International Show Horse Magazine December 2016 by SilverMane Media

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

CONTENTS

THE TEAM 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

46 THIS ISSUE 8 9 32 56 60 70 76 79

Advertisers List About The Cover UPHA American Royal - National Championship Horse Show AHHS Medallion Finals-Still Going Strong Nick Schubert Double Exposure Jane & Brooke Jacobs A Wild Coast Odyssey Barry Artmitage A Bright Future - Alex Gravett and Kismet Megan von Ballmoos A Bright Future - Johanna Kapioltas and Cirrus Stables Megan von Ballmoos Daddy Dearest Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer

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; Stuar t 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

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

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

INTERNATIONAL DIALING CODES: SA (0027) AND USA (001)

Published by:

www.silvermane.co.za

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

ADVERTISERS

Alliance Stud

Andrea Equine Art

108

Aurora Farms

Better Built Barns

Bill Schoeman Stables

Bruwer Stables

Cloverleaf Stable

122

Corner Stone

Cottonwood Creek

Cowley Insurance Agency

1 20 110

DeLovely Farm Equipage Escalade Stables

High Caliber Stables

Jon Walker

MBA Equestrians

112 16 114

Prospect Lane Rainbow Princess Farm Randy Stoess Stables

Shucks Fencing

Skyline Stables

OBC

Stachowski Farm

Steenberg

Tomcat

128

Victoria Walz

Visser Stables

Vtech

116

Willowbank

Wingswept

Copyright for all original published material is vested in SilverMane Media and may be reproduced only with the permission of the Editor. All opinions expressed in the articles appearing in SilverMane Media are those of the authors and are not necessarily subscribed to by the editorial staff of SilverMane Media. Authors of articles are compelled to acknowledge all sources of information (if any) used in the compiling of articles and are therefore liable for copyright transgressions. SilverMane Media accepts no responsibility for claims made in the advertisements and will not be held liable for any damage resulting from the use of any of the information published in SilverMane Media.

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

ABOUT THE COVER WCC CH SPRINKLES (1996 - 2015) From their ﬁrst show together in 2009, they were made for each other.

35 Total Victory Passes 4 World’s Championship Titles 4 World’s Champion of Champions Titles Special Thanks to Randy Cates who believed in how much a girl could love a horse!

WGC THE DAILY LOTTERY Taking on the challenge of the 2014 World’s Grand Champion 2015-2016

Owned by Rainbow Princess Farms LLC Proud Parents Scott Forbes and Leslie Rainbolt-Forbes

World’s Champion of Champions Five-Gaited Junior Exhibitor 14-17 Special thanks to Mark Turner and Lillian Shively for believing dynamite comes in small packages. THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Your treasured companion deserves red carpet equine insurance cover. Why settle for anything less?

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Immediate cover at affordable rates • MORTALITY COVER • LOSS OF USE COVER • CRITICAL CARE COVER • PUBLIC LIABILITY COVER • YARD/INSTRUCTORS LIABILITY COVER • HORSEBOX COVER • MEDICAL SCHEME FOR GROOMS • PERSONAL ACCIDENT COVER • TACK COVER • SHU EQUINE VETERINARY INSURANCE

To belong with SA’s leading Equine broker, call: Tel: 011 468-4235 or 083 377 2705 Email: info@equipage.co.za www.equipage.co.za

EQUIPAGÉ. BELONG WITH US.

SHU Equine Veterinary Insurance is underwritten by Renasa Insurance Company Limited, an authorised Financial Services Provider. FSP No. 15491. All other covers are underwritten by The THE Hollard Insurance Company Limited, an authorised Financial Services Provider.23 FSP No. 17698. INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Photos by Jane Jacobs Photography

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show Fine Harness Mare

MONEY PENNY & BRET C DAY

Amateur/Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited EL FILOSO & KELCEY NORTON

Ladies Five-Gaited Mare WALTERWAY’S BORN TO BE WILD & LAURA ELLIOTT

UPHA Exceptional Challenge Cup WT National Championship ROYAL CREST’S 14 KARAT STONE & MADDIE PATTERSON

Ladies Five-Gaited Gelding RIDGEFIELD’S DANCING SOLDIER & ELIZABETH GHAREEB 34

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Ladies Three-Gaited over 15.2 Hands

HS BABY STEPS & MISDEE WRIGLEY MILLER

Three-Gaited under 15.2 Hands KREKOW JENNINGS & JONATHAN RAMSAY

Five-Gaited Gelding SHOWDOWN & DEBBIE FOLEY

Ladies Fine Harness CH OUR BRILLANT BELLE & MARY GISE

Junior Three-Gaited SIR GRAHAM CRACKER & JESSE WEST

Roadster Pony Open TWIN WILLOWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MCDREAMY & ALI DEGRAY THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show Country Pleasure 13 & Under

FOX GRAPE’S CHANEL NO. 5 & LILLIA SHOPE

Show Pleasure Driving BACK YARD TREASURE & ROBYN ZIDRON

Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Adult HEARTLAND SUGAR PLUM & HELEN RICH

Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 13 & Under OCEAN ELEVEN & NICOLE JACKSON

Three-Gaited Junior Exhibitor 13 & Under SHE’S BORN TO SPARKLE & GRACE WEISNER

Five-Gaited Pony ULTIMATE SPITFIRE & HANNAH HERBST 36

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Three-Gaited Country Pleasure 14-17

G.V. SILVER OAK & SOMMER JUSTICE

Show Pleasure Driving (Sec. 2) CH WHO & CATHY ROGERS HOLMES

Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor HEARTLAND ANTHEM & ROSE MARIE WHEELER

Five-Gaited Junior Exhibitor 14-17 CH THE DAILY LOTTERY & ELEANOR RAINBOLT FORBES

Country Pleasure 13 & Under FOX GRAPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHANEL NO. 5 & LILLIA SHOPE

Three-Gaited Pony TRA LA LADY & SAMANTHA DUNN THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

MO/KS Three-Gaited Park Stake I’TS ALL ABOUT GEORGE & MADISON POPE

UPHA Junior Challenge Cup National Championship SUPREME SPOTLIGHT & LAUREN EVANS

Ladies Amateur Five-Gaited CH MOONLIGHT MEMORIES & MCGEE BOSWORTH Fine Harness Amateur CH CARAWAY’S NEW YORK MINUTE & JANET STERBA

Western Country Pleasure Ladies CH STONECROFT ME FIRST & CHARLOTTE KURTZ

Three-Gaited Junior Exhibitor 14-17 SOQUILI’S CURIOUS GEORGE & ALEX RUDDER

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 14-17 Sec 1 JETT RINK & VICTORIA WALZ

Hunter Country Pleasure National Championship CH HARLEMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SWEET SUCCESS & CAITLIN BRANNON

Three-Gaited Park Junior Exhibitor MY ROYALE PRINCE & EMILY VAN DUREN

Parade Horse Open

NADIA COMANECI & CHERI WISE

Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Junior Exhibitor MY DREAMBOAT ANNIE & JESSI MCCURRY

Hackney Pony Open

SEAMAIR SIMPLY AWESOME & JOHN WRATHER

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

Show Pleasure Walk/Trot 12 & Under Stake MORIAH’S CATNIP & GRACEY JENKINS MO/KS Five-Gaited Amateur/Junior Exhibitor Stake GYPSIES, TRAMPS AND THIEVES & GRACE DEVIN

Five-Gaited Pony Stake ULTIMATE SPITFIRE & HANNAH HERBST

Three-Gaited Park Pleasure Stake GRACEFUL SURPRISE & DAVID CATER

MO/KS Three-Gaited Stake CALLAWAY’S TAKE A STAND & JOHN CHRIS WILLIS

Roadster Pony Junior Exhibitor 13 & Under CHUNKY MONKEY & KATE LEWIS 40

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Saddle Seat Equitation 13 & Under SUPREME SPOTLIGHT & LAUREN EVANS

Country Pleasure Adult National Championship CH REEDANNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RARE MYSTERY & JULIETTE DELL

