 and glamorous. To give your heart to the horses every day, day he was 21. “I looked across the room and I saw her, and I was in and day out, takes a special type of person as we all know. like whoa, who is that, and she’s by herself. I’ll never forget, a song Where would we be without these committed and dedicated by Sister Sledge,‘Ring My Bell’ was on, and I asked her to dance.” caretakers in our industry. Although modest, T-Bone credits much of his success to taking his time and getting to know the horse. “First it’s TLC – it goes a long way with a horse.You got to get their trust, just like with anything. I talk to them a lot. Some people say they’re dumb, but horses are not dumb animals. Just take your time, clean them and be gentle. It all starts with the groom.”
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By Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer
THE TIES THAT BIND: MOTHERS AND SONS
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THERE HAS NEVER BEEN, NORWILL THERE EVER BE, ANYTHING QUITE SO SPECIAL AS THE LOVE BETWEEN A MOTHER AND A SON… -Unknown
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love between a mother and son is unmatched. It was something I had always heard, but until I became a mother myself, I didn’t know the bond that people were talking about. A bond between a parent and child is strong, but there is something to be said about that special relationship between a mother and their son. I am thankful to be a boy mom times two, and while my two are still young, I already know that there is a tie there that will never be broken. A bond that holds. And while my boys may test my patience, stress me out, and make me question my parenting skills on a daily basis; without a doubt, the moment one says, “I love you mommy,” or, “Oh Mom, you look beautiful,” it makes every trial and tribulation melt away. And, as a parent, I strive every day to try and raise my two boys to grow up to be good men, and one day good husbands, who will treat their spouses with respect, tell them how much they love them and how beautiful they are. I strive to raise them to be kind to others no matter what, to stand up for themselves, but most importantly stand up for others who may not be able to. A mother’s love for a son, it’s a special thing. And that’s why we are taking the time for this special profile on just a few of the amazing mother and son relationships in the horse industry.
Julie Lodics and son, Drew
Seven years ago, Julie Lodics first started riding horses as a hobby. “I started taking lessons on barrel horses when I turned forty,” said Julie. “It was one of those bucket list items I just had to cross off. My husband probably never imagined his gift would alter the course of our lives.”
him and sit back and enjoy watching him make his dreams come true.”
“I am Drew’s chauffeur, cheerleader and official cheese stick supplier. I ride weekly alongside him in our Sunday lesson. I try to show at least a few times each season in the academy division. I always joke that once Drew grows up, I am getting Julie’s son, Drew, was forced to sit through many hour-long a five-gaited horse.” lessons and soon the boredom set in for the youngster. So, he decided to give riding a try. “I rode as a beginner on an Drew reiterated that they both enjoy their weekly rides old sixteen-hand western show horse. It was a long way together. “Some of my best memories with my mom are down when I fell off,” recalled Drew. “I moved on to showing of riding as fast as we can on the track. I never let her win.” hunter ponies and three years ago, I wanted to compete, and moved to saddle seat. I started showing Hunter ponies “My mom comes to all my shows and takes me to the barn. at local shows and farm shows. I now ride saddle seat for She makes me work all summer at the barn helping with all the chores. Before my classes, my mom puts on my magnets Landon Farm.” and always says ‘Have fun. See you when you are done!’.” “I used to ride better than he did but that has long since changed,” laughed Julie. “I am happy to turn the reins over to Drew moved into equitation this season on a borrowed
Drew Lodics and Callaway’s Silent Partner in their first show together this year.
Drew Lodics with parents, Julie and Ed celebrating his first blue ribbon ever, at Academy Nationals in 2015. Michael Arquilla and CH-EQ Coco Mojo.
horse named Callaway’s Silent Partner (Morris) from a very kind owner. “I am very lucky to show him. I also show my horse, Hot Nuts, in country pleasure and this year, I am showing ASB Hunter on my new horse, Hoptimus.” “One of my favorite memories was watching Drew receive his very first blue ribbon at Academy Nationals a few years ago,” recalled Julie.“He made it a goal in a school paper he had to write. I still have it on my refrigerator. Riding has turned my very shy, quiet kid into a confident, calm, thoughtful young man. He learned to set goals and work hard. He also knows how much hard work goes on every day caring for horses. I always want him to acknowledge everyone who had a hand in helping him get where he is today. Without each and every one of them, none of this would be possible. I want him to stay humble, kind, and gracious. I love spending time with my son and the fact we get to do it around horses is a bonus. Some of our best moments happen in the tack room during shows. I get to be mom and he is just a teen, nervous about the day. I get to smile and tell him to have fun.Then it’s down to business and on goes the show.”
“My Mom is involved in everything regarding my riding. She brings me to my lessons and watches and sometimes we discuss it afterwards. She comes to every single show and videotapes, helps encourage me on the rail and holds all my stuff. As far as any good luck traditions, I am quiet and I always get a good luck and have fun talk from my Mom. My favorite memory of my Mom and horses was when we bought Nelson. She spotted him from the live-feed and knew he was right for our family and for me.”
“My favorite memory is when Michael was the S&B Jr. Pleasure Equitation Medallion Champion at St. Louis Charity horse show. When they went in reverse order and he was still out there, I began to get teary, I couldn’t believe it. We were usually the first to be called for the Pleasure Equitation and we were always grateful for the experience, but this was beyond any expectations, especially being the only boy! Our relationship is special. We spend a lot of time on the road so we do a lot of talking and walking through what our goal is for that particular show. I do patterns as well at home so I can always NEVER forget how difficult they are. It keeps both my kids connected in our conversations. Michael knows that I understand, so it validates my opinions .... sometimes,” Sharon Arquilla and son, Michael Sharon Arquilla has had a love for horses since elementary she added laughing. school. She rode hunter jumpers briefly when she was a Senior in high school, but then life went on and she stopped “Our relationship has become stronger because we feel we riding until her children came to her and wanted to learn how are in this together,” reiterated Michael. “I think my Mom to ride a horse. “Before the kids showed in the national circuit, rides every ride with me and understands what it is like in I showed in country pleasure for a couple of years. When the the arena and talks me through my disappointments and kids moved up, I focused on them. My involvement began encourages me. My mom is very connected to all of our immediately when they started riding. We never thought we horses. She is very involved in all aspects of the sport. From the sweets, to the treats, and everything in between.” would be this far in the sport. It just evolved,” said Sharon. Michael started riding when he was just four-years-old. “I did Academy until I was ten and then did half a season as a 10-and-under walk-and-trot rider,” said Michael. “I ride at Equitate, LLC. I show Mooi Mooi (aka Nelson) and CH-EQ Coco Mojo (aka MoJo) in the pleasure equitation division.”
Sharon is grateful for the life lessons that Michael has learned along the way as well, and she is looking forward to the future. “Be gracious, focused and work very hard. It is always good to have a goal....no matter what it is. It keeps these kids busy.”
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Zach White and SA The Gambler.
The Arquilla family on vacation in 2016.
Lisa Jo White with sons, Zach and Rex after their 2015 UPHA National Championship classes.
Lisa Jo White, and sons Zach and Rex
Lisa Jo White grew up in the Arabian horse world and started showing at the age of four in lead line. She continued showing through the 13-and-under, 14-17, and adult amateur divisions. She trained her own horses, while getting help from her instructor, Claudia Roberts, and various other horse trainers along the way. “After graduating from Michigan State University with a communications degree I started as a reporter and anchor at a local morning news show. At the same time, I met John White, my future husband, and I returned to training and instructing riders and also horses full time,” said Lisa. “In 1992, we opened John White Stables as a fully operating training facility in Woodstock, IL. Sadly, in March of 2009, John passed away from Non-Hopkins Lymphoma. I continued to keep the barn running because I knew that’s what John would have wanted.”
Rex White and Beaujoleis.
their animals through our connection with the horses,” added Lisa. Having your mother for a trainer as well has a big impact on their lives both in and out of the barn. “Having the horses in our lives has significantly affected our relationship, we are together almost all the time doing something with horses in some capacity. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like without the horses that have been and are in our lives still today,” said Zach. “My favorite memories of the horses would be the rides late at night or early in the morning when the ring is completely empty and it’s just us in there.” 12-year-old Rex has been riding since he could walk, growing up in the barn. “I am pretty sure I was trotting by the time I was four,” said Rex.
