Ahc 15th edition

15 TH EDITION - 2016

designing a musical

FREESTYLE the levels of western

DRESSAGE ROYAL BRITISH STYLE

BRIT WEEK

meet the wrigley’s & the horses of

CATALINA ISLAND

can you really have it all?

A BALANCING ACT

california’s

SANTA YNEZ and much more!

Penny Morse Editor

Spring is in the air, or in other words ‘Let the show season segin!’

Heidi Caldwell Creative Director

New pads, new breeches and maybe that new saddle you invested in during the winter – it’s time to get it all out!

Whatever your discipline may be, let me wish you a very successful season, and let all those hours of practice take you to your goals for this year!

Sadly, we said good bye to Roger Haller, March 31st. Roger was a wonderful equestrian, gentleman, and Eventing ambassador. He was very knowledgeable, never regarded a question as being irrelevant, and a superb mentor. I was fortunate to have worked with him at many shows at Chatt Hills. He made me laugh, solved any problems I may have had, and always had something nice to say. He wore really cool ties! Our

Contributing Writers Maureen Forman Carol Lieberman, MD Amber Spiller Emma Keller Cheryl Freda Pritchard Tatiana Valentine Scott Armour Debbie Sullivan Yvonne Barteau Carolyn Haward Bill Harris

condolences go out to Ann Haller and his family. I personally will never forget Roger Haller.

This issue has a definite Royal Connection! From our writer Carolyn Haward chatting with Prince Charles, to Dr. Carol Leiberman giving us the inside scoop on the famous dress that Princess Kate wore to get Prince William’s attention. Harrison Ford and Clayton Fredericks were on the road this issue and unable to get their words of wisdom to us, but look for their return in the next issues!

Atlanta Horse Connections Magazine is now a part of City Horse Connections, an equestrian network bringing the equine world together, one city at a time.

I hope you enjoy all the articles this edition, as we continue our journey to make Atlanta Horse Connections not only informative for the Horse Community but diverse enough to keep us all entertained!

/atlantahorseconnections

Penny Morse

Cover © Giana Terranova gianaterranovaphotography.com All articles and pictures are owned and copyrighted by City Horse Connections, a subsidiary of JJP Group, Penelope Morse and Heidi Caldwell.

Reproduction of copyrighted material, without prior permission of the copyright owner, is illegal according to 17 U.S.C. Reproductions of copyright materials apply not only to traditional works such as books, photographs, drawings, etc., but also digital media such as music, movies and software. ©2016.

©SolvangUSA

4 9 12

what’s HUNTER JUMPER Style Your Ride

DRESSAGE

The Musical Freestyle Ray’s Corner

9

INSIDE

DRESSAGE The Musical Freestyle Billy Jackson and Ilja performing their I-1Freestyle

16 18 20 23 24 26

30 32 33

INTERNATIONAL

Taken for a Ride in Greece, Part VI

WESTERN

Western Dressage The Beginning Levels

WELLNESS

Help –My Stable Employee is Hurt!

IceDot Safety The Balancing Act To Own or Not to Own

SHORT STIRRUPS Silly Gil

Teen Style Junior Riders

56

34

38 40

42

SANTA YNEZ

LOCAL NEWS

The Georgia International Horse Park Top Picks Picnic and Polo

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT Think Pink

44 Artist Julie Lawther 52 BritWeek 56 Santa Ynez 60 The Catalina Horses 66 Danica Erard 70 Princess Kate - Bad Girl Secrets

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Style your Ride A bout

our

J udge

SCOTT ARMOUR has taught professionally in the Atlanta area for over 20 years. He trained with Olympic Gold Medalist Tad Coffin and Raul de Leon at the Westmoreland-Davis Equestrian Institute in Leesburg, Virginia. With a background in dressage, eventing, and Hunter/Jumpers, Scott emphasizes the importance of dressage work and gymnastic jumping for both horse and rider.

Scott’s business, Hawkwood Farm is located in Senoia, Georgia at Willow Dell Equestrian Center. When he is not training or showing with his busy barn, Scott will often judge for local schooling shows in the Atlanta Metro area.

If you would like to be considered in an upcoming issue for this column for evaluation, please email a high-res photo (300dpi) in no less than 4 x 6” in size to Penny Morse at designonpenny@yahoo.com. Please include your name, horse’s name, age, breed and level jumping.

1

A stronger contact mid thigh to calf would keep her lower leg in place at the back edge

HUNTER JUMPER

of the girth, and

4

give her a strong base of support.

1. Our first rider pictured shows a lovely short release. She isn’t interfering with her horses jump and has a light contact with the horses mouth. If her hand were a few inches lower on the horses neck, it would be an automatic release. Her back is flat and relaxed with her seat just out of the saddle. A stronger contact mid-thigh to calf would keep her lower leg in place at the back edge of the girth and give her a strong base of support. Although she doesn’t have a classic leg position, I like the natural, soft feel she seems to have. Her horse is great with his front end and looks happy and eager to do his job.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

2

Work at the posting trot without stirrups will improve her leg strength.

2. This rider has lost her lower leg position by pivoting on her knee and not maintaining a secure grip with her calf. It has caused her to round her back and drop back into the saddle. On landing, she will likely sit too early and and may restrict her horses mouth. Work at the posting trot without stirrups will improve her leg strength. Also, gymnastic jumping exercises would help with feel and timing over fences. Her horse looks pleasant, but is loose with his lower legs.

3

An automatic release, with a straight line – bit to elbow, would give the most feel and control of the horse’s stride.

HUNTER JUMPER

3. The first thing I notice in this photo is the rider’s hand floating above the horse’s neck.

If she is doing a long release to give the horse maximum freedom, her hands should be pressed down on either side of the neck. This makes it less likely to interfere with the horse’s mouth on the landing side. An automatic release, with a straight line bit – to elbow, would give the most feel and control of the horse’s stride.

The rider’s leg has slipped back a bit. A lower heel with leg anchored at the girth with calf contact would make her position more secure. I love the rider’s focus and determination.

She and her horse are a quality pair ready to get the job done!

5

Quality Instruction, Training

Our premier facility om just 30 mins fr : ts as bo ta Atlan • Custom Saratoga Stalls with Stable Comfort air mattress stall mats • Large outdoor & fully enclosed indoor arenas • 4 board fenced paddocks

and

Care

for the

Modern Equestrian Competitor

• Climate controlled tack rooms and fully outfitted rider lounge • Regular use of our Thera-plate system and Kraft Equine Treadmill is included for all boarders.

• In-house Magna Wave PEMF sessions for injury treatment and prevention

TRAINER

HARRISON FORD 678.857.8164 www.hillfordfarmga.com

14 TH EDITION - 2016

RIDING THROUGH

THE AGES

Clayton Frederick’s

BUILDING

cross countryCONFIDENCE

artist

ALICIA FRESE KLENK

and much more!

STAY INFORMED!

From local stories and trainers to national news and competitions, Atlanta Horse Connections is covering all things important to the Equine Community!

SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE! 6 issues per year Aug/Sep • Oct/Nov • Dec/Jan • Feb/March • April/May • June/July

email: designonpenny@yahoo.com 6

GEORGIA HORSE PARK CALENDAR OF EQUESTRIAN EVENTS JANUARY 2016 Mon 11 - Thu 14 Sat 16 Sun 17 Sun 24

GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event A Step Away Equestrian Team IEA Horse Show Brick Store Stables IEA Show Middle GA Equestrian Teams-Winter Wonderland High Point IEA Show

FEBRUARY 2016 Sun 7 Sat 13 - Sun 14 Sat 27 - Sun 28

GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event IEA Region 3 & Region 11 Finals

MARCH 2016 Sat 5 - Sun 6 Sat 5 - Sun 6 Sat 5 - Sun 6 Sat 12 - Sun 13 Sat 12 Sat 19 - Sun 20

The Good Horseman Spring Schooling Show GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event Horse Show Ventures - The Southeastern Hunter/Jumper Series South Region Dressage Rally GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event GHF/Massey Ferguson Annual Dressage Show

Sat 19 - Sun 20 Tue 22 - Sat 26 Wed 30 - Thu 31

Newton County Saddle Club Open Horse Show Atlanta Spring Classic I Atlanta Spring Classic II (Ends Apr 3)

APRIL 2016 Fri 1 - Sun 3 Sat 2 Sun 10 Sun 10 Wed 13 - Sat 16 Sat 16 - Sun 17 Sat 23 Sat 30

Atlanta Spring Classic II (Begins Mar 30) GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event South Eastern Regional Championship Series GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event Newton County Saddle Club Open Horse Show Gwinnett 4-H Spring Open Horse Show GHF/Massey Ferguson Dressage at the Horse Park (Ends May 1)

MAY 2016 Sun 1 Thu 5 - Sat 7 Sat 14 - Sun 15 Sat 21 Sat 28 - Sun 29

GHF/Massey Ferguson Dressage at the Horse Park (Begins Apr 30) Dixie Cup Spring Classic Southern Strides Pleasure Walking Horse Show GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event Horse Show Ventures - The Southeastern Hunter/Jumper Series

JUNE 2016 Fri 10 - Sat 11 Sat 11 - Sun 12 Wed 15 - Sun 19 Wed 22 - Sun 26

2 016 E V E N T D A T E S 2/13.................................................. Schooling Show 2/24, 2/28............................. Show Jumping Elite SJ 3/12.................................................. Schooling Show 4/9-10........................ Eventing USEA Collegiate Show 4/22-24.......................................... Eventing USEA 3* 5/21-22........................................................ Eventing 5/28-29............................................. Dressage Show 6/8-11.............................Southern Regional PC Camp 6/11.......................................... Regional Connemara 6/12.................................................. Schooling Show 6/20-24............................. Area lll Young Rider Camp 6/25-26..............................................Dressage show 7/2-3.................................................. Eventing USEA 7/9-10................................................. Eventing USEA 7/16-17.............................................. Dressage Show 7/30................................................. Schooling Show 8/4-21....................Hunter Jumper Series JP Goddard

GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event GHF/Massey Ferguson Annual Dressage Show Atlanta Summer Classic I Atlanta Summer Classic II

8/27-28.......................................... Eventing USEA 2* 10/15-16................................... Hunter Jumper SGHA 10/29-30............................................. Eventing USEA

JULY 2016 Sat 30 - Sun 31 Sat 30 - Sun 31

GHF/Massey Ferguson Summer Dressage Show Horse Show Ventures - The Southeastern Hunter/Jumper Series

AUGUST 2016 Fri 19 - Sun 21 Sat 20 - Sun 21

GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event The Good Horseman Foundation Summer Schooling Show

SEPTMEBER 2016 Sat 10 - Sun 11 Sat 10 Sat 17 - Sun 18

GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event Arion SportHorses American Hanoverian Society Inspection GHF/Massey Ferguson Fall Dressage Show

OCTOBER 2016 Sat 1

GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event

NOVEMBER 2016 Wed 9 - Sun 13 Sat 12 Wed 16 - Sun 20

Atlanta Fall Classic I GIHP Horse and Mountain Bike Trails Closed Due to Event Atlanta Fall Classic II

11/5................................................... Hunter Jumper 11/19-20........................................... Schooling Show

SEE YOU THERE!

7

This month, I had the opportunity to speak with Cynthia Collins of LunaTunes Freestyles. Cynthia started riding to music thirty years ago, to help herself with tempo.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Heidi Caldwell on Katinka competing their freestyle.

She learned a lot about what makes a great freestyle when she began putting her own freestyles together and competing in traditional dressage. Now she has developed a passion for Western Dressage, and has started designing western freestyles as well.

Footfalls in Rhythm, the

Debbi Sullivan for CAWDA.org

Musical Freestyle Cynthia, what is it about riding a musical freestyle that you enjoy the most?

I love riding to the music and being able to create my own pattern.​ The music makes riding so much more fun. Using the rhythm of the music helps me keep the tempo, especially in the trot. I often sing along in my head while riding my freestyle.

Do you find that working on your freestyle helps with your general riding, and if so, how?

I find that music really helps keep the correct rhythm. My biggest pleasure is seeing how it helps my clients with their riding when they learn to use the rhythm too.

I think all riders can ride freestyles, especially at the lower levels. I’m riding Basic level freestyle this year. I have pushed for all levels of freestyles to be allowed since it is so beneficial to learn to ride to music. Plus it’s so much fun! I think as riders we concentrate

DRESSAGE

In Western Dressage, you can begin riding a musical freestyle at the Basic Level. Some riders (myself, included!) picture a freestyle as something for only the very experienced, more upper level riders. Do you think designing and riding a freestyle has benefits for riders even at the lower levels?

9

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

so hard on improving our riding, which we should, but we can take ourselves too seriously sometimes. The music makes your riding fun. All level of riders should have fun riding. I tell this to riders all the time: If it makes you happy to ride a freestyle, you should do it, no matter what level

The horse is the dancer...

If the horse likes a certain

piece, that’s what you build

your freestyle around.

you are riding.

How would someone new to riding a freestyle go about getting started?

The first thing is to get a video of you riding your horse. Then you can start listening to different pieces of music. There should be a clear 4 beat rhythm to the music – this is for all three gaits. The trot has a strong emphasis on the 1 and 3 beats, while canter has an emphasis on 1 with 2 and 3 for when the legs are still on the ground and 4 is while the horse is up in the air. Walk can be slower with no real emphasis on any of the beats. Next, start watching the video while listening to the music. See if the tempo matches the

movement of the legs.

(I always watch the front legs). It’s very important that the music matches the footfalls. If they seem to, then start riding to the pieces you think work. If you and your horse seem to like certain pieces, then that’s what you should use. The music should

also have some kind of theme, either genre

or certain instruments. I always pick the music first. Then, I let the music dictate the choreography of the required elements. You can have your trainer help you with this. Once you have your choreography and it is within the time requirements, get someone to video you riding it. Now you need to put the music to the choreography. You can’t just have so many minutes and seconds of music for each gait, the musical phrases need to match what you are doing. This part is a bit more technical, so a lot of people will go to a professional.

Finally, you need to learn to ride your freestyle to the choreography!

This is a bit of a process because you need to listen to your music and ride to the phrases, not the letters of the court. The judges don’t care whether you start or end something at certain letters, like in a regular test. They are only looking for the quality of the movements, and seeing if the music matches them. Be sure to burn at least two CD copies of your music to take to the show. I usually also have my freestyle on my phone for practice. And the last part is to have fun!

DRESSAGE

In choosing your freestyle music, what type should riders look for? Can the songs have lyrics and be music straight off the radio, or do you need to find only instrumental music?

Cynthia Collins and her 4 yr old mare I’ll Be a Scarlet Moon

10

won the 2015 WDAA’s World Championships

Music should be music the riders like, but it really needs to match the horse. The horse is the dancer. Some horses really like certain types and pieces or can really hate them. So if the horse likes a certain piece, that’s what you build your freestyle around. Some horses don’t care what music is playing, so then you need to see what pieces make your horse “look” better. You can do this by watching the video while playing the music. You can also get

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

other people’s opinion while you ride to the music, and they don’t have to be horse people. Having music that works with your horse is more important than whether the music has vocals.

the right pieces for your horse and then using the music to emphasize the movements. That’s a freestyle!

Thirty years ago, I started riding to music to help me keep my tempo on my Andalusian/TB cross mare, Tierra’s Luna (whom my business is named after). Then I started putting my own freestyles together and competing them in traditional dressage.

I was training with Olympian Hilda Gurney (whom I trained with for ten years), and she said I should design freestyle for others. Twenty years later, I’m still doing it!

