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[ FEATURED ] let the games begin

World Equestrian Games The Tryon International Equestrian Center Catapults to the Top of the World’s Premier Horse Parks When the news first flashed in late July 2016 that the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 were pulling out of Canada for financial reasons, Michael Stone knew what would come next. Stone, the right hand of the man who presides over the Tryon International Equestrian Center, even counted out loud how long it would take for the phone to ring: 5,4,3,2,1. Bingo! “We have to go for it,” said Mark Bellissimo, who heads the different partnerships that own not only the Tryon International Equestrian Center but the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida and the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado, three of the world’s largest equestrian venues.

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“I told him he was crazy, that it was an enormous project, and that 18 months is a very short time to prepare for something this big,” recalled Stone, who knows a thing or two about hosting the FEI World Equestrian Games as the former secretary general of the international organization. Stone has played a role in every set of games since their inception in Stockholm in 1990, but this would be the most challenging of all.

“It’s a truly spectacular venue, and almost all the necessary infrastructure for

They could do this, Bellissimo urged, in his persuasive, yet soft-spoken way. He hammered back with facts. Tryon already had 1,200 stalls in permanent wooden barns complete with rubber floor mats and fans for each horse, far more than what would be needed for the anticipated 950 horses that would come to the Games. The center features 12 competition rings, one of the largest indoor arenas in North America, restaurants, shops, and a stadium with seating for 7,000, not to mention, a massive jumbotron to capture every move. Its cross-country course has already proven ready for major eventing competitions. It was easy to reach, located within an hour of Charlotte, 30 minutes from Asheville, and 40 minutes from Spartanburg and Greenville.

At the time, the Tryon International Equestrian center, our eight disciplines nestled on 1,600 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, had less than two years of operation under its is already in place.” belt. Local residents and international equestrians were still in disbelief that Bellissimo and his partners had been able to turn rolling hills, once thick with trees, into an equestrian center that rivals any of the world’s finest horse parks. To do so, they had to move more than three And then there was the resort draw for the WEG spectators. Since opening, million cubic yards of earth. But the skyline was still filled with cranes. Tractors Bellissimo and his partners have turned Tryon into a “lifestyle destination still pawed the red clay earth to finish the massive indoor arena and to make way resort,” appealing to the whole family, not just equestrians. To that end, they for a luxury hotel and other buildings. have added the 17-room Lodge on Lake Lure to provide swimming and boating. They opened the Cleghorn Golf & Country Club, which boasts an 18-hole Sure, hosting WEG was on their minds for the future, but not so soon. course, designed by George Cobb, the mastermind behind the Par 3 course at Augusta National, a swimming pool, and the Cleghorn Gun Club about Bellissimo was determined. He saw an opening to bring something even 10 minutes from the park that is designed by Rick Hemingway and Heyward bigger than the equestrian center to this mountainous pocket of western North Cunningham, two nationally renowned sporting clay course designers. Carolina off of U.S. Route 74. He wanted to go for it, not just for the glory All of these factors would surely win over the FEI, Bellissimo argued. of hosting what the equestrian sport sees as the equivalent of its own Olympic Games, but to ignite the economically depressed area, an area still feeling the “Alright then, let’s pull it off,” Stone recalled telling Bellissimo, launching the impact of the collapse of the textile industry. most challenging 18 months of his career. 10

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— MOVING MOUNTAINS — Within hours, the duo had mapped out a strategy with US Equestrian, the governing body of the equestrian sport in the United States, to convince the FEI that Tryon would be a sure bet for the 2018 World Equestrian Games™. There was one challenge: Rolex crowns the Tryon International Equestrian Center with one of its larger than life clocks rimmed in gold. Bellissimo had to convince Rolex, the main sponsor of Tryon, to let them temporarily remove their branding and allow corporate rival, Longines, the chief corporate sponsor of the FEI, to take over. Bellissimo flew to Geneva to meet with Rolex executives to explain what the games would mean for the region. They agreed. “Many didn’t think that we would get WEG because Rolex is our sponsor,” Bellissimo said. “One of the great gestures of corporate citizenship was Rolex allowing us to rebrand the venue as Longines during WEG. It was important to them, as it is to us, to have a long term impact on the community.”

The Shalin Lu Performance Art Center overlooking Rockport Harbor. Credit: Robert Benson Photography.

But the most compelling argument for having the games at Tryon came down to people, Bellissimo said. “We have an amazing team—many of them local— people who know how to put on a high-profile equestrian event.”

“The Tryon team submitted a really impressive bid, and we have every conﬁdence in the organizing committee,” said FEI President Ingmar de Vos, explaining at the time how Tryon beat out the competition. “It’s a truly spectacular venue, and almost all the necessary infrastructure for our eight disciplines is already in place” Competition was stiff to replace Canada. Much was at stake--the 2014 WEG in Normandy, France drew some 500,000 people to see the eight featured equestrian disciplines, generating more than $400 million for the region over 14 days. More than 360 million watched it on television. “The Tryon team submitted a really impressive bid, and we have every confidence in the organizing committee,” said FEI President Ingmar de Vos, explaining at the time how Tryon beat out the competition. “It’s a truly spectacular venue, and almost all the necessary infrastructure for our eight disciplines is already in place.” With the winning bid in hand, Bellissimo and Stone had to figure out how to prepare for what is anticipated to be one of the largest sporting events in the United States in 2018. WEG will also be the most televised equestrian event in history under a contract reached with NBC Sports Group. They plan to broadcast more than 60 hours of coverage across NBC, NBCSN, and Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA.

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Held every four years in the middle of the Olympic cycle, the Games combine eight world championships at one event– Jumping, Dressage, Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting, and Reining.

To make room for a 20,000-seat stadium for dressage and jumping events, the Tryon team had to make the tough decision to rip up Bellissimo’s prized 12-acre derby field. They had to erect a three-story building called the International Pavilion, which allows the VIP section to overlook the stadium and the George Morris arena at the same time. They had to install 5,000 seats in the indoor arena. And at publication time, workers were working around the clock to finish a polo stadium that will be the main center for Endurance and Driving disciplines as well as a 250-room hotel at the entrance for athletes.

The challenge was not so much how to put on the equestrian events. Most of the infrastructure was already in place to host all of the disciplines on site at once, Stone said. The challenge was the logistics of housing and transporting the athletes and their entourage of grooms, farriers, and vets. How do you control traffic in an area that is largely rural and marked by rolling hills, not super highways? In a post 9/11 world, how do you secure such a massive facility against “Mark Bellissimo has a possible terror threat? “You have to make sure that people can get from one point to another and that the flow of traffic does not clog highways,” Stone said. The FEI requires that Tryon provide shuttles from the airport to the horse park and then from the horse park to the hotels and back. Horses flying in from other countries have to be quarantined, so Stone had to figure out a plan for that too. “And then they all have to be fed too,” he laughed. The past 18 months have been intense. Heavy rains of an almost biblical proportion in the spring slowed construction and prevented the Tryon team from being able to grow grass on the cross-country course. To fix the problem, they had to get a special product called Mirimichi and sod, which they were only able to lay down in July. 12

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a vision that is way beyond what most

The rain was not the only foil. At one point in the building process, they could not get enough cement. Bellissimo’s solution? Build a cement plant on site. When they wanted to speed up the production of the hotel, he purchased a nearby factory to build high-quality modular units that can slide into a frame of the building, significantly cutting down the construction time.

people have,” said Stone. “He is the best problem solver that I have ever met. If there is an issue,he ﬁnds a way around it.”

Stone has spent more than a decade working for Bellissimo, who is managing partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners LLC and CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions LLC, which operate the prestigious Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, attracting more than 6,000 horses from 49 states and 30 countries with more than $9 million in prize money to their Palm Beach International Equestrian Center each winter. Stone helped Bellissimo turn the once sleepy Winter Equestrian Festival into a $200 million blockbuster for Palm Beach County. It is now the longest and largest hunter/jumper

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event in the world featuring up to 3,300 horses showing on any given week between January and March. When Bellissimo wanted to host a horse show in Central Park, critics thought it would be impossible. But Bellissimo was able to convince then-citizen Donald Trump to allow 1,500 tons of equestrian footing in the Trump Ice Rink so that the Rolex Central Park Horse Show could take place. It has been a staple of the A level horse show circuit ever since. “Mark Bellissimo has a vision that is way beyond what most people have,” said Stone. “He is the best problem solver that I have ever met. If there is an issue, he finds a way around it.”