John left behind a legacy with his two sons, who have followed “My mom taught me everything I know. As I grew older, she would expect more from me, I started showing harder in their parent’s footsteps as accomplished horseman. horses and would help more around the barn. My favorite 16-year-old Zach has won four national championship titles memory is when I was competing in the UPHA 10-andin 10-and-under walk-and-trot, won the 10-and-under walk- under National Championship at Youth Nationals and I was and-trot UPHA class, as well as the UPHA 13-and-under, and called unanimous champion. My mom gave me a huge smile as she ran in to help put on the rose garland,” recalled Rex. then last year won the UPHA 14-17 class. “I was in a saddle basically at birth,” said Zach. “I started riding by myself around four or five-years-old and then getting real lessons not long after that. My first show season was at age seven on our family show horse, who is now our most used academy horse, Hucks High Esteem ‘Steamer’. He took me to my first national championship at age ten.” Lisa first taught her oldest boy the basic of riding in hopes that he would enjoy the sport, but it’s been so rewarding for her to see the passion that both boys now have for the horses. Over time she has come to expect more from them as well. “They have learned responsibility, maturity, and respect for
“Because of the horses, I think my mom and I spend more time together than the average mother and son pair. She’s like three-in-one; my mom, my trainer and my cheerleader. We know each other very well and I value that.” Lisa plans to continue her late husband’s legacy by producing numerous national champions in the Saddle Seat division, not only with their two boys, but also with many other riders in their growing program.“I continue to receive and train multiple show ring riders every year and my lesson and academy program has grown tremendously from where we have started. As Zach and Rex grow older they have stepped into a more mature part of John White Stables program,” she stated.
Anna Drew Kirk showing around 1996.
Dylan Kirk and CH Late-Night’s Basic Impact.
“I am fond of the moment Zach and I shared with me being inducted into the APAHA Hall of Fame the same year that he was inducted as the Youth English Rider, 17-and-under. Another favorite memory of mine was last year at Youth Nationals when Rex went Unanimous UPHA National Champion 13-and-under his first year in the division. Then, the following class Zach won the 14-17 UPHA National Championship; it was a night we all will remember for years to come.”
Anna Kirk and son, Dylan
Anna first got interested in horses when she was sevenyears-old. She started riding hunt seat, but after a neck injury, she switched to saddle seat at 13-years-old.The switch would start a lifelong love affair with the Saddlebreds, and eventually hackney ponies as well. “I showed at an Arabian/ National Show Horse barn, but when I went to Boarding School in northern Georgia I started riding with Harrison and Beverly Shiflet at Omega Farms, and moved with them to Greenville, Asheboro and then Morseboro. I showed with Harrison until Dylan was little, but with two kids it was impossible to get to South Carolina from our home in Wake Forest, North Carolina, to ride, so we moved to Ingleside Farm and have been with Heather Boodey since 2005.” Anna showed juvenile five-gaited on her favorite horse, Commanders Jack Twigg, as well as Gold Drifter in juvenile three-gaited. “As an amateur I showed five-gaited and fivegaited pleasure. My most success was onboard Ace’s and Eight’s. I also showed Dylan’s pony CH Seamair Dear Sir a few times when he was unable to show.”
went across his face. My second favorite memory was when he won at Lexington Junior League the first time with his pleasure driving pony, CH Seamair Dear Sir.” Drew started driving when he was just six-year-old. “I went to one of the Raleigh shows with my mom and watched a road pony class and immediately said, ‘that looks fun, and one day I want to do that’.We bought a school pony right after that show. I started off showing Academy for a few years and then started showing at the bigger shows when I was nine,” said Drew.
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“Currently, I show my Juvenile Pleasure Pony CH Seamair Dear Sir, aka ‘Chubby’ and my 13-and-under road pony, CH LateNite’s Basic Impact, aka ‘T-Bone’. My mom takes me to my lessons and comes to most of my shows. I have an older brother and a younger sister so sometime my parents have to divide and conquer. My mom is my biggest fan and I like that we both love horses and ponies. My mom and I always pray together with my ponies before I show. I am truly blessed that my mom puts so much time and effort into letting me practice and show. I am thankful for my grandmother Gail Lane who without her help I would not be able to have the ponies I have.” Anna reiterated how much that Drew has learned from the ponies. “He has learned how much work it takes to have a pony and show a pony. It has also helped him to realize you have to think ahead when driving or riding. Most importantly hard work pays off.”
“I am thankful for the time I get to spend with my mom at the barn, and horse shows, and the love of horses and ponies Unfortunately, after two neck surgeries, Anna has had to give that brings us together,” said Dylan. up riding and driving, but she is blessed to have two children that are following in her footsteps and have a lifelong love Melissa Maupin and son Nick for the horses. “I love to cheer on my children. I Wish I could Melissa Maupin had her first taste of horses as an adult. “I still show myself, but I love being able to watch Dylan show.” started taking lessons on the suggestion of one of my friends; we were talking during one of our sons’ soccer games and “My favorite memories of Dylan include his first time driving she told me how much fun she was having and that it was an without anyone with him in the cart and the big smile that all adult class with all levels of riders. I didn’t really think I had
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Melissa and Nick Maupin.
Nick Maupin and after winning at the World’s Championship Horse Show.
time to do it, but she persuaded me to give it a try and I was aboard CH-EQ Coco Mojo. “Nick had worked so hard to hooked after the first lesson. achieve that goal and to see him realize his dream was absolutely amazing. Also, I was overcome with total relief The barn was Knollwood Farm. Melissa’s boys were little that his equitation days were over and I could finally watch at the time, and too young to stay home when she was at him show and not be a nervous wreck.” the barn, so they had to come along and hang out in the lounge while she rode. “It was no time at all before Nick “My mom truly did everything for me in my junior exhibitor asked me if he could take lessons too, so I signed him up for years,” said Nick. “Equitation is a mentally grueling sport! My group lessons and before long he was taking private lessons mom was a great support through it all. She was a huge with Ann Wilt. We both showed in academy for a few years support throughout my equitation journey and was selfless before Nick moved up from academy to riding with Carol enough to put her own desires to show aside, so I could Matton, and getting his first show horse, Oh What a Feeling, pursue an equation career to the full extent. Now, I hope to aka ‘Cartman’. I took lessons while Nick was showing, and see her show at the Kentucky State Fair herself.” still occasionally ride if the opportunity presents itself.” “Probably my most favorite memory, though, was the “When Nick was young, we both worked at the barn one following year when his number was called for the Junior evening a week helping get horses ready for group lessons. Exhibitor Park Championship at Louisville when he showed I had my lesson around the same time as one of his on the Aphrodite’s Tears. The one thing he hadn’t done as a junior weekend, and I think we both learned a lot from watching exhibitor was to wear the roses at Louisville. Lily was one each other ride. I was there for almost every lesson, and tough but amazing mare, but she trusted Nick, and he knew watched more equitation patterns than I can count! When how to let her do her thing without getting out of control. Nick moved to Madison, and now Austin, and was no longer That class gave me goosebumps, and his reaction when his taking multiple lessons a week I had time to become involved number was called was something I’ll always cherish.” in other activities. While I still ride once in a while, it’s not the weekly ritual it once was. However, if Nick is showing, it’s a “Riding has taught Nick so many lessons,” said Melissa. “To pretty sure bet that I’ll be there to watch,” said Melissa. persevere when you want to throw in the towel; nothing comes easy without a lot of hard work, but passion for what Nick’s equitation career was like a story book. There were you’re doing is what makes it worthwhile; mainly though, to so many wonderful memories of his accomplishments, that dream big and dare to do what everyone says isn’t possible. it’s hard to choose just one. But, Melissa recalled Nick’s first Anything is possible if you believe in yourself.” year out of academy in 2006 when they had no expectations of success, one of the top memories. “It was an unbelievable Their relationship is hard for Nick to put into words. “We week. He was UPHA Junior Challenge Cup Reserve spent a majority of my childhood on the road and at the National Champion, Saddle Seat Equitation Reserve National barn with each other, so it was bound to make us closer. We Champion, and made the cut for the USEF Medal Final,” have both taken a step back from riding over the past few recalled Melissa. “I was so proud watching Nick and Cartman years, but it is still something we talk about almost every not only doing the unexpected, but having fun doing it.” time we call or see each other.” Nick also went on to win the Triple Crown in equitation, “There is so much time, dedication, and sacrifice required to
Forrest showing K Sue Rah in 2016.