I can design an entire freestyle for either traditional or western dressage, or just do part of the process. It depends on how much each rider wants to do. My clients are all over the country, and I have clients

at all levels, from Basic/Training Level Amateurs, to Pony Clubbers and to clients trying to make Teams. Most of my clients are Amateurs who just want to have fun while showing. I’m always happiest when I see my clients with a smile on their face, or when they tell me how much they enjoy riding their freestyles.

Cynthia, thank you so much for getting us started in Musical Freestyle! Any parting advice?

Yes: A good freestyle has music that matches the horse, its footfalls, and the movements. And have fun!

To contact Cynthia Collins and find out more about LunaTunes Freestyles, visit her website at LunaTunesFreestyles.com.

DRESSAGE

If you’ve watched freestyle, there are some that you really watch and like, while others are boring and you stop paying attention. What’s the difference? The ones that don’t have anything to do with the horse or what it’s doing are boring. They are just riding around while the music is playing. This isn’t a freestyle. When you have music that “fits” the horse and the phrases “match” what is being done, then it’s interesting to watch. So it’s picking

As the owner of LunaTunes Freestyles, please tell us a little bit about how you got started and what services you provide.

11

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Ray’s

CORNER

Yvonne Barteau

GP Raymeister shares his unique world...

HELLO, IT IS ME AGAIN, GP Raymeister here to give you some tips on how to better your relationship and your riding time with your favorite horse. This time, I would like to talk about connection from our point of view.

DRESSAGE

Most mouth and tongue problems do not start in our mouth at all. They start with us getting stiff in our backs, crooked, or behind your leg. That will end up with us being blocked in our poll, and then often getting wrong in the bridle. So... if your horse develops or comes to you with mouth or tongue issues, try not to run directly to the tack store in search of a new bit.

Instead try any of these suggestions.

12

First off, a connection is not us leaning on you or you holding stiffly onto us, so start by redefining what your connection with your horse really is. If you sit properly, relax your arms, and take a soft feel of our mouth with your relaxed closed hands, what

do we do? We could... retract our neck and hide from the bit. If we do, we need you to still stay relaxed, find the soft connection again and as we retract. Keep your soft hands and arms neutrally connected and then apply leg pressure until we connect to your hands. Relax whatever you did with your legs when we comply, and reapply if we shrink back again. If we are behind the contact, the chances are extremely high that we are also behind your leg, so let that thought soak in a minute.

Another helpful hint. It is easier to get us to respond to your leg by making us go sideways a bit....as soon as you apply sideways pressure. If when you take a connection, we instantly try to change our balance to our shoulders and grab hold of or lean on your hand, then you need to release quickly and come back with a half halt. If we try to lean on your hand at all just disappear quickly and come back with a half halt or a new connection and see what we do. We need to accept a contact that does not have

The Georgia International Horse Park

Groomed for Greatness

1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA 30013

Who’s ready for New foals, shows, trails... Springtime

www.georgiahorsepark.com 770-860-4190

SPRING?

means these things and so much more. From vaccinations to foaling, lameness evaluations to prepurchase exams, we are committed to serving you and your horses with exceptional care all year round. Call us today to schedule your horse’s appointment.

815 Herring Rd., Newnan, GA 30265

Dr. Jason McLendon, DVM Dr. Matthew Reynolds, DVM Dr. Libby Reidy, DVM

770.252.6860

southerncrescentequine.com

13

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

any balance issues attached to it before we can proceed. Again... think on these words, and let them soak in a bit.

Just a reminder suppling, which is moving your fingers or wrist so that we stay alive in our poll and jaw, is not a connection.

Neither are half halts, which is using your body or arm tension to make us change our balance or speed. Connection is the soft feel we maintain and accept with you in between those interactions. The more relaxed and neutral you can stay as a rider in between your interactions with us, the better we will be able to feel what and when you are doing something we need to respond to.

I guess one of the most important things I can share with you about connection is the importance of your balance and relaxation as a rider. We can tell instantly if you are sitting the way you should be in order for us to do our best work; if you are not, we can not. In no way should you ever use the reins to balance yourself or be unaware of where you are sitting in relation to our center. Only many miles in the saddle with competent instruction and feedback will give you these important feels.

DRESSAGE

We, the horses, enjoy harmonious balanced rides as much as you do if not more. I carry tension in my back, and often get crooked by putting my right hind too far to the right, and too much weight on my left shoulder. When I am like this, I can be tricky in the connection but my rider has figured out that if

14

she concentrates on straightness, and balance through my body and over my own feet, and then on equal bending each way, my mouth issues go away. I get better in my body as well. If I have a few days off, or I am particularly fresh, I do not always want to do these exercises; but she keeps going back to walk, moving my body with her legs and once I don’t feel so stiff and tight, I actually enjoy the exercises as well.

The most important thing about connection, or any riding issue, is not to ride yesterday’s problems. Get on your horse with fresh eyes and a fresh feel every day. Center and relax yourself and listen to your body for a minute before talking to us. Be sure you know where we are with our body and balance before you start tugging and kicking.

Also, never forget the importance of good walk work. Turns on the forehand and haunches, rein back lateral work all done in walk, helps us connect with you, and you with us, in slow motion. Once the connection and aids are working in walk, then move on. We will appreciate you much more if you hold yourself more and more responsible for keeping us balanced, connected and ahead of your legs by being consistent, fair and giving us a chance to understand your aids before you hold us accountable for them.

Sure glad you stopped in to read this piece. Remember to ride fair, be consistent, and give us your full, undivided and patient attention each and every time you ride. See you next time!

On connection...

We need to accept a contact that does not have any balance issues attached to it before we can proceed.

CLINICS AND COACHING WITH CLAYTON FREDERICKS Clayton’s career highlights

FREDERICKS Equestrian International fredericksequestrian.com lisa@fredericksequestrian.com Lisa – 352-895-2144 clayton@fredericksequestrian.com Clayton – 352-299-3213

E TORBUTTON CTORBUTTONS .CO M V EVC S.C OM

IMPORTED QUALITY HORSES Book to try your dream horse today.

• FEI World Cup Champion 2005, 2008 • Individual silver and team bronze World Equestrian Games, Aachen (2006) • Winner Lexington Kentucky CCI4* (2007) • Team silver medal Hong Kong Olympic Games (2008) Clayton’s international coaching experience extends across all levels of the sport around the world. He regularly travels to teach in Germany, Australia, Hong

Kong, Canada and around the US. Many of his pupils have gone on to compete at the CCI 4* level.

You can book individual or group training sessions with him at his top-notch facility in Ocala, FL. If you can’t make it to Florida, you can host a clinic at your facility. Give riders in your area the chance to train with one of the world’s top riders. He is happy to teach all levels of riders in any discipline.

CONNECTING RIDERS WITH EXCEPTIONAL HORSES Results are the proof For over 15 years Clayton Fredericks and Eckart Siewert have been the source of numerous top horses and had the pleasure of watching them ride to victory, time and time again all over the world.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or an amateur seeking a quality mount, we have access to an abundance of European horses/ We can source one specifically for you, like we have for many clients, including the following:

• Leopin (Micheal Jung’s 4* Winner) • FBW Chico (Alex Hua Tian of China’s First Olympic Mount) • Bendigo (Winner 3*, Placed 4*, Clayton’s 2012 Olympic mount) • Catchascatchcan (Sarah Kozumplik Murphy) • RF Smoke on the Water (Marilyn Little’s “Superstar Event horse”) • Bentley’s Best (Jessica Phoenix’s winning CCI1* horse and rising star) • Chatwin (Frankie Thieriot) • and the list goes on....

We welcome the opportunity to work with you.

Magazine -2nd ad-1/2 page.indd 1

2015-02-11 1:53 PM

Full Horse Imaging Package Pricing Special

($3.75 per image)

$

79

Full-service Nutrena & Seminole dealer Premiere hay source, including; Alfalfa, Timothy and Bermuda Coastal Hay Proud sponsors of local horse shows, 4-H Groups, 2014-2015 George Morris Clinic, and the Chatt Hills International Horse Trials Delivery Service Available

Selective Imaging Pricing: 2-6 images $15/image, 8-21 images $12/image

thermscan.com Dayle Becker / dayle@thermscan.com / 678.516.5079

505 Georgia 85, Senoia, GA 30276 15

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Carolyn Haward FEI International Show Jumping Judge, Greece

taken for a

RIDE in GREECE PART SIX

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Royal Connections

16

ONE OF THE GREAT ADVANTAGES of being an international judge is the opportunity it presents for us to travel.

Not only that, but at the same time we can meet interesting new friends of various nationalities and also reconnect with old familiar faces, all of whom share a common love of horses and our sport. Most FEI judges are members of the ISJC, the International Show Jumping Officials Club, and we get together every year in a different city, usually in Europe ( Madrid last January), for our annual AGM and refresher courses, which cover a range of subjects from stewarding, veterinary issues, course designer objectives, incidents that have occurred at events, as well as a whole range of subjects that can be absorbed and discussed in detail. This keeps us updated with what’s happening in the competitive equestrian world and assures that, as officials, we all keep to the same standard of judging. Officials from places as far afield as Japan, Columbia, Estonia, Finland, the USA, Lebanon, Kuwait, to mention but a few, take the trouble to travel afar, and

at their own expense, to enjoy these few days of cooperation.

Later in the year, we meet many of these colleagues again in the Judges’ Box at competitions in other faraway places. However, occasionally a familiar face has jumped out at me just when I wasn’t expecting it and caught me unaware.

At the Athens Olympics in 2004, I was privileged to be on the stewarding team and one of the assistants to the Chief Steward, Paul Weier from Switzerland, who at that time was also the FEI Honorary Steward General. He is well known to most of us in the riding world for his achievements as an Olympic athlete in all three equestrian disciplines, and he is still a deeply respected Steward, Course Designer and FEI Instructor. One of my duties was to prepare the daily roster for the use of the schooling and warm up areas. Simple, eh? But it was sometimes more challenging than you would expect! One practice area turned out to be very popular among the riders and team leaders. We called it D4; in other words, this was the fourth warm up arena before the dressage arena (in those long gone days of copious flows of money, the Hellenic Organising Committee saw wise to construct TWO competition arenas, one for the dressage

“Could I have your name, please?”

“I’m the Chef d’ Équipe for the USA team.”

At this point, I became slightly more engaged with my visitor, “Yes?” “Please tell Paul it’s Mark Phillips,” he said, in a very soft voice.

At that, my widening eyes shot up to his face, realising my gaffe.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

“Yes, of course,” I responded, looking in his direction.

“Oh.......oh, of course.........sorry.”

I mean, here was a fellow Brit, a former member of the British Royal Family, ex- husband of Princess Anne who had been President of FEI for eight years!!! How foolish I felt as Mark Phillips left with a wry smile on his face.

My second royal encounter came a few years later in Ireland. I had kindly been invited to the Balmoral Show in Belfast. It was a mere CSI 2* event but it was extremely well organised and attended and part of very large agricultural show, sponsored by the royal family. Each year one member of that blue-blooded family honours the event with their presence. Who would it be that year? I wondered.

I shook the hand of His Royal Highness and made a miserable attempt at a curtsey. and another grass arena for the jumping, something never before, nor since, done. Anyway, this D4 practice area was in an elevated position, affording wonderful views over the whole venue and the local countryside. As such, it was the most popular for riders to be photographed by the press and for those pictures to be sent back home to be admired by each country’s equestrian fans. As a result, I spent quite a bit of time in the Stewards’ Office, situated under the stands of the main jumping arena, trying to assure a fair distribution of this plum practice ring for each team.

As usual, the equestrian games started with the three day eventing.

One morning, heading down and concentrating on playing fair (it felt more like chess sometimes) with this most popular practice arena, I was interrupted by a middle aged man standing in the doorway.

In front of us stood Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, graciously waving his hand to the spectators and nonchalantly smiling at the crowd of photographers, snapping away with their cameras. As we judges formed a line, the Prince turned towards us, then strode in our direction.

After a few introductions to the other members of the Ground Jury, the President of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society declared, “This is our Foreign Judge from Greece!” I shook the hand of His Royal Highness and made a miserable attempt at a curtsey. Then he asked me a few polite questions, whereby, hearing my very British accent, pointed in my direction and retorted, “This is a FOREIGN judge?”

“Oh, good morning,” I replied, glancing quickly up from my paperwork, “I’m not authorized to give permission. I shall have to ask Paul.”

“Oh. I understand. Please would you pass on my request to him?”

Those reporters captured the moment for posterity and I humbly include it in my article...enjoy!

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

“Excuse me,” he said politely, “Is it possible for us to lunge horses in one of the upper warm up areas? We find the footing in the special lunge rings by the stables rather deep.”

“Come on, put your blazer on, the royal guest has arrived. We are expected down in the arena right now,” announced Myrtle, President of the Ground Jury and a seasoned judge at this show. Down the steps of the Judges’ Box, I nervously made my way onto the fabulous grass footing of the arena while asking myself which illustrious member of the most famous family in Britain I was about to see close up.

17

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

As the saying goes, you have to crawl before you can walk. Every discipline has stages of training that help to develop the horse and rider together.

Western Dressage is no exception.

Cheryl Freda Pritchard

WESTERN DRESSAGE

the beginning levels

WESTERN

CURRENTLY, THERE ARE FIVE LEVELS of Training with four tests in each Level. Sequentially, each test will increase the skills needed by the horse and rider combination. The order of levels are: Introductory, Basic, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.

18

Introductory Level is the beginning for learning Western Dressage. This level does not require the horse and rider to lope. Harmony between horse and rider is the focus of this level. The gaits in Introductory Level include: The working walk, a four-beat active natural walk, excessive speed or slowness is a fault. The free walk is a relaxed walk with unconstrained forward strides and complete freedom to lower the head and stretch the back. The working jog is a two beat gait with forward motion. Excessive speed or slowness will be considered a fault. The working jog can be ridden either posting or sitting. In the halt, the horse should remain motionless and be straight and square. The horse should continue to maintain light contact on the bit.

Introductory Test 1 focuses on harmony between horse and rider. Smooth and willing transitions between the working jog and the working walk are key in this level. The horse is asked to halt and stand quietly. The rider is also asked to perform half of a 20 meter circle in the middle of the arena. They will be judged on correct placement of the circle, as well as the correct bend on the circle.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Introductory Test 2 will expand the working jog circle to 他 of a circle. This test also includes a longer free walk.

Introductory Test 3 expands the jog circle to be a full 20 meters. The horse and rider will also need to perform a jog across both long diagonals.

Introductory Test 4 introduces new movements. The first movement is a loop 5 meters off the side of the arena. This movement shows that the horse is willing to change bend in a straight line and also has correct balance. Test 4 introduces a 90 degree turn at the jog and walk.

This movement shows that the horse is balanced and has correct bend in the turn.

These turns are to the right and left, and are also executed at the walk.

Basic Level Test 3 introduces the Free Jog. A Free Jog is a jog that shows moderate lengthening of frame and stride. The neck should reach forward and downward without the nose being behind the vertical (which should be penalized).

The movements of the jog must remain balanced and clean. This can be ridden either sitting or posting. Basic Level Test 4 returns to a serpentine. This serpentine is done from quarter line to quarter line and shows even cadence and correct bend.

Willingness for the horse to change bend is demonstrated in this maneauver.

With the five levels of western dressage, starting at Introductory Level, the focus begins with harmony between horse and rider.

Basic Level Test 2 incorporates a serpentine at the jog as well as the previous elements.

The serpentine will show the balance of the horse, change of bend, willingness to move forward and be lightly guided.

Next time, we will be reviewing the next Levels (Level 1-3). More advanced moves such as turn on forehand, leg yield, turn on haunches, reinback and renvers are introduced in these levels.

