18 TH EDITION - 2016
HOLIDAY
gift guide HORSES & HOUNDS
PURSUING THE DREAM IN EUROPE The Real Horselover of Beverly Hills SPORT
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ENTERTAINMENT
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T R AV E L
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STYLE
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COMPETITION
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WELLNESS
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what’s
PHOTO TRENDS Photographer Aly Rattazzi
HUNTER JUMPER Style Your Ride
Richard Spooner Bob Baffert Mavis Spencer
INTERNATIONAL The Hickstead Derby
DRESSAGE
Ray’s Corner When the Dream Becomes Reality
INSIDE 20 25 27 30 32
EQ ST YLE
Holiday Beauty Strategies
EVENTING Le Lion
WELLNESS
Horse Opthalmology
Local
Pursuing the Dream in Europe Horses & Hounds Southern Style
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GIFT GUIDE
Discover the most unique and personal gifts for your best horse friends and family – or yourself!
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41 42 46 50 52
PURSUING THE DREAM IN EUROPE
WESTERN DRESSAGE Top 5 Wishes & Gifts
SHORT STIRRUPS
Silly Gil Junior Riders
POLO
Arena Polo
ART S & ENTERTAINMENT Lisa Vanderpump
Holiday Gift Guide The Alternative Wine Lifestyle Photo Trends
Penny Morse Editor Here we are again at the end of another year. It was a year of the unexpected, good and bad. We have many new plans for next year, here at Atlanta Horse Connections. We hope to continue building new relationships and strive to produce the most interesting magazine for equestrians. AHC is also looking forward to the 3 Star Horse Trials and Area lll Championships at Chattahoochee Hills Eventing, and especially to a brand new event called the Southeast Schooling Show Championships, to be held next November. For all our riders that only participate in Schooling Shows, this is your opportunity to compete against other riders from other states in the southeast, and give you the chance to win a trophy! It will be an equivalent of the AEC’s for Schooling Show participants, and we look forward to being a big part of it! This issue is certainly an example of being global! Enjoy articles coming from California, France, Germany, and England plus heartwarming stories that you can reach your dream if you don’t give up. Our gift guide this year is my favorite so far. Check out Annabel Brooks from the UK, our local vendors, plus items we think are fun! So, returning to my opening statement. It has been a year of good and bad, and we have seen many friends and families part company because they could not agree. So next year, I challenge everyone to inspire others to be everything they can be, whether you agree with their choices or not. Refuse to judge, be supportive and let us work towards a happier, more tolerable, friendlier and prosperous New Year!
Heidi Caldwell Creative Director Maureen Forman Lifestyle Editor Contributing Writers Scott Armour Yvonne Barteau Debbie Brady June Brewer Clayton Fredericks Emily Fritchey Ashley Giles Carolyn Haward Jenny Kepano Cheryl Freda Pritchard Amber Spiler
Merry Christmas everyone from all of us at Atlanta Horse Connections.
Penny Morse
Atlanta Horse Connections Magazine is part of City Horse Connections, an equestrian network bringing the equine world together, one city at a time.
/atlantahorseconnections
On the cover: Lisa Vanderpump and her horse Prince Tardon, photo by Felicity Murphy
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.
NATURALLY
BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINEBOTANICALS.COM
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Style your Ride SCOTT ARMOUR
HAWKWOOD FARM, PEACHTREE CITY, GA This is a great group of quality horses and riders to critique. Comparing the slight differences in each rider’s position shows us how just minor changes can make an impact on overall security and effectiveness. 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.
HUNTER JUMPER
1. Our first rider has a lovely base of support with her seat just out of the saddle. She is with her horse’s motion and is allowing her horses jump to put her in the correct position. Her leg position is securely at the girth giving her body the stability to remain still and relaxed. She is focused ahead and has a flat back that doesn’t look stiff or artificial. Her hands are maintaining a light, following contact to give her control without restricting her horse. If her hands were slightly lower, it would be a classic automatic release. I love the horse’s expression, and I’m sure she would show more effort over a larger jump. The turn out is clean and well-fitting, but I’m still not a fan of the bling on the bridle that is so popular now.
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Her leg position is securely at the girth giving her body the stability to remain still and relaxed.
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
2. Our next rider has allowed her heel to come up, which has caused her leg to slip back too far. Her horse looks to have a pretty round jump, so letting the energy on take off travel down into her heel will keep her more secure. This combined with a firm lower leg contact will anchor her in the tack. She has maintained her seat position well, not dropping back or tipping ahead. Her back is flat and relaxed, but she could stay taller with her shoulders in the air. The short release she is using is restricting her horses neck slightly. A more following hand will encourage her horse to use his neck and have an even better bascule. The two look focused and confident in their job, and are turned out beautifully.
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She has maintained her seat position well, not dropping back or tipping ahead.
His back is nice and flat with his focus on the next jump.
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HUNTER JUMPER
3. The third rider is allowing his horse freedom to jump his best and it is working. I love this horse’s classic front end with his knees to his chin and tight foreleg! The rider’s heel has come up, probably because of the expressive jump. A lower heel will give him a more correct and secure lower leg. His back is nice and flat with his focus on the next jump. Although his elbows are out too far, I like the light feel he has of his horses mouth. He is keeping a connection without interfering with his horses jump. The horse looks happy and relaxed in his job, and certainly has plenty of talent. Their turnout is clean, well fitting, and workmanlike.
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
foosball & conversation with
RICHARD SPOONER
Maureen Forman
“Success isn’t winning, because winning is only being better than the other people there.” – Richard Spooner ‘The Master of Faster’
HUNTER JUMPER
AHC: Richard, you’re a Californian, so let’s just assume the L.A. leg of the Longines Masters is like coming home for you. Which international leg of the Longines do you prefer? This sport has afforded me the opportunity to travel to many amazing places, but I especially enjoy Hong Kong. We stay near the airport at the hotel located adjacent to the Convention center. (Asia World Expo was where the Longines Hong Kong leg of the competition was held). My ‘must do’ while in Hong Kong is simply to head downtown and soak it all in. It’s a unique fantastic city and I find the British influences and Chinese culture so interesting.”
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AHC: Thoughts on Syndicating Show Jumpers? This has become more and more a necessity, not an option when competing at this level. The costs are just too prohibitive. The horses you see at the big competitions are well honed machines; they have a very specific breeding for sport action and certain athletic traits. Quite frankly, it’s become an uphill battle for the thoroughbred, however, I still believe in the thoroughbred! AHC: If you could go back, what would you tell the fifteen year old version yourself?
AHC: Tell us about that iconic ride when you dropped the reins going through that combination at Spruce Meadows. (https://youtu.be/ gtv2sK6jbp4) That video went viral, and your fan base soared to a new level. The irony is that I was simply trying to minimize my mistake going into the jump.
AHC: What don’t you get asked, that you would be willing to share? No one asks me how each disappointment and each victory affects the bigger picture. My family, my business and my psyche. The win is always momentous and the greatest feeling of accomplishment, but also sustains the business element of my career. The loss is devastating on many levels. Getting to be one of the top thirty rides in the world is tough. Staying in those ranks is even tougher. AHC: How do you handle the physicality of the sport? I always wear a helmet. I would say that
fear is a disaster. Injuries are part of the deal. You are going to have to accept it. AHC: What do you think clients today need to know? Remuneration or compensation for a lesson is cut and dry. There is a service and one is billed a set amount. What is not taken into consideration are the hours, strain and stress that your trainer goes through. The client only sees the half of it. For a trainer to give their experience to a client day in and day out, well those are the pearls, and that value far exceeds the cost of a lesson.
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Enjoy the ride. I didn’t relax and enjoy the ride when I was young. My pressure didn’t come from my parents (who made tremendous sacrifices to allow me to compete), it was self-induced. I had to learn to deal with my own disappointment. My parents never added to that.
Bedazzling Bob Baffert
Breeders Cup 2016
Maureen Forman
BOB BAFFERT IS NOT ONLY A TRAINING GENIUS, he is truly a class act. The fact that he was happy to sign autographs for patrons from all walks of life at the 2016 Breeders Cup, and have a chat with Atlanta Horse Connections speaks volumes about his character. Training notorious horses (including Triple Crown Winner, American Pharaoh), secures Baffert’s place as a training legend. Amid a slurry of greedy press, AHC asks Bob the provoking questions... “So Bob, what’s on your play list before a Breeders Cup where you have not just one, but TWO horses running for the six million dollar purse?” Grateful for the change in the usual questions he smiles. His reply, “That’s easy, ‘Comfortably Numb’.” Although he is being pulled in a million directions, he doesn’t just stop there- he thinks a minute and adds that he grooves to Flo Rida, “Hello Friday’, “Chainsmokers” by Closer, and he loves Eric Clapton. Bob manages to add that Paris is his favorite city before being whisked away by his pint sized handler, pre-teen son, Bode Baffert.
Baffert rocks. His choice of Mike, a fifty-one-year-old seasoned jockey showed the young riders exactly how it’s done. It was an absolutely brilliant ride, upsetting California Chrome in the last few seconds of the race. Bob knew exactly what he had created with this partnership. Sheer genius. The crowd was beyond wild. Santa Anita Racetrack seemed to swell with the palpable excitement. This was the Breeders Cup to remember.