Carla Ritzie giving son, Forrest, a kiss after an academy ride in 2012.
compete at the level Nick was at as a junior exhibitor, and I am grateful that I was able to be there with him along the way,” added Melissa. “We both have gained so many friends that we have met because of the horses, many of which are mutual friends that we will have forever. The support and understanding we all have for each other and the love we all have for the horses is something most people don’t really understand. The time spent with the horses, whether riding or just having conversations about them, was something we shared together, still do, and most likely always will.”
Carla Ritzie and son, Forrest
Carla Ritzie showing K Sue Rah in 2013.
of us had shown that much. He helped me get ready for K Sue Rah,” said Forrest. “Like any parent, I want my child to have the same positive experiences I have had,” said Carla. “When it was clear that Forrest was ready for the next challenge, and needed a bigger horse, we did not have to go far. My Dad, Carl Holden, is known for breeding big competitive horses. I had been showing K Sue Rah in the three-gaited classes and knew he would be a good fit for Forrest. Adam Clauson has been great to put this combination together. They debuted for the first time at Rock Creek in 2016 and both my Dad and I cried when they hit the ring. I might have even started crying during the warm up! I think I cried every time that hit the ring last year! It is very special for my family to have bred a horse and have two generations show him competitively. He had a very successful year earning blues at Ohio State, Morristown and St. Louis, and they finished strong with good ribbons at The Kentucky State Fair and Kansas City.”
Carla Ritzie first started riding when she was six-years-old, and the horses have truly become a lifelong love for her and her family. “Even as a baby, Forrest has always gone to the barn with me. As a toddler, he loved playing with all the animals (cats, dogs, pigs, goats, and chickens) and getting dirty in the saw dust. Cindy Zubrod put him on his first horse for lessons. He also loved to sit with her in the jog cart. I can also remember Jimmy Robertson pushing Forrest in a stroller around the middle of the arena while Jerry Hutson “One of my favorite memories is riding K Sue Rah for the first time,” added Forrest. “It means a lot to me to get to show a gave me a lesson on Sue She,” recalled Carla. horse that my grandfather, Carl Holden, bred. Rah Rah is very “For as long as I can remember, I have been going to the barn exhilarating to ride and it is a very special family affair.” with my Mom,” reiterated Forrest. “At first I loved going to the barn with her to see all the animals and then I saw her “My Mom is my chauffer to lessons and shows, financial have a lunge lesson one day and laughed and said, ‘I can do supporter, and general advice giver. She always tells me the number one rule is in riding is to have fun and we celebrate that’ and the next thing I knew, I was on a horse.” a good show with a steak dinner.” Forrest currently rides with Cardinal Farms. “I love my Cardinal Farm family and riding for Adam [Clauson]. He has Forrest is an honor student in the 8th grade in Louisville, faith in me and gets me to accomplish things I did not think I Kentucky. According to his mom he has a reserved and shy could do. We always have fun and he boosts my confidence.” personality. “He is very cautious and likes to operate in his comfort zone,” said Carla.“He is slow to warm to new people Forrest’s first show horse was named Double Parked. “He and new things, but the horses and riding have given him is very flashy with a blond mane and tail. They called us confidence and pushed him outside his box. He truly comes the two blondes and showing for the first time made Mom out of his shell with his barn family. I enjoy seeing the only nervous because Double Parked was only five and neither child treat the girls at the barn like sisters with water balloons
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17 Steve and his daughter, Finley, carry on the family tradition
Steve Wheeler and WCC Fox Grape’s The Tiger Lilly
and pillow fights. He has also learned sportsmanship. He understands it is not about always winning, but doing the best you can with your horse. I am very proud of the young man he is going up to be and thankful to the life lessons the horses have taught him.”
Portsmouth Horse Show. I think he was so surprised he didn’t know exactly where to go to the trophy,” said Eileen. “We had a lot of cheap horses, there was always a struggle, but it’s really helped me take everything with a grain of salt,” said Steve.
“I like both the mental and physical challenge of riding. Horses have helped me feel more confident and make horse One of Steve’s vivid memories from growing up also was friends. My Moms best friends are people she met through from the Portsmouth Charity Horse Show, a different year. riding and I hope to make as many lifelong friends as she has.” “You only showed at night there,” he recalled. “One of the great things was we stayed at The Holiday Inn, which had a pool, so we would swim all day and then show at night.” The Eileen Wheeler and son, Steve Wheeler Eileen Wheeler grew up on a farm and always had horses horse that Steve was set to show had a habit of throwing him growing up. She first started riding as a young girl on a mare frequently, so Steve wasn’t really looking forward to showing named Goldie, that everyone said was part-Saddlebred. “I the horse. “When I woke up in the morning my stomach was in the first horse 4-H club in our county, one of the was hurting. I told my mom, but of course she just thought I girls in the club did have a Saddlebred. The love was for the was trying to get out of showing this particular horse. It was horses just grew. My mother was a Sunday school teacher getting close to show time and my stomach was still hurting, and brought her class to the farm to take a ride on a horse. so my dad finally took me to urgent care. Within an hour, They then wanted to learn to ride and I helped them. I was they were doing surgery to take out my appendix. I was like charging $1.50 for lessons, so I didn’t get rich,” she laughed. seven or eight-years-old at the time.” Needless to say, he got out of showing the horse that time. Steve and his two older brothers grew up in Hiliard, Ohio, just outside of Columbus.“My mom always trained horses, so “At first it was really hard because you don’t really want your as soon as I could walk, or probably even crawl, she put me mother telling you what to do,” recalled Steve. “Over the years, we have grown a lot closer, and she is a great person on a horse and I never knew anything different.” to bounce things off of, I’m very thankful for that. Us three Eileen enjoyed watching Steve grow from a young boy riding boys were the grooms back then and we would work some his bike, to ponies, to horses and really enjoying them. “I had of the horses, in between jobs we would come home and a little pony growing up,” recalled Steve. “Her name was Vicki train. It was a fun way to grow up and gave us a different and she was a tiny little pony. I started showing her and she perspective of the business. Knowing how hard things can be, would duck her head and I would fly right over the top of her I was very thankful.” head. She would throw me almost every single time I rode Steve always knew he wanted to train horses and by the her,” he laughed. time he had graduated from high school, he had already lined Steve learned to ride that little pony and went on to ride up a job at Shively’s. “They didn’t believe I had taken the job,” many difficult ponies and horses over the years. “One of said Steve, remembering that he had packed his bags and set the best times growing up was when he won a class at the off to Indiana before they realized he was serious.
Nick Schubert and Dun-Haven Awesome Choice
Chris and Nick Schubert, alongside trainer, Anne Neil, after Nick’s reserve world’s championship title in the 13-andunder roadster pony division with Seamair Strutter in 2015. He again took the reserve title in 2016.
“Steve has learned much of his training watching other trainers, but he got his masters from Nelson Green. I think he likes every aspect of the horse business. From the young stock to taking care of all the horses and their well-being. I think Steve and Tiffany, and our family has grown much closer together even since their daughter, Finley, has arrived.”
Chris Schubert and Son, Nick
showed the first couple years so Auto knew something was back there. Another great memory is the love affair he and my gaited mare, Endolane Sydny, have together. She can be cranky like a mare and he can come around and she melts. He sits on the tailboard and she will come over and he can crawl on her back in the stall and she will walk back over and eat hay out of her rack with Nick plopped on her back,” she said endearingly.