WESTERN

The Basic Level tests are designed for horse and rider combinations that are starting to work on the lope. The working lope is a three beat gait that is slower than

a canter. Excessive speed or slowness must be penalized. The lope should be straight and balanced and have an even cadence. The impulsion should be from the hindquarters, with the front end being light. Basic Level Test 1 includes all of the items in the Introductory Level tests, as well as loping. Transitions into the working lope are from the working jog and then back to the working lope. The lope circles are 20 meters. The judges should be looking for even cadence and correct bend to the inside in the lope circles. Transitions should be smooth and not jerky, nor should the horse jump into the lope.

19

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Bill Harris Recently, a part-time stable employee was kicked by a horse and suffered a compound fracture to her leg. Because

HELP!

my stable employee is

HURT!

she was injured on the job and her employer did not provide Workers Compensation insurance, there were no funds to pay for her surgeries, physical therapy and months of lost wages.

Last week, a stable owner told me about a serious riding accident suffered by one of her employees. Lying in the arena and fearing for her future, the badly injured trainer despaired, “I don’t have insurance for this.” Fortunately, this employer was

WELLNESS

able to say, “Yes, you do!”

20

©Maureen Forman

If you pay anyone to work on your farm, you’ve thought about what might happen if your employee suffered a serious or catastrophic injury. “What if John hurts his back or rolls a tractor or gets kicked in the face? What if Sue is paralyzed?

What if Carlos is killed? What about their families?” You’ve heard about it happening at other places, and you wonder…

WOULD MY HOMEOWNER, UMBRELLA OR GENERAL LIABILITY POLICY RESPOND? Personal Liability and General Liability policies are designed to protect against Bodily Injury & Property Damage claims from third parties, but specifically exclude injury to your employees. The only insurance protection against employee injury is Workers Compensation.

WHAT IS WORKERS COMPENSATION? Workers Compensation is employer-paid insurance, and provides state-mandated medical and disability benefits for injury, incapacity or death sustained on the job by employees. Workers Compensation was developed as a compromise in which injured employees are assured of benefits, and employers are shielded against lawsuits from injured employees. Workers Compensation benefits apply without regard for who might have been at fault for the injuries.

WHY DOES MY FARM NEED WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE? There are three good reasons to provide Workers Compensation insurance for your farm employees: • Protect your employees from injury and financial ruin.

• Protect yourself from financial liability.

• Protect yourself from the State.

Protecting your Employees It’s no secret that working with or even near horses is dangerous, and that serious injury is always just a breath away. Your farm employees take good care of you, your horses and your customers, and you take pride in looking after them.

But what could you really do if one of your employee was badly injured, paralyzed or even killed? How could you compensate their families? Would you have the means to help, or the will to turn away?

Protecting yourself from financial liability If an employer provides Workers Compensation insurance, an injured employee must accept the statutory Workers Compensation benefits as

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

©Cahuilla Dressa ge

employer will have to fund his own defense and pay any jury award out of his own assets, because General Liability insurance specifically excludes injuries to employees.

Protecting yourself from the State Georgia law requires that any employer with three or more employees, whether full or part time, must provide Workers Compensation benefits. Corporate officers (and LLC members) count toward

If you have three or more employees, whether full or part time, Georgia law requires you provide Workers Compensation benefits. this three-employee minimum, so the threshold may be lower than it sounds. An employer who fails to maintain Workers Compensation insurance as required by law will be held responsible for employee injuries just as if Workers Compensation insurance was in place. In addition, a noncompliant employer may face civil penalties and attorney’s fees, and pay a 10% penalty in compensation to the injured employee.

WELLNESS

©Maureen Forman

the “sole remedy” for his injuries – and may not sue the employer regardless of fault. But in the absence of Workers Compensation insurance, an injured employee may sue his employer for the costs of medical treatment, rehabilitation and lost wages. If that happens, the

21

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

©Cahuilla Dressa ge

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: Do farm owners have to be covered by Workers Compensation insurance?

No. Sole proprietors, partners, corporate officers and LLC members may exclude themselves from Workers Compensation coverage. The reason is that business owners and officers may have other options to insure against work-related injuries that are not available to their employees.

Q: My farm operates as an LLC. At what point am I required to provide Workers Compensation?

LLC members (and corporate officers) are included in the three-employee eligibility calculation, even though they may opt out of coverage for themselves. An LLC with one member and one employee (1+1=2) is not required to provide Workers Compensation for its one farm employee, but an LLC with two members and one employee (2+1=3) must provide WC for its employee.

upon estimated payroll. Then at the end of the policy year, a payroll audit determines actual payroll and the final premium is settled accordingly.

Q: I treat my farm workers as independent contractors, not employees. Do they count?

Be careful! Simply calling someone an independent contractor does not make him one! If your workers use your equipment, work at your pleasure, on your schedule and under your direct supervision, it is likely that they are your employees and not independent contractors.

Q: Does an “agricultural exemption” apply to horse farm employees?

No, stables are not engaged in livestock production and are not exempt from Workers Compensation.

Q: How is the cost of Workers Compensation insurance determined?

The premium for Workers Compensation insurance based upon annual payroll for specific job types. At the beginning of the policy year, a deposit premium is based

Q: Is Workers Compensation insurance expensive?

Workers Compensation for horse farms is not cheap, and neither are horse-related injuries. Well managed, safety-conscious businesses enjoy the best rates, and good experience is strongly rewarded over time.

Q: How can I explore Workers Compensation for my horse farm?

The Workers Compensation market for horse farms is limited due to the catastrophic nature of stable operations.

An experienced and knowledgeable risk advisor can help design a plan to protect your valued employees and your business.

Bill Harris is a Risk Advisor with The Harbin Agency, Inc., an independent insurance agency with major specialties in Equine Mortality and Farms as well as Commercial, Personal and Life & Health insurance. Bill can be reached at billh@ harbingency.com.

WELLNESS

Q: I am a Sole Proprietorship. When am I required to provide Workers Compensation for my employees?

Sole Proprietors (and business Partners) are not counted toward the Workers Compensation threshold. A sole proprietorship with two employees (0+2=2) is not legally required to provide coverage for its two employees, nor is a partnership with two employees (0+2=2).

But a sole proprietorship or partnership with three employees (0+3=3) must provide Workers Compensation benefits to its employees.

Q: Am I eligible to provide Workers Compensation if I have fewer than three employees?

Yes, and we encourage you to consider Workers Compensation insurance for the sake of your valued employees and your own financial protection.

22 ©Maureen Forman

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

when you’ve FALLEN and you CAN’T GET UP

Penny Morse

WHEN COURTNEY KING DYE had a fall which caused a serious brain injury, helmets became more popular while schooling at home. In the last few years, I have had friends who fell while schooling alone at home. Even with

I can’t get up’. There had to be something similar. A friend in Florida put me in touch with IceDot. This device is made primarily for people who go out on racing bikes, but is perfect for the equestrian world. The company is small, however

a helmet, they were still hurt, and were both unconscious until someone realized they were ‘missing’. The excuses are, “if I had to wait until someone was around, I would never ride. My horse always looks after me. I have my cell phone if I need help.” Sadly, accidents happen, and they also happen when the other half is at home, but is busy ‘doing something,’ and does not think to check on you.

Over the years we have all ridden alone, and thought nothing of it, until the unfortunate happens.

they are extremely good at getting back to you, and they are knowledgeable about their product. After convincing them I was not one of those people trying to get something for nothing, they were more than happy to send me an IceDot to try.

WELLNESS

I asked several riders their opinion. Most have a cell phone and use it to keep a friend informed as to what they are doing, or plan to dial 911 if something should happen. I kept thinking about the commercial, ‘I’ve fallen and

You do need cell service as it does require you to have their App on your phone for it to work. The good news is that it works. If you fall, and you do not turn off the alarm, it sends a text to designated people. It is $99.00 and worth every penny. Accidents happen, that will never change, but now, if you lose consciousness or time is crucial to get you to a hospital, you have a much better chance of getting help quickly. You can find out about IceDot at site.icedot.org or call 918.592.3722. Tell them I sent you! You will not be sorry!

23

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

balancing act

©Cheryl Oxenburg

the

can you really have it all?

WELLNESS

OVER THE PAST YEAR, we have seen many of our riders and trainers step into that world of motherhood. They have gone from a pretty busy life of working, training, teaching and competing, and they added in a ‘family.’ It is a natural process for most of us, but the question still remains, can you have it all, and what are the sacrifices.

24

I asked one such person how life was now that she had added a baby to her family. Her husband has always been very supportive in her career and her passion for training, teaching and competing, so she is very fortunate in those areas, and luckily he took to fatherhood like a duck to water. Add in grandparents to help with babysitting and life can pretty much go on the same as before. For her, this arrangement has worked out perfectly. But as we are all aware, life is not perfect. As someone who had a baby myself and went back to work after six weeks maternity leave,

Penny Morse

there were no breaks for a working Mom. You still had to keep the same standard of work and be available when they needed you, plus be ‘Mom’.

Horses in training need time. Students require lessons, and young horses require even more time. So, what is the real cost of continuing with a lifestyle that lends itself to someone with a somewhat flexible schedule, when a new member of the family enters the picture?

I consulted with Dr. Carole Lieberman, MD, and her opinion of the subject was most interesting. Her concerns were serious, noting it was not just about the mother, but primarily the child and everyone else concerned. For example; every individual has priorities, and as much as we may ask them for help and we have t realize that they are not always available. We must respect that they have the right to say, ‘I cannot help this time.’ To put it in layman’s terms, ‘don’t

push your luck’. Every friend or relative, however willing and wonderful they may be, will get to a point when babysitting for you, that one time, is just not convenient.

Everyone is entitled to something they want to do, so do not let your ‘passion’ prevent them from living their dreams.

Helpful husbands are a gift from God! There are many husbands that stay home and take care of the family, while Mom takes on the job of provider. However, that does not mean that you cannot have quality time with your child together.

Family time is important. It means playing together, going to the park, going to eat anything as long as it is together. It is also important for Dad to have his ‘time’ too. It may be playing golf; it may be hunting and fishing, whatever it may be, make sure he has his time, to let off his steam.

With Dr. Lieberman’s help, I am able to make certain suggestions so that you can have a more pleasant and less stressful horse life, and more importantly your child will be happier.

1. Make your child #1. Remember your child is your number one priority, and

you are theirs. However much they love other relatives, you are their #1. Spend as much time as you can with them, and they really are not interested in the quality of the time, they just want you there as much as possible. When they reach thirteen years old, you can happily let them go their room... (and in my experience they should stay there till they are twenty one), so you and everyone else can have a stress-free existence.

2. Make sacrifices. If you both need to work full time to afford the standard of living you have become accustomed to, then consider downsizing. A smaller house means less cleaning and lower expenses.

There is a reason that as people get older, they choose to downsize! Revaluate working towards the things you all love, and gradually minimize the things you do, as a means to an end. When you are in the horse business, you must calculate if everything you do is profitable, just like any other business person.

3. Get good help if you need it. If you earn a good income, do you have enough disposable money to pay for help? An extra pair of skilled hands will enable you

Just because you like to horseshow doesn’t mean it’s fun for your child – an iPad is not a substitute for you!

ngster ©Keirsten Sa

4. Let your child have their own hobbies. They may not have the same passion as you, so be prepared in later years to spend a few hours watching that soccer game or softball game, rather than competing in a Horse Show.

5. Keep your partner happy too. Try to to set aside 30 minutes every day to chat with your husband over a glass of wine in the evening or a cup of coffee in the morning. As adults, you understand quality time and appreciate it, whereas your child hasn’t yet reached that stage in life.

The bottom line is, unless you have the staff and the resources of the Royal Family, you are going to have to make changes and realize that the statement ‘you can have it all’ was nothing but fiction, written back in the 1980’s. There are going to be many sacrifices on your part, but that is what parenthood is about. If you think it will get easier as they get older, get that idea out of your head right now! Chasing a three year old child around a horse show is nothing short of running a marathon in the midday sun, and having no idea of which direction to take. The sooner you accept life will never be the same, and reevaluate your lifestyle, the faster you will begin to live a more content and satisfying existence and believe it or not, it is all worth it!

WELLNESS

to continue your love of the business, without taking away time from your child and adding to your stress and to theirs.

If you are not making money, reevaluate what you are doing so you can. How many horses do you need? If you have some that are not earning their keep, then move them. Even if you do not make a lot of money on a sale, you have reduced your monthly outgoings, which puts you one step forward to a more controlled lifestyle.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

©Keirsten Sangste r

25

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

to own or

NOT TO OWN that is the question

Penny Morse

WELLNESS

With respect to Shakespeare, I hear this at least once a month, and more often than not, I shake my head and say, ‘don’t do it’.

There so many reasons for having your own farm. ‘It has been a lifelong dream, I have 2 horses, and the board payment pays the mortgage.’ I could go on. We can justify anything, if we want to.

26

Let’s say you have purchased this wonderful property. The beautiful 6 stall barn is there, with tack room, wash rack, hot and cold water, 15 acres and a pond. The fences are just perfect. All boards, no wire here. There are a few things that need mantenance, like adding an arena, but all that will come in time. This is going to be the best experience ever.

Your barn owner brings your horse home, as you have never had to own a trailer before. Put that on the list, but you have friends with trailers if you need to go anywhere. Your horse runs around like a possessed banshee, but eventually settles down and starts to munch.

The water trough is full, the gate is closed, and you can go to the house and look out of the window while you drink your coffee. All is right with the world until you look up and your horse is trotting past the window. He felt like exploring his new home. You put ‘horse’ back in his luxury paddock only to realize one of those boards was not as strong as you thought. He leaned over, and the board went with him. He stepped over the rest, and off he went.

you have horses, the Department of Agriculture wants your money!

Depending on the number of horses you have will determine the cost.

Arena - They are expensive, it is time consuming due to the stages of the process, and they need upkeep. Once you have an arena, you will need an ATV, a drag, rake and shovel.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

The question is, do you really know what is involved and the sacrifices and costs you will have to endure, should you proceed?

If you are a typical boarder that pops in, rides your horse, loves on him, chats with the other boarders, and then leaves, you really have no idea how much work goes into running a barn. I suggest you spend one day, each week for a month, and experience this heavenly life that you have dreamed of for so long.

Fences - Horses are talented in many ways, for example, they can destroy a fence in the wink of an eye! They are also good at leaning on them, which added to some rain and rather soft ground, and you will be not only replacing boards, but also replacing posts. Painted boards look great when they are first done, however get dirty fast.

I seriously recommend staining your fence boards. I have white fences at the front of my farm, and ‘he who knew better’, regrets that decision every two years! You cannot paint or stain wood until it has dried, so if you replace, you will not be making it match the rest immediately.

Shavings - Do not run down to the local cabinet shop and get his shavings. The wood they sometimes use has chemicals in it which is toxic to horses. You can buy shavings by the bag, or the load,

All is right with the world until you look up and your horse is trotting past the window.

I could write stories like this for hours: some funny, some infuriating. You come to realize that no one could possibly make this up. So, for those still on the fence, here are a few things you need to consider:

Barn License - If you own a barn, you accept any money and

WELLNESS

Insurance - You must have farm and liability insurance. This is a separate policy from your homeowners insurance. Even if you are a private barn, you never know who will visit, and you always want barn and equipment covered. Accidents do happen. If you decide to let a friend board, to help with the costs, you must add that to the policy. That generic form you have people sign, making you not liable for any injury incurred at your establishment, is not worth the paper that it is written on. It doesn’t protect you.