— THE MAGIC OF THE HORSE — All told, Bellissimo and his partners, have invested more than $500 million in the equine industry. In addition to Tryon, Wellington, and Colorado, they own the International Polo Club of Palm Beach, one of the highest profile polo venues in the world. For WEG 2018, Bellissimo is focusing on the important role horses have played throughout history. “All of our nations were discovered on the back of a horse, and these amazing animals continue to provide livelihood, transportation, security, entertainment, friendship, therapy, and sport around the world. The love of the horse is universal and profound. The Games is an incredible stage to show the world how important and valuable this creature is and celebrate our relationship with them,” Bellissimo said. 14

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On a recent Saturday evening in July, children stood in line to ride a handpainted Venetian carousel shipped in pieces from Italy. The carousel, which is also at the entrance of the Wellington horse park, embodies the message that Bellissimo and his partners want to deliver: Come enjoy magic and majesty of horses at no cost. “The greater the exposure to the sport, the better,” said Bellissimo. “The horse is sort of a mainstay within American history and culture. There is a lot of great energy around horses. Unfortunately, horses have been positioned as just for the elite—the sport of kings and the whole deal. The fact is there are not many 8-year-old girls who don’t want a pony at their birthday party. From our perspective, that is an important component to what we are doing here-- Open the horse world up and make it accessible to all.” And he has turned the Tryon horse park into an equestrian mecca that even the regulars on the Grand Prix circuit can’t believe. “Tryon is my favorite horse show because it is so well designed,” said Juan Ortiz, a grand prix jumper, who plans to compete at WEG on Venezuela’s team. As an international competitor, he has ridden at the top levels all over the world. What makes Tryon stand out, he said, is the abundant enthusiasm of the local people. Fans pack the stadium on the weekend nights to watch the grand prix jumping. “You seldom see a horse show completely booked like that in America, but people come because it is a nice way to spend a Saturday night as a family with great food and great horses. It is simply the best.” Bellissimo and his wife, Katherine, first came to the Tryon area to visit their friends and business partners, Jennifer and Roger Smith, who have a farm in the area. They were captivated by the beauty of the foothills, the people, and the community’s deep equestrian roots.

Tryon’s equestrian roots date back to 1925 when Carter Brown, a transplant from Michigan, founded the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club to organize the area’s horse enthusiasts. An avid fox hunter, he started the Tryon Hounds and urged his friends in the North to come stay at Tryon’s Pine Crest Hotel and ride. Brown launched the Tryon Horse Show the following year. The reputation started to build from there, and in 1956, members of the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club persuaded the U.S. Olympic riding team to practice at the Cotton Patch Farm and Harmon Field, an equestrian facility near downtown Tryon. The final Olympic trials were held that year at the Cotton Patch. “The World Equestrian Games shine a light on that history and spur momentum into the equestrian scene by attracting the world’s highest ranked hunters, jumpers, eventers, and dressage to show in Tryon,” said Meg Atkinson, a realtor with IJB Properties/Christie's International Real Estate. “The century-long history of Tryon as a horse community is very strong. Tryon International is having a positive impact on real estate throughout the region as a partner that respects that history but also has a vision for future development that will bring opportunities to equestrians and spectators who enjoy the sport. The World Equestrian Games make this an exciting time for Tryon’s equestrian community, and the ripple effect is only just beginning.”

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— PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE — Bellissimo, 56, grew up in a middle-class suburb outside of Boston. He won a hockey scholarship to Andover, went on to Middlebury for college, and then earned his MBA from Harvard. He rode into the equestrian world after a successful career in corporate restructuring. The idea to transform the way horse shows are run came from watching Katherine, and his daughters, Paige and Nicole, compete at horse shows. Bellissimo saw the porta potties, near-miss golf cart accidents, greasy fried food, and lack of shade. He knew that he could do better. He started to apply his experience overhauling companies to give spectators a better experience, and it worked like a charm.

“Our goal is to make this accessible. Whether you have $10 or $10 million, you should have an opportunity to

At the bustling 50’s style diner named for Roger Smith, a Tryon partner, Mark and Katherine describe turning Tryon into a year-round destination that would be anchored by equestrian events but also feature other sporting events like soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse tournaments. They would offer ice hockey in the indoor arena—a novelty for the South. The pair envision turning the 3-story International Pavilion into a corporate retreat center after WEG where meetings could happen followed by a golf game or a swim at Cleghorn. The indoor arena could be used for music festivals and art exhibits when equestrian events are not underway. Their hope is that the Tryon International Equestrian Center would have a lasting impact on a region. Bellissimo believes that the equestrian sport is on the verge of exploding and that Tryon is well positioned to capitalize. His favorite statistics show that more people ride horses in a year than any other sport—27 million. By comparison, 8 million people ski, 23 million people play tennis, and 25 million swing a golf club. Bellissimo intends to find a way to bring the various factions of the equestrian world under one, unifying umbrella so that they are not in silos. He wants to break down the barriers that make people feel that horses are out of their reach. “Our goal is to make this accessible. Whether you have $10 or $10 million, you should have an opportunity to be exposed to this,” Bellissimo has repeatedly said. E

be exposed to this,” Bellissimo has repeatedly said.

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[ FEATURED ] going for gold

LEADING EQUESTRIAN WOMEN Held every four years in the middle of the Olympic cycle since its 1990 inception, the World Equestrian Games brings it’s eight disciplines and over half a million spectators to the Foothills community of Tryon, N.C., beginning September 11.

Unlike most sports, men and women compete with and against each other in every event: Show Jumping, Three Day Eventing, Dressage, Para Dressage, Reining, Vaulting, Endurance and Combined Driving. The Cross Country isn’t less grueling for the fairer sex, the Show Jumping less dangerous. The women arriving with their 1,300-pound partners, often valued in excess of a million dollars, aren’t looking to be placed upon a pedestal. But stepping onto the podium for a medal is a different story. We profile America’s best.

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LAURA GRAVES [ DRESSAGE]

REBECCA HART [ PARA DRESSAGE]

There are those who might argue that the classical properties of the art form were lost when dressage became a sport, but watching world-class competitors at the World Equestrian Games proves that this cannot be true.

In 1998, Rebecca Hart’s first para-dressage competition presented quite the challenge. Imagine mounting a horse you’ve never ridden, having only a few hours to get comfortable and then riding into a packed stadium. “And those horses weren’t para horses,” Hart recalls. The donated horses were not trained to respond to commands given by the weight, core and hands of a para rider.

One of these riders is the elegant, blonde Laura Graves, who swept the dressage categories at national competitions with her unlikely champion, Verdades. Their journey together from humble beginnings proves that equestrianism isn’t always the “Sport of Kings.” When she was 15, Graves’ parents – after much convincing – purchased a weanling colt for the hardworking teen to raise and train herself. Verdades, or “Diddy,” though well-bred, was unruly and nearly impossible to train. After fracturing his own jaw (and his rider’s back) at age 4, Graves tried to sell him to a trainer. He was soon returned, labeled “unrideable.” She had no option but to persevere as she dispiritedly bartended to make ends meet. 32-year-old Graves now displays trophies instead of the cosmetology license she once considered pursuing. The horse that once suffered panic attacks now channels his fear into brilliance. In 2014, Graves was just shy of the top 15 invited to compete in the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in Gladstone, New Jersey – but when combinations ahead of her opted not to make the trip, she suddenly received the opportunity. Her performance would catapult Graves into the spotlight when she placed second in the championship and was selected to ride on the U.S. team in the 2014 World Equestrian Games. In the years since, Graves and Verdades have dominated in high-profile competitions, earning a Team Gold and Individual Silver at Pan Am, a silver at the FEI World Cup, and an Olympic Team Bronze. At this year’s World Equestrian Game, the fairy tale is sure to continue. 18

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Hart is quick to point out that “para” is not derived from “paraplegic” and does not evoke disability – it’s a parallel sport, held to the same FEI standards. Born with hereditary spastic paraplegia, Hart was frustrated with her legs’ muscle deterioration. “When you’re a child,” she explains, “you have this sort of magic thinking, ‘I’ll do this sport and be like everyone else.’ Then you realize it’s not going to happen.” Hart soon found new legs: horses. “They didn’t look at me as having a disability,” she reminisces. Retiring her first international horse Norteassa after the 2008 Para Olympics, Hart struggled with her identity as her original sponsor Margret Duprey was unclear about continuing. “A horse without a rider is still a horse,” she says, “but a rider without a horse is just a person.” Fate arrived in the form of Rowan O’Riley, who sponsors not only Hart but the sport as well. His commitment brought her two new horses: El Corona Texel and Fortune 500. On “Tex,” Hart has achieved multiple wins and impressive scores. Hart comes to Tryon with a lucky charm: a compact from her sister with a heart glued to the mirror. “The story goes that I touch the heart, and I become superhero Equestra,” she laughs. And her goals for WEG? “To be on that podium,” she says without hesitation, not only for herself but for everyone who helped make her dreams come true.