Chris Schubert grew up surrounded by horses from an early age. Her mom had horses and through her interest she was Nick’s favorite memory of the horses and his mom is from the first time they saw Dun-Haven Awesome Choice. “From introduced to Saddlebreds and Hackney ponies. the moment I saw him, I fell in love, and when I looked at my While she grew up riding and driving herself, when she had mom I could tell she did too.” her own children, her priorities shifted, as they often do. Her son, Nick, started riding as soon as she could get him on a Nick said they have several traditions that they do before he horse, and his first show was when he was just two-years- shows. “Before I go into a class, my mom tells me to have fun and gives me a wink. Also, I have special pins that go on my old, on his pony, Cookie. jacket that we have collected the past few years. Lastly, I still Over the years, Nick has developed a passion for the ponies, have the ticket to Louisville from the year I did really good.” and decided that driving is his thing. He currently shows the hackney ponies, Seamair Strutter, Dun-Haven Awesome “Riding and driving has taught Nick to love unconditionallyChoice, and he is very excited about his new pony, The blue ribbon or no ribbon, that life is better with lots of animals Ivy League. He drives under the direction of Anne Neil at in it; and that Waffle House is in fact gourmet food, and the only place to eat after a horse show,” said Chris. Blythewood Farm. “There is nothing I love more than watching Nick show,” said mom, Chris. “I still ride, but it takes a backseat to him showing. Although I get a nervous stomach every time I watch him practice, show, or just go to the barn and play with his ponies and horses; it just melts my heart.”
Chris says that the horses have made their relationship stronger because they get to spend a lot of quality time together.“When we head out to a show, there are no schedules, time kind of slows down and it’s just two of us just hanging.”
“My mom pretty much does everything for me alongside “My involvement has changed over the years just based on my trainer Ms. Anne. She is like a second trainer,” said Nick. Nick’s involvement. My priority is horse show mom and then “My mom helps me practice and get ready for horse shows,” if I get to catch a ride or drive then that’s great. Mainly though, he added. “When we get there, we clean the buggies and harness, and after the show we clean up the ponies together.” I am there to support him.” One of Chris’ favorite memories was the day they gave He loves spending time with his mom, both at lessons and on Nick his pony, “Auto” for Christmas. “He was his first ‘show’ the road at horse shows.“It’s a time we can really bond and get pony. We had to put bags of grain in the buggy when he away from school and work and just focus on being together!”
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JOE BROWN
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My Lady Belle
a n d C irr u s S t a b l e s
oe and his sister Christy both grew up riding and showing saddle horses at Little Britain Stables in Burlington, Kentucky. Instructor Stephanie England gave the siblings a great foundation in saddleseat equitation. At Little Britain, they also had the opportunity to ride with Linda Gahweiler and Rashied Shabodien, who worked there as trainers at different times. Joe liked to go out to the barn during the summers and help with barn chores and watch horses work. At horse shows, he hung out around the warm up ring watching other trainers work. Joe explained, “There were lots of trainers that I looked up to, and I tried watch and learn everything that I could. When I was about 12 years old, Linda arranged for my dad and me to go watch Don Harris work horses one Saturday morning in January. Mr. Harris was kind enough to ride his entire show string for us, and put on a real horse show. He and his staff went to a lot of trouble that day for us, and I’ll never forget it. I started dreaming of having my own show string one day…” Through Rashied Shabodien, Joe met Ray Yoder. He worked for Ray a couple of summers in high school, which was a great experience. He let Joe ride a lot of horses. “He helped me to realize how much you can help and change a horse with effective and consistent work. He got me to look at each horse as a sort of puzzle that you can solve over
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time by using critical thinking, understanding and a good approach,” said Joe. Joe’s father also had horses in training with Wyatt Dehart. “Wyatt was really fun, and helped my riding a lot -- especially with gaited horses,” explained Joe. The family also usually kept a horse or two boarded at Little Britain that he would work after school, and he even had a couple of customer horses at different times. “I wanted to try everything that I was learning on any horse I could,” said Joe. While attending college in Central Ohio, he frequented a local stable in Mt.Vernon.The owner, Laurie Chain, got him interested in dressage and centered riding. It was also at this stable that he met a gentleman who introduced him to the ideas of Tom Dorrance, Bill Dorrance, Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman.“Once I started learning about these guys, everything came into focus for me,” explained Joe. They were cattlemen from the Pacific Northwest who understood horses from the inside-out. He tried to read and learn everything he could about them, and then practiced it on any horse he could. When he graduated from college in May 2007, Joe moved to Lexington and started working at Ray Yoder’s Timberlane Farm as assistant trainer. Ray gave him opportunities to work with lots of horses at various levels and stages of training. He also got to show quite a few horses. “I got so much good experience working with Ray and learned so much from him,” said Joe. In September 2013, he married the love of his life and best friend, Diane. In October
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My Lady Belle
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2014, Diane and Joe decided it was time to move closer to our families. “I had heard that Stephanie England had a lot of empty stalls in her boarding barn at Little Britain Stables, so I asked her if she’d be interested in leasing them out, and allowing me to run my business out of that barn. She was on board, and so Joe Brown Stables LLC began. When I started there, I had two horses; now I have fourteen,” recounted Joe. Young Trainer Joe’s mission is clear: My mission is to bring the best out of every horse and rider that I work with. My job is to add value to a horse by identifying its strengths and weaknesses, accentuating that horse’s strengths, and diminishing its weaknesses so that it has a good job and purpose. I believe that a horse flourishes physically and mentally when it has a job that it enjoys. More importantly, I want to set a good example and impart good horsemanship to my riders, so that they too can become better horsemen, and human beings in general. I take pride in striving to preserve and strengthen a horse’s dignity by doing things naturally – with minimal chaos or resistance. My idea of success with any horse is for the horse to feel confident with me, to respect me, and to understand the concepts and tasks I present to him. I will not sacrifice my principles in order to force a horse to fit a mold or suit a specific purpose. For Joe and Diane, starting their own business was a big leap
of faith. It was a big investment, and they did not know how much business they would have in the beginning. “It takes time to build a good reputation. Whether it’s a good thing or not, there is the pressure to prove yourself to the general public,” explained Joe. He believes “I’ve always thought that the best way to promote our business is to let the product I put in the show ring do most of the talking. We also have a Facebook page, and have done some advertising, which has really helped to get our name out.” Rightfully, Joe is proud of how his barn family has grown, and what it has become. Their customers are all so kind and supportive of each other. “They inspire me and keep me going when things have gotten tough -- they are like family to me. We have a great team and stable dynamic. I’m also proud of how our show string has increased in numbers and quality, and of the many nice prospects that have already passed through the stable,” mused Joe. They recently enjoyed a big win at the 2016 Kentucky State Fair taking home the prize money in the ASR 3 Year Old Park Pleasure Futurity class with My Lady Belle, a Top Spool mare. Looking to the future, Joe wants to keep expanding their customer base. He would like to make a strong impact on the saddle horse industry by continuing to develop and turn out nice horses, and continually become a better horseman.
SPOTLIGHT ON
ANDRÉ a n d VAN C irr uS s CHALKWYK Stables
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merican Saddlebred young trainer André van Schalkwyk has already left established himself as a competitor in the industry. A South African by nationality, his story is similar to many of his countrymen who came to the United States in search of opportunity and, like many, found it. He did not arrive with a long history of knowing Saddlebreds, but caught up in short time with a bit of hard work and ambition. With a young wife, Caitlin, and one-yearold daughter, Lilly, André is a young trainer to watch as he continues to achieve. When he came to the United States, he had never touched a Saddlebred horse. He landed a job at Kalarama, where he saw his first American Saddlebred and “was bitten by the bug.” Despite other plans, he decided to stay. He loves the country and the horses. Not one to squander an opportunity such as working at the legendary Kalarama, André learned the ropes quickly. His newfound passion became his career. After three years working with Larry Hodge, André took his knowledge and moved on to learn more, but first took a deep breath and a short break. Realizing that horse training was his calling, he jumped back into it, working for Dr. Albert Alexander for two years. He eventually moved on to work with Mike Felty for another two years and ended up with Mike Hylton at Ventura Farm, owned by Kathy Snyder. Andre has worked
By Meghan von Ballmoos
for Ventura for nine years and has put an impressive number of champions in the show ring since. André is known and liked in Kentucky as a good horseman and a nice guy. He’s a family man– adores his wife and daughter. He is also a self-proclaimed “die hard Mama’s boy” though he does not get to see his South African family as often as he would like. His parents visit as often as they can. He and Caitlin went two years ago and miss it greatly. André likes to hunt and golf in his spare time, but family always comes first. The biggest professional challenge for him is “to work each horse an individual.” Showing a true understanding that the essence of a show horse is in his attitude, André aims to keep the horses happy and bright, regardless of what he does with them. He counts his biggest professional accomplishment as winning the Junior Fine Harness World’s Championship at the Kentucky State Fair in 2016. Another great moment for André was showing the outstanding three-gaited mare She’s My Sugarland by Born Contender the previous year at the All American Classic. Both horses were owned by Susan Olcott. Though it is clear that much success is to come, one of André’s goals for the future is to win the Harness Stake at Louisville, but a first step would be getting to show on Saturday night. “A Saturday night harness horse has gotta elevate. They need want it,” he expained.