HUNTER JUMPER
The fact that he put hall of famer, Mike E. Smith, as the jockey on Arrogate sealed the deal for City Horse Connections. Bob
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
MAVIS breaking stereotypes
HUNTER JUMPER
SPENCER 10 8
Maureen Forman
©Kerstin Alm
WHAT STRIKES YOU FIRST about Mavis Spencer is her presence; she’s utterly breathtaking. Her movement is as graceful, and her stride as purposeful as the magnificent horses that she brings to competitions. Despite having a privileged edge and famous parents, nothing has been handed to Mavis Spencer. She is breaking barriers and dispelling stereotypes while making a highly regarded name for herself. She is mesmerizing a global audience with her undeniable talent. Her parents, writer Roderick Spencer, and actress Alfre Woodard have not purchased a string of made, six figure horses to get her to the Grand Prix ring. They were the quintessential first time horse show parents- learning the sport in the ‘trial by fire’ way that many horse show parents experience. Mavis smiles, fondly recalling her mom frantically running to the tack stall at a show to fetch
In addition to being a stellar competitor, it’s also notable that Mavis is a sharp businesswoman, having started her own sales operation, Gallop Apace LLC in Lexington, Kentucky. Mavis accounts for every penny spent- never cutting corners on quality, and not being wasteful. Ever conscious of fiscal responsibility, she is grateful for the opportunities that have been afforded to her, and the financial discipline instilled in her by her father.
HUNTER JUMPER
Mavis finished second in the Sam Edelman Grand Prix of the Longines Masters in LA October 2nd 2016
a specific martingale, returning with every type there was. It’s a visual that’s repeated by horse show moms across the country. One would assume that a groom would have been there, taking care of her every need. That is not how it was for Mavis. Her parents shed the red carpet for the role of production assistants- that’s the beauty of this family. They totally appreciate the blood, sweat and tears involved in the sport.
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
FROM BEING NAMED one of People Magazine’s 2014 Top 100 Most Beautiful People; Barn Manager to World Class Rider; California to Kentucky – there is no stopping Mavis Spencer!
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Mavis isn’t comfortable using the word ‘sacrifice’ to describe what she missed out on during her hectic junior years. She tells AHC that she never felt like she was missing out on anything; her drive, dedication and determination superseded the narcissistic elements of being an adolescent. While acknowledging that she has a cornucopia of role modeling duties to the often untapped talent pool of African American riders, she focuses more on her mantra for all young people entering the world of show jumping. That mantra is simple: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” Much of the saying of ‘being in the right place, at the right time’, is about the amount of time you put into something. She’s a believer in manifesting your own destiny. Mavis Spencer has truly earned every possibility that has come her way.
Mavis riding her 8 year old KWPN mare Disco Lady
“When I worked for Kent Farrington he told me you have to make sure you bring something to the table in a job because just being a good rider isn’t enough. For me, being able to take care of my own horses or not being afraid to get dirty around the barn, made me feel empowered rather than only being able to ride and I think my willingness to do that sets me apart from a lot of other people. I will often work a Monday in
order for my grooms to have the day off as I’m doing today actually!” Fun fact: Mavis is a global competitor, having spent time in Europe and the South Pacific. She loves both continents, but finds the Australians to be warm and casual without the sense of cultural formality that one tends to experience in Europe.
“When I worked for Kent Farrington he told me you have to make sure you bring something to the table in a job because just being a good rider isn’t enough.”
HUNTER JUMPER
Behind the scenes at the prestigious Longines event, is just another day, another show for some!
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AUBURN’S STANDING CT MACHINE A KEY IN DIAGNOSING CRITICAL EQUINE DISEASES
One of only a handful in the U.S., Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Standing CT Machine allows veterinarians to more accurately diagnose and treat complex equine neck and skull diseases. This advanced diagnostic tool aids clinicians in providing excellent healthcare to animals and in the education of future veterinarians.
THIS IS ADVANCED HEALTHCARE. THIS IS AUBURN.
J.T. Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital 334/844-4490 • www.vetmed.auburn.edu
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. Magazine -2nd ad-1/2 page.indd 1
• 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. 2015-02-11 1:53 PM
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Carolyn Haward FEI International Show Jumping Judge, Greece
the
HICKSTEAD DERBY 2016
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS show jumping classes in the world is the Hickstead Derby, held every June in the south of England. The course itself is unique and as famous as the horses and riders who have jumped it, having barely changed over five decades. It takes a special kind of horse to tackle it, certainly not the usual Grand Prix horse. No other event in the world demands so much of its entrants, both human and equine, and it therefore holds its spectators in absolute awe during each 3 minute dramatic ride. The course itself is 1,195 meters long and it takes a brave horse with stamina and strength to complete it. I was so lucky to be invited as a member of the Ground Jury this year to judge over the four days of the event, including the Derby on the last day, Sunday. ....and I was judging the notorious bank, along with another colleague!
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The marvelous show ground with the large jumping area was created by Douglas Bunn and the first Derby competition was held in 1961. The illustrious winners have included Nick Skelton, Michael Whitaker, Harvey Smith, Ben Maher....all from the UK....as well as Paul Schockenmohle from Germany and Nelson Pessoa from Brazil, among others. Every one of the 16 fences presents its own difficulties, in particular the Devil’s Dyke, a double of water ditches in a dip, and one of the widest water jumps in the world (15 feet); the first fence is a solid stone wall at 4 foot 8 inches, called the Cornishman and, of course, there is the notorious Bank. The Bank is 10 foot 6 inches high with a 3 foot 5 inch rail fence on the top and a steep slope which the horses have to negotiate
No other event in the world demands so down. Some horses in the past have done it in their own particular fashion: some have leapt right off the top, others slid down sideways, or even backwards! Others have refused and got stuck on the top! Not only this but just two strides away from the foot of the slope there is a fence of white rails set at 5 foot 3 inches to be jumped. This was the place and competition where Harvey Smith made his very infamous V sign. For those of you who don’t know, Harvey Smith is a veteran British rider, a champion in his heyday in the 60s and 70s. Now his son Robert is following in his footsteps. Well, in 1971 Harvey returned to Hickstead in the hope of repeating his previous year’s win with another Derby victory. He was supposed to return the trophy but he had forgotten to bring it... but he claimed it didn’t matter because he
Returning to my personal experience this year, I found the whole event very well organized, although the weather did its best to try and spoil things... another case of notoriety... the British weather! The night after the trot up and before the first jumping day on the Thursday there was the most tremendous thunderstorm. Vast areas of Southern England were left flooded. At Hickstead many of the access paths around the show ground were either
The last day, Derby day arrived but I first had to check out of my hotel. The staff refused to allow me to store my luggage on the premises and to collect it later (the first time I have ever come across this at a hotel.) In the circumstances I was forced to trail my two extremely bright fuchsia pink suitcases behind me to the show ground, dragging them through pools of water and great sludges of mud until I found a safe haven for them in the offices. By now they were less a shade of fuchsia, more brown spotted with pink background.
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
was going to win it again anyway! This led to an argument with Mr. Bunn, who said he had “no chance” of winning for a second time. Coming to the end of the course triumphant on his mount, Mattie Brown, Harvey looked in the direction of the Judges’ Box and gave the V sign, he said “for Victory”! Who knows if the hand was palm forward or the other way round?
So it was time for the Derby. The weather smiled on Hickstead and it was a lovely sunny day. I and my colleague, Carsten from Norway, took our places by the Bank. Most horses negotiated it safely, some slid down half the slope and then jumped off,
much of its entrants – human and equine.
I think I can, I think I can, maybe not... There is always next year!
a couple refused and just one tumbled at the bottom, spilling his rider onto the grass. Luckily, neither were any the worse for the roll on the ground. Out of 35 entrants only one got a clear round, technically, but with one penalty point for exceeding the time allowed... William Whitaker on his mount Glenavadra. Brilliant and good enough to win.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
underwater or in a very muddy condition but, surprisingly, the arena itself took it all in its stride and absorbed the rain. Not a single horse during the whole event slipped even a little... the condition of the ground was perfect... at least for the horses and riders. But for us judges it was a different story! The wet grass underfoot necessitated waterproof boots. I, unequipped for such a downpour, had to go out into the shopping village on site in search of a pair of rubber boots. Many other people had the same idea so I was fortunate to eventually discover a pair in my size... the only trouble being that the only ones to fit me were in a lively shade of purple! I was obliged to inspect the course dressed in my smart blazer and serious beige skirt... but a pair of purple rubber boots slightly spoiled my image! Not to worry, I was not the worst dressed judge. I was outdone but a colleague in psychedelic floral boots. What a fine sight we must have made!
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Yvonne Barteau
Yvonne Barteau
Ray’s
CORNER
GP Raymeister shares his unique world...
HELLO, IT IS YOUR GOOD BUDDY RAY again, here to share some more advice...and to brag a little!
DRESSAGE
I am a movie star now! My folks made a movie and I am featured in it so if you have not seen me in action you can catch me in both costume and show attire in our new feature length documentary called “Into the Spotlight”. The movie showcases the journey of some amazing horses, including my new rescue friends, who are now part of the Equine Theater world.
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up on them. These poor, forsaken souls are sent to a place where their life ends tragically, simply because the people responsible for their care have made choices that lead them to an unspeakable end. If you have ever loved a horse you are obligated to do right by them. Those of us who do not have a voice of our own are entirely dependent on the choices our people make concerning our welfare.