Three-Gaited Pony Stake CH NUTTIN BUT STYLE & ELEANOR RAINBOLT FORBES

Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Adult National Championship BILLY DELUXE & ALI DEGRAY

Western Country Pleasure National Championship CH STONECROFT ME FIRST & CHARLOTTE KURTZ

Roadster Pony Junior Exhibitor 14-17 SIRFISTICATION & EMMA WOOD THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show UPHA Fine Harness Classic Grand Championship HS Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;M HOT WIRED & DEBBIE FOLEY

UPHA Hackney Pony Classic Grand Championship HEARTLAND SECRET WEAPON & DARREL KOLKMAN

UPHA Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Classic Grand Championship PALISADES CENTER RING & GINGER REAGAN

UPHA Park Pleasure Classic Grand Championship OUR BELLE OF THE BALL & ANDY FRESETH 42

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

UPHA Senior Challenge Cup National Championship HARLEM’S WILD AND WONDERFUL & MACEY MILES

UPHA Harness Pony Classic Grand Championship HEARTLAND HAYDAY & MAUREEN CAMPBELL

UPHA Roadster Pony Classic Grand Championship UNEXPECTED 2 & ABEL SALAZAR

UPHA Three-Gaited Classic National Championship

DON’T MENTION IT & BOB BRISON THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

MO/KS Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Stake GENTLEMAN & MORGAN BRISON Saddle Seat Equitation 16-17 SOQUILIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MYSTIQUE & KRISTINA MAURO

Saddle Seat Equitation 13 & Under National Championship SUPREME SPOTLIGHT & LAUREN EVANS

AHHS Hackney Pony Pl. Driving Medallion National Championship CHARMED MASTERPIECE & ELLA REAGAN

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Country Pleasure 14-17 National Championship G.V. SILVER OAK & SOMMER JUSTICE

Saddle Seat Equitation 14-15 MY MIKIMOTO & JOAN BENJAMIN

Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 13 & Under National Championship OCEAN ELEVEN & NICOLE JACKSON

ASHA Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Driving Challenge Final BROOKHILLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EXPRESS YOURSELF & BRIANNA TOLKACZ THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show Show Pleasure Driving National Championship CH WHO & CATHY ROGERS HOLMES

Country Pleasure 13 & Under National Championship FOX GRAPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHANEL NO. 5 & LILLIA SHOPE

Roadster Under Saddle Stake INDIAN OUTLAW & MELISSA MOORE

Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 14-17 National Championship HS FIRST DAY & SCOTTY BRUGGEWORTH

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

UPHA Challenge Cup Walk/Trot 10 & Under National Championship BLUE OVER YOU & ISABELLE FISCHER

Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Junior Exhibitor National Championship MY DREAMBOAT ANNIE & JESSI MCCURRY

Three-Gaited Ladies Amateur National Championship LADY MANDOLIN & TARA GROM

Saddle Seat Equitation Senior National Championship MY KIND OF LOVER & MADISON STRINGER

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show Amateur Harness Pony National Chamionship HEARTLAND COPPER ILLUSION & HELEN RICH

Parade Horse Open National Championship NADIA COMANECI & CHERI WISE

AHHS Roadster Pony Under Saddle Medallion National Championship REGALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DOUBLE TROUBLE LF & KINSLIE DOUGHERTY

Amateur Fine Harness National Championship CH OUR BRILLANT BELLE & MARY GISE 48

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Adult National Championship CH SPREAD THE WORD & AMANDA MURCHISON

Amateur Three-Gaited Amateur National Championship WORK IT & CINDY CARCIONE

Five-Gaited 13 & Under National Championship BODIDLY & SALLIE MASON WHEELER THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show Amateur Hackney Pony Nat. Championship HEARTLAND HIGH TECH & ALI DEGRAY

Roadster to Bike Amateur National Championship TRACK STAR & WILLIAM SHATNER

Three-Gaited Park Amateur Championship UNDULATAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JUST PERFECT & NANCY CHAUVIN

Five-Gaited Ladies National Championship CH BRAVO BLUE & ELISABETH GOTH 50

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

AHHS Hackney Pleasure Under Saddle Medallion National Championship HEARTLAND DIRECT HIT & CHEYENNE WILLIAMS

UPHA Challenge Cup Walk/Trot 8 & Under (2017) RISEN STAR & AVA PERRY

Three-Gaited Junior Park Pleasure Stake VHF PREFERRED LICORICE & BOB BRISON

AHHS Roadster Pony 14-17 Medallion National Championship STAT & ROSE MARIE WHEELER

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

UPHA Challenge Cup Walk/Trot 9-10 (2017) AZURE DREAMS & GRACELYNN JORDAN

Three-Gaited Park Junior Exhibitor National Championship MY ROYALE PRINCE & EMILY VAN DUREN

ASHA Country Pleasure Junior Exhibitor Driving Challenge Final CH HARD DAYS NIGHT TS & ALEXANDRA BECKER

Hackney Pony National Championship SEAMAIR SIMPLY AWESOME & JOHN WRATHER 52

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Hackney Pony National Championship SEAMAIR SIMPLY AWESOME & JOHN WRATHER

Saddle Seat Equitation WTC 10 & Under EDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PERFECT TREAT & AVERY OCHESTER

AHHS Roadster Pony 13 & Under Medallion National Championship TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT & OLIVIA TURNER

Amateur Five-Gaited Ladies Amateur National Stake CH MOONLIGHT MEMORIES & MCGEE BOSWORTH THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show Three-Gaited 14-17 National Championship SOQUILIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CURIOUS GEORGE & ALEX RUDDER

Harness Pony National Championship THE REMINGTON & JOHN WRATHER

Three-Gaited Ladies National Stake HS BABY STEPS & MISDEE WRIGLEY MILLER

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Fine Harness National Championship ROSE ARBOR DESTINY & JOHN CONATSER

Five-Gaited Amateur National Stake Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;M A BLUES MAN & LISA HOLT

Five-Gaited 14-17 National Championship CH THE DAILY LOTTERY & ELEANOR RAINBOLT FORBES

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show Three-Gaited National Championship HS DAYDREAM’S HEADS UP & SCOTT HAGAN

Three-Gaited 13 & Under National Championship SHE’S BORN TO SPARKLE & GRACE WEISNER 56

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Roadster to Bike National Championship B 52 & DEBBIE FOLEY

Roadster Pony National Championship TWIN WILLOW’S MCDREAMY & ALI DEGRAY

Three-Gaited Park National Championship FUTURETTE & LARRY HODGE

Five-Gaited National Championship FOX GRAPE’S THE TIGER LILY & ELISABETH GOTH THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Twin Willow’s Daddy’s Girl and Jade Wood. Hackney/Harness Medallion National Champion

AHHS MEDALLION FINALSSTILL GOING STRONG By Nick Schubert | Photos by Howard Shatzberg

Nick Schubert is a 12 year old native of Knoxville, Tennessee. The son of long time show horse and pony owner and exhibitor, Chris Long Schubert, he embodies the enthusiasm and love of the hackney pony and those who support them. Nick earned his second Reserve World’s Champion of Champions title this year in Roadster Pony Junior Exhibitor 13 & Under. He trains under the direction of Anne Neil of Blythewood Farm in Cleveland, Tennessee.

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

ave you ever wondered how the Medallion Final classes originated? Well, let me tell you...

It all started around 1995 when the AHHS decided to encourage participation in the hackney breed by offering youth classes that not only judged the pony, but also the skill of the driver. It was designed to mirror the equitation finals in that young drivers competed in classes throughout the show season which, if won, qualified them to show in Kansas City at the medallion finals. As well, they earned a chance to win $500 in scholarship money. The classes consisted of under saddle and driving classes. The pleasure under saddle class is also open to the Hackney horse. AHHS originally offered a reinsmanship class hoping to draw families who kept their hackneys at home and encourage participation on a grass roots level but that class never really took off.

Once Upon A Time and Nicole Jackson. Hackney Pleasure Horse/Pony Under Saddle Medallion Reserve National Champion

Years ago, the Hackney Society and its board members, sponsored a party for all the participants that traveled to Kansas City to show. It boasted prizes such as harness, road silks, buggies, and more.The entire gift value was in the thousands and it gave families, and their trainers, an opportunity to share in all the prestige the medallion had to offer.

trained by Alicia and Matt Schuckert’s Debonaire Stables.