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Desmar crew at World’s Championship Horse Show 2016.
Mark with his daughter Olivia.
MARK TURNER
AND HIS DESMAR STABLES
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ince its inception about two years ago, Mark Turner’s Desmar Stables hit the ground running. A long way from his youth in South Africa training his home-bred horses with his father, Mark is one of the leading trainers in the industry. The new endeavor began abuzz with growth and activity on the cusp of show season with the support of some loyal customers. Taking change in stride, Mark and his Desmar remains full of an array of youngsters, amateur and equitation horses. Encouraged and mentored by industry leaders as his career developed, Mark ultimately made his way with hard work and determination. Like a number of Saddlebred trainers in the States, Mark Turner was born and raised in South Africa. He got his start on the family farm in Cradock, Eastern Cape with his father Desmond’s home-bred horses. Together, father and son developed their breeding program and trained the horses themselves. “Like any kid, I was dumb enough to think I knew a lot,” Mark mused. In the fun atmosphere that typified
By Meghan von Ballmoos the show circuit, Desmond and Mark camped, ‘braaied,’ or barbecued and showed their Saddlebreds. When they felt like Mark needed help, the family sent the horses (and Mark too!) to get the professional guidance of Chappy Scott. Chappy was a capable and well-respected horseman, helping Mark to hone his skills, learn new techniques, and exposing him to the industry as a whole. As fate would have it, Chappy was close friends with renowned American farrier Bud Willimon. Bud was eventually instrumental in his career, but from the onset, Mark intended to become a veterinarian. Accepted to vet school and ready to build his veterinary career in his home country, Mark quickly learned that he lacked the stomach for seeing blood. Suddenly it was apparent that he would have to change his career path. The years of working with Chappy and training his own horses from a young age presented a natural alternative. Further, watching the thrilling videos of Don Harris and Mitch Clark battling it out in the gaited stakes over in the States had left a huge impression on him. “I was just hooked,” he said. He knew it was what he wanted to do and that he would have to go to the States
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Mark Turner and Caitlin Cooper met Eleanor Rainbolt-Forbes and The Daily Lottery to prepare for the victory pass in the 2016 World’s Champion of Champions Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited.
Mark showing The Daily Lottery at 2014 Mane Event. One of the family’s home-bred Saddle horses with Mark in South Africa.
Mark and his mother, Paulina.
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Mark and “Dan”.
to do it. Chappy spoke to Bud, who arranged for Mark to work for John Biggins in Simpsonville, Kentucky right after he finished high school. In a short time, Mark came to love everything about his job in Kentucky. John Biggins gradually let him work some colts and taught him new techniques. “I was crazy about him,” said Mark about his employer. Much to his father’s dismay, Mark liked his life in the States and burgeoning career. He fell in love with the USA and the convenience it affords to horse trainers. “This country spoils you. Everything you need is always readily available. Tack, vets, farriers…,” said Mark. The horse business in the States, particularly at that time in the late 1980’s, offered endless opportunity to make a good living solely training horses. Despite wanting to stay, Mark fulfilled his duty to South Africa, which required that he return home and serve in the Army for one year. Of course, the early 90s were a tumultuous time in South Africa’s history. Resistance to apartheid had reached unprecedented heights and social unrest set the nation in turmoil. Looking to his future, training horses in the States seem a more reasonable
and successful endeavor for Mark, despite having to leave his beloved country and the business his father and he has dreamed of creating together. Upon completion of his compulsory military time, he eventually returned to work for John Biggins in January of 1991, but during his time away, John had hired a capable assistant trainer making Mark redundant. Once again Mark turned to Bud Willimon, who suggested that he contact Raymond Shively. It was arranged that he would leave Biggins after two weeks and start with Delovely in Rockport Indiana, but the transition proved a bit tougher than Mark expected. “All these years later, Raymond still laughs about it now. Every time my two weeks notice came to an end, John would somehow convince me that I shouldn’t leave yet; just give him another week. So, the next Friday would come, and I’d call Raymond and explain that I’d be there the next week. When I finally DID go, Raymond says he didn’t think I’d make it a month,” said Mark. Mark worked for Raymond and Lillian at Delovely for 26 years. Over the years, their relationship, along with Delovely trainer Todd Miles, evolved from employer/employee to more closely resemble a family. Lillian sees herself as close to
Raising the Bar and Mark wining the Roadster to Wagon at Kentucky State Fair.
We’ve always got along well. He has a work ethic. He’s good with any type of horse, but Mark is really good with a gaited horse. He has a lot of patience with a young horse. Mark doesn’t try to force him to be something. Lets him find his own way. He will work at something. He’s honest to a fault.
comfort takes a lot of courage out of you.” Eventually, Mark made the move to have his own business. He always liked the Harrodsburg area of Kentucky and ultimately ended up where Raymond was renting stalls. These days, work is finishing on a new place at Oak Hill, where Desmar will soon relocate. Though Desmar has enjoyed continued growth, Mark feels strongly, “that it’s important to have a life outside of the barn.”
Lillian further expounded, “What you see is what you get with Mark. Having Mark in our lives has been a gift. He takes such pride in everything he does. His work ethic is amazing.” As a team, they complimented each other and enjoyed great success. “I wouldn’t trade those years for anything. We were like a well-oiled machine,” said Mark. The team was working upwards of sixty horses a day. When Lillian and Raymond decided it was time to scale-back and have a little more free time, they moved to Kentucky. Mark missed his mentor and friend Raymond, yet also felt it was time to make a change for himself. “I was just waking up and it wasn’t enough for me. I was wanting to call my own day. Everybody’s dream is to do their own thing,” said Mark. “But
Many trainers have that one horse that defines them as a trainer. Though they learn from all of them and succeed with many too, there is usually one horse that has a permanent effect. For Mark Turner, there is unquestionably one that stands out. “The Daily Lottery has done so much,’ ” said Mark. “In fact, my logo is a picture of The Daily Lottery.” When Mark paired Eleanor Rainbolt- Forbes with the game horse, they all knew it would be a big challenge, but that it would be worth it. Eleanor said, “Working with Mark and “Dan” was rarely easy and always worth it. The journey has truly taught me about perseverance and being patient with myself. It went from oh my gosh what in the world am I supposed to do to wow, I can actually do this!”
Mark’s daughter Olivia as a grandmother, while Raymond is a fatherly friend and mentor for him. Raymond explained:
Lemon Shakeup and Caroline Cherry. Chickmagnet and Mark
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Jesse Wuesthofen and Brookhill’s King of Kool.
When The Daily Lottery had a tough show at Midwest Charity in 2015, Mark took it really hard. “The whole 7 hour drive home, I thought that probably blew it for me. Maybe I was wrong,” said Mark. Owner Leslie RainboltForbes was supportive of Mark in the startup phase of Desmar and remained steadfast in her loyalty even in the face of setbacks in that first show season. “The Rainbolt family gave a lot of trust in me,” Mark explained. “I’m so thankful for their support.” As it turned out, the Midwest showing was just the dark before the dawn. At Louisville that year, guided by his tenacious jockey Eleanor, The Daily Lottery won the World’s Champion of Champions Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited after a third place in the qualifier world title. In 2016, he won the championship in arguably his best performance yet after a nerve racking sixth in the qualifier. Luckily, Raymond’s decades of experience led him to determine, “if he won the first class, I wouldn’t know what to do with him before he showed,” said Mark. Gratitude is a recurring sentiment. While it is clear that Mark’s work ethic and abilities have led him to achieve, he is forthcoming with gratitude. He is demonstrably
appreciative and is quick in giving credit to the many folks along the way who have helped him arrive at his current place in the world. Each person along the path contributed to his career. Bud Willimon and Chappy Scott opened doors, John Biggins gave him his first taste of American horse training at the top level, coworker Todd Miles gave Mark his indispensable organization skills, and without question, Lillian and Raymond Shively were the cornerstone, while clients like the Rainbolt family helped him take the big step toward his goals. Mark also credits his assistant Caitlin Cooper as a critical part of his operation while the recent addition of Jesse West to the team brings even more talent to the table at Desmar Stables. “Desmar” was the obvious name for Mark’s business. It was the name of his father’s barn in South Africa, a synthesis of father and son and an expectation for the future that would take a different turn. Without the vision and love of horses created by Desmond, Mark’s life might well be very different today. This year, Desmond will soon visit his son at Oak Hill and witness firsthand the legacy that his own Desmar began many years ago.