However, this movie is not all song and dance featuring fancy horses dressed in costumes, parading in front of audiences. This film also focuses the spotlight on the rather dire situation concerning unwanted horses in the United States at present. While I can take comfort in the fact that I will be surrounded
I will return to my original subject for a moment. Showing, or Show Biz, should not be a stressor for any horse. Sure at the beginning, some of us may worry about the commotion that accompanies any trip away from our training environment. However, it is up to you, our rider, to make these ventures enjoyable for us. How do you do that? It’s quite simple really. We the horse, need to know that you, our leader, will be the same,
by my human friends for the rest of my days, there are over a hundred forty thousand horses a year, whose people have given
no matter where we go or what we do. That means you are not allowed to be nervous yourself and you are not allowed to get
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
If your
partnership with your horse is secure, it should show up wherever you go.
emotional and get mad at us if we are uncertain, excited or nervous. We need you to be appropriate to our needs at all times. Yes we might need discipline and/or guidance and that can be achieved if you take the workable relationship you have developed in your training program at home and remind us, that circumstances, are just that. If your partnership with your horse is secure, it should show up wherever you go.
DRESSAGE
It may take a few rides in a new or strange environment for your horse to realize and gain confidence in your ability to guide and keep him or her safe. During these rides you must keep reminding your partner that you will handle any and all circumstances that might arise if they just, concentrate on you. The best riders I know always relax into the problem. Something excitable happens and they relax so much that I can feel their calmness and it takes away my concern. They are attentive to me but they stay relaxed and appropriate with their aids and their expectations and pretty soon I can ignore everything but my rider and I feel safe in doing so. I am a pretty ambitious and athletic horse and I know that I would quite quickly exploit a tense, nervous or tight rider, but as long as I have the feeling that my rider is relaxed yet in control, I am rideable. Things are not a big deal to us if our rider does not make it one. Think of potential problems as an opportunity to educate us. How should we be? Show us. Reassure us if we need, drive us forward if we need that, supple us and balance us if we need it. If we get it wrong with our bodies or our minds we need you to show us what right is. The little things you do well mean a lot to us.
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Is your rein contact appropriate? Not restrictive yet not floating along in an empty way which makes us feel uncertain. Are we balanced both laterally and longitudinally underneath you and if not, do we understand the answers to the aids you will use to balance us? If not you must educate us piece by piece breaking things down and sequencing your aids so that we understand and answer each aid as if it were a word in an ever expanding sentence that we should want to learn. We want you to be in
charge of us. Show biz, show riding, pleasure riding, are all chances for you to continue to develop your communication patterns with us and to reliably explain that we can follow and work with you regardless of the circumstances. Patience relaxation and repetition from you will result in obedience and confidence from us. I will give one personal example. Last year my folks had a big exhibition to do at the National Western Stock Show in Denver Colorado. I am blind in my left eye so my rider thought the pirate routine we were doing could include a mask with an eye patch over my blind eye. NO worries for me I had worn one before just to keep sand out of my eye when I had my sand rolls. What I did have to do was get use to having a liberty horse working loose in the arena with me while I did my Grand Prix work. Also we had the Denver brass band playing right at ringside. The liberty horse got quite upset and kept dashing over to me from all areas of the ring during rehearsal and often approached on my blind side crowding into me for comfort and reassurance. I wanted to kick him but my rider kept relaxing me and angling me away from any such opportunity. She kept track of what was going on and gave me clear guidance when I needed it. On show night things worked out but I was quite annoyed by my insecure partner. However I knew enough to be obedient to my rider as that is what I have been trained to do and things worked out in the end. I know that if I had not been handled appropriately things could have gone quite differently but my relationship with my trainer has been years in the making and we have a partnership that will stand up under many different circumstances. So, the movie we made which has tips on how my folks choose train and handle horses that have to work in unusual circumstances is basically the story of my life. Mine and many other horses that are different from me starting out, but end up the same, because of the training and partnership we have developed with our people. Everyone who rides or handles horses should strive for these things.
When the DREAM
BECOMES REALITY MRK DRESSAGE OWNED BY Micha Knol and Ryan Bell, is situated in Madison, Georgia, a long way from the Netherlands, where Micha Knol began his Dressage journey.
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Penny Morse
to understand at first until you see him ride. Earning his USDF Bronze, Silver, Gold medals with his own horses, Ryan has competed over ten horses to the FEI levels including 4 horses to Grand Prix. Ryan’s approach to training is kind and sympathetic with his focus on the correct development of the dressage horse and rider. R yan has trained extensively in Holland and Germany. He is a veteran of the junior divisions, having competed extensively through the international young rider, small tour, and Under 25 Grand Prix divisions. During his Young Rider years, he had several horses invited to the Festival of Champions.
Micha Knol’s dream was to become a professional dressage rider, but as life does not always turn out as we would like, he instead became a successful banker. He continued to ride as a hobby, but it was listening to a motivational speaker he had brought in for his employees, that inspired him to go after his dressage dream once again. Just like all of us, he shared is thoughts on Face Book and he caught the interest of USDF Gold Medal Professional Eline Eckroth based at Crane Hill Farm in Summerfield, Once you have spent some time with Florida. He accepted an invitation to go Micha and Ryan, you understand why to Florida, and one of her clients made they make such a good partnership it possible for them to import a 14 year and you are already looking forward old Dutch Grand Prix Gelding named to seeing them again. They came Verdict by Ferro. They also went ahead to Georgia with a friendly attitude and purchased a nine year old gelding, and a desire to become part of the Ryan Bell on Udor at the Rancho Murrieta CDI Choice, so now Micha had two horses community. They volunteered as to compete. With successes at Wellington and Orlando Micha stewards at two shows at Chatt Hills, and were a pleasure to earned his Silver Medal in only four tests and went on to win at work with and very efficient. More importantly, they like to give his Grand prix debut at Longwood Farm in Ocala. back to the community, and what a better way to do that. Any fears you may have that they would not be interested in you, are Since then Micha, now a USDF Gold Medalist has partnered quickly pushed to one side. Ryan with his infectious schoolboy
Ryan Bell likes to ride difficult horses and has a rather different approach to Dressage that some may find difficult
charm and Micha with his debonair European persona will quickly make you feel like you have known them for years. They have had their share of good fortune and not so good, but in the end you have two guys that deserve to be where they are today.
DRESSAGE
with Ryan Bell, also a USDF Gold Medalist, from California, and they have made their home at Cahuilla Dressage, owned by Anne Margaret Meyers, in Madison, Georgia.
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
ask the
SKIN WHISPERER Emily Fritchey
Healthy Holiday Beauty Strategies IN THIS SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION of the magazine, and with all the holiday events, parties and festivities coming up, most of us are making plans to celebrate with family and friends and want to look our absolute best, especially for photos! Since the love of our sport has us in the sun and exposes our skin to harsh environmental aggressors on a daily basis – glowing, healthy skin can be elusive and the search for products and treatments that actually work can be daunting. Recently I experienced a holistic skin treatment that made me look at least 15 years younger immediately without injections, invasive procedures or harsh, chemical ingredients. I asked our very own Skin Whisperer to explain the easiest and most effective way to get our glow back for the holidays. My interview with Emily Fritchey, “The Skin Whisperer”, a Holistic Skin Therapist and the founder
EQ ST YLE
of Sunshine Botanicals shared some of
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her most effective tips and techniques.
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
AHC: You are known for radically changing women’s skins in record time – all without invasive procedures. What is it about your approach to skin correction? I think like a chemist and work like a herbalist…It all starts with identifying and prioritizing the skin conditions that need to be treated and applying the precise treatment modality and botanical product formulation necessary to create the desired result. We can immediately refine skin texture, erase lines and wrinkles, lift and tighten sagging skin and help minimize the appearance of scar tissues and adhesions, especially the ones that are a result of Mohs surgery. AHC: You have an age-corrective skin treatment that can take 15 years off a face in just one treatment. How do you give someone a new face without surgery or injections is just under 2 hours? My signature Non-Surgical Face Lift involves three different forms of electricity, intense light therapy and a natural, vitamin A skin peel to correct and balance skins color, texture and overall elasticity. My triple light treatment combines red and blue LED light, near infrared light and my own skin sculpting devise that delivers intensive muscle re-education and skin tightening. I combine this with custom blended herbal extracts and tinctures with an exquisite 24K gold mask that is rich in magnesium, and helps reduce the aging effects of stress and locks in moisture for ultra-hydrated skin. The results are impressive and the skin looks absolutely amazing.”
“missing link” in ALL corrective skin treatment programs. Cleanse your skin CORRECTLY and use the right ingredients for your individual skin. spin. As for in clinic treatments, lymphatic drainage massage and micro current are powerful tools to help mobilize stagnant fluids trapped under the skin and help improve circulation, thus eliminating the appearance of these deeper underlying issues. AHC: You are known for your expertise with skin peels treatments. Do you have a favorite skin peel for the fall and winter season? My Pumpkin Power Peel is loaded with beta carotene (natural vitamin A) and is perfect for most all skin types. The pumpkin enzymes used in this formula lighten hyperpigmentation, refine texture and is a healthy alternative to chemically derived traditional peeling solutions.