21 years later, the medallion finals are still going strong in Kansas City.The 2016 winners are a testament to the power of the ponies!

Jade Woods was back at it winning the Hackney/Harness final with Twin Willows Daddy’s Girl. Daddy’s Girl is owned by Melvin Jennings and Carol Lawson and under the direction of Melvin Jennings. It was an excellent drive by Jade in a wonderful class of ponies. Bringing a reserve home for the boys is Freschetta and Scotty Bruggeworth for owner Annika Bruggeworth all the way from Mays Landing, New Jersey.

Winning the Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Final is Ella Reagan and Charmed Masterpiece.They are quite the “charming” pair! This is Ella’s first year driving and she certainly has proven herself as a dominating figure in the juvenile division. Congrats Ella! Ella and her pony are trained by the Majestic Oaks team. Bringing home the reserve medallion is The Ivy League and Jade Woods for Melvin Jennings and Carol Lawson. They are

Coming out on top of the Pleasure Hackney Horse/Pony under saddle is Cheyenne Williams and Heartland Direct Hit. Cheyenne and Direct Hit are under the expert instruction of Danette Mussleman of Queenwood Stables. Let’s just say they hit the bulls eye with this one!! Reserve in the wonderful class of 8 is Once Upon a Time and Nicole Jackson for owner Sally McClure Jackson and trainer, Majestic Oaks Hackney Farm.

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

WC Take It To The Limit and Olivia Turner. Roadster Pony 13 & Under Medallion National Champion

The Road Pony under saddle class winner is RWC Regal’s Double Trouble LF and Kinslie Dougherty. Still celebrating their Reserve World’s Championship, this team is trained by Kelly Kraegel and Kurt Hufferd of Cottonwood Creek Ranch. For the reserve in a nice class of 4 is Madison Pope and Perfect Offering. They are trained by Madison’s mom, Lisa Hillmer, at their Linden Hill Stables. Heading on to the Road pony 13 and under medallion and really finishing off a great season is WCC Take it to the Limit and Olivia Turner.This has been a year of “no limits” for these two! Way to bring it home for proud mom and dad, Andi Turner and MarkTurner. Olivia is directed by Rich and Maureen Campbell and the Majestic Oaks team. Reserve, and a great drive, is Dark Knight and Tommy Paulsen for Charles Paulsen. RWC Regal’s Double Trouble LF and Kinsley Dougherty Roadster Pony Under Saddle Medallion National Champion

Finally, the Roadster Pony Medallion 14-17 win goes to an all time favorite, Stat, driven by Rose Marie Wheeler. Stat has been a long time favorite to many of us and proves that he can win open, amateur, and junior exhibitor. He is trained by the Majestic Oaks team.The reserve is the very fancy Sirfistication and Emma Wood for Three Sisters Stables LLC. Sirfistication is under the direction of Jim and Fay Lowry. Whether 1995 or 2016, the Hackney Medallion Final once again proves the need and desire to promote the wonderful hackney breed. Let’s all come together with new ideas for an even better 2017 and ways to introduce as many people as we can to the hackney pony.

Heartland Direct Hit and Cheyenne Williams Hackney Pleasure Horse/Pony Under Saddle Medallion National Champion

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Thank you for letting me be a part of the hackney story and I look forward to what the 2017 show season will bring and remember...just for the fun of it! Nick

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

A WILD COAST ODYSSEY By Barry Armitage | Photos by Daniella Zondagh and Barry Armitage

dyssey: a long journey full of adventures, a series of experiences that give knowledge or understanding to someone, a long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortune.

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Surreal moments of the positive sort seem to come along all too seldom in life but on the morning of the 22nd of October standing on the beach just south of the Mtamvuna River, on South Africa’s eastern seaboard, watching the small group of riders cross the start line to begin their 350km Wild Coast odyssey was one such moment for me. I realized that the scene I was witnessing had played out in my head in one form or another so often during the 18 months of planning Race the Wild Coast and that what had been a concept for so long, was now a reality. In other words, a dream was coming true. Joe Dawson and I have been riding the Wild Coast regularly for the last 6 years but have never had the opportunity to ride it under the same conditions as the race riders. Joe and I had pondered endlessly about how long riders would take to complete each of the twelve stages of the race, coming up with a list of race scenarios from the four day “amazing winner finish” and “likely winner finish” down to the six day “amazing

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

straggler finish”. In the end we had given riders 5 days to complete the race with the dates chosen for favourable tides to facilitate crossing the many rivers along the coast. Riders had drawn their teams of 3 horses out of a hat at the start camp and spent just two days getting their heads around how to swim the Wild Coast rivers with their mounts. Each horse would cover roughly a third of the distance with riders changing horses at Port St Johns and Hole in the Wall on their way to the finish at Kei Mouth. The start wasn’t an explosive burst of thoroughbred sprint racing; riders needed to contain their horse’s energy for efforts later in the 104 kilometers of the first horse stage.The sedate start, with the riders and their mounts bunched together as if for comfort, belied the fast pace and fierce racing that would emerge over the next four days. The weather was cool. The forecast was for more of the same and there had been a lot of rain on the coast in the build up to the race; perfect conditions for a long distance horse race.

For the duration of the race it was my fortunate lot to be shuttled forward, along with Joe and the members of the film crew, by helicopter to monitor the 12 vet checks and critical river crossings. We had dubbed our little Roberson 44 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rockethorse Airâ&#x20AC;?, complete with a vinyl decal. My first flight, taking me to the Mntentu River crossing, took off soon after the start and when we picked up the riders a few kilometers down the beach it was clear that, given the weather conditions, the pace would be brisk with the field of 12 hailing from 7 countries, already split into two groups.

By the morning of day 3 the racing was getting serious with the leading riders leaving the overnight stop at Hluleka Nature Reserve before first light. A trio had managed to break away from the rest of the field establishing a small lead. Sarah Cuthbertson (Canada), Monde Kanyana (South Africa) and Sam Jones (Australia) had established themselves as the main contenders for line honours. Louise Crosbie (Australia) was struggling to hang onto the back of this leading group and her third horse was eventually vetted out at The Haven vet check 87km from the finish.

While I was being treated to the incredible views from the left front seat of the chopper, our ten volunteer vet, camp and horse change teams were leap frogging their way down the coast in 4x4 vehicles burdened with trailers laden with gear and camping equipment. Theirs was a different kind of adventure, maybe less frenetic than mine and definitely less so than the riders but an adventure no less.

On the penultimate stage with just 46km to go to the finish line at the mouth of the Kei River, Sarah left the Kob Inn vet check with a 33 minute lead over Monde and Sam who had decided to wait for the farrier to re-shoe their horses having each lost a front shoe. This following duo left the vet check with their horses reshod

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

and a grim determination to work together to catch Sarah and in my next hop forward in the chopper I witnessed the defining moment in the race when Monde and Sam caught a distraught Sarah; cameraman Danny Kodesh catching it all on camera hanging precariously from the door of our chopper just meters above the surf line. The trio remained a strung out group for the remaining kilometers with Sam pushing the pace, believing that her horse had the stamina to outrun the others. In the end it was a beach gallop for the line at the mouth of the Great Kei River with Monde taking the honours, Sam a close second and Sarah resigning herself to third after a spirited ride. This trio had ridden like the proverbial wind with all three of their horses passing all twelve vet checks and they had finished in the early afternoon of the fourth day. Some had said that it couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be done inside four days but Joe and my calculations had been correct thanks to the weather, the incredible horses and riders, and we had our amazing winner finish!