By Meghan von Ballmoos
KATE GR OM A RISING STAR
The Saddlebred industry is full of interesting people with notable accomplishments and unique talents that come together to make it a strong, yet diverse community of individuals. Longtime Saddlebred exhibitor and enthusiast Kate Grom is embracing that standard in an exciting and remarkable way by pursuing a career in the music industry. With interesting similarity to the horse business, the old adage about success being 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration applies equally to the music industry. On a recent visit to the filming of her first music video at Revelation Farms, in Frenchtown, New Jersey, it was startlingly clear that Kate has talent in spades and the grit to make her dream become reality.
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ccording to all accounts, Kate was born with a love of music. From an early age, she could be heard singing in the backseat of the car to anything on the radio. She seemed to instantly memorize song lyrics and music quickly became a cornerstone of her life. Music compelled her– it was intuitive. Parents Kim and Robert Grom and owners of the Saddlebred operation Revelation Farms, recognized her gift and encouraged her wholeheartedly. They helped her join every choir around and arranged for piano lessons at just six years old, giving her the start any future musician would need.“As a parent, you’re always interested in what your kids are naturally inclined,” said Kim. “I’m a firm believer that if you have something in you, it has to come out. For Kate, as she developed her confidence and passion, it was clear what she had to do.” With the support of her parents, Kate developed her foundational skills throughout the years leading to college. At the same time, with a similar love of horses, Kate rode Saddlebreds in equitation and performance, becoming known in the American Saddlebred industry as a tough competitor. At first glance, it might seem that riding show horses and becoming a musician are mutually exclusive. Yet, they require the same degree of dedication and resilience to garner success. “Horses and music are parallel,” explained Kate. As a teen, she rode horses and built her musical base with equal degree of devotion, leading to world titles in horses and a desirable music resume for college applications.
With its accredited Music Institute that draws the finest musicians from around the world, Moravian College of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania seemed a perfect match for Kate. She joined classical choir and studied Latin and music theory. As she learned more and came to know herself better as a musician, Kate realized that classical music was not truly what she wanted to pursue. Armed with a music theory foundation, she transferred to Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee where the folk genre became her metier. Belmont is legendary in music- it creates the best and brightest talents in all aspects of the industry. With the talent and desire to achieve, Kate wasted no time building her resume with invaluable tools for the future. “Going to Belmont was huge,” said Kate. The lead advisor of her degree was famed Mark Volman, lead singer of The Turtles, best known for the 60s classic “Happy Together.” Kate enjoyed working with Mark, whose decades of industry experience afforded Kate important insight. “It was rigorous and real. I learned so much about the business by working in the industry with real musicians,” described Kate. She became thoroughly engrossed, temporarily giving up competing with horses as Belmont and music took up all of her time. She sang backup, worked, studied, performed in band, and, importantly, got firsthand knowledge of what it would take to make it in the industry. She took everything she could from Nashville and returned to the East Coast feeling blessed and well-equipped for her future, but needing a break. She stepped away after eight years in the business.
Kate and Chase Burnett during filming at Revelation Farms in February of ‘Whistle Cry’ music video.
Meanwhile, Kate met the love of her life. Chase Burnett was in the acting business. Their similar goals and natural affinity for creative expression make them a perfect couple, equipped to tackle the highs and lows of their respective industries.They live in New York City. Eventually, Kate felt ready to tackle the creation of her own album. Armed with insider knowledge, Kate was able to make a plan for herself. She knew working with the right producer was key. “I knew it had to be someone good,” Kate explained. Hopeful but with little expectation, she sent her songs to famed, Grammy-winning producer Stewart Lerman. Lerman has worked with countless musicians from Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello and Regina Spektor to an impressive number of movie scores. She hardly expected a response from such music royalty. Alas, Lerman responded positively just a week later.With characteristic modesty, Kate was inclined to credit this breakthrough to good luck, but, objectively, one would conclude it was purely merit.“I remember I was at a barbecue in Brooklyn with friends. I couldn’t believe it! That was the moment that I knew it could happen.” “It” was everything she had dreamed of for most of her life. All of a sudden, those dreams were becoming reality. Now, Kate has a completed folk album and a manager.The title, Heroine, was inspired by the Nora Ephron quote “Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” Heroine (released
February 24, 2017) embodies the word– an authentic, soulful sound that confidently depends on Kate’s own voice and songwriting. Her love for folk music is evident in her creation, telling a story with every song. The album itself is a memorable hybrid of folk and country. It is a remarkable accomplishment that has already received critical acclaim within the music industry. “An enchanting display of the Americana songwriter at her finest, “Tricks” tells an age-old tale that is as universally relatable as it is forever poignant, despite its timeless repetition,” wrote Atwood Magazine, an independent music journal. Kate said, “The goal is to get the listener to step inside that story; to tell a story that someone can identify with.” She tries to “continually create and anything that involves” such as poetry and music. She is constantly writing songs and building material. But the journey has only just begun. In the immediate future, she is doing everything to follow through with promoting Heroine. On the cusp of album release, Kate was charged with the development of a music video for her opening track “Whistle Cry.” In fitting tribute to the sport that she and her family loves, horses were a logical component. On a frigid February morning, Kate rode her beloved champion Saddlebred Perfect Vengeance, performing in a show unlike any they had ever done before.The former world’s champion ‘Ace’ showed his mettle, never missing a beat. A testament to the American Saddlebred as a breed, the gelding featured as a western mount, undoubtedly one of the most stunning and elegant ‘cow ponies’ ever.Though Ace
Kate riding CH Perfect Vengeance during filming.
is the star, a pretty little Arabian mare and a sturdy Appaloosa completed the equine cast. All of the horses in the film belong to the Grom family.With horsemanship skills rarely seen in show business, Kate ably galloped the majestic gelding across the fields of Revelation Farms, followed closely by cameras. She sang the refrain time after time, hiding her discomfort and fatigue. And I’m looking back at a memory of my life I was weathered and worn I was shattered and torn until I heard that whistle cry for me the sound of freedom was stronger than you could ever be. Though dazzling may the outcome be, there was nothing glamorous about the process.The entire ordeal was not for the faint of heart. In the face of frostbite and tedious repetition to get the perfect shot, Kate remained steadfast. Although clearly talented and capable, the director operated in an eccentrically oblivious state, impervious to the needs of humans and animals alike. Kate calmly managed the events of the day with grace and a smile. Chase Burnett (recently her fiance) acted as the part of her departed lover. “It was so incredible to work together,” said Kate.With his own burgeoning career, Chase gave her invaluable advice about being in front of the camera. A relative newcomer to riding, Chase gamely rode through forest and field for the better part of the day. John Wayne himself might have wilted under such conditions. Together, they pleasantly endured many
hours of filming on the farm and at the Grom’s home, knowing that the outcome would far exceed the fleeting trials of the day. The finished product is brilliant. There could be no better tribute to Kate’s upbringing than the very personal background of her family home, farm and horses in her first music video. The ‘Whistle Cry’ video is ethereal and imaginative, but solid on real emotion. It is for music lovers and horse lovers, which likely means everyone. Aside from building a folk career from the ground up, Kate is also building the Grom family breeding program at Revelation. Between Kate and her sister Tara, the Grom owned horses dominate at shows in Kentucky and across the east coast. Their champion mares have now ended up in the breeding shed, producing exciting prospects for the future. CHWith Style and Grace, Absolutely Exquisite, and Callaway’s Can’t Change That are dams of their next generation of champions. On weekend trips from the City, Kate takes an active role in the training process, with the help of trainer Bob Phillips. She also uses her music management skills to promote the farm. Of course, her favorite time of year is foaling time. It seems the joy of new creation; of taking what is and transforming it seems to be a particular aptitude of Kate’s, with horses or music. She’s a rising star and the saddlebred community will surely be watching. Listen to Kate’s album Heroine on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Watch her premier music video “Whistle Cry” on YouTube.