AHC: Can you give our readers some direction on how to think about what they use on their skins and how to make healthier, more effective choices? Just as “medicated” lip balm makes us somehow more frantic for the next lip balm “fix” (because the chemicals are drying), the skin behaves the same way when we assault it with harsh detergents, exfoliants, drying alcohols and synthetic oils. The skin is always working to normalize its own surface moisture and pH level. Harsh skin tactics leave skin ravaged and tie its energy up in recovery. The skin is prone to rebound from harsh treatment with inflammation or excess oil production. What is worse is when the surface barrier of the skin becomes
EQ ST YLE
AHC: Can anything be done about dark circles and puffy eyes? Facial puffiness and dark under eye circles are a result of several things – inflammation, allergies, kidney weakness and adrenal fatigue. So many women are sleep deprived, and this alone can set a hormonal imbalance cascade off into a tail
Effective skin cleansing is the
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Most people aren’t aware that showering daily without a shower filter is actually dangerous.
EQ ST YLE
compromised, causing a cascade of problems. Before you know it, you’re caught up in the vicious cycle of assaultrecovery that requires increasingly harsh and unnatural maintenance tactics. We escape this merry-go-round of regimen overkill by not getting hip to harsh products and choosing smarter strategies.
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AHC: What are the most common mistakes people make when using skin care products? Skimping on the cleansing process and fast forwarding to the corrective products such as serums, wrinkle creams and zit spot treatments! Effective skin cleansing is the “missing link” in ALL corrective skin treatment programs. To many consumers, cleansing is hardly considered at all and is mostly an afterthought. If you cleanse your skin CORRECTLY and use the right ingredients for your individual skin condition, many skin imbalances are quickly cleared just by doing this. In addition, unless the skin is deeply and thoroughly cleansed, this cellular build up prevents active skin care products from penetrating into the skin to bring about the desired changes. Research has shown that American women spend an average of 15 seconds,
once a day, cleansing their skin. This all too brief regimen maybe removes surface layers of makeup. Skin cells begin to build up, pores clog and blotchiness begins to occur. AHC: Being outside most of the time how do we protect our skin? What type of product should we be using? What is the difference between a sun block and a sunscreen? Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen and sun block are not the same things. Sunscreen contains materials that act as filter to allow a certain range of UV light to be absorbed into the skin. Studies have proven a majority of these ingredients to be toxic and/or carcinogenic. Sun block contains materials (usually minerals) that reflect and scatter the UV light and acts a wall between damaging UBA rays and your skin. The sun gives off two rays: UVA and UVB rays. Dermatologists believe these are the rays that cause tissue damage, wrinkles to form and skin cancer. UVA and UVB wavelengths can penetrate through almost anything therefore, protection from them is important all year round, not just during the summer months. You can be exposed to the sun’s harmful rays during any
season, any temperature and even on a cloudy day. Healthy ingredients to look for in a sun block include: micronized zinc and titanium oxide (nature’s most trusted UV reflectors) and potent antioxidants. Researchers in Sweden have recently discovered that key ingredients in seaweed could actually protect our skin from harmful UV rays. It seems that a particular algae offers its very own form of sun protection and when mixed with crustacean shells, the outcome has huge potential in the world of natural skin products. AHC: What is the simplest thing to do for women of any age that can change the look of their skin the quickest? Most people aren’t aware that showering daily without a shower filter is actually dangerous. Science – not just speculation – has confirmed that showering in chlorinated water is actually much worse than drinking it. When you are taking a hot shower, you inhale fumes including chloroform, causing potential respiratory problems and aggravating sinus conditions, asthma, allergies and throat problems. Why make the effort to purify your skin with skin care products and then rinse your face in chlorine? For much shinier hair and healthy, glowing skin I recommend KDF technology filters for ultra-pure water that will immediately upgrade the results you experience from any skin care routine.
WISHING YOU A VERY
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR from your friends at Atlanta Horse Connections!
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LE LION Food, wine & young horses Clayton Fredericks
MONDIAL DU LION has always been one of my favorite events, so when presented with the opportunity to travel back to Europe with FE Money Made (aka Connor) to compete in the 7 Year Old World Championships of Young Eventing horses I jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, as can often be the way with horses, an untimely injury put paid to these plans and instead I found myself
Returning to Le Lion after a 5-year absence, I was immediately reminded of why I loved competing here so much. One of the last major events on the European circuit, Le Lion has always had a friendly, easy-going vibe. Riders are nearing the end of another long year competing and there is almost a “last day of school”, feeling. Added to this is the excitement of riders testing their
with a week in France as a spectator at one of the most beautiful events in the world.
young horses and possible future team horses around their first serious competition.
EVENTING
MONDIAL DU LION never fails to impress with it’s beautiful scenery, unexpected cross country jumps, and patrons of all ages!
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With the pressure off me competing this year I was able to appreciate the event at an entirely different level and even spend some time exploring the surrounding areas. Noncompetition days were spent exploring the many wineries and chateaus the region has on offer. We even managed to spend half a day cruising the Mayenne River. While I never quite lost the feeling of wishing I was competing myself, being a spectator at Le Lion wasn’t that bad
EVENTING
With not having to concentrate on competing - wineries, chateaus and day cruising on the Mayenne River became fun activities and the region provided plenty of places to explore.
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either. A beautiful main arena, surrounded by grandstands for spectators provides for great viewing of the competition. Away from the horses there was plenty of opportunities to taste the local wine and food the region has on offer. Whether it was walking the Cross Country course with it’s numerous tents offering beer and wine, eating at the restaurant above the grandstand while watching the live stream or finishing the day in the trade stand area eating oysters, there was always something new to try.
From a horse perspective it was exciting to watch the competition and look at the breeding of some of the successful horses. I was pleased to see Ingrid Klimke win the 2** on a mare by Clarimo, the same sire as my 5 year old FE Clueso. It was also interesting to see a number of young horses by Valentino who is the sire of the 6 year old FE Vindus and one of the most exciting horses in my team. Looking at the quality of horses it once again highlighted what event riders are
looking for in a young horse. Riders know that the dressage and jumping phases have become more influential, so are looking for horses with the correct paces that have the potential to win the dressage and be good jumpers. Having returned from Le Lion it is now time to start planning for next year and hopefully a return trip to France with FE Vindus on board.
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Phillip Anthony Moore, DVM, DACVO Member of the International Equine Ophthalmology Consortium Professor of Ophthalmology at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Anne M. Beyer, DVM Ophthalmology Resident at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
When it is time for your horse to see the
OPTHALMOLOGIST Sometimes difficult to diagnose and treat, corneal disease and fungal infections are serious problems no horse owner wants to hear. CORNEAL DISEASE is one of the most common reasons that horses are presented to the veterinary ophthalmologist. The cornea is the outer clear surface of the eye and is susceptible to damage secondary to trauma, foreign bodies, and environmental factors (wind and UV light). In addition, corneal disease can be the result of immune mediated disease, age related disease (i.e. indolent ulcers), neoplasia (i.e. Squamous cell carcinoma) and infection (i.e. bacteria, fungal and viral).
WELLNESS
Due to the prominence of their cornea, horses are predisposed to corneal ulcerations, which occur as a result of damage to the superficial corneal layer (corneal epi-
thelium). This outer layer of the cornea serves as a protective barrier to infections organisms, such as bacteria and fungi. Horses with corneal ulceration, not matter the cause, typically present with signs of ocular pain (blinking, squinting, tearing), redness of the eye, and swollen eyelids. In addition, ocular discharge and a cloudy, dull appearance to the cornea can be present. If the condition is chronic, blood vessels can be seen migrating across the corneal surface. A complete ophthalmic examination by a veterinarian is indicated, as soon as possible, in horses with these clinical signs, as early intervention increases the potential for healing and decreases the risk for loss of the eye.
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Although fungal infections of the horse cornea are a common occurrence, they are often overlooked as a potential cause of corneal disease. It is important that a secondary fungal infection be considered anytime a horse has a corneal ulcerations that is slow to heal (greater than 2-3 days) or progresses in size or depth. In addition to corneal ulcerations, fungal keratitis can present in a variety of forms from superficial pin-point opacities to white, yellow or brown areas of corneal discoloration that range from a plaque to a corneal abscess. Fungal infections of the cornea are difficult to diagnose. In order to obtain a diagnosis of fungal keratitis, cytology, histopathology, PCR and/or culture may be performed by a veterinarian. Fungal organism preferentially migrates to the deeper layers of the cornea making diagnosis difficult. A swab or scrapping of the cornea may reveal superficial fungal organisms on cytology. Cultures may be obtained, but require 2-3 weeks to allow for growth. Sensitivities are available at only select laboratories, including Auburn
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University. Diagnosis of fungal keratitis is often made based on history, examination findings, and clinical experience. Fungal infections of the cornea are also challenging to treat. In addition to being difficult to kill the organisms with medications, the layers of the cornea pose an obstacle to the penetration of antifungals. Voriconazole has excellent corneal penetration as well as having a broad spectrum of activity. Other options, with poorer penetration, include miconazole and itraconazole with DMSO. Fluconazole and natamycin have poor susceptibility patterns for common fungal species and do not penetrate the deeper corneal layers. Fungal infections are often accompanied by bacterial infections. Therefore, concurrent treatment with antibiotics is necessary. Fungi and the immune response to the organisms result in enzymatic breakdown of the corneal collagen. This breakdown of the cornea can threaten the eye, so aggressive treatments with anti-collagenases to inhibit these enzymes are instituted. In severe cases of disease or those with a poor response to medical therapy, surgical intervention is necessary. Partial or complete removal of the affected cornea is performed (i.e. lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty). To restore the structural integrity of the cornea, multiple graft options are available including fresh/frozen cornea, bioscaffold/biomatrix
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(Acell, Biosist) or amniotic membrane. A conjunctival graft can be used to provide a vascular supply to the area to help fight infection and promote healing. The most appropriate surgical treatment is often patient and surgeon dependent. Fungal keratitis is an important consideration in ocular disease in horses. Inappropriate diagnosis and treatment can delay healing, be sight threating, and lead to the potential loss of the eye. Fungal keratitis is difficult and complex to treat, but, with early, intensive, and aggressive treatment, a successful outcome of >90% is obtainable.