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LAUREN KIEFFER [ EVENTING]

BEEZIE MADDEN [ JUMPING]

Having once described riding cross-country as “going into battle,” Lauren Kieffer preps herself with an iPod in one hand and a Red Bull in the other.

If there is one discipline that could be inexplicably described as “sexy,” it’s show jumping. Leaping obstacles, some the size of an SUV, jumping is as breathtaking to watch as it is dangerous to compete. This is the glamorous sport of choice for daughters of American prosperity: Bloomberg, Gates, Jobs, Springsteen, Selleck…

Three-day eventing is arguably the most grueling discipline. Sandwiched between dressage and show-jumping, the second day holds a demanding endurance test. Riders must guide their mounts across four miles and 40 obstacles. Only the rider walks the course beforehand, so the fearless obedience of the horse is tested when the time comes. Considering his own sport too dangerous, Kieffer’s dirt-bike racing father agreed to give her riding lessons for her sixth birthday. Little did they know that instead of two wheels, she would take four legs to leap obstacles that would make most parents cover their eyes. “Ma and Papa” Kieffer understood when she chose to forego college in favor of working with Olympian riders Karen and David O’Connor. Under their tutelage, the couple allowed Kieffer to train on their horses, landing a sponsorship from candy heiress Jacqueline Mars. Kieffer would bring home a Team Gold at the 2015 Pan American Games and an Individual Silver at the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* event. When she suffered a fall and elimination at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, she immediately reemerged herself in basics and technique. As WEG approaches, 31-year-old Kieffer prepares her reserve horse, Veronica, nicknamed “Troll,” and her flashy 11-year-old Arab, Bug. She hopes to clinch another win with Bug, whom she produced herself and has been the only rider he’s ever known. “You’re never going to tell him what to do,” Kieffer says. “You have to make suggestions, and he’ll get around to deciding if it’s a good idea or not.”

Rising from far more modest beginnings is 55-year-old Elizabeth “Beezie” Madden. Piloting a 1,200-pound mount over more than a dozen daunting hurtles is unnerving to say the least. But the Wisconsin native was raised on a horse farm and couldn’t wait to try. In sport dominated by men, Madden was only 22 when she elbowed her way in. By 2004, she was the first woman and first American show jumper to be ranked in the top 3 in the world. In 2014, she and her horse, Cortes C, made history once again as she became the first woman to take home the prestigious King George Gold Cup at Hickstead (and returned the following year to win again). If that isn’t impressive enough, Madden, with her ready smile, holds a truckload of medals: Team and Individual Silvers from WEG 2016; Individual Bronze and Team Golds from the Olympics in 2004 and 2008; a Team Silver in the 2016 Olympics; an astounding 17 wins at the Nations Cup; and a gold from the world-renowned Grand Prix of Aachen. Madden is the first woman to surpass $1 million in show jumping earnings. However, Madden has experienced some ups and downs – in 2014, she suffered a broken collar bone when she fell during the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix. While her horse was unhurt, her injury required surgery, but she quickly bounced back. “It’s unfortunate, but these things happen in this sport,” she says. When she’s not competing, Madden and her husband run an assisted living facility for horses – not only for their own retired champions, but any horse whose owners want them to live their last years grazing, rolling, dozing. In a world where equines are often seen as commodities, it’s refreshing to know that many riders put their horses first.

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MANDY MCCUTCHEON [ REINING]

MISDEE WRIGLEY MILLER [ COMBINED DRIVING]

Born to parents that lived and breathed horses – her father, world-renowned reining competitor, Tom McQuay, and her mother, Colleen, specializing in hunting and jumping – Mandy McCutcheon was destined to pick up the reins. At age 10, she took up reining, following in her father’s footsteps.

Should you find yourself at the combined driving event at the World Equestrian Games, you might think, “It’s so ‘Downton Abbey!’” And it kind of is. Combined driving boasts a royal pedigree: it was conceptualized by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh after his retirement from polo. A dynamic sport described as a “triathlon on wheels,” the event is a WEG favorite.

McCutcheon’s adult life also gravitated towards the equestrian – her husband, Tom, is a renowned reigning trainer and her teammate at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. The pair brought home the Team Gold, with McCutcheon herself snagging an Individual Bronze.

Four horses matching in size, color, and ability, along with carriages, drivers, and grooms, are lavishly draped in traditional “Downton” finery to be scrutinized by judges before they embark on the three-phase sport.

“Being on a team is another level of nervous,” she recalls, reflecting on the national championships in which she’s competed (and won). “Not really that the team puts pressure on you; more that I put more [pressure] on myself not to let my team down.”

All livery pales in comparison to the elaborate hats worn by Misdee Wrigley Miller. “I like to think hats are my signature look,” says Wrigley Miller. “When I took up combined driving, a friend told me not to be afraid to make a statement and keep wearing my large hats.”

McCutcheon was the first woman and first nonprofessional rider to compete in a reining world championship, as well as the only woman reiner to earn more than $2 million from her wins. In 2011, she was inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame.

However, lest you think this is a rather genteel sport, be warned: on the second day, helmets replace hats, and carriages are exchanged for lighter weight vehicles. The marathon phase, a thrilling display of speed and agility, forces drivers to guide their carriages through hazardous obstacles and find the quickest route through the course.

According to McCutcheon, however, her greatest accomplishment comes from watching her children, Cade and Carlee, develop into skilled equestriennes. “Having two kids that became level 4 finalists at the NRHA Futurity at age 12 – nothing makes me more proud than when they are successful,” she says. When asked if another World Equestrian Games is in her future, McCutcheon recalls her retired 2014 mount: “If I have another horse like Yellow Jersey, but they are few and far between.” She still actively trains and competes, and when asked where she sees herself in 10 years, she exclaimed, “Hopefully still showing reiners!” 22

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“As any equestrian can attest,” she explains, “size and strength don’t make any difference when dealing with horses. It is training, foundation, and understanding that allow us to ask our horses to achieve peak performance. One of the reasons I’m so committed to competing internationally at the highest level is to show other women it can be done!” Wrigley Miller’s hopes for the 2018 Games is expected. She enthuses, “Working with my teammates to put in the best possible performance, which hopefully produces a medal, would be the ultimate!”

ELIZABETH OSBORN [ VAULTING]

KELSEY RUSSELL [ ENDURANCE]

Handstands, tumbling, and a 1,300-pound horse – that’s the sport of vaulting. With origins reaching back 2,000 years to Roman acrobatic games on horseback, vaulting has made a steady climb in popularity since its recognition as an FEI sport in 1983.

Human athletes run nearly 30 miles in marathons – but what if it was 100 miles, mapped over the terrain of the Appalachian Trail? This is endurance riding, and it requires tip-top condition and stamina from both horse and rider. Using maps or GPS, the pairs tackle natural obstacles like rocky hills, ditches, and streams to reach the finish line.

There’s something exciting about watching riders (garbed in elaborate unitards) perform handstands, backflips, and astonishing stretches – while mounted on a moving horse. The rider is judged on performance of seven compulsory movements, and the crowd-pleasing discipline is especially exciting when performed in squads, where members are carried and tossed in the air.