The Rudder Family after Alex and CH The Proof is in the Heir won the UPHA American Royal Junior Exhibitor 13-and-under Three-Gaited National Championship.
By Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer
THE RUDDER FAMILY:
GENERATIONS OF SADDLEBRED SUCCESS Sixteen-year-old Alex Rudder has always been destined for Saddlebred greatness. As the daughter of accomplished amateur riders, David Rudder and Marie [Dedman] Rudder, Alex herself is a fourth-generation horsewoman who lives and breathes the horses every day.
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he Rudder family has been synonymous with success in the Saddlebred industry for many years. David first started riding when he was about nine-years-old and living in Ohio. His mother, Lea Rudder, took him with her to her lessons with Frank and Errol Lee Roush, who had a small Saddlebred barn. His first horse was a three-gaited Saddlebred named National Wing.“My parents bought him from Gray Barham for $1,200 in 1972, and within a few years of my first horse show in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania that year, both of my parents were riding and showing, along with my younger sister, Erin,” said Rudder. “During those early years, we traveled in a motor home and my dad pulled a two-horse trailer behind it going to shows all over Ohio and West Virginia.”
When their mother, Lea, passed away a few years later, the horses were moved to Kentucky where Erin rode equitation with Marilyn Macfarlane at Walnut Way Farm and the performance stock was at Kalarama Farm under the direction of Larry Hodge.Their riding careers went to the next-level with the move to the mecca of Saddlebreds and Erin went on to win the Senior Equitation World’s Championship that year for Walnut Way.
Marie Dedman was born and raised in the rolling hills of horse country in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Her grandfather, Edwin Freeman had road horses and showed them throughout Kentucky and all over the country, so she was exposed to horses from an early age. Edwin, along with his brothers, Marshall and R.C. made up The Freeman Brothers stable in Harrodsburg where trainer, Willie “Jack Rabbit” Bottoms worked for them It was truly a family affair for the Rudder’s, but when they moved for many years. “Growing up, my family would go to shows to to Florida in 1976, the elder Rudder’s cut back on their saddle watch my grandfather. Eventually, my brother, Milward, started time, while David, and sister, Erin, continued to ride and began showing some road ponies and I followed a few years later,” competing under the direction of Dick Kearney and Bud Gray. recalled Marie.
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Alex and Marie, with the family dog.
Her parents then purchased a three-gaited pony named Crimsonette, which Marie showed for a while to top ribbons. In 1981, Marie was top three in the 13-and-under three-gaited pony class at the Kentucky State Fair. She soon realized, that while she loved going to shows and supporting her brother and grandfather, her heart was with tennis, so she hung up the reins. While she was no longer showing, the Dedman family kept Crimsonette and bred her. “It was exciting to see her offspring like reserve world champion, CH The Crimson Flame E.L.F.,” said Marie. “Although I was not showing, I still went to the shows to watch my brother and grandfather ride and drive. That was a lot of fun, and both of them won several World’s Championships. Milward is one of three male riders that have won the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited World’s Championship with WC Big Country, trained by the late Redd Crabtree.” Although David and Marie were not married until 1996, they knew each other from an early age. David was close friends with Marie’s brother, Milward, and they were always around each other at horse shows. In 1990 they dated briefly, but broke up because of the long-distance relationship with David living in Florida. In 1994, David moved to Kentucky, and at the suggestion of Larry Hodge, he asked Marie out again.They were engaged in California and married in June of 1996 in Lexington. Together they took up residence in Lexington where they live currently on a beautiful farm.
While David has slowed down his showing at various times over the years, he’s never stepped away from the show ring for any significant amount of time. When he was in college at Louisiana State University he took a short break, and then again when they had their daughter, Alex. His list of accolades in the show ring is a mile long, amassing more than 45 World’s Championship titles as rider, driver, and handler. He has taken victory passes on the green shavings as an amateur in more than six different divisions including; threegaited, five-gaited, show pleasure, fine harness, weanlings in hand, yearlings in hand and two-year-old’s in hand. He’s also long been one of the more notable catch riders in the industry, resulting in many of these blue ribbons. “I’m very proud and grateful for many catch rides on some fantastic horses that several trainers have asked me to show over the years,” said Rudder. Some of his best memories are from horses including CH Town Dance, whom he won the Three-Gaited Amateur Gentleman’s World’s Championship with in 1986. The Rudder family acquired the mare the previous year because of his sister Erin. “Larry Hodge asked me to catch-ride Town Dance at Louisville for David Goodstein who was selling his stock due to his illness. They had just found out that Town Dance was pregnant,” recalled Erin Rudder. “I got fourth in the junior exhibitor qualifying class, went back into the Minton Memorial
The beautiful barn on their family farm. Alex as a youngster riding with Bret Day.
National Wing with a young David and Erin Rudder.
Marie Dedman riding her three-gaited pony, Crimsonette
A young Alex and David enjoying a basketball game.
Championship, had a full two-way workout,and to my surprise, won. Afterwards, I ran to the pay phone by the barns and called my dad and begged him to buy Town Dance. I told him it was a two-for-one deal because she was pregnant!” That foal in her belly was Harlem Town, who became one of David’s favorites as well. Sired by the legendary Harlem Globetrotter, CH Harlem Town was royally bred. He began his show career by winning the 35 entryTwo-Year-OldThree-Gaited World’s Championship unanimously, under the ownership of Neal Rudder with Larry Hodge riding in 1988.The striking black stallion returned the next year to claim the Three-Year-Old Fine Harness Stallion/Gelding World’s Championship and the UPHA Fine Harness Classic at the American Royal. David Rudder first showed the stud his junior year at the Kentucky Fall Classic horse show, where he won the Junior Three-Gaited Stake and ended the season by winning the Amateur ThreeGaited National Championship, as well as the Amateur Stallion/ Gelding Stake.That year he was voted the UPHA AmateurThree Gaited Horse of The Year.The next year, in 1991, CH Harlem Town and David Rudder claimed the Amateur Three-Gaited World’s Champion of Champions title.The pair continued their winning ways in the Amateur Gentlemen’s Three-Gaited World’s Championship in 1992 and 1993. Among his many successful offspring are CH Brookhill’s King of Kool, CH Harlem’s Town Scandal, CH Harlem’s Santa Fe, CH Ninety-Eight Degrees, CH She’s My Desire BH, Rondo, and many more.
Some of Rudder’s other favorite mounts over the years include (SA) Kalarama’s Ultimate Choice whom he showed to the Five-Gaited Amateur Gentleman’s World Championship title in 2014 for owner, Joan Hamilton. And finally,Adelita, the memorable mare who took home titles in the Five-Gaited Mares class with Larry Hodge for many years, and was Reserve World’s Grand Champion Five-Gaited horse in 2002 and 2003.Together, Rudder and Adelita were the 2005 Five-Gaited Amateur Gentleman’s World’s Champions. They trimmed her in 2007 for her final show, and she claimed the title of UPHA American Royal Three-Gaited Amateur National Champion. “Another fond memory was riding WC Candalight to the 2013 Amateur Five Gaited Mare World Championship for legendary trainer Redd Crabtree in what would be Crabtree’s final World Championship title before he passed away,” recalled Rudder. David has worked as a business executive in the oil and gas exploration and production business for over 30 years. “I work in the natural gas industry as an independent consultant specializing in the transportation, marketing and risk management of domestic natural gas supplies,” said Rudder. “I was introduced to the energy business from my father who is a Petroleum Engineer.” While David spends a lot of time on the road for his job, hemakes time for the horses, as well as his family. He also enjoys golf in his free time, and tries to play daily when he’s home. At home, you can find him in the kitchen, where he will prepare
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Alex and Marie on their farm.