1. Corneal abscess. The fungal infection has resulted in intense corneal inflam-
WELLNESS
mation. 2. The abscess is resolved after treatment with intrastromal injections of
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voriconazole as well as topical medical therapy. 3. Ulcerative fungal keratitis (Deep ulcer associated with fungal disease). 4. Typical fungal plaque that was treated with a superficial keratectomy. 5. Keratomalacia (Melting Ulcer): Corneal infiltrates and enzymatic corneal breakdown
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Pursuing the dream
IN EUROPE Ashley Giles
LOCAL NEWS
AS I WRITE THIS, MY NEW HORSE, a 5-year old German-bred Trakehner mare named Chayenne, is being loaded on a plane in Europe, to fly to New York. I would be lying if I said that this is anything other than an extremely emotional time for me. Other people import horses every week, and some do it quite often, but for me this was a first, and a life-long dream come true. My recent circumstances also have played a part as to why this process has been so important – my top two competition horses suffered injuries at almost the same time, and at this point I have been without a serious competition horse for nearly two years.
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That run of bad luck, however, gave me the opportunity and incentive to start a new business venture with Rodan & Fields, the premium skincare line, which has proven extremely successful. That business has provided me
with the opportunity, for the very first time, to go horse shopping with some meaningful funds in my bank account. Finding and buying Chayenne has been over a year in the making, and after visiting Germany’s young horse national championships (the Bundeschampionat) in September 2015, I decided I wanted a horse bred and produced in Germany, and began furiously saving in furtherance of that goal. Matt and I have been lucky to develop a friendship with a contact in Germany, who has sourced a number of top horses for U.S. riders. During the time I was planning the trip, I was able to discuss with him exactly what I was looking for – a young mare that I could ride competitively in Eventing and that in the future could also be a key component of our farm’s breeding program.
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Previous page: Horb am Neckar, Germany hometown of World Champion Event Rider Micheal Jung. 1. Scenery in the Bavarian Alps 2. Trying a horse in Urspring Germany 3. Beer and Wurst for Lunch in Austria 4. Year Old Mare near Graz 5. Scenery from our drive 6. The most beautiful place I have ever been – Hallstatt, Austria
He agreed to help us with locating suitable horses, and also provided invaluable advice regarding the necessary budget, shipping costs, and required veterinary procedures. This was extremely important, and I firmly believe that getting trustworthy local help is a huge factor for a successful overseas buying trip.
In the end it was a tall, bay, 5-year old mare from a small breeder in BadenWurttemburg that was the one for me. She has a very impressive competition record for her age, including qualifying for the Bundeschampionat, which is a big deal. The moment I got on her my nerves disappeared and it felt like home. I smiled from ear to ear and quietly asked her if she would be alright moving to the U.S.A. It took nearly two months for the negotiations, veterinary checks, and shipping arrangements to be complete, but on the morning of November 19, 2016,
Chayenne arrived at the local quarantine facility about 15 minutes away from our farm. When I finally saw her come off the trailer, I cried, but in a completely good way. She has another 3 weeks before her quarantine period ends. The waiting is hard, but I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us.
Meet my dream come true.. Welcome to the USA, Chayenne!
LOCAL NEWS
On September 23, 2016, I boarded a plane to Frankfurt to start an incredible journey. Over the next eight days, my partner Matt and I would visit 18 different cities, towns, and rural communities, putting 1600 miles on our rental car. I would ride 12 different horses and look at several others in the process. We looked at horses bred by famous stud farms and small breeders who only produced 1-2 horses each year. We had no real set itinerary, which was exhilarating. In the process, we saw mountain lakes,
beautiful vineyards, Gothic cathedrals, and medieval canal-filled German towns. We spent time in Baden-Wurttemburg, Bavaria, Austria, and even had a quick side trip to Strasbourg in France.
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Debbie Brady photos by Rather Be Riding Photography
Horses & Hounds
SOUTHERN STYLE
On the second Saturday in November, every year, the rolling green fields of Bear Creek Farm in Moreland, GA, are the backdrop for the pageantry and tradition of Opening Hunt. Foxhunting has traditions reaching back centuries, and the annual opening of the formal hunt season and blessing
LOCAL NEWS
of the hounds offers riders and onlookers an opportunity to celebrate those traditions.
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The Bear Creek Hounds was established in 2001 and recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association in 2005. Based at the beautiful home of Senior Master Hal Barry and his lovely wife Linda Barry, 45 minutes south of Atlanta, the hunt also has fixtures (territory for hunting) in the Chattahoochee Hills area, eastern
Alabama and South Georgia. The hounds go out twice a week from September through mid-March. Opening Hunt marks the end of cubbing season – the informal beginning of the hunt season when young hounds are learning to hunt, older hounds are getting
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
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©Curtis Robb
Previous page: The Bear Creek Hounds, 1st and 2nd Fields 1. Family fun - Marlene Powell helps her daughter Skyler with her pony 2. Founders of Bear Creek Hunt, Hal and Linda Barry 3. American Crossbred Foxhounds
conditioned and horses and riders are getting in shape. The pace and intensity of the hunt increases, as the weather grows crisper. The traditional ceremonies of the Opening Hunt offer a unique opportunity for non-riders to share in the spectacle of the hunt. Bear Creek Hounds welcomes guests to participate in a stirrup cup – refreshments served to the riders on horses, blessing of the hounds and to follow the hunt on “Tally Ho” wagons.
Bear Creek’s huntsman, Steve Clifton, has been working with hounds his entire adult life. A professional huntsman for 39 years, Steve’s work begins in the kennels as he plots the breeding of the hounds to suit the territory and the quarry. Bear Creek mostly hunts coyotes so it requires fast hounds with good noses and strong
voices. Professional whipper-in Melanie Smith assists in managing the hounds during the hunt and is responsible for finding and maintaining the hunt horses. With large territories and fast-moving hounds, Thoroughbreds and TB crosses serve as mounts for Steve and Melanie. Also critical to the hunt, is the support of several honorary whipper-in staff. Generally Bear Creek has between two and five honorary (volunteer) whippers-in assisting in the field for any given hunt. These riders serve as the huntsman’s eyes as the hunt unfolds and stop or turn the hounds as directed by the huntsman if they move out of the territory or toward roadways.
LOCAL NEWS
The followers, dressed in their country casual, crowd on to hay wagons for a rolling celebration of the hunt. As the hounds give voice to the chase, riders clad in scarlet and black formal coats
gallop and jump black board coops and stone walls in pursuit. It’s a stirring sight, and as with most things in the horse world, the relationships behind the scene are built over time with hard work and commitment, those relationships between huntsman and hounds and riders and horses are the unseen foundation.
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The riders following the hunt are guided by field masters who manage their groups of riders to observe the hunt without interfering with the hounds and staff. Bear Creek Hunt generally has three different fields or flights of riders. The first flight follows closely on the heels of the huntsman and jumps any obstacles in their path. The second flight follows the first flight, but finds its way around obstacles rather than jumping. The third flight, frequently called ‘hill toppers’, keeps a more leisurely pace and attempts to position the riders so as to catch the action from a distance.
Bear Creek’s Masters are Senior Master Hal Barry, Dr. Warner Ray, Carl Bouckaert, Larry Seller and Shane Lyle. The Masters of the hunt handle the financial aspects of the hunt and, most critically, work with landowners to ensure a good relationship. Access to private land is a central component to the success of the hunt and landowners are accorded utmost respect. The spectacle of Opening Hunt is possible due to the work of the Masters, Staff and Members of the club. It’s a day for the Hunt to share its passion for foxhunting with the community at large – a window into an ancient sport that continues to attract and enthrall new devotees.
1. Bear Creek Huntsman, Steve Clifton, and future foxhunter, Sassy Hyman 2. Gentleman members with colors wear formal scarlet coats with the hunt’s colors on the collar 3. Hunt member, and landowner, Lee Harris, takes a coop on his TB mare 4. Honorary whip, Megan Harris, on her Connemara stallion, *TBS Declan Pondi
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
TOP 5 WISHES & GIFTS for western dressage riders
It’s that time of year; we are making our lists and checking them twice. Here are some of my Christmas Wishes from Santa and also some great gift ideas for the Western Dressage Rider. Cheryl Freda Pritchard
WESTERN DRESSAGE
Wish 5: A Five Star Appearance
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The perfect amount of classic and modern in tack will give you and your horse that Five Star Appearance. Everyone can use a little bit of bling. Even in Classical Dressage, you are starting to see exotic skins on boots, piping and accents on jackets and crystals on Bridles and head bonnets. Western dressage riders are always looking for the bling which has always been known in the Western Pleasure world, but tempered with the classical more conservative history of Dressage. Trying to find that wow factor without going over the top is a fine balance.