Saddles are light, and the rider’s attire is far from formal. Mandatory veterinary inspections every 20 miles determine that the horse is not suffering. First duo to cross the finish line and pass the vet check is named champion. So arduous is the sport that simply finishing the race is considered a triumph.

WEG vaulting competitor Elizabeth Osborn begged her parents for riding lessons, finally starting at age 9. Isabelle Parker, Osborn’s mentor and coach of 17 years, describes her protégé’s “amazing ability to move with the horse and her athletic ability.”

Some moments in life seem to be kismet, and the stars aligned when 13-year-old Kelsey Russell stepped onto legendary endurance champion Valarie Kanavy’s farm. It wasn’t long before Kanavy recognized that Russell was brimming with determination, talent, and most importantly, elbow grease. “She works her tail off,” Kanavy has said of the young woman she now coaches. Her student now also manages the farm’s training program of 17 horses.

After attending a demonstration, Osborn was compelled to try vaulting. “It’s finding the balance between strength and harmony in the exercises,” Osborn says. For example, when standing on the horse, you must allow yourself to be relaxed and supple in order to absorb the horse’s movement, but the next move could be a handstand, in which case you need to use your strength and power to stabilize yourself.”

In spite of her youth, Russell, now 23, quickly became a force to be reckoned with. In 2011, she placed sixth in the World Young Rider Endurance Championships, helping her team to secure fourth place, the best American placing in a world championship since Kanavy herself took the gold in 1998.

At Tryon, Osborn plans to emerge from a six-year retirement to compete with the 12-year-old Oldenburg, Atterupgaards Sting. “I’ve never won a national title,” she explains. “I’ve been reserve champion many times, but the national title has always eluded me.” She feels victorious about being asked to compete in WEG at all. “I would never have dreamed that I would come back to the sport after retiring at 18,” she says. “Competing at WEG in my own country and on my horse is a great honor.” 24

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With her career already counting 30 wins, Russell will ride into the World Equestrian Games astride 8-year-old Arabian, Fireman Gold, co-owned by Kanavy and Wendy MacCoubrey. Tryon won’t be her first WEG either – in 2014, she became the second junior rider ever to compete in the senior division of endurance riding. Russell considers the connection between horse and rider to be her favorite aspect of the sport, so after the Games, she plans to study veterinary medicine. E

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Aerial

Stampede Getting horses, competitors & spectators to the World Equestrian Games

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Nearly 1,000 horses are expected to be transported to TIEC for the Games, including 550 arriving by air from Europe. The European horses, many of them frequent ﬂiers, will travel in cargo-pods converted into horse stalls, complete with water and hay and attentive grooms.

Residents of tranquil, Tryon, North Carolina are accustomed to horse trailers moving along area roads, even more so since the Tryon International Equestrian Center opened for business in 2015. That stream of traveling horses will become a stampede in the days leading up to the September 11-23 World Equestrian Games at the equestrian center, known to locals as “TIEC.” And the preferred mode of transportation won’t be familiar white trailers. The area’s airports, large and small, are poised to play a vital role in moving animals, competitors, spectators, and sponsors in the lead-up to the games. In fact, the equine migration dovetails with multi-million dollar expansion projects at area airports, where the equestrian game crowd estimates of 500,000 visitors over a two-week period, are taken seriously.

From there, the horses will be transferred to trailers for the hour-long interstate drive up to TIEC, just outside of Tryon, NC, where they’ll be quarantined for several days until blood tests confirm they’re disease free. (Even more horses from South America will arrive in Miami and hop trailers for the drive north, while Asian entrants will land in Chicago and be trucked south). Although not a large airport, GSP has become accustomed to heavy cargo. It has expanded the cargo corner of the airport after BMW built an assembly facility next door for its popular “X” model SUVs. Now, it’s adding horses to its manifests and handling capabilities. The Emirates 777 equine carriers won’t have a problem landing on the airport’s 11,000-foot runway. And GSP has ordered 100,000-gallons of Jet-A fuel and is expanding its fuel storage just in time for the games.

Nearly 1,000 horses are expected to be transported to TIEC for the Games, including 550 arriving by air from Europe. The European horses, many of them frequent fliers, will travel in cargo-pods converted into horse stalls, complete with water and hay and attentive grooms.

The arrival of human competitors, sponsors, and spectators presents its own logistical opportunities. GSP will serve as the primary passenger hub for the Games. It has been a TIEC sponsor since the horse center opened, and it conveniently has just completed a $125 million terminal expansion. Its terminal now features a Wolfgang Puck restaurant for travelers who’ve gone through security, as well as outposts from some local restaurants and bars.

The containers will be rolled onto 20 specially-hired Air Emirates Cargo Boeing 777s that will fly from Belgium to the Greenville-Spartanburg international Airport (GSP).

When he first heard of the World Equestrian Games, Terry Connorton, director of nearby Spartanburg, SC Downtown Memorial Airport, envisioned horses being flown into his airport and unloaded on a nearby green, where he’d ELYSIAN

have to “lunge” them – run them in circles on a long lead line -- to calm them down. Connorton grew up handling horses on a farm in southern England. Much to his disappointment, Connorton soon learned that Spartanburg’s 5,200-foot runway wasn’t long enough to accept large horse-hauling aircraft. Instead, he’s turned his attention to a high-level of customer service for the human passengers who will arrive by private aircraft. Spartanburg’s Downtown airport (SPA) doesn’t offer commercial air service, but it’s already a popular destination for private and business jet passengers and pilots, namely because of the airport’s simplicity, efficient service, low fuel prices, and location. At SPA, visitors typically step right out of aircraft into their waiting vehicles. There is no security line, just a helpful staff and locked gate. The terminal building was remodeled six years ago and features a pleasant lounge. Downtown Spartanburg hotels and restaurants are just 10 minutes away, and SPA boasts just a 50-minute drive on the interstate to TIEC. Connorton expects a sizeable increase in private aircraft traffic throughout the Equestrian Games and has lined up extra jet fuel and rental cars. But SPA faces another challenge: The airport is mid-way through a $30 million, 800-foot runway and taxiway expansion project. The airport closed in June for the final construction phase, and the single runway is scheduled to be finished by late August, just in time for games, if all goes as planned. “So far we’re on schedule,” Connorton says confidently, “and we’ll make it in time for the equestrian games.” Fenix Air Charter, based at SPA, plans to offer quick flights in its twin-engine Beech Baron and single-engine Piper Cherokee Six aircraft from SPA and also from Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) to Rutherford, NC, County Airport, which is just a 15-mile winding, country-road drive from TIEC. That shuttle service might prove popular for those don’t want to trudge to TIEC on crowded interstates.

Spartanburg’s Downtown airport (SPA) doesn’t offer commercial air service, but it’s already a popular destination for private and business jet passengers and pilots, namely because of the airport’s simplicity, efficient service, low fuel prices and location.

As for Rutherfordton (identifier FQD), the airport also expects a rush of private aircraft traffic during the games. Its 5,000-foot runway was resurfaced last year, and taxiway refurbishment were finished in July – also just in time for the games. FQD’s real advantage is that it’s the closest air field to TIEC, and some back-road navigating from the field will allow arriving spectators to miss all the traffic. “We’re ready for the NetJets and fractional operators who drop passengers on a quick turn,” said Randy Patterson, Rutherfordton Airport’s manager. “We really don’t have the ramp space to park a lot of aircraft.” Patterson has already experienced the ebb and flow of aircraft traffic during equestrian center events and knows it can get busy quickly. He’s ordered an additional 3,000-gallon jet fuel truck to handle the expected quick-turn traffic, and like other airport managers, he’s arranged for extra rental cars and shuttles. “It’s hard to know what to expect,” Patterson said. “You just have to be ready for it.” 30

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[ FEATURED ] future champions

They’re young. They’re female. And they’ve all seen unbridled success. From the fast-paced polo ﬁeld to the nail-biting pressure of the show pen, these ﬁve female equestrians are

hungry for horse-riding fame — and are the ones to watch in their ﬁeld.