27

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

which is more economical. Shavings need to be stored in a dry place, unless you use them rapidly, if you have a large number of stalls being used every day.

Hay - You still need hay, even though you have those wonderful pastures. You can buy from your feed store, but if you are thinking of getting enough at the end of the summer to last through the year, I suggest you buy directly from the field. Make sure you have a dry place to keep it, and calculate how many bales you will need. The hay man likes cash or check; this is not a credit card deal!

Water - I prefer city water to well water.

Wells are great till they go wrong or dry up. Remember, if you leave the city water running, you are running up your bill!

Pipes - Pipes can freeze in the winter if it gets really cold. This means turning the water off before it freezes every evening, and draining the pipes. Make sure all the water troughs are full because if it is a very cold

winter, you may not be filling them for a couple of days.

fee. No longer split between boarders, you will be responsible for the full amount.

Hoses - The life expectancy of a water hose is brief. It seems to be increasingly accident prone as the days go by. Always have the repair tape and extra ends handy.

It is not all bad owning your own farm.

That being said, it is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. Trips are no longer spontaneous, they must be planned.

There is no staying away longer than originally anticipated, and you will be in the barn all weathers.

At this point, if you haven’t already, you will have purchased just about every power tool known to man, and know how to use them.

Waiting for your husband to come home is not always an option. I suggest a revolving credit card with Home Depot or Lowes.

Now suppose you want to take a vacation.

You have to make sure there is someone there twice a day to feed, and if anything breaks, they have the skill or common sense to fix it. Those people are sometimes hard to find. Don’t forget you will be paying them for their time.

Remember, when the vet or the farrier comes, you must be there, and if you are not, they will leave! There will be the trip

I did not touch the subject of building a barn. From personal experience, have a plan and try to stick to it. Calculate your budget and be prepared to double it. It is a barn, and you will always find something else you need! Get your building permits. Find a good framer, and if you can finish it yourself, you will save a lot of money. If not, get bids and be careful to make sure everything you want is on the list. Surprises can be expensive!

Everything in life has a price, or a compromise. If you are comfortable with that, you will love owning your own farm!

in loving memory of

Dr. John Harsch John was the loving and devoted husband to Mary Carol Harsch and friend to so many in the horse community, cycling community and in his thriving medical practice. He was always a huge supporter of his wife’s passions – her ponies, foxhunting and eventing.

WELLNESS

John’s kindness, generosity and

28

competitive spirit will always be remembered.

He truly made the world a better place.

29

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Amber Spiler

Silly Gil It's me Gil, aka cutest pony in the world. It's cold and rainy now so I'm camped out under the trees munching on what's left of a few leaves. This is really not that unusual for me, as I spend most of my days playing giraffe. I have acres of grass but much prefer the trees. Mostly because I don't have to work too hard to get to them.

It’s early morning here but I can already hear the jingling of Puck, the Jack Russell Terrier Mutt’s collar. I’m sure he’s going to try to get me into some sort of trouble today but I will resist. I will just stand here under my trees….

“Gil! Gil! Gil!” he always calls me three times. Like I can’t hear.

“I have an idea!” Oh no. Here we go.

“Your little girl accidentally left the barn door unlocked and I think that we should explore the inside of the barn today!”

That’s a boring idea. Who cares about the inside the old barn. There’s nothing but bridles, saddles, tack trunks and odds and ends.

“Gil! That’s where they keep the cat!” And the cat. I’m not really interested in the cat so I turn my back to the little mutt to give him the hint. Today, I will not get in trouble.

KIDS’ CORNER

“Gil! I hear that’s where they keep the horse feed too!”

30

Ears are perked now. Feed? Feed! That is my favorite thing about the humans. They bring us feed. And not the boring pellets. They give us the yummy, ooey, gooey, molasses filled sweet feed! Okay. I’m game. Puck the mutt

I blink as my eyes adjust to the darkness.

I don’t see anything that even vaguely resembles sweet feed. But that smell…I smell it. Mmmm. Molasses. I follow my nose to a large garbage can. Yep. It’s in there. I can tell. But how do I get into this can. It has a lid that seems to be locked on tight. I push the can over. Nothing. That lid stays fixed in place. I roll the can around a bit.

“Shhh.” Puck is now exploring every corner of the barn no doubt trying to find the cat.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

is getting good at opening gates. He hops and hops until the rope is over the…yep.

It’s unhooked and off we go. We approach the barn cautiously. Puck is ever aware of the elusive keeper of the barn: the Cat. She is a sneaky and an intense hunter. She is the ever vigilant guardian of the barn. And let’s not forget… she is twice the size of Puck so he has to be a bit careful. The door creaks as I push it with my whiskery nose.

It swings open without any resistance. A sure sign that we were destined to be here today. It’s dark but I can smell the musky scent of the leather. I spot a row of crops and quietly make a mental note to hide them all before I leave today. Puck is walking slowly, creeping up behind my tail so that he is barely visible in the dim lighting.

I can see spiderwebs stuck in his whiskers. I put my front hoof on the can and paw. Nope. Still on. I see another can. Maybe this one will be easier?

I step over the can that I have been trying to open and start to push the other one over.

“AAAAHHHH!!!! CAT!!”

A ball of fur leaps up from behind the second can and hisses and spits, as we have actually caught her off guard! I tumble back over the can and fall on my rump in surprise as the furball runs past me and out the barn door. Puck leaps over the cans and starts howling at the top of his lungs. He is instantly in hot pursuit and all I see is a Jack Russell Terrier Mutt streak as he high tails it after her.

As I pick myself up and look around I notice something. Yep. The feed has freed itself from the offensive can. I can finally dine on as much sweet feed as my little heart desires. Just as I lower my head and breathe in the sticky smell I hear a familiar noise.

be very painful, but it can be very dangerous.” Hmm. Danger isn’t fun.

“We would have to call the vet. He would give you shots.” I hate shots. They have to hold my lip to give me shots.

“I could even lose you Gil.” Well. Maybe it wouldn’t be worth it.

“Gil!” It’s my girl.

“What in the world are you doing in the barn?” Duh. I’m about to gorge myself on deliciousness.

“Gil, do you realize that we keep this feed locked up for a reason?”

Uh, dumb rule. And I believe it was unlocked when I got here.

“When ponies get tummy aches we call it colic and it can not only

“I don’t understand how you get into so much trouble you silly pony?” I could still hear the howling of the real trouble maker as he was still chasing the every-angry barn cat. She led me back into the field and removed my halter, and then walked out of the gate and securing it… for now.

“It’s a good thing you are the cutest pony in the world.” She smiled and led me under my trees so I could happily munch on my leaves.

SHORT STIRRUPS

“If you were to eat all of this in one sitting you would have a terrible tummy ache.” Worth it.

I took a deep breath as my girl put a halter on me and led me out of the barn. She rubbed my face as she walked me back to my pasture.

31

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Emma Keller

teen STYLE Equestrian clothing for the under–18s!

SPRING IS HERE, and that means competition time! We can’t always compete, but we do like to go watch and often help our friends who are competing. We love to watch all the fantastic riders dance in the sandbox, speed around cross country, and soar in the stadium. Meeting the riders is a big part of the excitement, am I right? When you finally get to meet your idol, looking like a slob, (no matter the weather) is just not an option.

The secret of being in style is being comfortable at the Horse Show, and then going on out to a nice restaurant or shopping, without changing clothes. We have all been given the ‘look’ at some time, but with these outfits, you will be comfortable and stylish wherever you go! Have a great time at all the events this season whether you are competing, helping or watching. Be assured, follow these wardrobe suggestions, and you will be comfortable and look great! See you next time!

PERFECT PAIRINGS Ball caps are a safe bet whether it is raining or sunny! My personal favorite is my Chatt Hills Cap, but here is a great hat from Dover, paired with a v-neck t-shirt from Smartpak. Pull on your favorite pair of jeans, and add the classic Ariat Jacket.

Hat (Dover X1-32425), Ariat Jacket (Dover X140732), T-Shirt (Smartpak 22451)

It’s ALL about the jackets!

Ponchos and rain jackets are a must! They can be used throughout the year for any occasion, hacking out your horse, walking cross country, or just going out. Just because something is useful, it should still look stylish. My favorites for this year are all from HorseLoverZ.com

SHORT STIRRUPS

Horseware Platinum Ladies’ Lea Waterproof Jacket #200-448283, Outback Trading Pak-a-Roo Paddock Jacket #200-224384, Equine Couture Nautical Rainshell Jacket #200-224440

32

...and the BOOTS!

You have to have the boots! These can vary in price and quality, so for a good quality and a reasonable price I like Dublin Tall River Boots from Dover in Brown or Black.

(X1-38762)

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Amber Spiler

junior riders

sophie joseph MY NAME IS SOPHIE JOSEPH and my horse is Who Dat but his barn name is Dusty. He is an eight year old Palomino Walking Horse, and I’ve had him for three years. Dusty was malnourished and abandoned when my uncle rescued him. It took him two years to recover, and shortly after that I got him.

Competing Dusty has taken blood, sweat and tears but it has been totally worth it. We are competitive Eventers and we are about to start the Novice division this season. We both LOVE Cross Country and everything about it. The gear, the jumps, the conditioning, the water, the outfit…Everything!

The fact that Dusty is a Walking Horse has made Eventing a little more challenging. Dressage is definitely our hardest phase. My talented coach, Susan Thomas, has helped us through everything.

I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without Susan. She is driven and strict however she is fun and positive. Not to mention she is one of the most talented riders around.

My future dreams for Dusty include Pony Club Showjumping Championships this summer and moving up to Novice level Eventing.

sydney lee

If you would like to be featured in our ‘Meet our Junior Riders’ section, email a short description of yourself, your horse and two hi-res photographs to designonpenny@yahoo.com.

SHORT STIRRUPS

MY NAME IS SYDNEY LEE and my horse is a Mustang named Sweet Georgia Brown, otherwise known as Trouble. I’ve always wanted to ride since the age of two but my parents decided that six was a better age. On my sixth birthday, I blew out my candles and made my wish to ride horses and have been riding ever since. For about 10 years, I trained in Hunter/Jumpers but recently started training in Eventing. I’ve been training with Lauren Turner at River Birch Farm for several months, and have learned so much and enjoy every moment of it.

Lauren also helped my dream of owning a horse come true with Trouble. My future goals are to continue progressing with my riding and to help teach others.

33

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

TWENTY YEARS, TWO DECADES, or 7,300 days – no matter how you measure it, 20 years is a significant span in the life of a person, a relationship, or a business. Have you ever considered the lifespan of a facility, especially one that’s hosted the largest and most prestigious sporting event in the world and continues to contribute to its local

LOCAL NEWS

economy and boasts an impressive calendar of events to residents and visitors? The

34

Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia, is such a facility that is a product of the 1996 Olympic Games and is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2016.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

A facility “Groomed for Greatness,” the Georgia International Horse Park (GIHP, or as it’s known among locals, the Horse Park), came from humble beginnings when in the late 1980s, city of Conyers officials were looking for alternative methods of wastewater disposal for its water and wastewater system through a process called land application. The sanitary land application process was intended for use on a 1,400 acre tract of land and due to the expense of the property, officials began researching additional uses for the property. One such suggestion for the property was for recreational purposes and equestrian facilities were suggested. Perhaps the stars aligned or spirits of Indians that once roamed the land in northern Conyers approved, but after Atlanta was awarded the 1996 Olympic Games in September 1990, an equestrian task force was formed and made a proposal to the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games to host the equestrian events at a facility to be named the Georgia International Horse Park.

On October 21, 1991, the dream became a reality and the Georgia International Horse Park was born. Construction commenced and the GIHP officially opened in the summer of 1995 prior to the Olympic competitions hosted at the Park in the summer of 1996: the first ever mountain biking competition, final two events of

the modern pentathlon and the equestrian events that included dressage, stadium jumping and the three day event.

Fast forward to today and the Georgia International Horse Park has come a substantial way in 20 years. The facility is a horse lover’s dream to show where

The GIHP is a significant economic driver and tourism attraction for Conyers, hosting over 200 events annually.

LOCAL NEWS

Opposite left page: A drone captures an arial photo of the GIHP. Far above: Trails are open and available.

Above: Mountain bikers continue to make this a popular destination. Left: The very popular Ragnar Trail Relay.

35

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Ribbon ceremony for winners at a recent Good Horseman show at GIHP

© JLM Equine Photography

champions have medaled beneath the lights in the Grand Prix Stadium with permanent seating for 8,000. The Charles Walker Covered Arena and 10 auxiliary arenas are popular for shows of all sizes and breeds (dog and llama shows have made the GIHP their home for many years, so it’s not just for horses!). Long known as the “Ritz Carlton of barns,” the GIHP’s stable complex has 690 stalls. Outside of the “equine core” of the Park are spacious areas like the Glen and Steeplechase, perfect for obstacle course races, cross-country meets, mountain bike competitions, festivals and more.

LOCAL NEWS

As the GIHP readies for its 20th season that features over 200 events annually, city of Conyers Chief Operating Officer David Spann reflects on what the facility means to the community.

36

“I served as law enforcement venue commander at the Horse Park during the 1996 Games and the facility has really come into its own since the Olympics put Conyers on the map,” said Spann. “The staff, wellmaintained facilities, and proximity to Atlanta keeps the Georgia International Horse Park top of mind for promoters.”

Comfort and convenience are key to visitors to the GIHP. Over 140 RV spaces

are available for rent, Hawthorn Suites Golf Resort Hotel is adjacent to nearby Cherokee Run Golf Club and concessions are available on-site during horse shows and events thanks to Atlanta’s premiere catering and concessionaire provider, Proof of the Pudding.

Recreation enthusiasts love the GIHP. Fifteen miles of horse trails and eight miles of mountain biking trails, the 173acre Big Haynes Creek Nature Center, and the Rockdale County Master Gardenersmaintained arboretum provide endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Cherokee Run Golf Club, an Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole course, is located just west of the GIHP and is a challenge for golfers of all abilities.

The GIHP is a significant economic driver and tourism attraction for Conyers, the sole municipality in Rockdale County, Georgia’s second smallest county. According to figures recently released by the Travel Association of America (TAA), tourists spent $126 million in Conyers and Rockdale County in fiscal year 2014.

Hollywood has discovered the GIHP in recent years with the rolling and varied terrain of the land attractive to many

film productions. Movies and television shows have transformed the GIHP into battlefields, a murky swamp, a rollicking concert, and most obviously, a competitive equestrian venue. The entertainment industry has been a friend of the Park and in its early days, it hosted such notable artists as Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Alabama, the Allman Brothers Band, Foo Fighters and Hank Williams, Jr. “The number of events hosted annually multiplied by the participants, the amount they spend to stay in local hotels, put gas in their vehicles, eat in our restaurants—the figure is easily in the millions range in terms of economic impact that the Horse Park alone has on this community,” said Conyers Convention and Visitors Bureau Tourism Specialist Teri Haler.

“As one of very few remaining Olympic venues still operating for the purpose it was intended, we’re excited at the prospect of what the next 20 years will bring,” said Georgia International Horse Park Director Jennifer Bexley.

For more information on the Georgia International Horse Park, visit their website georgiahorsepark.com and interact socially on Facebook and Twitter, @GaIntlHorsePark.

Victoria Volunteer

VOLUNTEER

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

musings of a

I love to volunteer at shows! I am an Eventer and I know that I learn a ton by watching and listening. I love to watch all levels of riders: the first-timers full of nerves who just want to get it done and over with, the young riders who just want to get to the jumping phase and the Pros riding the upper levels who know how to do things with their horses that I can only dream about.