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

My eventful ride was over too. The scenes of the looming cliffs from my helicopter seat, of Hole in the Wall from the seaward side, of the hundreds of whales and literally thousands of dolphins, and of the lone hammerhead shark looking like a stunted white crucifix set against the dark blue of the sea will stay etched in my mind for some time.You too can see all these scenes when our film documenting Race the Wild Coast 2016 comes out early next year. To make a contribution to our Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign raising funds to complete our film, go to https:// goo.gl/N9UqHO and get a free download or signed copy of the DVD. Make a hefty contribution and you could be sitting in the front left seat of Rockethorse Air during next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race. For more information about this annual race, to enter or to join the crew riders or crew for next year got to www. rockethorseracing.co.za

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

A Bright Future

Young Trainer Series Catching up with up-and-coming professionals in the industry

ALEX GRAVETT

a nd Ki s m e t

By Meghan von Ballmoos

oung and ambitious, Alex Gravett nee WilleIrmiter has been making a name for herself through the past decade, she has worked her way up the ranks and now boasts a thriving business in Simpsonville, Kentucky. With a strong emphasis on growing her business by introducing newcomers to the industry, Alex is one of a handful of barns that regularly delivers children to the Kentucky circuit shows. Recently married and enjoying her professional life, she has gained plenty of success in and out of the show ring.

encouraged her to start taking on training clients of her own while continuing to work for them part time. It grew to the point where she could no longer work for them and for herself; so began Kismet. “Without the generosity, encouragement and mentoring from Bill & Kris, I never would have pushed myself,” she explained.“It took me a while to come up with a name. I finally resorted to searching for worlds that reminded me of why I wanted to train horses, Kismet being a synonym for destiny or fate. I liked the one word sound of it and knew that there were no other barns with anything similar.”

“From the time I was 5 I wanted to pursue a career training horses,” said Alex. She grew up showing Morgans in Minnesota on a national level. To broaden her education and reputation, she attended William Woods for college and earned a BA in Equestrian Studies with a Business minor. Like many aspiring trainers, the program proved to be helpful in opening doors, but ultimately has her own hard work and focus to thank. Alex was fortunate to work with some of the top Morgan and Saddlebred trainers both before she became a professional and as an employee (Lyle and Colleen Wick, The Bodnar Family, Gerry Rushton & Stacy Hennessy, Nelson Green, Jimmy Simmons, Mark Hulse, Bill & Kris Knight). It was while working at Pleasantview Farm for Bill and Kris that they encouraged her to start my own lesson program. A little over 4 years ago, she followed their advice while still working full time for them by teaching lessons in the evenings. Following the first show season after they sold their farm(now Autumn Hills), they

Alex marketsher riding program as ‘progressive instruction.’She firmly believes the purpose for having a riding program is to encourage new faces to become a part of the industry. “Our industry is built around the tradition of showing. Without progressive instruction, riders do not advance into show riders which in turn creates new training customs and the cycle is able to continue,” Alex observed.She also believes in high quality training, by focusing on developing a training program specifically for each horse based around the customer’s goals. Alex believes in controlling the quantity of training horses; that she can only give her absolute best to a finite number of show horses at one time. Currently, she trainsseven show horses, yet ideally, would like to have between 12-15. “I believe that is a sufficient number to work each one adequately on a daily basis as the sole trainer,” she explained.

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

From her perspective, the biggest challenge as a young trainer

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

starting a business, especially in Kentucky, is developing a clientele. Alex adamantly states that without the lesson program, Kismet could not exist. She is a huge proponent of academy, but feels strongly that it should be used a stepping stone to owning a show horse. “I have already had a couple of kids advance out of the academy program into purchasing show horses. I also believe the long term academy rider is a significant challenge to compete with. As a trainer first, some one who never envisioned myself with a lesson program, the long term academy rider does not provide training horses. Therefore, I strongly encourage my academy riders, when the time is right, to advance to becoming a show rider,” said Alex. “Even if I am only allowed a $5k budget to shop for a show horse with, I would always prefer that as it provides me a horse to train, than a rider who remains in academy. From a new rider’s first lesson at Kismet, they are made aware that Kismet is a competitive, show oriented barn, offering entrylevel competition opportunities when the time is right; again providing progressive instruction.” Alex has used many different types of marketing for Kismet. Logically, she has found that it is most important to market outside of the industry circle. In some parts of the country, barns have successfully grown their business with Groupon 80

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

or Living Social, but Alex has not found the program to work well in Kentucky. “Horses are so mainstream in KY, anyone who wants to ride most likely knows someone with a horse connection. Word of mouth is hands down the best form of marketing. I offer a free lesson to any exiting client who brings in a new student. My loyal clients appreciate it and the new client then has an instant connection with another family at the barn,” Alex said. Despite her relative youth, Alex has been around long enough to know what she wants and how she wants to get there. She remains focused on growing her business according to her own beliefs and is succeeding. On a personal note, Alex hopes to someday win both the gaited stake and the park saddle championship at Louisville and OKC. “Having grown up with both Morgans and Saddlebreds, I would love to have the chance to do both. Although I do not currently have any Morgans in training, I would love the opportunity to work some, ‘ she said. “I would also like to see myself help to advance our industry in a progressive, positive way as we see cultural changes within our society. I haven’t quite put my finger on how I plan to do that, but I have some ideas I hope to put into action soon.” It is just the beginning for Alex and her Kismet.

A Bright Future

Young Trainer Series Catching up with up-and-coming professionals in the industry

JOHANNA KAPIOLTAS

a n d Ci r r u s S t a b l e s

By Meghan von Ballmoos

ohanna Kapioltas is one of the driven young professionals forging their way in the industry. She has quickly become a competitor in the Kentucky circuit and has earned herself a set of State Fair roses or two in the process. From a young age, she has been involved with Saddlebreds and has remained steadfast in her support of this brilliant breed. She recently stepped out on her own under the name Cirrus Stables and plans to be at the forefront of the show horse industry for the long haul.

about horses, she soon realized there was a connection and fascination that would captivate her for a lifetime.

A native Floridian, Johanna grew up in the restaurant business as the child of a restaurateur She grew up in the Brown Derby restaurants. Her father’s more recent concept was Cody’s Original Roadhouse which, in a testament to its success, is celebrating its 23rd anniversary in 2017. By the tender age of five, Johanna had already discovered that she was not meant to be a ballerina, gymnast nor pianist. While in kindergarten, a fellow classmate was riding horses so she asked her mother if she could give horse riding a try. She signed Johanna up for riding lessons at Meg Janinda Training Stables in Clearwater, Florida. It just so happened that “Miss Meg” gave saddleseat riding lessons. “I feel I’m one of the few people in the Saddlebred industry that actually started with Saddlebreds. It seems like many people start with other breeds, then learn about the wonderful Saddlebred and convert,” said Johanna. Once she started riding and learning

After being a professional in Kentucky for 14 years, Johanna has much experience running a farm. She has achieved many successes in and out of the show ring. When the time came to decide her next step, Johanna felt that she has built a reputation upon which she could build a business. Like all good horsemen, her education of horses, riding and training is a perpetual process. Each day presents another opportunity to further her growth. Starting her own business, that she named Cirrus Stables, has afforded her the opportunity to purchase her first farm and home. “The word cirrus is the name of a cloud and a plane. I like the alliterative sound of Cirrus Stables and the thought of reaching to the sky, soaring, rising above. It gives me a peaceful and tranquil feeling. Cirrus clouds are sometimes referred to as “mares’ tails” so there is also an equine aspect there as well, “ explained Johanna about the evolution of her farm name.

“I showed horses all the way through high school, but still had never considered it as a profession. I took a brief few years off from riding during college. I don’t think I realized at the time how much I was going to miss the horse show industry. I just feel like I understand horses and it is a connection I could not walk away from,” explained Johanna. So, she returned to horses.