By Angela Caraway-Carlton ELYSIAN

LUCY DESLAURIERS [ JUMPING] It's all in the (famous) family For Lucy Deslauriers, show jumping is a family affair. The 19-year-old faces off with the best riders in the world — and sometimes that means competing against, even beating —her famous father, veteran show-jumper Mario Deslauriers. “We’re competing against each other more recently in high-level competitions. It adds some fun to the game,” said Deslauriers about her dad, who also coaches her. “One of the things that is so special about this sport is that we all get to celebrate together. My mom was competing at a high level at my age and still has a great passion for the sport, and while my twin brother doesn’t ride, he’s my biggest fan.” Like her father, who holds the record as the youngest rider to win the FEI World Cup Final, Deslauriers snagged her first national title at 13, beating more than 180 competitors in the 2012 USEF Pony Finals. A few years later, she won the Individual Gold at the FEI Young Rider Championships. After an unlikely match with Hester, a horse originally her father’s, she solidified her place as one of the most successful junior riders in show jumping history. “Hester gives me 300 percent every time I walk in the ring,” she said of the pair’s successes over the last five years. From her first international victory against in the FEI Welcome Qualifier at Bromont, Quebec (also the first time she beat her dad), to being awarded the Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy for sportsmanship and horsemanship, to recently finishing second place in two five-star Grand Prix competitions, the young rider has literally racked up too many accolades to list. “My father always says, ‘You can’t ever get there if you don’t try.’ Even if it’s something above what I have done before, he says that you can’t win without taking big risks,” said Deslauriers, often the youngest rider in her class. Deslauriers will attend the University of Pennsylvania this fall, where she’ll pause training for the first semester to adjust to college life. “You always want to practice as much as possible, so it may set me back a little,” admits Deslauriers, who will commute home on the weekends to ride. “My father generously keeps my horses going and ready for me to jump back in.“When I’m at school, I completely focus on my studies. When I’m at the barn, I’m 100 percent there.” 34

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CORNELIA DORR [ EVENTING]

HAZEL JACKSON [ POLO]

She’s the main event

Playing for keeps

You quickly realize that the eventing standout Cornelia Dorr’s life is all about her horses. She speaks of the animals as one speaks of a friend. “I’m pretty much the best horsewoman I can be for the animal. Everything comes down to the animal,” said Dorr, fascinated by a horse’s keen mind and athleticism. “They’re powerful but docile.”

27-year-old Hazel Jackson, the third best female polo player worldwide, plays in more than nine countries a year and occasionally hits the field with Prince William for charity. “I guess I’m still aiming for the top. Numbers don’t mean anything. There are many up-and-coming ladies, and I’m always striving for more,” said Jackson, who holds a two-goal handicap in mix polo and nine-goal handicap in ladies.

Like many little girls, Dorr always wanted a pony. After moving from Rye, New York, to equestrian-rich Hamilton, Massachusetts, she got her wish. At 10, she started riding under the guidance of Babette Lenna, her decade-long mentor, and was instantly smitten with the sport of eventing. “To me, the most natural thing you can do is gallop across the field and woods. You’re just one with the horse,” said Dorr. “My dad sold life insurance and used to insure them, and I was drawn to the speed and adrenaline. I eventually decided if I can’t race, I’ll do eventing.” Dorr has repeatedly proven herself, edging out older, more experienced riders with her horses, Hugo and Louis M. She earned a Team Gold and Individual Bronze at the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships in 2016 and was named to the 2017 USEF Emerging Athlete Eventing program. Later that year, Dorr took home the blue ribbon at the Jersey Fresh International, her first CC12*; she’s now competing in CC13* events. Dorr has a soft spot for her longtime partner, Hugo, a Warmblood/Thoroughbred gelding. “He’s a very unassuming horse for our sport. Everyone told me he wouldn’t go higher than preliminary fourth-level, and now he’s going to the highest level,” she said. Acheivements keep mounting for Dorr, chosen again to participate in the Emerging Athlete Eventing 25 program with coach Leslie Law in Ocala, Florida. “While I’m so happy to be on the list, I’m most thrilled to be able to work with him, so I can have his knowledge.” Every waking moment for the 20-year-old is spent grooming, tacking, and riding, while training with Sharon White at Last Frontier Farm in Summit Point, West Virginia. Dorr has put off college, and while she plans to eventually get a degree, her heart is in eventing. “I want to make a successful business of it.”

Jackson is from the New Forest, south of London, where she became addicted to playing Pony Club polo at nine years old. “It has been a dream come true that I never thought would be possible,” said Jackson. She captained the British Ladies Polo Team, clinched the Most Outstanding Lady Player Award 2017 at Guards, and plays ladies and mixed polo competitions. “I love both. In women’s polo, I would be captain of the team or running the team, so it’s more pressure. In the higher-level men’s, it’s faster and more of a challenge. I feel like I learn more from the men.” However, she feels women are overlooked. “I think they fully respect us, but maybe the men underestimate the girls. It’s not a huge divide, but it would be nice to see more women in the higher level given more opportunities.” Jackson’s lucky number eight is inscribed on her sticks and saddle. “I had the most amazing year when I was eight. I went to Disney World in Florida.” It was also the year before her father passed away. “I would love for him to see where I am now. He would have been very supportive,” she said, adding, “but maybe it’s been good not to have a father figure because it’s taught me to be very independent.” Besides her mother, Jackson relies on her husband Ivan Gaona, Argentinian polo manager and rider. “He keeps me calm. I love having him at my games, and he’s very honest. If I have a bad game, he’ll tell me but with very positive vibes. We also make an effort to talk about other things than polo. We both love the beach, yoga, and eating sushi.” Jackson trains six days a week on her quest to be the best polo player in the world. “I won’t let anything get in my way. You have to be selfish in this sport and take the best opportunities.” ELYSIAN

CALLIE JONES [ DRESSAGE]

EMILIA REUTIMANN [ REINING]

Jonesin" for more

Reutimann reigns

One simple trail ride, and Callie Jones was hooked on horses. “My parents thought it would be something fun to do, a one-time thing, but I immediately wanted to go back for lessons,” says Jones, who was seven years old when she took her first riding lesson at Blue Moon Stables in Kentucky. “I was very shy as a kid, and I thought this would help push me out of my comfort zone.”

With a mom who showed pleasure horses and a NASCAR driver dad, Emilia Reutimann inherited a love of horses and fierce competition. At four years old, the Sherrills Ford, North Carolina native started riding lessons on a pony. That Christmas, Emilia received every little girl’s dream gift — Shotzy the pony.

The girl started riding jumpers, but when her horse suffered a career-ending injury, her now-trainer Angela Jackson encouraged her towards a different discipline. “I thought jumping would be my riding career, but that’s when Angela approached me and told me that I had a true talent that could go far in the dressage world.” By 14, Jones competed in her first regional dressage championship in Illinois, placing eighth and reinforcing dressage as a talent. Jones since qualified twice in the North American Junior and Young Rider Championship. This June, the 20-year-old was one of three U.S. contenders selected for the 2018 Dressage European Young Rider Tour. Jones finished third in the Kür Kleines Finale with her Hanoverian gelding, Don Philippo. “She is a very skilled rider, and as a competitor, she is very cool. She is a thinking rider who goes into a competition with a strategy and follows it,” said USEF Dressage Youth Coach and Chef d’Equipe George Williams. “One of the comments we always hear about Callie is that she’s very harmonious with her horse.” Of Jones’s chances of competing in the FEI World Equestrian Games one day, Williams says, “Quality experiences like competing in Europe will help prepare her. She definitely has the talent. It’s always a matter of working hard to develop skills and making sure you have the right horse.” Jones adamantly hones her skill. “I ride multiple horses a day, and they all have a different feeling, so I learn something new every day,” says Jones, also focused on college. Last semester, Jones took classes online. This semester, the junior will attend Murray State University, studying agribusiness. “The campus is only two hours from where I live, so I will drive home after class and ride,” she says. She hopes to compete in the U25 level and dreams of being an Olympian. “I have a long way to go, but riding will be part of my life for a very long time.” 36