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Wish 4: Four solid feet under you A perfect halt is hard to achieve, but beautiful to see.
Wish 3: Three perfect loops In a serpentine, we are always looking for 3 perfect loops. Each loop needs to contain the exact amount of correct bend, easy transitions of the bend, but also perfect symmetry and spacing with all three loops.
Wish 2: Two distinct hoof prints In the free walk, we want the hind food to over track the front hoof. This shows reach and impulsion from the back.
Even though I have my top 5 Christmas wishes, I also have my top five gift requests for Western Dressage Riders.
Number 5: Laminated Dressage Letters There is nothing worse than working on your tests and not knowing where the letters are located.
Number 4: Laminated Western Dressage Tests These tests can be found in multiple places. Having the printed version will help others to call my tests without mistakes.
Number 3: Padded bridle Bag Once we get that 5 Star Headstall, we need to keep it clean and polished. A nice padded bridle bag will make a statement and also cut down on clean up time.
Number 2: A great pair of earrings Once we have gotten the test correct, the horse all polished and looking pretty, we want to wear those perfect earrings which will show that we don’t have to look around to see where we are going.
Wish 1: Straight lines & Perfect circles
Number 1: The best gift for a Western Dressage Rider is someone to ride with Since this is a new discipline, we are always looking for a friend to support us and to enjoy this new sport. Hopefully, you will get your Christmas Wishes from Santa and everything on your Christmas list. It will soon be time to start showing, so you better be good!
WESTERN DRESSAGE
Western dressage riders are always after the elusive straight lines and perfect circles. The straight line is hard to navigate and harder to maintain going down the centerline. Equally so, the perfect circle is very elusive. It needs to be round, not egg shaped or square, at the same time finding the perfect placement. The Straight line and perfect circle is not only the number one wish from our horses, but also from the judges. So, here is hoping that an “ I O ” is in my near future!
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Amber Spiler
Silly Gil
KIDS’ CORNER
Hi all, it's me Gil, the cutest pony ever! Or at least that's what my girl says to me every single day! My sister, Cricket says that she's just silly. Cricket thinks she is the cutest pony ever! My young adopted, dog brother Puck thinks we are both wrong. He says that we are way too big to be cute. That's just because he is very tiny. He's a Jack Russell Terrier mutt and is quite proud of his fine breeding.
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My wonderful field that overlooks everything and is usually filled with yummy green grass is now dry and brown. The air is crisp and cool and my girl has started putting my sheet on me at night. I don’t really need it because I have a very thick coat. My ancestors are from Ireland so I am supposed to be just (ne in the cold weather. But my girl loves to dress me up in the winter so I allow it without any complaints. It is late afternoon so I expect that she will come out to see me and dress me soon. I am under my trees munching what is left of the bright orange and red leaves. They have a funny tangy taste and are not at all like my favorite light green leaves, but I eat them anyway. I hear the jingle of Puck’s tags on his collar and prick up my ears as I see him hopping along behind my girl who is carrying a big, brown box. I watch them for a while trying to decide if I am curious enough to follow. I decide that I’m not and go back to my leaf munching.
up her box and walks across the field in my direction. I quickly look away so that she doesn’t know I was watching. Puck is still hopping around and chasing some imaginary varmint. As my girl approaches me she reaches into her pocket and pulls out a carrot. I take it gently with my fuzzy lips. She climbs through the fence to get my sheet and crawls back through to put it on me. When she buckles she straps under my tummy it tickles a bit and I suck in so I can’t feel her hands. She gives me a hug around my neck and tells me to stay out of trouble. I snort at her as if to say “of course” and make my way back to my trees as she leaves.
My girl sets the box down on the ground and opens it to pull out a long string of something. It doesn’t look like food so I do my best to ignore them. Puck is yapping, as usual, but I think he’s just trying to make me jealous. My girl takes the string and wraps it all over the boards of my fence. I shake my head and snort and decide to wonder to the water trough for a quick sip of water. I can see them a little better from there but I will play like I’m not interested. When my girl is all finished she picks
“Did you see what my girl put up today?” My girl, not his.
It is just starting to get dark and I am taking a little nap when I hear Puck. “Gil! Gil! Gil!” Always three times.
“Wait until it gets a little darker and you will see!” So we wait, and sure enough something magical happens! The fence lights up! Not one solid light, but little tiny lights. They look like billions of fireflies. I am fascinated. “Do you know what those are Gil?” I shake my head at the little
“They are cat lures.” Huh? “The cat is narcturnal.” Puck looks at me cocking his head sideways as I blink at him with a blank expression. “That means that he is a tattletale!” Oh! “He also likes to run around at night so I am going him and teach him a lesson!” Oh, so they are nocturnal too. Interesting… “Are you in?” Nope. “Aw, come on Gil. You have to help.” I see Puck give a deep sign and his big ears droop a bit. “Okay, I understand. I did see the cat eating your carrots the other day but why should that bother you?” My carrots? Now that just won’t do! Together the mutt and I walk on tiptoes to the fence. “Now put your head down a little so I can get these things wrapped around your neck.” Puck is pulling the lights with his tiny mouth and draping them right over my head.
and that this should be expected. I glare at Puck who seems to be eating up the attention. Naughty pup!
“Oops.” Then that little mutt scoots away from me running to the house yapping at the top of his lungs! Traitor! He wrapped me up in a string of firefly lights and is leaving me to the cat! I start to panic but realize that takes a lot of energy so instead I just lay still wondering how I will ever get to eat leaves again. Then I hear her, my girl running through the field followed closely by her dad.
They give me one last pat and tell me goodnight before walking back up the lane to their home. I snuggle in under the trees and grumble to myself. I will never, ever listen to that mutt again! Tomorrow I will not get in trouble!
“Silly Gil! What did you do this time?” I am embarrassed. My girl looks worried. “Hold still while my dad and I unwrap you.” I do hold still. They spend about 30 minutes carefully unwinding what took Puck all of 10 minutes to do. When they are all finished my girl wraps her arms around my neck and whispers in my fuzzy, pony ear. “You always manage to get into so much trouble. It’s a good thing you have Puck to look after you!” What? My girl’s dad tells her that she should know better than to put anything on the fence. That I am notorious for getting into things
SHORT STIRRUPS
“You are going to walk around with the lights on you and then the naughty carroteating cat will be hypnotized. Once he’s in a trance I’ll pounce on him! Got it?” I snort and nod my head. The little devil will wish he never laid eyes on my carrots. Puck continues to decorate me and asks me to turn this way and that way. I feel the string of lights wrapping around my legs now and I’m starting to get a little nervous. Somehow this isn’t working quite like I thought it would. I move in a small circle
but the strings are getting tighter and tighter. Puck! That scoundrel! I topple over into a heap of pony on the ground.
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
mutt wondering how he knows so much.
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Amber Spiler
junior riders
brittany-claire hylton MY NAME IS BRITTANY-CLAIRE HYLTON and I have been riding for two and half years. My horse’s name Set the Bar or Gixie as we call her around the barn. She’s a 26 year old Hanoverian mare but you’d never know she’s that old. She is my dream horse and I could not be more grateful for her. I mostly ride dressage with a little eventing thrown in for fun. My favorite phase is cross country because it is so fun to dress Gixie up in our cross country colors! I also really enjoy dressage because of the feedback you get on every dressage test so you know what to improve.
I train with Dana Ferguson in Clermont, Georgia. I love her because she is always there and willing to answer my many questions about horses. (They are never ending sometimes!) She also always looks out for our best interest. Having almost reached it, my goal is to score a 70% on a dressage test and to move up to Training Level before the end of the year.
olivia harvey
SHORT STIRRUPS
MY NAME IS OLIVIA HARVEY and for as long as I can remember I have loved horses and ponies and have been riding and working every day at our farm, River Birch in Sharpsburg, GA.
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My mother, who is a trainer, introduced me to riding when I was five years old. She bought me my first pony, Blue when I was six. Over the last ten years I have been very fortunate to ride and show lots of different ponies. In November my trainer, Melinda Sise, my Mom and I went to Alabama to look for a new horse. After riding several horses that day, one had stolen my heart from the minute I got on his back. He was a five year old Hanoverian and I knew right away that he was the one. When we left that day it didn’t look like it would work out. I probably wasn’t going to get the horse that I fell in love with, and was the horse of my dreams. Then on a very chilly December morning
my Mom and Melinda had a very special surprise for me, my dream horse was at the farm! Folley had come to stay! My future will always involve horses. I plan to graduate and hopefully work as Melinda’s assistant rider to gain the experience I will need so that I can one day get my own farm and start a business as a professional trainer.