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Johanna has developed her skills to encompass all aspects of showing Saddlebreds. She specializes in starting young horses, preparing them for sale or show, but also successfully prepares amateur and juvenile rider and show horse teams to the highest level of competition. She believes strongly in keeping a close relationship with clients and is dedicated to providing individualized training and instruction to achieve the goals and dreams of her customers. “Competition can get tense, this is a hobby for many people, it’s supposed to be fun. I focus on keeping the atmosphere of Cirrus Stables positive and enjoyable,” Johanna astutely noted. “I also invest in the industry myself through breeding, buying, training and selling my own prospects and show horses.” The toughest part of starting Cirrus Stables was getting started. “It doesn’t all come together at once. It often feels like the old chicken or the egg conundrum. Where to start and what to do first can be a bit daunting. Horses, stable, farm, tractor, equipment, truck, trailer, helpers, clients, it all comes one step at a time,” Johanna said. One step at a time, she is building and growing her business for long term success and growth. Magazines, social media, show ring representation, word of mouth are all ways Johanna

promotes herself and her business within the industry. With just one show season under her own banner, Johanna is rightly extremely proud of the success Cirrus Stables has garnered. “I brought the flowers back to the Cirrus Stables stalls the first night of the Kentucky State Fair after unanimously winning the 3-Gaited Kentucky County Fair Grand Championship with Carolina’s Inside Story. After enduring all of the stress and pressure that comes from starting a new business, it was such an incredible and rewarding feat,” she said. Additionally, riders under the Cirrus Stables banner had many wins throughout the show season in multiple divisions including 3-Gaited, Park Pleasure, Show Pleasure and Country Pleasure. She has also negotiated some good sales end. Her foundation for the future looks strong. What’s next for Johanna? “I am accepting new clients and horses in training, I hope to grow my business and client base. I’d like to expand on my new farm. I have a young stallion I plan to breed a few of my own mares to. I think that will be an exciting and fun project to look forward to.”

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

“

A GIRL’S FIRST TRUE LOVE IS HER FATHER. - Marisol Santiago

DADDY DEAREST I

”

By Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer

t was the summer of 2016 and I was watching the Amateur Three-Gaited Championship at the World’s Championship Horse Show. The winner of the class was Barbara Goodman Manilow, aboard Espresso Noir, and as she made her way to the winner’s circle, I noticed out the corner of my eye, her father, Charles Goodman, making his way down the aisle to the front row. He was excitedly taking photos of his daughter with a small digital camera, and continued to do so as she garnered the yellow roses and made her victory pass in the class. I watched the heartfelt exchange and his pride was so obvious. It made me think about my own father and the relationship we have, thanks to the American Saddlebred horse.

Once at Lexington Junior League horse show when I was probably 11, he slyly offered to pay me twenty bucks if I didn’t look at my feet the entire class. Clearly a bad habit I just couldn’t break after countless lessons of it being drilled into my head, all it took was a little bribery on his behalf. It worked. I got my $20, and my bad habit was thankfully broken.

We made up special ‘top-secret’good luck handshakes that we would do before our shows, and I always knew exactly where on the rail he was sitting, one ear trained to hear what he might have to say. He could do it all, help get the horse ready and braced, give the best leg up, tie the best tie, expertly polish and shine my boots; and even braid my hair or do my makeup in a pinch. Without him, I know I wouldn’t My dad may not have been the one trucking me and my be in the industry today. sister to and from lessons every week, because of his work schedule;but it was because of him that we rode, and So, thank you to all the dads out there, including mine. For without a doubt our relationship was, and still is, stronger teaching us right from wrong, supporting us when we need because of our bond with the American Saddlebred. Being a helping hand. For being there with a shoulder to cry on, involved himself with Saddlebreds from a fairly young age; to scold us when we know we’ve done wrong. To be there we were introduced to it early on. My dad was the ultimate to shine with pride when we succeed, and have faith in us horse show dad. I remember him exposing me to Joe even when we fail. Young or old, these relationships are the Jackson “Look Sharp” when I was about nine-years-old, and driving force behind our success in this industry. playing it on repeat on my cassette tape on my Walkman (yes, you read that correctly) before I would show. Charles Goodman and his daughter are just one example of so many incredible relationships in the horse industry. He never missed our shows, and I credit him for helping me The dads are the unsung heroes, often behind the scenes, channel my nerves and focus on the goals for each show. but we wanted to showcase them in this special feature.

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Charles Goodman taking a photo of his daughter, Barbara after her victory with Espresso Noir this year at the World’s Championship Horse Show

Donna Smith, Barbara Manilow, Maya Manilow and Charles Goodman in 2015. Photo credit SHR photo

carrots. Then I’d call Barbara and report on everyone. I think that riding gave Barbara and later Maya a discipline, something they are passionate about. They both work hard Barbara Goodman Manilow has been showing horses to improve and it’s been something the three of us share, since she was 13-years-old. “My parents didn’t completely which is wonderful, even if I’m just the cheerleader. It’s understand my passion and I think they hoped it might brought Barbara and Maya extremely close as well.” dissipate over time,” said Barbara. “They tried exposing me to ice skating, ballet, guitar, and piano; anything to try to Kristy Wallace Anderson and find something more conventional than riding.” When she Thomas “Chief” Wallace was in the eighth grade, her father and her went with Dick Obenauf and bought her first horse. “We waited until she When I showed equitation, my father worked such long came to the barn to break the news to my mother.” hours that it was difficult for him to make it to horse shows. Yet somehow he did make it to a few, and he made it a “Today, Maya and I travel together but my father still tries priority to come to the big ones. Despite the fact that he to attend the larger shows, at least for the championship was not a horseman, he fully understood my passion for classes. He can always be seen in the stands video-taping my this sport and supported me every step of the way. He classes. I’m not sure he’s ever seen one of my classes except never really talked too much about horsemanship with me through the lens of a camera. For years my father brought or anyone else. But, as it turns out, he knew way more than a specific candy to every show, enough for everyone to he ever let on. have one before each performance. He thought they were lucky but the tradition finally ended when he discovered no My last year in equitation, with trainers Gene and Kathy one liked the candy and we all took a bite and threw them Boggs, we took a gamble on a four-year-old gelding and away. My father and I have always been close and I think our equitated him between Louisville and Kansas City. During time in the car driving to and from my lessons and horse Phase One of the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup National shows have helped. Sharing our love of the horses and even Championship, we entered the ring and had perfect rail though he does not ride, he’s involved in picking horses out, work followed by the execution of a near perfect nationalsupporting Maya and I and of course, he loves the horses level workout...except for cross cantering one single stride as much as we do.” on the incorrect lead behind. We switched quickly and without stopping, but it wasn’t enough to make the cut; “I have never ridden but that’s all Barbara wanted to do,” with 60 other riders competing, there were 12 others who reiterated Charles. “We never knew how she knew about didn’t make any mistakes at all. horses as we lived in the city but she only wanted to play with toy horses and begged to ride. “I always looked I was devastated, but proud of our journey; and in my forward to our Saturdays when we would drive to the barn moment of reflection, my father approached me. He and spend the day together. Over time, I became attached looked at me with those kind, wise eyes of his and said, “It to the horses as well and when Barbara went to college was because you cross-cantered that one stride, wasn’t it?” drove out to the barn alone to visit and feed the horses My mouth fell open as I asked him how could he possibly

Barbara Goodman Manilow and Charles Goodman

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Kristy Wallace Anderson and Thomas “Chief ” Wallace at Kristy’s wedding

Ella and Todd White

even know what cross-cantering was, much less to be able Daughter Ella started riding five years ago. “I started taking to spot it in real time without us stopping and with layman’s lessons when I was seven, two years later I started riding in academy, and one year after academy I started show eyes? riding. I have been showing for two years,” she said. “Well, I paid attention.” When asked what his proudest horse show dad moment The few workouts he had seen, he had been watching...but was, Todd’s answer came easy. “Almost exactly 25 years not just watching, he had been observing and learning. He after my own Louisville debut, I watched Ella make her first had paid attention. pass on the green shavings this year. It was an epic moment. Partnered with a new horse, coached by an amazing team My father has taught me so many lessons, but on that day of Erin Boggs Richey and her idol Aleia Brown on the rail, he taught me: a new rider was born. She was confident, expressive, and basking in the moment.” ‘Show up when you can. Pay attention when you are watching. It doesn’t matter how many times you come to “We have a unique bond with our passion for Saddlebreds cheer on your favorite competitors...but be present when that I couldn’t duplicate in any other sport. I’m somewhat you do.’ living vicariously through Ella’s success and reliving my memories from 30 years ago. It’s a surreal feeling as a The love of a father knows no bounds, not even cross- parent. Our conversations revolve around horses 24/7,” cantering ones. added White.