And I am especially proud of the Senior Riders who are doing this just because they can!

I am typically assigned as the Dressage Ring Steward for either the Schooling or Recognized shows. It’s my pleasure to queue up riders as their ride time approaches. Make sure they know which ring to go to and what bell or whistle sound to listen for. I’ll fix a bridle keeper, pat a horse, calm a rider and ask a parent to step aside if needed.

horse. Who do you show that I am supposed to be on?”

When they come out of the ring, I always try to tell them, “You did Great!”; “Good Job!”; or “Nice Ride!” even though I probably did not see all of the actual test. Some Riders come out smiling, or indifferent, or hopeful, or crying but I figure a kind word would be appreciated no matter how they felt about their ride.

#7. At least once a show: “Ouch! Your horse just stepped on my toe!”

Being at the gate on the ground does give me an interesting perspective, and I thought I’d share the Top 10 Things I have heard:

#8. At Schooling shows lots of these: “Excuse me, Mom! No you cannot go into the ring with her. There’s a really good spot on the hill over there where you can get your pictures!”

#6. I really did hear a Trainer say, “If you don’t get your test right I am going to kill you!” #5. And I heard a Rider say this one,“If I don’t get this test right I am going to die!”

#9. I had a Pro ask me: “I am sure this is my ride time – I am just not sure that it’s this

#3. And a few of these: “Where’s your number?”

And the #1 best thing that I hear is: “Thank you for volunteering today!”

You Riders have just made my day! I hear this from amateurs, young riders, professionals, and trainers alike. Those simple yet sincere words mean a lot to me.

I hope that in some way I have made your ride today a tad bit better too! I’ll be sure to remember to say that to the next Volunteer that sends me out when it’s my turn. How about you?

LOCAL NEWS

#10. I always have several Riders ask me about the test they are to ride. “No, I am sorry, I don’t know the test you are riding.

Here’s my phone with the App. Want to see if you can learn it in the next 2 minutes!”

#4. All too often: “Wow, you and your horse look great! I can see that you spent hours on bathing, braiding, grooming, polishing and cleaning your horse and tack! What? Mom did that?” Lucky you!

#2. Always an assortment of these: “When do I ride again?” or “What test am I supposed to do again?” or “I only have 30 seconds before my ride time. I’m not ready yet.”

37

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Tired of spending money on equine products that just don’t, well... WORK? We are too.

That’s why we created this new section dedicated to showing you the stuff that actually does. Our selections are based on what we’ve found through our own experience to far exceed the competition! It’s easy to get caught up in hype and the newest trends, but if you’re truly looking for what works, read on!

Heidi Caldwell

LOCAL NEWS

1. KL Select Pebble Grip Reins

38

2. Horse Quencher

Traditionally, I have never liked rubber reins - the stiffness, the texture, just about everything about them. So, I’ve always used rubber-lined leather reins instead. That is, until my trainer bought a pair of these while we were at a show in Tryon. Once I felt them in the store, I simply had to try them for myself. The pebble grip rubber reins made by KL Select (Red Barn) are the softest, most flexible and comfortable reins I have ever used. You can go gloveless and still love the way these feel in your hands. In a freak downpour, these did not slip and the grip was superb! My sneaky

With a wet winter and early spring, the horses have spent an unusual amount of time in their stalls. My horses like to play a fun little game they call “Camel” with me. It goes like this...

Don’t drink anything out of your water bucket overnight. Resist it, at all costs, even if it’s super clean and looks refreshing.

mare who can take back rein ever so sweetly without me even noticing - FOILED! They are 3/4” in width, which is perfect for eventers or dressage riders. Possibly too much grip for a double bridle, however. They come in full (54”) and XL (60”) and are available in brown or black. Both types of ends - hook stud and buckles - are available for the horse sizes. They also have pony size (48”) in brown available with hook stud ends.

Available at klselect.com and locally at Atlanta Saddlery. These reins retail at $130.

Well, their little game designed to freak mom out, is no more.

Horse Quencher is a product I will always have in my barn no matter what the season. It simply is irresistible to horses as a way to encourage them to drink. We all know water intake is imperative to digestion and cuts down on the risk of dehydration and impaction colics. This gets them motivated to drink. Horse Quencher is a mix of all natural grains and flavorings that you dissolve in their water buckets. It “stews” for a little while, then it’s ready to serve. The aroma is delicious, and my horses will suck down a whole bucket in just a few minutes. When they are finished with their “special” bucket, they often will continue on to the plain water as well. It comes in a several flavors: butterscotch, apple, root beer and peppermint. Horse Quencher is available at horsequencher.com, many tack and feed stores and online equine health retailers. You can get it in small single-serve packets

3. SheFit Sports Bra Time to rejoice! I have discovered a new bra that is sure to be a hit for female equestrians, no matter how endowed you may or may not be. Many of us know the pain and aggravation with finding a good bra to support “the girls.” I’m sure I speak to many when I ask, who here hasn’t double-bra’d upon occassion to create a more supportive feel, especially in the show ring? Nothing is more distracting than seeimg things that shouldn’t be bouncing, bounce.

I tried this bra in a few activities (riding, spin class and jogging) and am absolutely sold. It is super comfortable and it lives up to it’s claim of high level support along with compression. Riding in it has been a real game-changer, and I feel more solid in the torso and back.

SheFit is the only fully-customizable sports bra on the market that will let you adjust the shoulder strap and bust band to suit your fit and your type workout, whether riding or doing another cardio/ impact exercise. And by customizable, I mean really! If you gain or lose weight, you’re covered by a few inches without

having to buy a new bra! The back is adjusted by large strong velcro to allow maximum tightening to a level you are comfortable with. The shoulder straps are adjustable and accessible (key!) via velcro as well. The front has a strong zipper closure and removeable pads. You can choose between X-Back & H-Back shoulder strap configuration.

If it is sounding a bit familiar, perhaps you saw this on ABC’s popular show, “Shark Tank.” It aired at the end of January and since then they have been sold out. However by the time this issue is released, they should be widely available again on their website, shefit.com. It is available in pink, aqua and black and retails for $59.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

(perfect while traveling to shows), 3.5 lb bags and larger tubs for a whole barn of camels. Retail $2.50 - $64.95.

4. StripHair Shedding System

LOCAL NEWS

It’s that dredded time of year... or is it? This has to be the coolest shedding product I have ever used.

The StripHair shedding block is a machine and makes shedding actually fun (and a bit addictive!) Such little effort and the hair just comes off – in huge amounts. It will look like a shetland pony has died and is lying on the barn floor after one session with this. This is a gentle grooming method, and even my ultra-sensitive chestnut mare loves it. There are no harsh blades or tines, absolutely nothing to damage the coat or harm the skin and using it actually improves the condition and quality of both. In past shedding seasons, I went through about 8-10 of those slick blocks that are cheap and widely available. However, they always broke quickly, never did the legs or small areas without my horses being irritated and had to be roughened up constantly on an edge to keep working. Once I tried this, I can never go back to any other shedding method. It may seem a bit pricey, but I think they are worth the invstment since they don’t wear out or break. They also make a product called the StripHair Saddle Pad Saver. It is also a block of same material that takes all the hair off your pads in the same effective manner. To see these products in action, check out their videos on their facebook channel, StripHair. The complete kit retails for $48 and the StripHair Saddle Pad Saver is $16.

39

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

picnic and

POLO

Jenny Kepano

The best tailgating party in town

LOCAL NEWS

THE FALCONS MAY THINK they’re the best game in town when it comes to tailgating, but Union Hill Polo Club knows how to throw a pretty good party out of the backs of their cars.

What better way to spend an afternoon than watching a game of polo, and mingling with the polo players? The history of polo is quite fascinating, a game played by Persian Noblemen as early as 500 B.C. The Indian Army introduced polo to nineteenth century British Cavalry Officers, and with much refining, the game became an amateur sport for the British Aristocracy.

40

James Gordon Bennet imported the game to the United States from England, and held the first polo match on U.S. soil in 1876. From 1900 to 1936, polo was an Olympic sport, and then officially dropped from the Olympic Games in 1936. However, by the 1930’s crowds in excess of 30.000 regularly attended International Polo matches at Meadowbrook Polo Club on Long Island. In the 1960’s Polo Clubs grew to include California, Texas and Florida, and let us not forget in 1993, when Ralph Lauren introduced his Polo Line of clothing into everyone’s wardrobe.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

It resembles field hockey, played on horseback, with a long-handled mallet and a wooden ball.

There are four players on each team. They play on a field 300 yards long and 160 yards wide.

A game lasts about two hours, divided into six timed periods called Chukkas. Most average Americans think Polo is only played in England or Boca Raton, where only the rich can participate. Ironically, Polo is becoming a game for most anyone. Here in Atlanta, there are 5 clubs. Some players have dozens of horses and patrons, while others have one or two horses.

It can be played by people from all socioeconomic areas. The beauty of UHP is that we are all welcomed to play.

The club was founded in 2010. It is located on 26 acres of land, near the border of Alpharetta and Canton, Georgia. Owned and operated

by Dr. Eric Steenlage, a local Orthopedic Surgeon. The club’s goal is to provide fast and slow, competitive yet fun polo in a pleasant social environment. The club offers arena polo in the winter months and field polo in the spring summer and fall. Admission is free to the public. Bring your friends and family, come out and tailgate on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Corporate and Charity events are also offered at Union Hill Polo Club. The facility can handle large tents and/or a big crowd. There is a club house with various decks surrounding the field as well.

LOCAL NEWS

In addition to events, the club also offers lessons to anyone, even if they have never ridden a horse before. So, regardless of your age, if you want to learn how to hit a ball while riding a horse, UHP will you get you there!

For more information on Union Hill Polo Club, you can visit our website at unionhillpolo@ gmail.com or call Jenny Kepano, Director of events 770.712.5541.

41

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Spring is here!

We change our wardrobe, our activities, and even our meals - why not rethink the wine we are drinking?

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

think

42

PINK

Tatiana Valentine

IT’S TRUE, SOME PEOPLE TEND to just drink the same wines year after year, because it’s just what they like and that’s perfectly ok. However, don’t cut yourself short, there are so many wines to enjoy, and the changing seasons give us an opportunity to explore different ones. This spring think light and highly enjoyable - the type of wine you want to share among friends on a sunny afternoon. Think picnics, walks in the park, and your first cookout of the year. Forget big, boozy and heavy, instead choose fresh, fruit forward, and easygoing. To point you in the right direction, here are some wine suggestions all under $20:

Think Pink!

Rosé season is here! So before I go on about how amazing and versatile Rosé wine is, it may be appropriate to set some things straight about Rosé wine. First off, pink wine is not just for girls.

Second, Rosé is not just sweet cheap pink Zinfandel. And third, Rosé is not made from mixing

white and red wine together. So then how is Rosé made? Simply put, Rosé is made from red or black grapes. The grapes are then crushed and the juice from the grapes are left in contact with the skins for just a short period of time, just long enough for the desired “pink” color to be achieved. The pink juice is then fermented without the skins, just like how white wine is produced.

The result is a sophisticated, usually dry and delicious wine that is the highlight of the season. What to pair with Rosé? Pretty much anything! Rosé is so versatile, since it’s not as heavy as a red and not as light as a white, you can pair with fish, grilled vegetables, burgers, or even spicy hummus.

Just remember to chill them like you would a white wine and enjoy.

On a warm afternoon, why not indulge in something slightly sweet and refreshing.

Give this wine a try: P.J. Valckenberg Dornfelder, Germany - Smooth, medium-bodied, lightly sweet red with notes of ripe cherries and black currants bursting on the palate, followed by a distinctive vanilla note with a velvety finish.

For those breezy and cooler evenings, you will be amazed at how smooth and delicious this Chardonnay is: Custard Chardonnay, Sonoma California – Like the label states, this is your go-to “Comfort Wine.” Full bodied and creamy with flavors of fresh pears and apples.

Hints of almond, brioche and crème brule round out this delicious wine.

For that first spring cookout, go for an un-oaked red: Zestos Old Vine Garnacha, Spain - In the words of Robert M. Parker, Jr, Zestos is “a staggering value.” Smooth and seamless in texture with juicy black raspberry and cherry flavors with a hint of minerality. It is the perfect wine to pair with grilled ribs or pizza.

Remember there are no rules, have fun and explore some new wines this season. And if you are in a serious wine rut, come visit me any Friday evening at Cherie Armand for a wine tasting and we can try our best to help you out. Contact me directly with any questions or comments tatiana@ cheriearmand.com Cheers! cheriearmand.com.

Pick your Porch Pounder What better way to enjoy the beautiful spring weather then to sit outside with a glass of wine? Choose a wine that you don’t have to

Remember, there are no rules, have fun and enjoy some new wines this season!

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

Here are some of my top Rosé picks: Triennes, Rosé – Made mostly from Cinsault, it’s blended with Grenache, Syrah and Merlot. With flavors of fresh tart strawberry, peach, lemon and nice minerality, this elegant wine is a beautiful expression of why the rosés of Provence are world famous.

Love Drunk Rosé – Oregon – Enticing aromas of strawberry and raspberry, followed by refreshing flavors of wild strawberry, watermelon rind and a hint of kiwi. Handcrafted by wine maker and owner Andre Mack of Mouton Noir Wines, this is a must-try this spring.

Hogwash, Rosé - 100% California Grenache, Bone dry on the palate, the striking mineral notes intermingle beautifully with flavors of lime curd, orange rind, pear and rose hips.

over think, over delivers for the price, you necessarily don’t need food with, and most importantly, you just can’t put down.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Rosé is so versatile, since it’s not as heavy as a red and not as light as a white, you can pair with fish, grilled vegetables, burgers, or even spicy hummus.

43

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Penny Morse ARTIST JULIE LAWTHER is from Texas where their state motto is friendship, and she is as open to a chat as any artist could be and to making new friends. She is a friend and sponsor to the sport of Eventing in her native Area V and USEA. To get to know this artist, and how her talent for art married her love of horses and animals, you must start at the beginning of an interesting equestrian life journey described as ‘those things learned

best, are learned by doing’.

artist

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

julie lawther

44

JULIE HAD A DEEP LOVE as a child for all animals, but most especially horses. The family ranch horses were an escape into a world where horses were there to listen and manes would soak up all the tears from an abused childhood. The healing power of horses has been the unconscious force guiding her throughout her life. Alongside the growing bond with horses was the birth of a natural artistic talent.

She was enrolled in oil painting lessons at age seven, where she painted with Elaine May for five years until yet more traumatic life events occurred and the lessons ended. This was the only formal training she received as an artist. While the art was a talent she practiced sparingly, the horses were the bigger draw for her as a teenager.

Right out of high school, Julie traded a tv for a troubled Thoroughbred schooling horse at the hunter jumper barn, where she was a working student. This guy was not happy with his job giving

lessons, and needed a new direction. She took the horse “Pops” and moved to a local barn, with expansive pastures in southeast Texas, and began giving a few beginner lessons on him. Pops flourished with the change, the students had great learning experiences, and Julie found a fulfilling vocation. This first foray into training horses and riders was a case of success breeding success, leading to being asked to ride and train for clients at the barn, and an ever expanding student group.

This was that on the job ‘learning by doing’ thing. Taking on every opportunity that was presented even if she didn’t have the skill set at the moment to guarantee success, she jumped in and found a way. She studied the writings of Sally Swift, Susan Harris, Klimke, and many other accomplished equestrians and took as many clinics as she could.

These acquired skills as an instructor and trainer became the tools to open doors in various communities throughout the US.

Julie became a mom to two beautiful, horse-loving, artistically gifted daughters. Now the horse loving part gave her the experience of not only being the instructor to the girls, but also their horse show mom.