dinner for the family any chance he gets.They also try to spend time as a family in the evenings, watching television and helping Alex with her homework. Marie stays home now to keep the home and family running like a well-oiled machine. She still enjoys playing tennis, and tries to hit a few balls several times a week. She also is Alex’s “official taxi driver” running her to all of her after school activities, and of course the barn. “I’ll miss the time that we get to share together in the car,” said Marie referring to Alex getting her driver’s license this May. Marie quit showing in her early teens, and while she enjoys a trail ride with her family on their farm horses, or a beach ride while on a vacation, she’s never regretted her decision. “David and Larry [Hodge] tried to get me to show after David and I were married, but I just did not have a lot of desire,” she said. “I really enjoy cheering on David and Alex and our friends at the shows. I get more enjoyment when I watch David and Alex when they compete because I know the love and passion that they share in the horses.” The horse gene certainly didn’t pass up Alex. She has grown up in the show ring and quickly became one of the most accomplished junior exhibitors of her time. She started taking riding lessons when she was just 5-years-old, and showed in academy for two years before moving into the performance division. Under the direction of Wingswept Farm, Stephanie and Chris Brannan, she jumped right into the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited division with her horse; CH The Proof is in the
Heir in 2012 when she was 11-years-old. Together they took the 13-and-Under age group by storm, improving and learning along the way.The team won the 13-and-Under Three-Gaited Championship at Lexington that year and the following, as well as a reserve World’s Champion of Champions title in 2013. 2014 was their year, they took home blue ribbon after blue ribbon, culminating their partnership with wins at the Kentucky State Fair in their age group and the championship.They ended the year as National Champions at Kansas City and “Heircules” was also crowned the UPHA Jr. Exhibitor Three Gaited Horse of The Year. He lives the life of luxury in retirement now on the Rudder family farm. Alex enjoys riding him bareback and spoiling him. “Having parents that are involved with the horses makes it an even better experience than it already is,” said Alex.“Being able to share the horses and traveling to the shows is something that we all share together and is a lot of fun for us. I have also learned a lot about competing at the shows and that has always been a big inspiration.” After the retirement of Heircules, the Rudder family purchased the reigning Amateur Ladies Three-Gaited World’s Champion of Champions, Soquili’s Curious George for Alex, and together they debuted in 2015 winning their classes at Kentucky Spring Premier. Incredibly they have gone on to be undefeated together in all but one single class.They have won 24 blues in their two short years together, including two World’s Championships, the 14-17 Three-Gaited World’s Champion of Champions title in 2015 and the reserve title this past year.
World’s Champion CH Town Dance and David Rudder in 1986. Alex, always ready to work.
David and Alex with their horses at home.
Alex teaching one of her minis to jump on their farm.
Together they are looking forward to the challenges of the upcoming show season. “Watching Alex is especially fun and exciting because I know how hard she works in and out of the show ring,” added Marie. “She never says “no” to any job asked of her at the barn and really enjoys working around the barn and the horses. For her it’s not just about riding and showing because she sincerely loves her time in the barn with the horses.” Alex enjoys helping Stephanie at the barn, and will spend every waking moment there. When she’s not in school, she can be found with the horses. “During the summer, I am at the barn every day except Sundays, from seven in the morning until dark,” she said. “During school, I usually get to practice once or twice a week. A typical practice session for me is to ride practice horses that help me improve on the things that I need to work on for being able to compete better. A lot of times I will also take a horse or two out for a trail ride around the farm if the weather is nice.” In addition to the prospects and seasoned show horses the Rudder family owns, they also have many family pets, including; three dogs, Putter, Baxter and Watson, two barn cats, Sam and Larry, a quarterhorse named Butterscotch, and Spirit, a plantation walking horse, and two miniature horses, Oreo and Gizmo, which live at their family farm. In her free time, Alex enjoys riding her horses at home, and even drives Gizmo around the farm. Alex has some big dreams for her future in the show ring, many of which include following in her father’s footsteps as an
amateur showing in the open division. “Some of my goals for the future include riding in the five-gaited or three-gaited stakes at Louisville, and to breed and raise a horse that wins a World’s Championship.” With her determination, hard work, and her natural innate talent, there’s no doubt that she will accomplish these goals. With a lifelong love for the Saddlebred, the Rudder family is heavily involved in many aspects of the industry. They support various horse shows through sponsorships, as well as the ASHA projects and youth activities, the University of Kentucky Saddle Seat Team that rides at Wingswept Farm, the UPHA Foundation and the Saddlebred Museum. David also is currently serving as Vice President on the ASHA Board of Directors. “It has been an eye-opening experience to say the least,” said Rudder. “Being on the Board has provided an opportunity to experience just how much work and effort goes into so many aspects of the Breed that we often take for granted. My efforts have primarily been focused on bringing the UPHA, ASHA and ASR closer together and working hand-in-hand on how to expand, promote and grow the breed as well as other issues that the Saddlebred Industry is faced with from time to time. We are a relatively small group in the Saddlebred world and we need to work together as “One” in order to maintain and hopefully grow this incredible breed of horse.” Another area of interest for Rudder is obtaining a significant amount of incremental revenue to the ASHA through Corporate Sponsorships. Noting that many other breeds are able to do this effectively, he hopes to take advantage of these corporate opportunities before his term ends in 2018.
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HACKNEY LIMITED BREEDERS CONTINUING EDUCATION AND NEW IDEAS
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he 21st Annual Limited Breeders Stallion Auction and Grand Event was held March 24-25, 2017 at the Horseshoe Casino in Indiana.
The Limited Breeders program was originally offered to promote the breeding of Hackney ponies. To better understand its purpose, Mr.Thomas Lowry explains, “The purpose of the auction was to promote breeding and showing of Hackney ponies. The original program was limited to a weanling class. It was determined that certain stallion owners did not want to participate in weanling classes. In order to entice stallion owners, the three year old performance class was added. Initially, the auction was held in conjunction with the AHHS convention and the money funded the classes offered for weanlings and three year olds. After a few auctions it was determined that the LBS had sufficient appeal to become a stand alone event. It has now expanded to the Grand Event weekend and activities include the AHHS General membership meeting.”
By Nick Schubert primary topics. In addition, a silent auction was held that offered numerous equine related articles. Medallion and high point awards were offered through the AHHS General membership event and many of the youth enjoyed a trip to Churchill Downs.
Lowry provided additional information on the future of the AHHS, the Grand Event, and the breeders program. He shared several ideas AHHS will be implementing to promote the Hackney breed. The AHHS foundation has recently established a program known as “Hackney Bucks.” This program provides the chance to earn “Hackney Bucks” and redeem them at various participating vendors. The “Hackney Bucks” program is outlined on the AHHS website. Also, AHHS has added an Amateur Owned and Trained division and encourages shows to offer classes.The 2017 National Academy Show Will offer Hackney driving classes. AHHS is promoting the National Breeders Futurity by providing “added money.” The futurity is held in Indianapolis, Indiana during the All American Cup. There will also be opportunities to attend clinics for driving education.The first will be a reinsmanship class held on June In order to fund the incentive classes, stallion services are offered. 3rd at Bent Tree Farm, in Shawsville, Virginia and hosted by Karen This year, thirty-six Hackney stallion services were auctioned for Waldron. Last but not least, will be the continued support for the a total of $38,000.00. The top selling stallion, at $5,100.00, was Medallion Finals held during the American Royal in Kansas City.The Handsome Harry, owned by Golden Creek Farm. Medallion Finals have proven to promote the Hackney breed with the youth. Another event that took place during the weekend included a presentation, by Darrell Kolkman, on the history of the hackney. This Look for the 2018 Limited Breeders Auction and Grand Event presentation was recorded and will be available onYouTube at a later to be held in early March in Indianpolis, Indiana. Lowry hopes that date. Melissa Moore, Rodney Hicks, and Josh Greer provided the the change in date and venue will allow for better participation. judge’s perspective for insight into what a judge looks for in various Wherever this event takes place, it has proven to be a “Grand Hackney divisions. Saturday afternoon was dedicated to education. Event.” Mark your calendars and plan to attend!!! The United States Equestrian Federation and equine welfare were And remember, just for the fun of it! Nick