Ella and Todd White Todd White is the father of 12-year-old Ella, who rides and shows with Cape Cod Equestrian Center in Valley View, Ohio. “I’ve been involved with show horses since I was nineyears-old. I started off showing Saddlebreds, transitioned to Arabians, and eventually National Show Horses in the early 1990’s,” said White. I’ve always shown saddleseat equitation and ended my career as a freshman attending The Ohio State University. After a 20-year hiatus, location changes, marriage to my lovely wife Katey, and two kids (Ella and Ian) the spark reignited. The foundation granted to me with the sport has garnered lifelong friends, career advancement, and moral fortitude. Although my equitation days are long gone, the joy of riding is stronger than ever. The experience is a little different now that I’m writing the checks!”

“My dad is very involved in my riding. He brings me to my lessons; he helps me get ready to show, helps me remember all of the extra things I need to bring to the barn or a show, and makes sure everything goes amazing! My dad gives me a hug before all of my classes, and always wishes me good luck. He takes pictures at shows, he is very supportive, he has a horse of his own, and my dad loves to be around horses.” Todd and Ella have even had the opportunity to show in a generation gap class together. “We spend almost every weekend together now because of our drive down to barn. We have a lot stronger bond now,” said Ella. “Every trip to the barn is an adventure! We travel six hours every weekend for Ella to ride Unchaperoned

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

McGee and Allen Bosworth celebrating a victory

McGee and Al Bosworth

Al Bosworth when he heard his daughter’s name called out with WCC Moonlight Memories

“Carson” at Cape Cod Equestrian Center. This is “Daddy/ Daughter” time. No judgments, open dialog, and having fun is encouraged. Annoying each other with bad 80’s music and Snapchat drama is the only way to go. This is time that we cherish most and brings us closer together,” said White.

McGee and Allen Bosworth McGee Bosworth is the 18-year-old daughter of Julie and Allen Bosworth of Greenville, South Carolina. She’s garnered much success in the industry, from World’s Championship titles in a multitude of divisions, to being named Captain of the gold medal winning Five-Gaited Saddle Seat World Cup Team. “When McGee started out at Cleveland Park Stables in our home town of Greenville, SC, I had no idea we’d be this involved,” reflected Bosworth. “McGee just went to a birthday party and wanted to take lessons after that as a five-year-old. Our journey has been a profession of small steps. We started with McGee taking lessons; then showing in Academy. Then, she moved to showing in performance classes but we weren’t willing to buy a horse, so we had a wise and charitable trainer named Ed Jackson who arranged for us to lease a horse to show. It was a great step to get used to what it was all about. We’ve had Hackney Ponies and American Saddlebred horses. Now, McGee shows out of High Caliber Stables. Personally, I’ve gotten involved with positions on the Board of the JD Massey Classic, ASHA Board, ASHA Marketing Committee, and Board of the American Saddlebred Museum. I have always felt that it is our obligation to give back to the industry that has given so much to us.”

neither of us rides any more. But we really do love our horses and the American Saddlebred showing industry. It’s been a gift to our family.” “There are so many wonderful memories, as our family has been very fortunate to have a number of very gifted horses who have been trained and cared for with excellence. Winning the first time she ever rode a Louisville on Sunken Treasure in 2011; winning a workout on Let’s Talk at the American Royal in2013, twice winning the Triple Crown as a junior exhibitor and an amateur on Moonlight Memories. They were all incredibly special. But I’ll tell one that not everyone knows. It was in the qualifier of the junior exhibitor five gaited class at Asheville Lion’s Club in 2012. McGee started riding I’m Something Wicked that year and was in the class with Hunter Chancellor on Platinum’s New Look and Tyler DeVore on Thunderstorm Warning, as well as two other great horses and riders. McGee had an awesome ride and finished third in the class. But I’ll never forget the feeling of pride I had after that class. I said to myself, ‘She can do this; she did great against the best junior exhibitor riders there are’. I was so proud of her.” “My dad is involved in absolutely everything, well besides the clothes,” laughed McGee. “He has come to everyone of my horse shows and sat on the front row for as long as I can remember. When my family decided to make the move to High Caliber Stables, it was a bit of a haul from where we live, about three and a half hours. My parents committed to driving up every single weekend so that I could take lessons and ride my show horses. My dad is my number one fan when it comes to showing and riding. I seriously don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have his support. He loves it just as much as I do.”

“There is nothing I enjoy more than watching McGee ride and show. As a child in Michigan, I had ponies and rode “We spent many hours in the car together, singing, laughing, then. So, did Julie when she was a girl in Gaffney, SC. But studying, sleeping,” Bosworth reiterated. “We have a great

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Ava and Jim Stachowski_2015 Arabian Youth Nationals

Ava Stachowski and Nirvana’s Teen Spirit after her reserve world’s championship in the junior park pleasure class this past year

love for our horses and our friends in the industry. All of thing that we can always take about. I absolutely love it.” that brings us together. It gives us an excuse to get together and something in common. It gave us as parents a carrot “If you don’t know my dad already, he is so involved in the and a stick.” Saddlebred community. But when it comes specifically to our horses, my dad is my biggest cheerleader. He loves the “I have so many favorite memories of my dad and horses,” horses like they’re family (just like I do). I love when I’m at said McGee. “A sentimental memory is that my favorite the barn doing different tasks and I can look across the barn photo ever taken is of my dad when I was the championship and see dad standing in front of one of our horses’ stalls. class this year at the World’s Championship Horse Show It’s not just something I love—it’s something he loves to. It on Moonlight Memories (Evie). He has his head in his hands definitely makes it all the more special.” out of pure excitement, and that really represents to me how much he cares about me and the horses. Then, my Ava and Jim Stachowski favorite memory of my dad with horses in general is when we went to Montana when I was maybe eight-years-old. When it comes to fathers and their daughters, Ava We were on a trail ride across the mountains of Montana Stachowski and her dad, Jim have the picture-perfect and the guide asked me if I wanted to ‘lope’ across one of relationship. As the 15-year-old daughter of both a trainer the fields and I replied with an excited ‘yes!’ As the guide and an exceedingly accomplished amateur, Ava had no and I took off, my dad was attempting to film on his phone choice but to make a big splash in the show ring. She has while also steering his very chunky trail horse. Unfortunately, been on horses backs since she was tottering around the dad’s horse didn’t get the memo and he took off running barn, and is already following in her parent’s footsteps. after us. I remember dying laughing (after I realized he was safe of course) at my dad’s horse straight galloping across “Ava’s been riding her whole life,” said Stachowski. “She’s the Montana mountains. I will never forget him screaming,” a joy to have as a student. In the last couple years she McGee recalled laughing. has really grown into the next level as a rider. She really appreciates a good horse, and me working her horse.We “I, personally, have a lot of weird traditions that I do before I certainly have our ups and downs,” he added. “In the past, show, but one that absolutely involves my dad is that he ties when she was younger, she wanted to overmount herself. my tie every time before I ride. I simply cannot have anyone And we had to say she wasn’t ready for that horse yet, or it else tie my ties. I also always walk over to my dad during the was too much horse for her at the time. She probably could retirement after my classes and ask him how I did.” have done it, but we didn’t want to take the chance. But, she really set her sights high, and that’s probably part of why she “Horses have definitely been a ‘family thing’ for my family. It’s is where she is right now as a rider.” just been a serious commitment. We all love the horses and the competition and the atmosphere. I think it has also kept “It is definitely a challenge to have my dad for my trainer,” me close with my parents since I have gone off to college. said Ava. “It is tougher to be taught by your parent, than to I see my parents all of the time when I go to the barn on be taught by another person. They really want you to be Saturdays or when we have horse shows. It’s the common the best you can be.” But she says that relationship has

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Zoe and Marty Schaﬀel after Zoe’s win in the Youth Roadster to Bike class at Louisville in 2016 with IAMNOTACOW