Anyone who has been the horse show parent can regale many comical tales and heartbreaking memories earned while supporting their children’s show aspirations. Horses were the center of her life, until she had kids. Raising her girls and sharing her love for horses with them, was the highest achievement in her personal life. Seeing the love for horses through their eyes gave her a new perspective and a drive to capture the feelings between horse and rider in her art. “When you see your child’s soul light up because of this glorious animal, it multiplies the love for both your child and the horse. There’s a special feeling there.” She brings that experience of those special feelings to the fore front of her art work. She likes to hear

the stories surrounding her subjects, and to know them in a way to capture their essence.

All the passion in the world can’t achieve your goal without some hard work. Training horses, teaching lessons and raising a family are all hard work. But life still had some more skills to impart to her on her journey. Julie added to her resume some more equine based skill sets: farrier, equine veterinary technician and equine message therapist.

These vocations were pursued out of her need and desire to learn more about horses on a deeper level, and lead to in-depth study of equine anatomy and biomechanics of the horse and the rider. These skills were acquired through courses of self-study, apprenticeship, and on the job learning by doing, and would become invaluable to her art in the future.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Julie had to relocate many times due to her husband being in the military. Each move presented the opportunity to reinvent herself and many times adapt to the local disciplines and breeds. Again she would jump right in and ‘learn by doing’ gaining skills and diversity from Dressage to Western Pleasure and Trail to Show Jumping just to name a few.

Intertwined among all those years of working with horses and riders, learning as much as possible about all aspects of horses, and raising a family, she found time to employ her artistic skills in creating logos, portraits, gifts, and donations on a limited basis. All of these creations were learned by doing drawing from of her limited training as a child in fine oil. She expanded her artistic palate to include the mediums of charcoal, Prisma color pencil and acrylics – all through self-study.

In 2009, she took all the images and experiences from a life time with the horse, to create her latest ‘learn by doing’ endeavor, as the artist and owner of Equine Art by Julie. She has worked from a small start-up as a vendor at local shows to gaining more and more national and international clients.

She has refined her mediums to offer Fine Oil, Mixed Media (acrylic and Prisma Color Pencil) and Prisma Color Pencil works for portrait art as well as an exclusive line of customized gift items. She creates the most precious keepsake heirloom ornaments painted from

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

Peyton and Ollie – A Love Story

45

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

photos and memory stones for those special four legged family members. Her success as an artist has been due to lots of hard work, her presence on social media, and creating timeless works of art. She has been in demand with a waiting list for commissions since taking on art as her full time job.

Sydney’s Best Day

“I find the job of an artist is not unlike the job of an equestrian.

You take what you have been given and you interpret it, you mold it, you shape it into a skilled work of art. This is static in the case of the art and dynamic in the case of the horse and rider. I always find it rewarding to be able to capture my subjects in art with life and vibrancy, even if the pose/composition is static. It makes my heart sing to make my clients happy with my work. It gives me much fulfillment to take what life’s journey has taught me and turn it into something special for someone else.”

Aside from donating her art in support of various disciplines and horse rescues, she puts her passion for rescuing the horse into

action. She has an eclectic herd of horses most of whom came to her through various paths of unsuitability in their past circumstances and in the most extreme cases abandonment.

Some have gone on under her tutelage to fantastically success runs as show horses in USPC with her daughters and some will just get to live their lives out in peace out on the pasture.

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

“The study of my herd enriches my life and me as an artist every day.

I am inspired to create just watching them. They are all so different and remind me how special the love for a horse is. I try to bring that love to my work. It is my small way of giving back to the horse for the huge gift the horse has given to me.”

46

Julie describes her life by using a quote from Seabiscuit. ‘You don’t go and throw away a life just ‘cause he’s banged up a little’. She was a little banged up and her life was not thrown away, it was saved and enriched by the horses she loved.

Might Be Regal

Julie is currently accepting commissions for equestrian, human and pet portraiture. You can contact her through her website www. equineartbyjulie.com. She lives and paints in Tuscola, Texas with her husband, many horses, and pets. We are delighted that she will be coming to Area III at CHC International at Chattahoochee Hills April 22 – 24. Later in the year look for ‘Equine Art by Julie’ as a sponsor and vendor at the AECs in Tryon, NC.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

A Mare’s Love

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

47

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT 48 38

A Frosty Morning Walk

Sweet Little Emma

Beth’s Victory

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

Barnabus

49 39

50 38 42

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Abigail and GiGi

E Q U I N E M O R TA L I T Y & FA R M 770.461.4315

F F

COMMERCIAL

SINCE 1963

F

F

PERSONAL

F

L I F E & H E A LT H

HARBINAGENCY.COM

* BRITISH GROCERIES & GIFTS *

114 S. PARK SQUARE, MARIETTA, GA 30060 770-794-8747 www.thecornershopga.com

Closeness, friendship, affection: keeping

TAILGATING COMPETITION SPONSORS

your own horse

2016 CIC*** International Horse Trials

means all these things.

- Bertrand Leclair

Chattahoochee Hills April 22-24, 2016

www.LA2GA.com ASSISTING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY SINCE 2010

51

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

a romance between Maureen Forman

CULTURES

© Marco Ruggiero photo

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

BritWeek celebrates the relationship between the USA and the UK

52

I was in a VIP tent at a fairly prominent horse show on the East Coast, and overheard a crisp British voice peppered with quiet indigence comment, “Hmmm, apparently no one cares to dress properly anymore!” I glanced at my outfit – a designer half kimono top, (to camouflage recent weight gain) over a sleek tank, and white jeans long enough to fall to the base of my designer platform shoes. My jewelry was tasteful, and my Rolex casually rested between thin bangles. I was going for casual chic- after all; we were at a horse show – even if it was in The Hamptons! Are my shoes wrong? Do I

suffer sinking into grass for style? Are my DKNY white jeans inappropriate?

The woman caught me checking myself out and smiled at me, whispering, “Not you darling, you’re hardly a beast,” as she shifted her eyes to group of scantily clad reality stars awkwardly watching the people in the tent instead of the hunters in the ring.

How does one manage casual chic horse show attire that is so seemingly effortless in the UK? The answer was found by interviewing Lauren Stone, Executive Director of BritWeek L.A., at their offices in Hollywood, California.

Observatory, to television personality and successful restaurateur, Lisa Vanderpump. BritWeek is about celebrating creativity and innovation, and was formed to educate the general public about the contributions of the UK to the United States. © Barbour

British style is highly influencial on the equestrian USA fashion scene. Barbour (above) and Oliver Brown (right) are always at the top of the trend.

Parkinson’s contemporary, architect and civic leader – John Austin, who built the Shrine Auditorium and Griffith

corporate, hospitality, entertainment, the arts, and various areas of © Oliver Brown

In addition to showcasing the industrial connection between the UK and L.A., Lauren expresses the commitment that BritWeek has for philanthropy, and the passion for helping

children in Los Angeles.

Charities

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

Lauren uses the buzzword, ‘Creative Fusion’ as she explains the marriage of the two countries, describing the commonality of technology, entrepreneurism and industrialism. She quickly references examples of the relationship between England and Los Angeles, from renowned

The depth of the relationship between the UK and L.A. is prolific, and the two countries have an unbreakable bond.

Lauren, and her Director of Operations, Sara Nesson, work with both a committee (whose members are instantly recognizable), and fourteen equally distinguished board members. The committee and board are comprised of all facets of UK/ L.A. relationships and industry;

design. They work to create a spectacular week of events celebrating the connection between two great countries. 2016 marks the tenth anniversary of BritWeek L.A., which takes place from April 23rd-May 8th, 2016. Events throughout the week include “An Evening of Shakespeare” with celebrities such as Sir Patrick Stewart performing. Additionally, there is an instore event at designer Ted Baker’s Los Angeles location, as well as concerts, fashion events, film festivals and the highly anticipated British Innovation Awards. Some events are by invitation only, naturally, but many are open to the public – some are free, and others offer tickets available for purchase.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

BritWeek was founded in 2007 by Nigel Lythgoe and then Consul General, Bob Pierce. The organization celebrates the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. Lauren Stone, the Executive Director, was certainly not what we expected. A native of Philadelphia, she traveled to Germany at the age of sixteen, influenced by her high school German teacher, who had a contagious passion for the country. Upon graduating, she was accepted to the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, and traveled to France and Italy during her college years.

Lauren encompasses the style, elegance and grace expected of her chic background.

Her youth and natural beauty belies the depth of her intelligence and experience.

She joined the British Consulate General in New York as Vice Consul of Consumer and Industrial Goods, and was there for six years before being courted to become the Executive Director of BritWeek L.A. She shines in the position. Lauren speaks of her cross country move from the East Village in Manhattan to West Hollywood with affinity and appreciation, refusing to generalize about the differences in attitude, mentioning that “L.A. is an eclectic mix of natives and transplants”. Lauren has quickly learned to use the word ‘football’ instead of ‘soccer’ when discussing the sport amongst Brits, and confides that she actually understands the quiet wit of British humor, so she was naturally embraced by her counterparts within the organization.

53

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

including Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and LA’s Best, a no-cost program providing after-school care at L.A. Unified Public Schools. She brightens, explaining that BritWeek L.A. creates unique experiences for children, such as a “Hack-aThon” event sponsored by the organization.

The “Hack-a-Thon” allowed children to learn programming, coding, and create their own, unique computer applications, with an objective of making the world a better place. Once the ideas were completed, the concepts were judged and select Apps were brought to life. BritWeek, even in charity, provided an innovative contribution to both the recipient and the world. Well done!

After learning about the depth of BritWeek, specifically that fashion is always a part of the celebration, we were confident that we had come to the right place to get the coveted answer to our original question.

“Lauren, why is it that Brits know how to go from the polo field, for example,

to a VIP tent with such seamless style?”

Lauren, never missing a beat, replied to our question with a slight smile on her flawlessly beautiful face. “Classic British brands incorporate ‘Heritage Styles’ into what is fashion ‘looks’. She expanded on the question by adding, “Each city has different trends and influences. I am often amazed at the difference between the trends.” For an example, she described the suiting between New York and Los Angeles and how trends are often combined. She added that the fashion industry as a whole has changed, explaining, in layman terms how designers see things and hence there is an inspiration for those things in their work. We walked away with a desire to return to L.A. just to experience BritWeek, some clarity on how to dress at equestrian events (when in doubt go for classic British Brands that incorporate ‘Heritage Styles’) and most importantly, planting a seed for future consideration of bringing BritWeek to Atlanta! More information can be found about BritWeek at britweek.org.

BRITISH STYLE Daisy Prince Chisholm, the Editor-inChief of NY based affluence meets influence magazine, ‘The Avenue’, had a few thoughts on British Heritage Brands: • Barbour - huge brand, this one is a safe bet for all!

As for Wellies: Although Hunter is all the rage here in the US, I’ve always preferred Le Chameau boots.

• Oliver Brown on Sloane Street, London.

Great guys, all the smart set buy from them. www.oliverbrown.org.uk Philippa Whitfield Pomeranz, Creator and Executive Producer of the television show, ‘Fashion Bloggers’, recommends browsing www.matchesfashion.com. While not all brands carried are British, this London-based retailer is a great online resource.

© Oliver Brown © Oliver Brown

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

© Barbour

54 38

© Oliver Brown

© Oliver Brown

Go easily from the stable to the street with classic British “Heritage Styles.” From Hunter boots and Barbour jackets to luxurious leather loafers from Oliver Brown, it’s easy to incorporate some British flair! © Oliver Brown

Chattahoochee Hills CHC International 3* April 22 - April 24 Friday, April 22 - Road to Rio - Silent Auction and Gift Basket Raffle All proceeds to VetDogs, a 501©(3) not-for-profit organization

- Demonstartion by Coweta County Drill Team - Pony Grand National Semi Finals and Final - Gift Basket Raffle and Silent Auction open for bidding Opening Ceremonies Sponsored by Air and Cargo Services

Saturday, April 23 - Dressage - Stadium Jumping - Jumping Derby 1.15m with $2500 Total Prize Money 1.30m $5000 Total Prize Money - BareBack Puissance sponsored by Harbin Insurance - Gift Basket Raffle and Silent Auction (Ending at 8pm) - Competitors Party featuring the Gasoline Brothers Party Tickets available to non competitors

Sunday, April 24 - Cross Country - Tailgating Competition sponsored by LA2GA - Fun Open Jumping Show 2’3” to 3’7” including payback More information available at chatthillseventing.com Sponsored by

Dover Saddlery

LA2GA

Air and Cargo Services

Georgia Life Realty

Willow Dell Equestrian Center

John Thornton Chevrolet

Southern Charm Feed Store

FarmVet

Harbin Insurance

HKM

The Georgia Shrimp Restaurant

Atlanta Horse Connections

Lead.Broker.net

55 39

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Maureen Forman

Santa Ynez A LONG WEEKEND in the Santa Ynez Valley is an ideal getaway for oenophiles and equestrians. Simply put, the valley’s temperate climate is ideal for both passions. Exploring the symbiotic relationship between the two was as fun as it was educational. The valley’s aesthetic beauty alone is worth the visit. Experience a refreshing change from Napa and the commercialism of the wine. Allow yourself to be transported to a world of casual luxury, where horses graze quietly on rolling hills,

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

and the vines grow with smiles on their faces.

56

©SolvangUSA.com

The quaint city truly feels like a portal into Denmark. The architecture as one strolls leisurely through the streets, reflects what can only be described as traditional Danish style. Halftimbered structures line the streets with beautiful flowers spilling over from window boxes. European pastry shops and Danish delicacies advertised on storefronts are peppered between art galleries, clothing boutiques and even kitschy tourist shops. The clue that you have entered a wine lover’s paradise is the myriad tasting rooms that are housed amongst the shops. The choices are overwhelming, and time was limited. As a result of these challenges, visiting the one that the locals recommended was paramount. Lucas and Lewellen, which has an impressive reputation in the valley, and located next to the city information

booth on Copenhagen Drive, was our target tasting room in Solvang.

Louis Lucas, a third generation grape grower, and Superior Court Judge, Royce Lewellen have a forty year friendship and business relationship. Louis, “Dirtman” Lucas, with his agricultural expertise, had grown and supplied wine grapes for Napa and Sonoma wineries for decades. Royce Lewellen, an avant-garde wine lover, had the broader vision for developing a niche in Santa Barbara County. The relationship between the two exploded into owning four hundred estate acres. Louis’s knowledge of terroir lent itself to the establishment of three estate locations in the county with separate and distinct climate zones, providing a broad range of outstanding wines.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

The town of Solvang is best described as charming. Solvang, translated to ‘Sunny Field’, was founded in 1911 by a small group of Danes who traveled west to establish a colony removed from the bleak Midwestern winters. The founders advertised the settlement in Danish publications with glowing marketing savvy. The town grew rapidly and was largely attracting Danish settlers. The provincial, European influence of the early settlers set the stage for modern day Solvang, including a town square, and windmills.

Our hosts in the tasting rooms were Andrew Moore, tasting room manager, and Anjie Park, the wine club and special events manager. Their story is romantic as they met in the tasting room and married shortly thereafter. In addition to educating visitors about wine, Andrew, a British transplant, is both a horseman and an accomplished artist. His works are displayed in the tasting room. He captures the essence of the subjects with a true gift. He does fantastic horse and rider renderings,

Lucas and Lewellen’s tasting room in the town of Solvang offers wine tastings, and assorted retail items for purchase. Fresh produce and assorted hummus from the farmer’s market are great picnic items to bring to Rusack.