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When Reutimann was 10, she got her first taste of reining. Starting in 2015, she trained with superstar trainer Shawn in Ohio on weekends and summers. Her first big win came in 2016 when she was named Quarter Horse Congress champion. “It was always a dream of mine to do well at Congress. It was a big confidence booster,” she said of the victory. “It can be scary and intimidating to compete against kids that have won a lot of titles, but it showed me that I had to the ability to do well even though I had just started out.” The teenager has since clinched the 2017 National Reining Breeders Classic Youth Champion. Reutimann was also one of three youths to represent Team USA at the SVAG FEI World Reining Championship in Switzerland last year, earning a silver medal. She also placed sixth in the Individual with her horse Black Hails Gold. “I just love that horse. He’s done so much for me, and it meant a lot to be there with him. It was also incredible to be on the podium with my friends and represent our country,” said Reutimann. “Emilia has quiet confidence and assurance about her ability, which makes her a tough competitor,” said Chef d’Equipe Jeff Petska, who coached Emilia during the competition. He credits her parents, Lisa and David Reutimann, for the teenager’s dedication. The 16-year-old dreams of being on a college equestrian team, verbally committing to ride for the University of South Carolina Equestrian Team in 2020. “I connected with the coaches at South Carolina. I felt like I could talk with them about anything, and they really believe in me. The school is also close to my home,” she said. In regards to the future, Reutimann said, “I don’t want to be a horse trainer. My dad told me that one thing can be your passion, but when it’s your job, it’s not as fun. I always want to be excited to ride.” E

[ BEAUT Y ] amy zimmer

Wake-up Call:

MICROPIGMENTATION By Amy Zimmer Have you ever dreamed of waking up with fresh, natural-looking eyeliner and rosy lips? Or perhaps coming out of the pool as if you just applied a fresh coat of lipstick? Or after completing a class of Pure Barre, you still look fresh enough for an after-burn cocktail? You get the picture. Thanks to micropigmentation, applied by a professional, you can. These techniques have been used to help many people with skin discoloration and scarring, or for those that just want that “ready look” 24/7. The most common treatments are eyebrows, eyeliner, and lip color. When selecting a professional to apply your makeup, there are a few important facts to consider.

[1]

Use a professional with experience, preferably one that comes recommended or one whose work you have seen. The colors that professionals use do not contain any metals, such as ferrous or nickel, and are certified safe with no health risk.

[2] Don’t expect this treatment to totally eliminate the need for makeup in the treated areas. It is designed to enhance your natural beauty and give you freedom from that constant feeling of, “but I have to put on my makeup first.” Your gym rat friends will be envious that your liner never smears and your lips are always glowing even after wiping the sweat from your face.

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[3]

For your lips, take lipsticks you use on a daily basis to find the perfect base tone. If you only wear red lipstick on special occasions, you certainly don’t want permanent red lips. Again, keep it natural and please, no heavy, dark lip liner…so ’90s. If the proper gradient technique is used, combined with a golden shimmer or opal shimmer applied to the center, this will create a fuller lip.

[4]

For the eyeliner, black or a graphite blue. While a cat-eye is beautiful for an evening look, as we tend to age, the outer corners of our eyes start to sag. If the eyeliner is applied too far out to create a “batwing” effect, it can later turn down and will be very hard to correct. You can always add more makeup when a more dramatic look is needed.

[5]

Each area that is treated will take up to 2 hours. I would recommend to keep the treatments separate as there is some discomfort during the process. Even though a numbing agent is applied, I suggest taking something to relax due to the sensitive areas being treated. Your beauty is here to stay!

[ HEALTH ] angie comer

FITNESS for your PERSONALITY By Angie Comer

Getting and staying in shape can be a challenge. There are so many health trends and so many workout options that it may be overwhelming to choose how and where to get started. However, analyzing your personality may be a great place to begin. Choosing an activity that will help you meet your fitness goal while still catering to your nature will make your exercise routine most enjoyable. Are you an introvert who enjoys spending time alone? Are you extremely social, constantly surrounded by friends? Are you outdoorsy and adventurous? With so many ways to get your exercise in, there is something out there for everyone.

THE EXTROVERT

If you are a social individual who enjoys the company of friends and can tolerate high levels of stimulation, a highenergy fitness experience is ideal. Group classes with upbeat music, such as Zumba or step training, are a great option for cardio. Trying to reach weight training goals? CrossFit gyms may also be a good option as they are social and competitive environments. Group classes or partner drills are additionally beneficial in helping build a sense of community and accountability.

THE INTROVERT Not a fan of groups of people or lots of commotion? If you have an introverted disposition, individual sports and activities are the best for you. Long-distance running, swimming, and cycling are some of the options that will help you achieve your health goals. Should you be looking for peace and the ability to connect with yourself, you may want to consider yoga or tai-chi. At-home workouts are also a great way to get and stay in shape while avoiding a busy gym or group classes. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have equipment at home and need to head to a gym, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fret; pick a great playlist and pop those headphones on. 40

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THE ADVENTURER Adventurers are constantly looking for spontaneous, thrilling activities that are both challenging and fun. Outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing, are all activities suitable for this personality type. Skiing and snowboarding are also great options, region and weather permitting. THE COMPETITOR

If your character is on the slightly more aggressive and competitive side, you may find tennis, martial arts, boxing, and weight training the most rewarding. Not only are you challenging yourself physically, but there is the component of competition and proving to be the best. Body building and associated competitions may also be fulfilling for competitive individuals.

THE DISCIPLINARIAN Tracking progress and meeting goals are especially important to this temperament. Using cardio machines at the gym that keep track of heart rate, pace, and distance help challenge the disciplinarian. Circuit weight training can be ideal for this challenge-lover because it allows goal setting for both intensity and endurance. Martial arts are also great workouts for the disciplinarian. Whatever your personality type may be, there is definitely something for everyone in the health and fitness world. Do something that gets you moving but that is also fulfilling and rewarding for your disposition. Don't be afraid to lean in and challenge yourself to increase the level of intensity. Getting and staying in shape can be a great experience, and being comfortable and content with your chosen workout routine will help you stick to your long-term goals. E

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[ HEALTH ] Dr. Birchenough When working well, our hormones, bodies, and minds are synchronized. When deficient or out of balance, they can cause physical discomfort, emotional distress, increase our risk of disease, or even death. Some hormonal deficiencies are easily detected and can be life-threatening. For example, take the hormone insulin. We know and accept that giving insulin to someone with Type 1 Diabetes is a necessity, and we don’t think twice about it. Another example is a child with growth hormone deficiency. Without daily injections, that child will remain small. However, many people (and doctors) still have some confusion, fear, or mixed feelings about replacing estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone when levels have dropped significantly, even when symptoms are severe. The balance of adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormones is very important, and in my practice, I address all of these to achieve the best results, but here I will focus on the Big 3.

OPTIMAL SELF with Dr. Katherine Birchenough

Hormones: Adrenal, thyroid, and sex and how they all work together There are over 50 of these potent chemical messengers in the human body, and life would not be the same without them. They control waking, sleep, hunger, thirst, love, sex... You name it, and there’s probably a hormone involved. Over a lifetime, the intricate interplay of hormones controls our physical and emotional growth and development, maintains metabolism, and has a big influence on how we interact with and experience the world.They control everything from the emotions we feel to our blood sugar levels, how fast we grow and develop, our body weight, and how we age.