Zoe and Marty Schaﬀel in their matching silks for Gasparilla Charity Horse Show in 2011

helped them and she says that outside the show ring they to show against my dad and showing in the class was my understand each other better because of it. ultimate success this year,” she said. “The horses are my life, but it also reflects onto the family life. It gives us something to talk about and gives us something to do together, and gives us something in common. It’s fun and a great experience to go to shows as a whole family. Horses in general are great for kids.They teach them to win and lose gracefully,” said Stachowski. It makes them a better person, and I think also it keeps her away from boys. Her boyfriends are her horses; it’s a good and healthy lifestyle.” This year at the World’s Championship Horse Show, Ava showed against the professionals, entering the ring in the Junior Park Pleasure class with the homebred, Nirvana’s Teen Spirit. The 4-year-old chestnut gelding is out of the mare, Up In the Heir that Ava showed as a walk-and-trot rider in 2010. Ava showed the mare on the green shavings in 2011 as a 10-year-old, and the sire Nutracker’s Nirvana was raised by their Stachowski Farms as well. It is an incredible accomplishment at her age to even show and hold her own in a class of 20 professional riders and young horses, but incredibly she took it one step further. She did it all while competing against her own dad, on anotherStachowski homebred, Empryean. When the results for the class were tied, Ava was crowned reserve world’s champion, and her father, Jim took home the yellow ribbon on the 3-year-old out of World Champion Isabella Davinci. “Ava rode the horse at the farm, and she always wanted to show the horse. She helped me prepare the horse, and she had a routine in mind,” said Stachowski when asked how her showing the horse came about.“She got on the horse and did her thing.” “It was a lot of fun! I was really excited to show the horse, since I did show his mother in walk- and-trot. Being able

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

As a trainer, of course Jim went in the ring to win and do the best he could with his mount. Like with all other trainers, his focus was on the task at hand, and everything else went out the window. “I went in the ring to win. And to be honest, I may have forgotten about her in the class, until the last pass I saw her and knew she looked really good. I wanted to do as well as I could and I wanted that for her too, and when we lined up next to each other, I realized just how cool that was.”

Zoe and Marty Schaffel Zoe Schaffel first started riding when she was just fiveyears-old, and her dad, Marty, has been by her side ever since. “I begged my parents for riding lessons,” recalled Zoey. “I can’t remember a time when I did not want to be around animals, so when I experienced being on my first horse at agefour, I was hooked for life. We ride at Five Gait Stables in Tampa. I started in the Academy program and started showing when I was 13.” “I could see the excitement in her eyes at that first lesson. And then we got more immersed over time,” said Schaffel. “I have three very clear memories that stand out.The first time at age four that I put Zoe on top of a horse named Mouse while on a vacation in Colorado. Her face was priceless. She felt totally at home on top of that huge horse. Then when we surprised her on her thirteenth birthday with her first horse, CH A Perfect Touch and presenting it in a video format with the horses having human voices. I had a great time making that video for her and keeping it a surprise. Finally, when Zoe won her first World Championship at Louisville driving the road horse, IAMNOTACOW. All three

Carla Holden Ritzie and Carl Holden

Carla’s wedding Holly and Amy with CH Haunting, mom, Jeana and dad, Dan

are indelibly inscribed in my memory as being very special.” Over the years, Marty himself has become more involved in the industry as well. He started by driving a road pony about five years ago and now drives IAMNOTACOW. “We have done well together. I got involved so that it would be something I could do together with Zoe. Something we could share. And cheer each other on.”

skills through this as well. Every aspect of life is experienced by these young riders at an early age and they have to learn to cope with it: both the good stuff and the hard stuff. I think it has given us common ground to share and relate to. We have encouraged each other to do our best. And she has taught me how important it is to appreciate the experience more than worry about the color of the ribbon.”

“My dad started driving a pony a couple of years into my involvement,” added Zoe. He wanted to watch me ride every Saturday, but he decided he also wanted to learn what I was doing. He always came to the shows but decided that he wanted to be an active participant instead of just watching so he has a great time now out in the ring with his road horse.”

Amy and Holly and Dan Hein

This year the duo teamed up to share driving duties with IAMNOTACOW. Marty took home to reserve world’s championship titles in the amateur division, and Zoe took home the World’s Championship title in the Youth Roadster to Bike division. “Going to horse shows is a lot of family time we spend together. It’s an amazing thing to do as a family and I appreciate the fact he has taken the time to join me in the show ring. It is a time commitment but we treat all of it as bonding time as well,” said Zoe.

“My dad has always supported Holly and I in our dreams. Growing up, he drove us from our home outside of Nashville, Tennessee to Bonnieville, Kentucky twice a week for riding lessons without ever questioning it. He rarely misses a show and still goes to the barn every Saturday. Outside of showing he is just as devoted. There have been many times when I thought that things were impossible and dad was the one saying it will happen you just have to keep working at it. Right now, dad is battling cancer and never complains. He’s pretty awesome!”

Carla Holden Ritzie and Carl Holden

Carl Holden and his daughter, Carla, have been involved with the Saddlebred industry for over 45 years. What started as a hobby for his little girl, quickly turned into a passion, which has included showing for the family in a multitude of divisions, breeding, and now the next successful generation “Before every session of a show we have a choreographed of rider in Carl’s grandson, Forrest Ritzie. fist bump/handshake thing we do that started years ago. I feel it’s a ‘good Luck’ tradition,” said Zoe. “My Dad gave me my first horse for Christmas when I was seven-years-old,” recalled Carla. “She was a four-year-old “I believe Zoe has gained great self-confidence from her quarter horse. A year later we moved to Kentucky from equestrian activities. She has also found her passion and our home in Greenville, South Carolina, and my family fell in has made this the focus of her academic studies at the love with Saddlebreds. Bonnie Zubrod was my first riding University of Florida. And she has developed great people instructor. In 1973, she put me in the ring at State Fair

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

A young Jane Hart lending her dad, Bill Becker, a helping hand

Carl driving Runaround Sue

for the 10-and-under Equitation class. From this point on, the moments. We now have added Forrest to the mix and he the horses became the center of my family’s recreational describes our barn trips as the ‘best day ever’, every Saturday! activities.” Forrest is now showing another Holden family homebred,K That first trip on the green shavings hooked both Carla Sue Rah, under the direction of Cardinal Farms with Adam and her father, and their involvement has grown steadily and Desiree Clausen. over the years. Carla continued to show in performance under the direction of Carowill Farms and Happy Valley It’s hard for Carl to narrow down his list of best memories Farms, and in the early 1980’s, the purchase of Denmark’s over the years, with so many success stories, but a few of his Runaround Sue led to the Holden Family entering into the top moments include watching Carla show Sue-She in the breeding business as well. 2005-2006 show season, when she won eight straight blue ribbons at very competitive shows in the tough amateur Carl had his first taste of the show ring with the impressive three-gaited division and then finished with two reserve mare as well. “I crawled into the buggy and showed championships at the World’s Championship Horse Show Runaround Suesuccessfully as a fine harness mare, winning in 2006. Seeing the horses he bred compete successfully the reserve world’s grand championship ribbon at Louisville over the last 30 years, his own success driving Runaround in 1990,” recalled Holden. “My horse show career as an Sue, and now most recently, watching his grandson compete exhibitor in fine harness was fairly short-lived, only three successfully at major shows this past year. years, as my focus and preference was to the breeding of our mares and supporting Carla with competitive American “My Dad told me I would always have a horse to ride as Saddlebred horses for the show ring.” long as I wanted to ride. He could not guarantee what kind of horse it would be but I would have a horse. I learned “My Dad has always been the one to take me to the barn. to enjoy every ride no matter the age or the talent of the When we had horses at Happy Valley and Carowill Farms it horse. Every horse can teach you something and riding a was a 4 hour road trip. Especially during my terrible teens, variety will make you a better rider. I know I am my Dad’s this was valuable family time. There is no way you can favorite jockey,” said Ritzie. stay mad at a person and be in the car with them for that amount of time. It was during this time I learned I could Carl has been at nearly every single one of his daughter’s talk to my Dad about anything. My mother and husband shows over the years. In fact, he can count on one hand the always ask what Dad and I talk about on our days together. number of times he has missed a class, and every time he Dad and I laugh as we talked horses all day. On the way to watches her in the warmup ring before the class. the barn, we discuss how we think they are going to work and improvements we might see. On the way home, we “If you happen to see Carla and me at horse shows today, discuss how the horses worked and plan of action.” you might see her holding my hand just as she did as a teenager and young adult. We have that special bond that “As I have grown into an adult, Dad and I continue to have I wish every young lady could experience with her Dad,” our barn days. It is considered ‘our time’ and I truly cherish said Holden.