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

©SolvangUSA.com

57

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

©Alisal Ranch

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

Left: A picnic of Panino’s gourmet sandwiches enjoyed with a wine tasting on Rusack’s Patio. Middle: The Catalina Tile motif on the Magnum of wine is the centerpiece of the tasting room display. Right: Accommodations in the Valley range from Euro chic to luxury ranch styles, there is something for all preferences.

38 58

and will occasionally take commissioned projects from eager patrons. His passion for wine, art and horses created a brilliant wine tasting experience. Anjie sparkles with kindness and warmth. We instantly felt comfortable as they ushered us to the ‘Members Only’ section of the wine bar and began our tasting, starting us out with an exceptional sparkling wine.

The 2012 sparkling wine was made in the Méthode Traditionelle, fermented in the bottle method for producing sparkling wines, and utilized hand riddling and disgorging. Containing 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir grapes from their Los Alamos Vineyards, it was finished to a brut sweetness level. This sparkling wine sits softly and elegantly on the tongue, delighting the palate with a subtle mélange of fruit and flowers. Setting the bar with such an exceptional sparkling wine could be dangerous, but not for Lucas and Lewellen, none of their wines fell short on quality. As we tasted through the wines, we found all to be delightful, and the tasting notes that Andrew and Anjie walked us through explained both the complexity, and conversely, the elegant simplicity of the products. Some of the award winning wines blew us away: The 2014 “High 9” Pinot Noir was outstanding, earning 93 pts in Tasting Panel Magazine - Dec 2015 issue and was awarded a gold medal in the 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine

Competition. Joining the wine club is a no-brainer, we enjoyed significant wine club discounts, and as it was being shipped to Georgia, we saved even more with a tax break. (Lucas and Lewellen, 1645 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang) As we strolled out of the wine tasting room we were satiated on the wine front, but hungry for a bit of lunch. Passing a vibrant farmers market, we sampled locally grown produce, cheeses, and various hummus selections. We finally decided to grab a gourmet sandwich at a local favorite in town, Panino, and take a picnic lunch to a vineyard just a few miles out of town for round two. The selection at Panino was outstanding. The curried chicken – with cranberries, pine nuts and apples, was the final winner! The sandwiches are huge, big enough to share!

Our guide drove us to Ballard Canyon which is unique in that it has its own AVA designation. An American Viticulture Area (AVA) is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States distinguishable by geographic features. Our destination was Rusack Vineyards, which is so well received; the waiting list to join their wine club is over two hundred people! Rusack encourages visitors to bring a picnic and enjoy a wine tasting (or a bottle of wine) on their beautifully appointed patio. They

also offer a selection of charcuterie for purchase at the vineyard. We quickly found a shaded table overlooking the Syrah grapes, and began an exquisite tasting. Our hosts in the tasting room were lovely. Joe Melatti has been at Rusack for ten years and he certainly knows his stuff having studied viticulture at Hancock College.

Dan Martin, the tasting room manager, was a wealth of knowledge as well and really educated us about the history of Rusack. As luck would have it, Christine Doran, marketing guru at Rusack joined us for our tasting. Christine is a Colorado transplant with sparkly eyes, and an infectious enthusiasm for Rusack. We felt as though we were chatting with dear friends and the wine was nothing short of amazing. The 2014 chardonnay, clean and light, aged in a combination of new and old French Oak was simply delicious. Reading the tasting notes from the winemaker as you tasted this wine was like having a waltz in your mouth, where taste buds and literacy explode in a dance of delight and understanding. “Here, our love of blending has resulted in a marriage of exceptional fruit aromas with carefully balanced acidity, capturing the best qualities of the area. Honeydew melon, Asian pear, orange blossom, as well as citrus notes are highlighted in this appealingly crisp white wine.” So accurate! The 2015 Rosé was exceptional; the sangiovese impressive, the

2013 Pinot boasts a 90 Vinous score and 90 Wine Advocate points. Not to be missed!

Among the other wines that we tried were the 2013 Zinfandel, and the 2013 Syrah – both sharing exceptional accolades among various wine rating organizations, including Wine Enthusiast. (Rusack Vineyard, 1819 Ballard Canyon Rd, Solvang).

The riding opportunities in the valley range from vineyard rides to ranch style rides. Enjoying the beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley on horseback is a cathartic experience. Vino Vaqueros has access to the several ranches and vineyards in the region including Fess Parker and Estelle.

Alisal Ranch, which is highlighted as an accommodation choice, is known in the area as both a luxury destination, and a wonderful trail riding experience. Rancho Oso is another option. We found this ride to be less expensive than most and absolutely breathtaking. In addition to the rides listed, there are grazing horses along every scenic road we drove down. It’s an absolute paradise. rancho-oso.com and vinovaqueros.com Getting There: The Santa Ynez Valley is an easy 125 miles up the coast from Los Angeles, and 35 miles from Santa Barbara.

If you fly into LAX, taking the Pacific Coast Highway up the coast is scenic, but can be tedious with stop and go traffic. Delta, Southwest, and American offers direct service to LAX from Atlanta.

Tip: Budget airline, Spirit Air flies non-stop to LA, with “bare fares” from as low as $78.

Accommodations: Locals agreed that the boutique hotel, The Landsby, located in the heart of Solvang, is a great option in the valley. Location, location, location: You can casually stroll the town from the steps of this beauty. It’s a contemporary, sleek spot – full of euro-chic touches. All wines offered at the hotel are local, and Lucas and Lewellen supplies all the house wines for the Landsby. Rest assured, the house wines are outstanding. Avant-garde offerings such as shrub and craft cocktails delight in the hip gastro pub onsite. Duck Fat Fries are extremely popular. There is a complimentary continental breakfast included in the room rate; however a hot breakfast will cost you a bit extra. The lovely back garden has two fire pits – perfect for relaxing after a long day in the Valley. thelandsby.com Tip: Ask for the ‘curated wine tour’ when you check in – this gem offers terrific discounts at local wineries.

The renowned Alisal Ranch offers more of a resort experience with golfing, fishing, and horseback riding among the popular activities. The rooms reflect the distinct Santa Ynez ranch style and all have a wood burning fireplace. Rates include a full breakfast and dinner at the ranch. Tradition at the Alisal is to dress for dinner. Jackets are required for men 16 years of age and older and ladies are expected to dress accordingly. alisal.com

Tip: The ranch offers myriad activities, but also some incredible packages, including a BBQ Boot camp in May and October. Local winemakers brew masters, and celebrity chefs participate in this boot camp, and the rate includes all meals, studio accommodation for two, fishing and equipment at Lake Alisal, green fees, tennis and 2 hour daily horseback rides at the ranch.

Fess Parker Inn, in downtown Los Olivos, is described as ‘wine country elegance’. The Inn, located close to world renowned Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center, finds itself accommodating discerning equestrians on a regular basis. Included with your stay are a full breakfast in their restaurant, Petros, complimentary wine tasting (including transportation) at Fess Parker Vineyard on the stunning Foxen Trail, and also at the Epiphany tasting room located in downtown Los Olivos. Complimentary wine and hors d’ oeuvres are served to guests at the hotel on Friday and Saturday evenings. Call for reservations, 1-800-446-2455. The Inn also offers a very limited number of luxury cabins in Los Olivos, email conceirge@ fessparker.com for rates and reservations. fessparkerinn.com.

Tip: Joining the wine club at Fess Parker will afford you quite a few discounts including; 20% room savings off best available rates & 20% savings on spa services at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa, (note – discounts are valid on future stays after receiving your first wine shipment) as well as wine and merchandise discounts.

©Alisal Ranch

Alisal Ranch offers trail rides with these scenic views!

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT 59 39

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Maureen Forman photos by Maryann Norcott

the

Catalina Horses Alison Wrigley Rusack, & Rusack Vineyard

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

an epic journey

60

THE WRIGLEY NAME IS SYNONYMOUS with Wrigley Field, and of course, Wrigley chewing gum. The family also has a significant historical relationship with Santa Catalina Island, off the coast of California. Santa Catalina Island is easily one of the most magical places to visit on the west coast, and the Wrigley connection is intriguing. The island, known simply as Catalina Island, was incorporated in 1894 by the Banning brothers. In 1919, American Industrialist William Wrigley, Jr, founder of the famous Wm.Wrigley Jr. Company, acquired the majority of the holdings of the island. In the acquisition, Wrigley Jr. essentially received the island. William begun a quest to create an enterprise of industry, recreation and conservation on his beloved island. His son, Philip Wrigley, shared the passion that his father had for the island, and was deeply involved with the development of the island. Philip, a horseman, explored the rugged interior of the island on horseback,

which he always said was the only way Catalina could be thoroughly seen and appreciated.

During Philip’s rides throughout the island, rounding up wild goats and wild horses, he was constantly on the lookout for a site that would accommodate a ranch.

Philip believed that a ranch would be an attraction, encouraging tourists to explore the interior of the island. He said, “tourists are sightseers who only tour when there is something to see.” His quest led him to a site in Cottonwood Canyon on the island.

He quickly learned that the elements did not lend themselves to a pleasant ranch site.

The silver lining of the failed discovery was finding a secluded location just above the canyon. The site was so concealed, that the quick-witted Wrigley decided to name the location El Rancho Escondido, (The Hidden Ranch).

The decision to raise horses rather than cows was an example of Philip’s marketing genius. He understood that people were more interested in horses, and that horses

needed less grazing space. In an effort to improve the local wild horse population through breeding, he shipped in wild palominos from New Mexico. Constantly looking to improve the herd, he had an epiphany. He and his wife had purchased Arabians, a relatively unknown breed, several years earlier. They were impressed by the breed’s stamina, hardiness, and beauty. It occurred to Philip that Arabians were ideal for Catalina’s rugged terrain and climate. He understood that the topography would maintain the hardiness of the breed.

His entrepreneurial spirit took charge, and he envisioned crossbreeding with some of the wild horses on the island. His goal was to create an American Arabian; solid stock for rentals, and certainly an attraction for tourists. He knew that visitors would be enthralled at the prospect of riding them through open land. Philip hired a ranch manager who was willing to live like a pioneer during construction, and headed back to Chicago.

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

Steven Gerbac, and the Rusack family ranch manager and trainer, Felipe Castro with Xanadu.

The first foundation sire, a grey named Kaaba, was purchased in 1930 and brought over to the island in 1931. The first El Rancho Escondido foal, out of a palomino mare, was soon born, and thus the breeding operation was underway. Philip, his wife Helen, and their three small children, traveled to the island often, making the long trek by train. Myriad business meetings for the Santa Catalina Island Company in Avalon took precedence over leisure time at the ranch, however the family would ride as often as possible.

Helen Wrigley, Philip’s wife, was head of the breeding operations. A new rancher, Millard Johnson, with an ironic disdain for both Catalina Island and the horses at the ranch, accepted a position at the ranch with intentions to leave after six months. His breeding knowledge and expertise negated the poor attitude, and lack of interest in the breed. In time he grew passionate about the island, horses and the

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Cottonwood Canyon, while beautiful, did not lend itself to being a pleasant ranch site, the result was finding a secluded parcel just above it that became El Rancho Escondido

61

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Alison and her husband Geoff on the vineyard

©rusack.com

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

Alison wears many hats, among them are; philanthropist, writer, businesswoman and equestrian. She has worked tirelessly to sustain the vision of her family.

62

operation. He remained there for sixteen years and grew the program exponentially.

Johnson passed the reins onto a trainer, Joe Dawkins, who had been working with him for years. Dawkins, a natural showman, was a colorful and talented trainer with flaming red hair and bright blue eyes. Joe performed for mesmerized tourists with genuine enthusiasm and an intoxicating flair. His talent and ability to train stock and cutting horses translated into an impressive cache of championships for the Wrigley family.

Of course getting to the shows was not an easy feat. Trailers were loaded and maneuvered down narrow, winding roads and driven on a ferry or tug to the mainland. A tedious journey indeed. Upon Joe’s retirement, and the subsequent death

of Helen and Philip Wrigley a few years later, the number of horses on the ranch were reduced, and the show schedule ceased. While some horses remained on the island, a new breeding program, influenced by attributes of Russian Arabians, was implemented at the Wrigley family farm in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Comprehending the history of the Wrigley family, their development of Catalina Island, and the evolution of the Catalina Island horses is instrumental to appreciating the family’s modern day powerhouse, Alison Wrigley Rusack.

Alison is the current Vice Chairman and Vice President of the Santa Catalina Island company. Alison learned the horse business from her beloved grandmother,

Helen Atwater Wrigley. Alison has what can only be described as classic California beauty. As if by birthright, her intelligent blue-green eyes match the color of the water in Catalina’s Cherry Cove. She wears many hats, among them are; philanthropist, writer, businesswoman and equestrian.

A graduate of distinguished Stanford University, Alison has a degree in Film and Broadcasting, and a noteworthy background in the entertainment industry.

Alison Wrigley Rusack is the antithesis of a disinterested heiress. She is tirelessly working to sustain the vision of her family.

The Wrigley work ethic is evident when you visit her magnificent vineyard, Rusack, which is co-owned by her husband, Geoff Rusack. Her attention to detail is obvious as we toured the tasting room, and stables at her stunning home in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Catalina tiles in the tasting room transports us back to El Rancho Escondido, an homage to the set of original Catalina tiles depicting the foundation stallion, Kaaba, that were installed in the main structure of the stables.

Our tour guides were Rusack Vineyard Winemaker, Steven Gerbac, and Rusack family ranch manager and trainer, Felipe Castro. With wine as sophisticated as what is offered by Rusack, one may assume that Steven was recruited from an acclaimed vineyard in France or Italy. The truth is far more interesting. Steven, a native of the Central Coast of California, is somewhat of a maverick in the industry.

His introduction to the wine business came from helping his mother, an employee at a local winery. In college, he helped a friend out at a commercial vineyard. That experience sparked his interest in the wine business. Steven jokes that it was an ideal college job with a ‘will work for wine’ arrangement. He graduated from UCSB with a history degree, but his connection

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

©rusack.com

Above: Steven Gerbac, winemaker and maverick. The rolling hills around the property in Ballard Canyon are kindred to the hills on CAtalina Island. To quote William Wrigley, Jr., “In all the world, no trip like this.”

for wine becomes an exciting discussion about Southern Hemisphere Cabernet Sauvignon. Steven prefers a more restrained red, stating simply that “the heavy wines have had their time” and he brightens as he speaks about New Zealand, noting the Pinot Noir produced on the South Island. We learn about the enologist at Rusack, Amy Paynter, who began as a harvest intern from New Zealand and never left. As the conversation winds down, we pull into the stables and inhale the property, pinching ourselves to make sure that we aren’t dreaming.

Felipe Castro, the Rusack family ranch manager approaches us with his trademark cowboy hat leading the way. His utility vehicle, complete with a bale of enviable alfalfa/orchard hay, is adorned with a

Felipe’s ‘Caberneigh’, the utiltiy vehicle that ser ves out the ranch’s scrumptious hay

bumper sticker that sums up the ranch perfectly; ‘Caberneigh’. It’s no surprise that he would be a part of this extraordinary operation. Felipe worked for twenty years

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

to the terroir of the region was impossible to ignore. He was hired at a local winery, and began to learn the wine making process. In time, he was offered a job at Rusack as a cellar assistant, and worked his way up the ladder, eventually become the winemaker. His talent is evidenced in the wine, and we were enamored by this non-conformist, millennial. Chatting with Steven as we traversed the hill towards the stables was easy and we were riveted. He shared his perspective about the passion that Alison and Geoff Rusack have for wine and horses.