Estrogen is the main sex hormone in women, but men also have it in smaller amounts. It is responsible for innumerable things, including softer skin, breast development, and ovulation in females. But did you know it also keeps cholesterol in control, protects bone health for women and men, and positively affects brain function, the immune system, heart, skin, and connective tissue? We are all familiar with the classic symptom of menopause, especially hot flashes. But what many people don’t know is when estrogen declines, some women also experience memory loss, problems focusing, mood swings and irritability, insomnia, extreme stress, anxiety, and depression. They are also at increased risk

for cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks and strokes. The first 5-10 years after menopause the rate of bone loss accelerates and results in osteopenia and osteoporosis. The estrogen depletion that comes with menopause decreases hydration and elasticity in the skin. Estrogen depletion can cause the lining of your urethra to become drier, thinner, and less elastic, which can lead to the need to urinate more often, an increased risk of urinary tract infections, and leaking of urine when coughing or laughing, as well as painful sex. Progesterone, widely known as the pregnancy support hormone, is more than that. Receptors for this hormone are also found in the brain, breasts, blood vessels, and bones of both sexes. Progesterone is the natural balancer to estrogen and has significant anti-anxiety and relaxing effects on the body. Testosterone, the main sex hormone in men, is responsible for all things masculine: facial and body hair, muscles, a deeper voice. Women have small amounts that contribute to energy and a sense of well-being. When men's testosterone starts to decline, the change has similar symptoms to menopause: hot flashes, mood changes, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and more. What we don’t talk about enough is the increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and loss of cognitive function. Testosterone replacement therapy can dramatically improve quality of life and can increase lean body mass, decrease visceral fat mass (that “beer belly”), decrease total cholesterol, and improve glycemic control. Ultimately, hormone replacement therapy may not only add life to your years, but years to your life. I don’t know about you, but I’ll take it. E

ABOUT DR. BIRCHENOUGH /EXLIVMRI &MVGLIRSYKL [EW XLI JSYVXL 1( MR XLI WXEXI SJ 7SYXL 'EVSPMRE XS FI GIVXMÁIH XLVSYKL XLI Institute for Functional Medicine. A South Carolina native, Dr. Birchenough is a University of South 'EVSPMRE 7GLSSP SJ 1IHMGMRI KVEHYEXI FSEVH GIVXMÁIH MR TIHMEXVMGW ERH IQIVKIRG] QIHMGMRI ERH has recently devoted herself full-time to her wellness practice. Dr. Birchenough practiced traditional medicine for more than 12 years, diagnosing and treating diseases but not really getting to the root cause. Over the years, she watched as unhealthy environments and poor lifestyle choices affected the health of her peers and her patients, at one point even herself, and knew that something had to give. She realized the pursuit of health, beyond just the absence of disease, is a specialty in and of itself but wasn’t available to traditional medical students. This realization brought her to a new career path in functional medicine and has fueled her passion to treat the patient, not just the symptoms. ELYSIAN

The colorful, crabapple allĂŠe shades the path to a greenhouse originally designed by Lord and Burnham.

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A picturesque entrance to Mrs. Mellon’s “Basket House.” Photo by Lisa Rubenson

Stately pin oaks, stone walls, and rough-hewn split-rail fences line the roads to the private Mellon compound at Oak Spring. < THE MELLON LEGACY >

< LANDED GENTRY >

I’ve come here to write about the legendary Oak Spring Farm in Upperville, the Virginia home of philanthropists Paul Mellon (1907-1999) and Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Mellon (1910-2014). Thanks to a gracious invitation by Sir Peter Crane, president of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, the non-profit charged with preserving the estate and promoting educational outreach, I’ve arranged to tour the Mellon farm first thing in the morning.

This part of Virginia sits an hour northwest of Washington, D.C. and is often referred to as the “Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital.” Bucolic country roads connect Upperville to other iconic equestrian towns, such as Middleburg and The Plains, and each horse farm or estate has its own elegant or whimsical name.

Some background. Paul Mellon, son of industrialist Andrew Mellon, was also a renowned horse breeder and art collector. Once considered among the top five wealthiest men in the world, Mr. Mellon’s Rokeby Stable was home to prize-winning race horses, including Sea Hero, a 1993 Kentucky Derby winner. As patrons of the arts, Mr. Mellon and his father were instrumental in the creation of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Mr. Mellon’s second wife, Bunny, an heiress in her own right, was a highly respected horticulturist and garden designer, whose lush gardens at Oak Spring––as well as those at the couple’s other homes in Manhattan, Washington, Paris, Cape Cod, Nantucket and Antigua––reflected her reputation as a style-maker with impeccable, yet understated, taste. A close friend and confidant of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Bunny Mellon was asked by President Kennedy to design the White House Rose Garden.

On a state visit in 1957, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip took their royal motorcade down these narrow country roads to visit the Mellons, as did Prince Charles and Princess Diana years later. President and Jacqueline Kennedy were said to travel from D.C. often to visit the Mellons, and the President once held a press conference at Middleburg’s famous Red Fox Inn.

< SURVEYING THE ESTATE > Stately pin oaks, stone walls and rough-hewn split-rail fences line the roads to the private Mellon compound at Oak Spring, formerly known as Rokeby Farms. The main house and outbuildings share a whitewashed stone cottage design and, while elegant, give little indication of the wealth of those who once lived here. With its gallery white walls and Mrs. Mellon’s signature, painted wood floors by artist Paul Leonard, the house has multiple sets of French doors that open onto the gardens––as if to say you’ll find the real home and life of Bunny Mellon outside. ELYSIAN

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For a garden, hovering always in a state of becoming, sums its own past and its future,â&#x20AC;? she once said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A garden, like a library, is a whole made up of separate interests and mysteries.â&#x20AC;?

A dedicated staff honors Mrs. Mellonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horticultural legacy and signature VW\OH WKURXJKRXW 2DN 6SULQJ LQVLGH DQG RXW Photos courtesy of OSGF

Many of the staff who served the Mellons late in their lives have stayed to tend to the legacy of their beloved employers, known simply as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr.â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mrs.â&#x20AC;? On the day I visit, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m part of a larger tour of Wellesley scholars there to study environmental and conservation issues. We are also joined by a trial group of four artists-in-residence to whom the Foundation has awarded the opportunity to live, work and be inspired at Oak Spring for several weeks. Our tour begins in Mrs. Mellonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Basket House,â&#x20AC;? which sits at the end of a catwalk over a bright blue reflecting pool and houses her treasured collection of straw baskets. Peter Crane gives an overview of the propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;its significance as a kind of hands-on horticultural laboratory, then and nowâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;after which we move on to a three-hour tour that seems more like twenty minutes.

< A casual, cultivated, elegance < The garden is flanked on three sides by deer-proof, whitewashed walls that allow for a blossoming mix of heat-hearty perennials and annuals, stately boxwoods and strategically clipped topiaries (another Bunny Mellon signature). Each corner has some feature that makes it feel like a distinct neighborhood connected to a larger, bustling city. At the back of the garden wall are giant wooden doors with towering sunflower sentinels, opening to a long path leading to the greenhouse. Mrs. Mellon carefully planted, trimmed, and twisted parallel rows of Mary Potter crabapple trees along the way to create a shaded arbor that bursts with color each spring. Mrs. Mellon is said to have delighted in the presence of an overly-confident weed or sprig of errant groundcover, and there are other surprises everywhere: steps leading to doors tucked into the sides of buildings; vignettes of plants and flowers sitting in conversation as theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re buzzed by tiny yellow butterflies; beds devoted to nurturing new plants and honoring the old. Nothing is too precious, nothing is labeled, but each petal, each leaf is known well to the small staff of devoted gardeners. I spend another hour strolling around taking pictures, wondering what Mrs. Mellon would think of a neophyte like me traipsing through these hallowed grounds. I think maybe she would be fine with itâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;as long as I walked with an appreciation for not just her gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s storied past, but also for what it might yet become. E Special thanks to Sir Peter Crane, Nancy Collins and Max Smith of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation for sharing their wealth of knowledge and resources. Many thanks to Kassie Kingsley and Cricket Bedford for their valuable insights about the area. - LR 48

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If unique is what you seek

Amelia’s Home and Garden Furniture • Accessories

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[ GRACEFUL LIVING ] exploring virginia horse country

Falling in Love with

Northern Virginia By Rhonda Wilkins

As a Northern Virginia girl, many of my favorite childhood memories were created amidst the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont, east of The Blue Ridge Mountains. From Marshall to Middleburg and over to Upperville, Faulkeir and Loudoun counties have been a longtime equestrian

playground for city folks seeking relief from the bustle of the crowded capitol. I love returning here in the fall, just as farmers are taking in the bounties from their harvest. From the expanses of farmland and orchards bordered by centuries-old fences, to the region’s historic villages dotted with restaurants, galleries and antique shops, let me show you a place dear to my heart.

Field and Main 8369 W Main St | Marshall, VA Farm-to-table dining is the only way to savor the fall harvest. From “the field to Main Street”, this restaurant in Marshall celebrates the region’s land and is one of my favorites.

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SHOP & EXPLORE

A Tale of Two Bakeries Red Truck Bakery | 8368 W Main St, Marshall, VA Nestled within a restored farmhouse, this bakery is just rustic enough – and more delicious than imaginable – to make sure that their creations never disappoint.