If you would like to be featured in our Junior Riders section, email a short description of yourself, your horse and a few hi-res photographs to designonpenny@yahoo.com
just when you thought
POLO SEASON was over 2016 WAS A FANTASTIC YEAR for Atlanta Polo. The official outdoor season began in May and ended at the end of October. Atlanta has four polo clubs all located close to the city. During the season all four clubs host tournaments, teach clinics and also hold weekly chukkars throughout the summer and fall. As daylight savings reduces the amount of daylight, and the weather gets colder, field polo ends and arena polo begins. It is a fast-paced version of outdoor polo but played in an enclosed all-weather surface, or completely indoors. Unlike outdoor polo, which is played on a 10-acre field, arena polo is played on 300 feet by 150 feet field, enclosed by walls of four or more feet in height. Each game consists of four chukkas, or periods, each lasting seven minutes and 30 seconds. The arena polo ball is similar to a mini soccer ball, larger than the hard plastic ball used outdoors. The arena
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Jenny Kepano
game is played on a dirt surface with the ball bouncing on uneven footing and off the arena walls. It is typically far more financially accessible than outdoor polo. There are three players per team in arena opposed to four in the outdoor polo. Games can be very physical, and because of the smaller size of the playing area, there is constant contact amongst the players. Club membership fees are usually lesser in comparison, mainly because an arena does not have the high annual maintenance cost of a grass field. Arena polo can be played year-round, which is attractive to many players because it makes progress in the sport faster. As for the horses, they don’t have to go high speeds over long distances; horses need to utilize their acceleration, strength, and maneuverability to play arena polo.
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1. Pony Up for a Cause 2. Polo For Parkinson’s 3. Polo in the Pines 4. NYTS Qualifier 5. Atlanta Ladies 6. 2 Goal Club Tournament
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“Grace is sufficient even though we huff and puff
ART S & ENTERTAINMENT
with all our might to try
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and find something or someone that it cannot c ove r. G r a c e i s e n o u g h .” - Brennan Manning
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Maureen Forman Photos by Felicity Murphy
An afternoon with
LISA VANDERPUMP
THE IMPRESSIVE GATES of The Paddock Riding Club in Los Angeles open, and the pristine chariot (a Bentley convertible) carries the striking brunette towards CM Stables. The perfectly coiffed driver, Lisa Vanderpump, is the epitome of grace as she exits her carriage. This is where the fairy tale ends and the reality show begins. The television cameras that document her life try to give her space as they rush the car in a “sorry, not sorry” effort.
You can tell that under her crisp exterior, Lisa Vanderpump has a caring and loving soul. The corners of her mouth turn slightly upward as a feeble joke comparing her love of her husband and Prince Tardon is attempted. Her clever wit slices through the joke in seconds and that naughty twinkle in her eye shines like a ten karat diamond. She demonstrates in her response that she can be good fun. She and her horse patiently pose for photographs, doing their best to maintain order in the chaos of a televised photo shoot. Lisa is a passionate animal rights advocate, savvy business woman, television star, humanitarian, protective mother, loyal wife and even fairy godmother. Her lifestyle, while enviable on the surface, is so frenetic that one has to wonder when she finds time to breathe. Once on her horse, the stress of her never ending empire fades, her attention is focused solely on the moment, her alabaster shell cracks, and finally her gorgeous smile illuminates the arena. Her horse, while a bit pushy on the ground, carries Lisa with fierce loyalty and quiet dignity. He clearly loves her as much as she loves him, appearing to be forgiving and level headed. The connection they have is palpable. Their partnership has the crew
ART S & ENTERTAINMENT
Ignoring the cameras, Lisa’s eyes shift to her gray gelding, Prince Tardon, visible in his modest stall. The horse, though in his early teens, is retired from the internationally acclaimed performance troupe, Cavalia. Tardon, is as beautifully groomed as his adopted mother and his eyes are as intelligent as hers. Lisa cautiously assesses the situation as she walks towards her horse. The barrage of media types, from the brightly, caftan clad lifestyle editor, to the loitering camera crew irritate her- she subtly bristles as she is approached by a stylist. In a record breaking heat wave, the nearby wildfires layering the area with a thick blanket of smoke, Lisa, (ever so British), keeps calm and carries on. She tenderly offers her beautiful boy some crunchy treats. “Say please” she says with a quietly authoritative tone. Prince Tardon cocks his head and literally smiles- teeth visible- at her request. She coos to him in French and Tardon responds appropriately, demanding more. The chuckles from the crew are audible. The personality of
this horse is television worthy. Lisa, clearly not a fan of chit chat, shares that her horse understands French. There is no doubt that this special boy breaks through the platinum armor guarding Lisa.
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
smiling, once again. It’s effortless for them. Together they define grace. Does Lisa love her horse ferociously? Indeed. Although she prefers soccer over rugby, she protects all of her interests and loved ones the way an All Blacks Rugby fullback protects the ball. She is the last line of defense. Lisa is rumored to get on better with men, and perhaps has less patience for women. Her dynamic with her cast mates would lend credence to that rumoras confirmed by Lisa’s trainer, Carolin
promotion. Lisa has neither interest nor time in competing or needing further promotion for her empire. That is not what Tardon is for. Her tack and attire wouldn’t be considered appropriate in a clinic or competition, and frankly that formality is irrelevant to her. Owning a horse is about enjoying herself, expressing her unique style, and not caring what others think. She is carving out time for herself and creating her happiness, as so many working adults who come back to riding do. Countless women across the world manage a few
riding lessons into their hectic schedule. Lisa Vanderpump is a role model, proving that one’s technique, attire or tack does not have to be perfect, but there is always time for a ride. Having that time to oneself on a horse is not a luxury, it’s simply grace.
Author Maureen Forman can talk the ear off any horse, even Tardon!
Once on her horse, the stress of her never-ending empire fades, her attention is focused solely on the moment, her alabaster shell cracks, and finally her gorgeous smile illuminates the arena.
ART S & ENTERTAINMENT
Malmkvist. The barn is sweet; children milling around the barn casually dressed in tank tops and sharing goals of jumping 2’3 courses. The stalls, small to average sized, aren’t heavily banked with shavings as one might expect to see. The absence of formality (hairnets, polished boots, and collared shirts) is refreshing on this unseasonably steamy day.
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While she may not be at a level for a George Morris clinic, he would absolutely love her in a social setting. She would match his dismissive wit and raise him a one liner! Carolin shares that Lisa doesn’t have time for petty nonsense at the barn. Respecting that, the trainer, ever encouraging, quietly asks for correct diagonals, eventually instructing Lisa to sit and canter around the ring. After performing for the media for thirty minutes, it’s time for a trail. Her publicist, Phil Loebel, announces that “it’s a wrap” as Lisa asks Carolin to join her on a trail. Carolin rushes to the barn to quickly tack what must be the tenth horse of the day. There is no pretense as the two wander together toward the river trail in this urban oasis. Cavalia doesn’t allow adopted horses to compete, nor be used for any sort of
ter is here! in W Don’t get left out in the cold! Winter can be a challenge for many horses. Our team is here to help prepare your horse for the changing seasons. We are committed to serving you and your horse whether you come to us or we come to you!
Dr. Jason McLendon, DVM Dr. Matthew Reynolds, DVM Dr. Libby Reidy, DVM
770.252.6860
Client: Katinka Owned by Heidi Caldwell
815 Herring Rd., Newnan, GA 30265
Catherine Brooks Overstreet Certified Saddle Fitter Authorized Dealer for Sommer Saddlery and N2 Saddlery
Full Service Tack and Saddle Repairs Servicing the Southeast Region Permanent Vendor at Chattahoochee Hills Eventing To schedule an appointment at your Equestrian Facility call
404 518 0306
southerncrescentequine.com
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the best holiday
GIFTS Not just the best Holiday Gifts, but these are things that are perfect any time of the year! Whether you are treating yourself or for that
special equestrian, we have put together a great selection. From Best Sellers by local authors, to luxurious Head Warmers from the UK, (endorsed by Charlotte Dujardin), we hope you will be as delighted with our choices as we are! Don’t forget, there is always an excuse for giving!
For the kitchen!
ART S & ENTERTAINMENT
to Unique finds customize!
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Handmade & exclusive horse patterned rolling pin, also offers custom and many other patterns to choose from $33.99, theponyhabit.com Made by artist Betsy Milsap, custom equestrian tea towels – using your horses markings/color. Hand embroidered, wool manes & real leather tack $49, theponyhabit.com
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Get personal! Add a name or your logo!
Smartpak Piper knit kneepatch (Ocean) and full seat (Deep Plum)breeches $59.46 - $79.95, smartpak.com
Smartpak ladies personalized quilt vest in grey $84.95. Personalized canvas tote bag in Natural/Navy $24.95, smartpak.com
Noble Outfitters Impulse Fleece Jacket $79.95, Madison Show Shirt $89.95, Signature Breeches $149.95, horseloverz.com
Annabel Brocks tweed cape $275
Annabel Brocks navy gilet vest $180
ART S & ENTERTAINMENT
Annabel Brocks two-color leather belt $65, head warmer grey and grey velvet $55, tweed cape $275. Shipping to the USA available, annabelbrocks.com
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Joanne’s Stock Ties, all colors available. In stock and special order $45.00 - $55.00 770.313.6283
Blackwatch Stable Series from local author Amber Spiler, perfect for young readers $12.95 or both for $20, Kindle version available on Amazon $3.95 blackwatchstablesseries.com
Racesafe Provent 3.0 Body Protector European & BETA Level 3 protection $350.00, Soteria Safety, joannemorse1@yahoo.com
Embrace Custom Bonnets with 3-layer noise reduction ears with a luxurious suede finish and adorned with Swarovski crystal accents $95, embracesaddlefit.com Jeni Benos Designs handcrafted sterling silver necklaces $125, embracesaddlefit.com
Noise reducing!
ART S & ENTERTAINMENT
r USDF legal fo g! rin ow sh the
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Atlanta author Karen McGoldrick’s The Dressage Chronicles 3-book series are sure to entertain the DQ on your list! $15-$24.95. Available on Kindle, your local book store and signed copies are available from deedspublishing.com.