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Macey and Todd Miles celebrating at Kansas City this year

Jane Hart Becker Hannan and dad, Bill Becker

Todd and 6 ½ year old Macey in 2005 at her first academy show

“I believe the horse activities that her mother and I have been involved in for over 40 years has provided the setting for greater trust and a closer relationship with Carla and has been a very positive factor in our close relationship as adults,”said Holden. “Our commitment to her successful life as a teen and adult has been enhanced by our horse activities.”

one by him. I wouldn’t trade those days at the farm with my Dad for anything in the world.”

Jane Hart is the third generation of horse trainers in her family, “naturally it is in my blood.”

Macey and Todd Miles

Their close relationship transcended the horse show world. “I’m such a daddy’s girl; I would try and do anything to be just like him. He was and always will be my hero. The pure love of the horse is something we were able to share together and I will be forever grateful for that. He was never selfish with the horses, and from the very beginning all my Jane Hart BeckerHannan and Bill Becker Dad ever cared about was wanting me to be the very best Jane Hart grew up immersed in the Saddlebred industry I could be. He simply put, ‘wanted me to shine!’” as the youngest daughter of the late Bill Becker. As the only girl, with two older brothers, and with Bill himself coming The memories Jane Hart holds are close to her heart, she’s from a large family of boys, they were bound to have a had many moments to reflect on them since he passed relationship like no other. away this past September. The horse show world lost an incredible trainer, a true horseman, a special father, and “Just after I was born, as my Mom and Dad were bringing an all-around great man. “There are so many wonderful me home from the hospital, my Dad decided to stop at memories, it’s difficult to pick just one, but probably my the barn to check on things. I was just three days old, so to favorite, has nothing to do with the show ring or a big win at say the least, my involvement with horses began at a very a show,” recalled Hannan. “I clearly remember as a very little early age,” said Hannan. “From that day on I spent every girl, walking into the barn one day and I started watching possible moment at the barn, side by side with my Dad. I my Dad work a young horse. He was so quiet and patient, began showing when I was probably only 3-years old, and it was like they had a mutual understanding between them. to this day I still eat, sleep and breathe horses just as my The horse had such a distinct respect for him, and I could Dad always did. I’m trying my very best to carry on his clearly see that young horse actually wanting to learn from legacy as assistant trainer and instructor at Lenux Stables in my Dad as he had such a quiet presence. It was so amazing, Huntersville, North Carolina.” one of those moments, of just WOW.”

“With Dad being the trainer, he was involved in everything. He pushed me to be the rider I am today, never shying away from a challenge. And after riding the show horses, he allowed me to just ride and play on my pony, for hours and hours,” she said. “I was very blessed to be a horse trainer’s kid, and I feel so fortunate to have been instructed from day

The youngest child of Lesley and Todd Miles, Macey has literally breathed horses from day one. It’s no surprise that the daughter of an accomplished equitation rider herself, Macey now holds the prestigious title of the Equitation Triple Crown. “To be taught by your dad is not easy at all. You are

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

Kelsey and Chuck Herbert with his grand-daughter Zadie

Kelsey and Chuck Herbert acting silly at the World’s Championship Horse Show

always expected to be your best and be indestructible. Dad definitely does not take it easy on me, if anything he is tougher on me. It is worth it though because when I accomplish a goal, it is not mine but our success together. Dad and daughter doing things we didn’t know were possible. Not many get to share that kind of bond that Dad and I share,” said Macey. “I have faced many challenges over the years. I always had to take a little bit of a backseat in some situations, but it made me the rider I am today. I was often put on difficult, un-equitated horses, and Dad and I made it our goal to make the best use out of each horse. This past year, I have gone through a few personal struggles that I am proud to say drove my determination to win the prestigious Triple Crown of Equitation!When I face a struggle or challenge, dad faces it with me. Together we fall. Together we grow.” “I have never felt such a rush of emotion! Happy and sad, it was the best moment of my life. The Triple Crown has been my dream ever since I began riding. This year I had a switch of horses where my new mount was un-equitated and unexperienced. I did not expect to win. I just wanted to be able to learn from each ride while doing our best. Let me tell you, I have never felt the way I feel about this horse with anything else. He has been my saving grace and my best friend. I do not think anyone will have the connection we have for each other. I am very grateful to have accomplished my dreams. I definitely will never take a moment of it for granted. I am sad my equitation career has come to a close, but could not be happier how it ended. I am excited to see what the rest of my equestrian career has in store for me.”

Kelsey and Chuck Herbert

cut up to be. More is expected from you, but that is ok, because I have learned hard work pays off and that my dad wouldn’t (always) put me on anything that would hurt me. My dad and I have an odd relationship. We think we are hilarious, when most don’t think we are. We are always playing around; we are serious every now and again. Being in this industry with my dad has been an experience, that I wish many in the industry could experience. I have seen the hard work that goes into running a business, the hard work that goes into working seven days a week to make sure those last few head of horses get worked before the next show. When I was nine-years-old, at the UPHA Chapter 5 horse show, I was showing in walk and trot. There was about 15 in the class, and my mare decided she was going to start cantering. I couldn’t get her to come down to a walk. Of course, Dad walks out in front of her and she comes down to a complete stop. I got excused, a lady on the rail looked up at me and said “oh honey it’ll be ok!” Dad, being my dad - and my trainer - looked at the lady and said, “No,its not!!” The look on the lady’s face was surprised. I learned on that day to make sure I use the word “whoa” a little better. I am proud of my Dad. I’m proud of everything he has accomplished. I still get nervous every time he is about to show. I love that my dad takes my point of view when I come out to the farm when he is working horses. I still work for my dad every now and again. I do all the sale videos for the farm. Dad now has a grandbaby that loves the horses as much as he and I do. Dad lights up every time she wants to ride. My daughter Zadie has ridden everything from your average lesson horse to a five-gaited mare. All she has to do is say, “Papaw can I ride?”

Where do I begin? Being a trainer’s kid isn’t what it is all I am proud of my dad and I am proud to be a trainer’s kid!

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

100 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

101

102 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

103

104 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

105

106 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

107

108 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

109

110 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

111

112 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

113

114 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

115

116 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

117

118 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

119

120 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

121

122 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

123

124 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

125

126 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

127

128 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

129

Bartholomeus Klip is a wonderfully restored Victorian homestead on an operational wheat and sheep farm amid the 10,000 acres Elandsberg Nature Reserve just outside Riebeek and a mere 15 minutes’ drive from Wellington. Discerning travellers will appreciate the tranquillity of an exclusive five-bedroomed Victorian farmhouse with farm-fresh gourmet food, nature drives, mountain walks and cycling routes. Families with children can enjoy their privacy in Wild Olive House.

EXCLUSIVE FARM-STYLE HOSPITALITY TEL +27 (0)22 448 1087 | +27(0)82 829 4131 BARTHOLOMEUSKLIP.COM FACEBOOK.COM/BARTHOLOMEUSKLIP INSTAGRAM.COM/BARTHOLOMEUSKLIP

Bartholomeus Klip is a boutique getaway experience for all seasons a mere hour’s drive from Cape Town.

ACTIVITIES

Nature drives, water activities, MTB cycling, hiking, the Geometric Tortoise Project, the Quagga Project, the Buffalo Breeding Project

FAMILY-FRIENDLY WILD OLIVE HOUSE

Families with children can enjoy their privacy in the self-catering Wild Olive House.

FOCUS ON NATURE CONSERVATION

130 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

WORLD-CLASS GOURMET FOOD

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

131

132 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

133

134 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE

135