Steven explained that it’s not unusual to see Geoff riding his horse through the breathtaking property, or navigating a tractor on the hills. It’s obvious that Steven has a deep appreciation for the opportunities the Rusacks have afforded him. The conversation about the passion

63

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT 64

Rusack‘s Winemaker, adu Steven Gerbac and Xan

at renown Flag is Up Farms; as the right hand man for famed horseman and author, Monty Roberts. Felipe’s weathered face illuminates when he talks about Monty, making sure we understand what an honor it was to work with him.

We learn that Monty nurtured him as a professional, teaching him the patience and understanding of what good training entails. He confides that the Rusack family is beyond generous, and that he has been with them, and extremely happy, for thirteen years. He cares about Alison and Geoff a great deal, and is extremely

protective of them. He tells us that he ensures that the Rusack horses are exceptionally trained, exclaiming that their safety is his priority. Felipe introduces us to Xanadu.

A gorgeous bay Arabian casually munching grass in a gently sloping paddock, (complete with a lovely valley oak tree, providing a picture perfect aesthetic) glances up with curiosity. The horse is quiet and gentle.

He wanders over with graceful stride, his darling dishy face is both elegant and everso-slightly mischievous.

Felipe tells us that Xanadu is a western pleasure dream, responding to leg pressure beautifully.

famous Catalina Horses, a wise mare who looks at you as if she holds all the secrets in the Universe. She has an unmistakable Catalina Arabian aura. The mare is a living reminder of an incredible and significant heritage. Pausing for a moment to take it all in, we approach the sage horse, overwhelmed by history. From the looks of things, she doesn’t mind her luxurious retirement in paradise one bit. She is doted on, and her health is managed with precision and obvious love. Learning about the transportation from the island to Ballard Canyon from Felipe was a déjà vu moment - a throwback to the days of another highly regarded trainer; Joe Dawkins and the ferry rides to San Pedro!

The horse shows obvious affection towards Felipe, nuzzling his pockets, hopeful for a treat. Felipe chuckles as Steven attempts to approach Xanadu, who playfully avoids the winemaker. Speaking with quiet wisdom, he says simply, “It’s not about what he does to you, it’s what you tell him.” Felipe takes a minute to show Steven what he means, and within seconds, Xanadu is quietly allowing the winemaker to stroke his magnificent neck. Making our way to another spacious paddock we are introduced to one of the

After purchasing an entire case of their exquisitely balanced Rosé, and tasting the highly acclaimed 2013 Solomon Hills Pinot Noir, (relishing the hints of violet, and noting the bold notes of black cherry and raspberry following through on our palate), we thanked Steven and quietly made our way to our car. The vineyard, the horses, and the awe inspiring legacy of Alison Wrigley Rusack and the Wrigley family, are elements of history that dwell in each precious bottle of Rusack wine.

We reluctantly bid adieu to Felipe and the horses and headed back down the hill with Steven to the tasting room at Rusack Vineyard. The fact that Rusack, painstakingly cultivated a small vineyard of Pinot, Chardonnay and Zinfandel grapes at El Rancho Escondido, on Catalina Island, further connected us to the island.

Plan an unforgettable getaway to Santa Catalina.

M ore in f or mat io n abo ut Sant a Ca t a li n a Isla n d c a n b e fou n d a t c a t a li n a c on se r v a n c y. o r g

Boarding • Training • Lessons Dressage • Jumping • Cross Country 17 Stall Barn, Hot and Cold Wash Rack 12’ x 12’ and 12’ x 16’ Stalls Tack room with individual tack trunks Individual turnout available Full size dressage arena with lights Insured • Owner on premises

Working student position available for weekends Some experience preferred, and dependable 324 East Davis Bridge Road, Villa Rica, GA 30180 770.313.6283 • 770.328.3801 • 770.316.8655

65

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

beating the odds

EQ ST YLE

Danica Erard

66

milliner/

hat designer to the stars...

Penny Morse

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

© Danica Erard

LIVING IN A PART OF THE WORLD where the closest town is one hundred miles away and there is no phone connection, is challenging. This was once Danica Erard’s world until she beat the odds and became one of the most sought-after hat designers globally.

EQ ST YLE

Danica started her Milliner career by helping out a friend, who needed a ‘Fascinator’ for Oaks Day, a horse racing event. She had to ask what a fascinator was, but when it was finished, her

friend saw a creative talent and encouraged her to pursue it professionally. Danica is self-taught, utilizing old textbooks in the library and the Internet. Her first sales were at a craft market.

Hardly a glamorous start to such a successful career, but with determination and an obvious incredible talent, it does not take long before people were talking and all the fashionable boutiques wanted a Danica creation in their windows.

67

Turn heads on Derby Day with a hat by Danica!

Her talent is inherited from her late father who was a tailor and her late mother who was a window dresser.

She is also a risk taker, and knows how to build relationships with her clients. As many artistic people will relate to, she sees hats in many everyday things, and loves to follow the classic designers such as Dior. As the first designer in Australia to create the 3D printed hat, and having invested heavily in this new concept financially, it was thrilling to have Rebecca Judd, a TV personality in Australia, pick it out at a show. Danica has a new App coming out, ‘If the Hat Fits’. You use your ‘selfie’ to see if a particular hat looks good on you.

With plans to launch her hats in Dubai, explore the possibilities in Hong Kong, and increase her presence in California, you have to admire her work ethic and determination to be the best. Her advice for anyone thinking about going into business – if your heart is in

it, it doesn’t matter what it is, go for it.

Don’t second guess yourself, be confident and you will get noticed.

Her ‘A’ list of clients include Lady Gaga and Zara Phillips. Very impressive for a girl who started 100 miles from the nearest town and had no phone! With Derby Day almost here, why not check out Danica’s designs at danicaerard.com and add some unforgettable fashion sure to get you noticed!

• Family Atmosphere • Full & pasture boarding • 50+ acres • 35+ stalls

404.520.0499

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

© Danica Erard

• Lessons

EQ ST YLE

• Clinics

68

1 0 0 0 Ro c k Ho u s e Ro a d , S e n o i a , GA / 9 3 7.4 5 9. 2 9 8 4

STYLEMYRIDE.NET

• Camps

Day students and boarders, beginner and advanced riders - all are welcome to participate in Madeira’s renowned equestrain program. Madeira has trained riders in Hunt Seat and basic horsemanship skills for more than 70 years. An independent boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12, Madeira is an expert in tailoring academic and Co-Curriculum options to the individual student.

Learn more at www.madeira.org

The Madeira School • 8328 Georgetown Pike • McLean, Virginia • 703-556-8273

67

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Carol Lieberman, MD

IF I COULD COME BACK as anyone… I would pick the lovely Kate Middleton. Now there’s a woman who really has it all: a fabulous husband, two perfect children, another on the way, and she’s a real Princess, for goodness sakes!

Princess Kate EQ ST YLE

Good girl who used BAD to catch her prince

70

GIRL SECRETS

Every day, parents all over the world read fairy tales to their little girls, who then quietly vow to find themselves a prince – just like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and all the other lucky ladies of the tales. But, when these little girls grow up, they discover that princes are hard to find – no less to marry. Not so for Kate. Would you like to know how she caught her prince? Her real life fairy tale begins like this….

Once upon a time, a pretty little girl named Kate, growing up in England, couldn’t help having a crush on the

country’s most eligible bachelor, Prince William. As luck – or clever plotting – would have it, Kate wound up going to the same university as William. Once there, however, she and William became simply platonic acquaintances, that is… until the night of the fashion show where Kate went all out, plucking some bad girl secrets from her quiver and aiming them at the Prince.

She chose a see-through skirt to model as a dress, and strutted down the catwalk all glammed up. It was not only her beauty and seductiveness that caught the eye of the prince, but also her self-confidence and audacity.

Now, it just so happens that, around the time of their engagement, my book, Bad Girls: Why Men Love Them & How Good Girls Can Learn Their Secrets, was released.

I couldn’t help but notice how Kate used many of the secrets that are in my book – before and after the night of the fashion show. So, when I heard that Kerry Taylor, the UK’s premier vintage auctioneer, was planning to auction off Kate’s famous

dress, I hightailed it to London to bid on it.

After all, the dress would be perfect to go with my media appearances and speaking engagements, teaching single women how to catch their own prince. Unfortunately, the dress went to a higher bidder for a staggering 65,000 pounds (approximately $125,000).

But, I had a Plan B. Over the two days of the auction, I had become friends with Charlotte Todd, a very sweet woman and the talented designer of the dress. Indeed, the night of the auction, I went out with Charlotte and her family for a champagne

celebration of the sale. And though there are several ‘official’ explanations given as to why Kate chose the name Charlotte for her daughter, in my opinion, it’s a well-kept secret that this is actually a nod to Charlotte Todd, without whom all of this might well not have been possible…. Anyway, Charlotte agreed to make a limited edition of replicas of this dress, and I bought the first 100, becoming the official ‘U.S. Ambassador of the Kate Middleton dress’.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

When William saw her, his heart skipped a beat. He turned to his friend and said, “Wow! She’s hot!” And the rest is history (literally).

Besides the honor and thrill of representing this iconic dress, I have made good use of it. It illustrates my talks on TV and

“Wow, she’s HOT!” That was Prince William’s response to his friend upon seeing Kate for the first time strutting down the catwalk in a see-through skirt. at speaking engagements, where I help women learn bad girl secrets and warn men about truly bad girls (unlike Kate).

I have donated dresses to charity auctions for breast cancer, diabetes and veterans.

I have loaned the prototype (the version of the dress between the original and the limited edition replicas) to the RMS Queen Mary, in Long Beach, California, for their Princess Diana and royal family exhibit.

And, I have had a lovely time wearing it myself.

her life who have hurt her. In my book, I describe 12 types of bad girls – the: Gold-

EQ ST YLE

By now, you’re surely wondering what exactly I mean by a bad girl. Like bad boys, a bad girl is a heartbreaker. Her journey to ‘bad girl-ness’ starts with having a dysfunctional relationship with her dad that makes her feel unlovable. When it comes time to date, she’s attracted to bad boys.

When a woman has been dumped by one bad boy too many, she either retreats to eating bonbons and becoming invisible, or she becomes a bad girl who exploits men and punishes them for all the other men in

71

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Digger, Addict, Sex Siren, Sexual Withholder, Married Woman on the Prowl, Commitment-Phobe, Husband Hunter and Trapper, Husband Stealer, Ultimate Damsel in Distress, Cougar, Ball-Buster, and Bad Girl Scorned.

We know Kate’s relationship with her dad was a loving one and Prince William is not a bad boy. So, Kate doesn’t exactly fit

one of these profiles. But (perhaps with a little help from her mum), she did manage to figure out bad girl secrets that captured a real prince’s heart.

spent some of the most precious months of my life studying under Anna Freud).

Kate is now sharing her love and using her charms to capture the hearts of others, enticing them to support this invaluable work. And, if Kate were to organize a fundraiser, I would be happy to donate a dress or two to be auctioned off for this charity.

These days – since her need for bad girl secrets has lessened – Her Royal Highness is devoting herself to helping children with psychological problems, as a Patron of the Anna Freud Centre (where I once

Carole Lieberman, M.D. is a Beverly Hills psychiatrist, TV personality, radio talk show host, author, expert witness… and passionate rider. She and her beloved horse, Gimli, train at Mill Creek Equestrian Center in Los Angeles, and compete in jumping, dressage and 3-day eventing. When in Atlanta, Carole loves riding at Willow Dell Equestrian Center and hopes soon to ride with the Bear Creek Hounds.

You can find out more about Bad Girls and Kate’s dress at www.badgirlsbook.com.

GOT FOAL?

Our upcoming issue...

Rolex photos from Liz Crawley

We’re looking for the

cutest foal pics of the year! Celebrating all of our reader’s precious newest arrivals, we will be featuring the best photos in an upcoming issue. Please send hi-res photos (300 DPI) to

EQ ST YLE

our creative director,

72

Heidi Caldwell at heidicald@yahoo.com.

Please title the email, “AHC Foal Pictures.”

Meet Canada’s Olympic Eventing Team Highlights of the CHC 3* from Chatt Hills Southern Crescent Equine Services new clinic opening Judging at Hickstead Scenes from the Virginia countryside Feast at the Georgia Shrimp restaurant

And MUCH MORE! RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE NOW FOR THIS EXCITING ISSUE!

For ad rates, media kit and more info contact Penny Morse at designonpenny@yahoo.com

FLY FREE ZONE! Rider’s International Stretch Micro Mesh Fly Sheet

FLY PREDATORS – NATURAL FLY CONTROL!

FREE QUART WITH GALLON PURCHASE!

Ask your Dover product advisor about Fly Predators!

Absorbine® Ultra Shield® EX

Shop Dover Saddlery to develop your own fly free zone!

CALIFORNIA Laguna Hills Moraga

FLORIDA Wellington Winter Park

COLORADO Parker

GEORGIA Alpharetta

CONNECTICUT Ridgefield New! Manchester

ILLINOIS Libertyville

DELAWARE Hockessin

MARYLAND Crofton Hunt Valley

MASSACHUSETTS Wellesley MINNESOTA Medina NEW HAMPSHIRE Plaistow NEW JERSEY Branchburg NEW YORK Huntington Latham

NORTH CAROLINA Charlotte Raleigh OHIO Cincinnati PENNSYLVANIA Pittsburgh Warrington

TEXAS Austin Dallas Houston VIRGINIA Chantilly Charlottesville Lexington

RHODE ISLAND North Kingstown

73

Georgia Properties Georgia Properties Georgia Properties Georgia Properties

Specializing in Fine Equestrian Properties, Luxury Homes, and Residential Sales L isa B yer Realtor® yer Realtor® L isa isa B yer Realtor® Realtor® Cell: 678-588-6791 Cell: 678-588-6791 678-588-6791 Email:Cell: Lisa.Byer@BHHSGA.com Visit my website today to find out an instant estimate of your Cell: 678-588-6791 Email: Lisa.Byer@BHHSGA.com

Email: Lisa.Byer@BHHSGA.com www.LisaByer.com Email: Lisa.Byer@BHHSGA.com www.LisaByer.com home’s value. Contact me any time to discuss the results and www.LisaByer.com www.LisaByer.com

help youEquestrian with your most important investment.

Specializinghow inI can Fine Properties, Specializing in Fine Equestrian Properties, Specializing in Fine Equestrian Properties, Luxury Homes, and Residential Sales Specializing in Fine Equestrian Properties, Luxury Homes, and Residential Sales Luxury Luxury Homes, Homes, and and Residential Residential Sales Sales Visit my website today to find out an instant estimate of your Visit myvalue. website todayme to find of your home’s Contact any out timeantoinstant discussestimate the results and Visit my website today to find out an instant estimate of your home’s Contact me your any time to discuss the results and how I value. can help you with most investment.

Visit my website today to find out an important instant estimate of your home’s Contact me your any time discuss the results and how I value. can help you with mosttoimportant investment. home’s value. Contact me any time to discuss the results and how I can help you with your most important investment. how I can help you with your most important investment.

©2015 An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® If your property is currently listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

©2015 An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshireoperated Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of ©2015 An independently subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH ©2015 An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH HomeServices of America, Inc.®HomeServices If your property currently listed with another broker, thissymbol is not intended as a solicitation.

Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway andis the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices are registered service marks of ©2015 An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Housing HomeServices of America, Inc.® If your property is currently listed with Equal another broker, Opportunity. this is not intended as a solicitation.

Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks HomeServices of America, Inc.® If your property is currently listed with Equal another broker, Opportunity. this is not intended as a solicitation. of Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Housing HomeServices of America, Inc.® If your property is currently listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.