Ovation Nora Country Boots have cute quilted canvas and are paired with an oiled leather foot and top cuff for a classic look $103.50, paradisefarmandtack.com
The Nunn Finer Hampton Fancy Hunter Bridle is beatifully crafted with a padded crown, browband and cavesson making this bridle a great choice for top hunter riders $198, paradisefarmandtack.com
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
Gingham bracelet by Hampton Ivy, available in preppy pink, preppy green and blue and features a brass horse jump $25, theponyhabit.com
Warm & stylish! Layer up in st yle and comfort!
Deniro Vincerò Raffello dressage boots with interchangeable tops starting at $1150, stylemyride.net
Noble Outfitters Ombre Scarf $29.95, Premier Fleece Vest $89.95, Homerun Crew Sweater $59.95, Softshell Riding Pants $79.95-$89.95, Ready to Ride Gloves $24.95, horseloverz.com
ART S & ENTERTAINMENT
Unique AND useful! Custom handpainted brushes by artist Betsie Milsap. Starting at $20, theponyhabit.com
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
GiGi Thompson
e v i t a n r alte wine LIFESTYLE the
ART S & ENTERTAINMENT
WineShop at Home has taken wine buying to a whole new level.
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OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS the approach to wine has certainly changed in this country. At one time the drink to take to a cook out, BBQ or horse show was a 12 pack of Bud Light, whereas now even the biggest cowboy can be seen sipping on a nice glass of Merlot as he enjoys his steak. Wine is no longer just for the fancy overpriced bars in New York, or the cordon bleu restaurants of Atlanta, it is everywhere. Wine shops are present in every town, the wine departments in the grocery stores continue to grow, and nearly every household from every walk of life has a couple of bottles next to the beer. With such a selection available to everyone, WineShop at Home took wine buying to a whole new level. This is a whole new way to learn about, experience and shop for great wines.
They produce between 48-55 wines per year compared to the normal wineries you find in the stores that produce maybe 5-6.
WineShop is the only winery that does this. They are to wine as a microbrewery is to beer. There is a new label introduced each month, 2 reds and 2 whites. Wine Club members get the new label each month. Production is limited so they do sell out and sometimes very quickly, however there a several wines that are always available year round. Grapes used aren’t limited to just Napa Valley, but also from international growers in Italy, Spain, Chile, Argentina, France, and Australia, just to name a few. The varieties include Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and also some similar names such as Dolcetto, Arnies, Symphony and Carmenere. You do get to try before you buy, just like a wine tasting offered at Wine Clubs around the country, but you get to do this at home. During a tasting you will sample 5-6 wines you get to pick as the host. You will learn about those wines and general wine information. Every wine WineShop sends out is paired with a recipe from the McCormick chefs (yes, the spice people). So for those of you that are not comfortable
going into a wine shop and being surrounded by hundreds of different wines, and know there has to be more to wine than the Moscato from Wal-Mart, WineShop at Home could be for you. To find out more about broadening your wine horizons and more information about WineShop at Home visit the website wineshopathome.com/gigi or email Gigi at gigithompson6588@hotmail.com.
Try before you buy!
ART S & ENTERTAINMENT
The company is the premier direct seller of exclusive, handcrafted artisan wines. The California winery is headquartered in the famed Napa Valley and is the only direct seller to offer its own exclusive, artisan wine brands available nowhere else. The founders began a nationwide specialty wine company first in the mid1990s, but then realized that selling handcrafted wines worked better in the intimate setting of someone’s home. In 2002, they began selling wines only through direct sales. The mere mention of direct sales can be off putting to many, but WineShop at Home has made their product very attractive to the person who buys a couple of bottles of wine a week. To start with none of the wines are sold at retail. This means no middle men are in on the pricing. You buy them wholesale (better wine/less money) direct from the winery. They hand-craft all of their wines which means EVERY wine they make is made at their winery. They don’t purchase other’s wine and then put their name on it. The winemaker, Alex Reble is a native of Bordeaux, France. He has 18 years of wine making experience in France and the United States. The past 3 years his wines have won 56 awards - Bronze, Silver, Gold, Double Gold, Platinum and Best of Class in 19 prestigious competitions across the United States.
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
WineShop at Home handcrafts ALL of the wines which means every wine they make is from their winery. But that also means production can be limited.
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ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
PHOTO
TRENDS
June Brewer
Portrait photography is one of the most creatively demanding and challenging jobs in the world. Bringing out the best in your subject by taking a different route and photo ensemble each time and carving a different mood for every client is what makes portraiture unique in its own right. However, just like other things in the world, trends come and go in portrait photography. Recently on the various social media sites, a number of senior high school and prom photos have piqued our interest because so many include their horses. These are not your mom’s senior pictures! Is this the latest trend? Maybe it’s been happening for years and we just didn’t notice. But we have to wonder, ‘Why didn’t we think of it?!’ We have reached out to three of our Georgia photographer friends and asked them to tell us their thoughts on trends in photography for teens.
Over the next few months we will meet three local photographers and get their thoughts on this new trend and how they expect it to grow in the future. Now grab yourself a coffee, sit back and check out their unique explorations in visual storytelling. Let’s meet out first photographer! Aly Rattazzi is a professional photographer specializing in Equine photography, but she also works with families, newborns, maternity, weddings, model/ editorial, high school seniors, events, nature, and pretty much anything else that can put in front of a lens. She started shooting professionally in 2011, and since
photographer
ALY RATTAZZI ART S & ENTERTAINMENT
R AT H E R B E R I D I N G P H O T O G R A P H Y
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AHC: What inspires your photography? I believe that photography should make you feel something when you look at a photo. Growing up in the horse industry, I have seen the highs and the lows that the horse world has to offer, and being able to capture that moment in time that stirs something inside of you, whether it is the thrill of winning grand champion or completely bombing your test, is very inspiring to me. As a rider, I know what it feels like to hit those points, and having some sort of memoir to go back to see how far you have come since that moment is important. AHC: How would you describe your own visual sense? I have been told many times that I have a natural eye when it comes to photography, and since I truly have no formal training outside of mentoring by other professionals, I have learned as I have gone and done as much as I can to have my camera in my hand as often as possible. When I am shooting, I try to pick a feature of whatever my subject is, and really utilize that to get the best possible shots. I think that everything and everyone has something special about them, and I try my best to bring that out in my work.
Teens today really have stepped it up as far as what they perceive a “photoshoot” to be in today’s times. With the outside influence of magazines and social media, the editorial aspect of shooting has become very prominent, and high school seniors have shoots styled to look like supermodels. Photography is a resource that will never go away, and it is really cool to see just how much change really occurs over the years. AHC: Are there school rules that impact your choices? Besides deadlines for senior pages, there really aren’t many school rules and regulations that dictate photography. The big “no-no” when shooting in my area is the use of railroad tracks. CSX and other railroad companies are not in favor of the tracks being used for liability purposes, and they consider it trespassing, and have been known to take legal action against photographers who defy them. AHC: What’s your take on portraits with pets? I personally LOVE portraits that incorporate pets. Most people consider
AHC: In your opinion, what does a portrait need to have to really “pop”? Like I said before, everything and everyone has something special about them that can be shown through a photograph, and when that is done correctly, you will end up with a photo that really will “pop” and that will be cherished forever. AHC: Have you ever used a drone in your portraits and would you? I personally have never used a drone, but I think they are super cool. I absolutely would love to try one someday. I have seen them used at horse trials and other events, and the footage that they produce is spectacular and one of a kind. AHC: Care to give us a little prediction about trends that will be popular in the upcoming seasons? With the direction that the trends are heading now, I see more and more shoots basing themselves in a very editorial fashion. Warm light filters and softer editing will become more prominent as we come into fall, the time when evening light starts the “golden hour” phase that all natural light photographers anticipate every year. www.facebook.com/ratherberidingphoto
T H E M OD EL .. Aly took these photos for high school senior Erica Eades, this summer. Erica included both her horses. Erica has always had a love and passion for horses. She began riding at Foxberry Farm seven years ago where she learned to jump and now competes in eventing and where she became confident and competent enough to train a young BLM mustang for the Junior Mustang Makeover in Virginia this summer.
ART S & ENTERTAINMENT
AHC: How would you describe today’s teen’s photo expectations?
pets to be members of their family, and l love to add that aspect into my shoots. I encourage individuals to bring any pets, whether horse, cat or dog, to their photoshoots to really add that extra customization to their portraits. No two shoots are ever the same, and I love the creativity that can be put into place when adding in fur babies!
ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS
then has been published multiple times, including cover photos for The Quarter Horse Journal and USEA Magazine, and recently, the cover photo of an equine nutrition book sold nationwide and online.
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“everything and everyone has something special about them that can be shown through a photograph.” – ALY RATTAZZI
16 TH EDITION - 2016
MEET EVENTING TEA
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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
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324 East Davis Bridge Road, Villa Rica, GA 30180 770.313.6283 • 770.328.3801 • 770.316.8655
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Rick Sauerman, USDF Gold Medalist JourneyPointe Farm Newnan, GA richard.sauerman.gmail.com 219.680.6884
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From local stories and trainers to national news and competitions, Atlanta Horse Connections is covering all things important to the Equine Community!
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email: designonpenny@yahoo.com
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