RDV Vineyard

Rdv Red Wine Blend Bottle

2550 Delaplane Grade Rd | Delaplane, VA In June, I attended “Dinner on the Farm,” part of a series that brought together Chef Eric Zeibold (of Kinship / Metier in D.C.), farmers and

Red Truck Kentucky Bourbon Cake

vintners to Martin’s Family Farm in The Plains. Our palates were first Uppercrust Bakery | 4 N Pendleton St, Middleburg, VA

treated to a glass of 2014 Rendezvous, an energetic red blend from RdV

This family-owned bakery has been a Middleburg staple for more than 30 years

Vineyards, a place synonymous with producing iconic American wine

and hasn’t lost an ounce of its charm; owner Jim still comes in at 4am every day and

— and a beautiful Autumn setting!

operates the business with his son Scott. Horse Head Wine Decanter Hermes picnic blanket

Pedal Happy bicycle-mounted wine holder

Loro Piano Shawl

Sea & Grass, handwoven picnic tote

Hermes Scarf

Levis Jeans

Minerva Belt Hand-painted boots

Fall Wardrobe

Fortnum and Mason British Isles cheese board

Tailgating at The International Gold Cup The Great Meadow Equestrian Center | 5089 Old Tavern Rd, The Plains, VA

One of my favorite recent discoveries is Middleburg artist, Debbie Cadenas. She

Tailgating at the races is a time-honored tradition and a fabulous affair — I love

commissions custom-painted boots with scenes of country and equestrian life — pair

donning my best hat, throwing a blanket and picnic basket into the car, and driving

them with a classic blue jean, a cashmere wrap and you will be off to the races.

off to enjoy the festivities and show off my homemade recipes. SHOP & EXPLORE

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[ FASHION ] the stylish equestrian

Equestrian

Fashion

By Katie Weisman

Single-breasted blazers shaped like an hourglass, sleek-fitting jodhpurs, glossy leather boots rising up to the knee, or Chelsea style. What is there not to like about equestrian-inspired fashion? It’s elegant, chic, gorgeous, and perennially classic. Thirtythree years ago, Meryl Streep as Karen Blixen in Out of Africa embraced this look both sumptuously and romantically as did Vanessa Kirby more recently in her role as Princess Margaret in the horseback riding scenes in The Crown.

FROM THE STABLES TO THE SIDEWALKS, THE FASHION WORLD HAS A LOVE AFFAIR WITH EQUESTRIAN LOOKS

Thankfully, you don’t have to be a movie star to wear equestrian well. Fashion designers have explored equestrian dress, both English and Western, since just about forever. Ralph Lauren, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Isabel Marant, for example, have had collections with nearly literal interpretations of equestrian apparel whereas Hermès, a company that started out in 1837 as a harness and saddlery company, ironically takes a more subtle approach by including equestrian details and motifs throughout its fashion, home, and accessories collections. This 181- year-old French company still has a full-fledged equestrian division

serving up saddles, bridles, equipment, fashion, and accessories. Even with 5.5 billion euros in revenues and hefty, double-digit profit margins, Hermès remains true to its equestrian roots. Michael Fink, dean of the School of Fashion at Savannah School of Art and Design, notes that equestrian dress has had a significant impact on fashion throughout the ages.

“Dressmakers, tailors, and modern designers have all been intrigued with the equestrian costume throughout time. We can trace the evolution of social status and clothing trends when we examine the equestrian costume. Skirt styles and lengths, Belle Epoque shoulder lines, military detail, trousers, boot styles, gloves, jewelry, accessories, and so forth,” Fink observes. “The rich history in the equestrian costume provides designers instant access in creating a variety of moods and stories for their customers. From tailored jackets (once made by dressmakers), crisp shirtings, and knee-high leather boots, to the gloriously-colored silk shirts worn by jockeys - these iconic equestrian pieces ELYSIAN

provide infinite style variations for designers to play with.” It’s not just the outfits that inspire fashion designers. Fink notes that the posture of the horse and its musculature is also part of the creative process. “We celebrate both the art of fashion and equine through our award-winning fashion program and an advanced equestrian studies degree,” Fink explains. “Many of our talented fashion students compete on SCAD’s championship equestrian team.” The fitted jacket or blazer in navy, black, or traditional tweed borrows directly from the equestrian world. For his fall couture, French designer Jean Paul Gaultier opened his show with a literal interpretation of equestrian formal dress, fitted jacket included. For fall 2018, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen went boldly into red with an exaggerated fox hunting jacket. Brooks Brothers, celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, issued a more

Western equestrian and cowboy fashion also enjoy the designer touch and were a major trend for the Fall 2018 and Resort 2019 runways from big name houses, such as Christian Dior and Calvin Klein, to indie labels such as France’s Isabel Marant or Italy’s Etro. conservative interpretation for women for this fall precisely based on an early 1900s men’s red fox hunting jacket in its archives. With its more nuanced approach to its non-equestrian division fashion collections, Hermès showed a stunning burgundy leather coat with a shoulder detail resembling a saddle flap and quilting like that of an equestrian quilted jacket for this fall. There was also a multi-layered jacket made with quilted fabric and shearling that looked like an inside-out version of a saddle over a saddle pad. Fashion accessories, from bags and belts to buckles, also take cues from the equestrian world. French concern Longchamp has a stirrup buckle closing its Amazone bag. At Alexander McQueen, a waist-cinching belt shown in his fall collection reminds one of girths. Bucket bags, which resemble feed bags, are cyclically trendy and have become a classic. Western equestrian and cowboy fashion also enjoy the designer touch and were a major trend for the Fall 2018 and Resort 2019 runways from big name houses, such as Christian Dior and Calvin Klein, to indie labels such as France’s Isabel Marant or Italy’s Etro. Marant dedicated her show to the American West. She showed leather cowboy shirts and fringed jackets alongside other prairie looks inspired by Native American blankets and calico fabrics. Etro capitalized on its heritage of color and prints and mixed that with Western details like the fringe of a cowboy jacket. Some fashion seasons are heavier than others when it comes to equestrianinspired silhouettes. Designers and customers, it seems, will forever be seduced by the equestrian aesthetic. E 56

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Healing horses to raise communities

By Jason Gilmer This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your everyday dude ranch. This supersized space, without the usual herds of cattle and horse-riding country boys in boots and wide-brimmed hats, is a luxurious dream for outdoor enthusiasts. Other ranches are for work; Barefoot Ranch is for fun, as country music Brooke USA is committed to significantly improving the welfare of working horses, donkeys singers, politicians, and other celebrities have discovered. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place to hide and mules and the people they serve throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin away and enjoy privacy without being confined to a hotel. America by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need. Learn more at brookeusa.org Located in Athens, Texas, about an hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive from Dallas, the estate covers almost 2,500 acres. Tucked-away you will find a 35,000 square foot timberbeamed lodge, and multiple cabins and cottages.

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Donna Cheek Hunter/Jumper & Public Broadcaster Overcoming incredible odds in a sport dominated by the wealthy, Donna Cheek’s supportive parents turned her dream into a reality when at age seven, she began taking riding lessons. A hunter/jumper for more than 45 years, Cheek made sports history, becoming the the ﬁrst black woman to join the U.S. Equestrian Team in 1981 and the ﬁrst equestrienne to be inducted into the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame.

U Q. You were seven when you started taking riding lessons. Were you exposed to horses before taking lessons?

No, I was just a little girl that collected plastic model horses. I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. That was it. It is strange, really inexplicable, because nobody in my family rides. I was not exposed to horses at a young age. It truly was just a God-given passion that came out of nowhere. I have no idea why. But it's a passion that has continued to this day.

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Photography by Brittany App

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Q. Your father was a professor? A. He was a tenured professor in the Education Department at Cal Poly,

Q. Do you feel a connection to horses more than

San Luis Obispo teaching ethnic studies. He has a Ph.D. in social psychology.

I feel that if human beings could conduct themselves with the honesty and integrity and love that horses have, just half of what horses have, our world would be Heaven on Earth because there is nothing that a horse can't heal in a human.

Q. Tell me about your mother. A. Well, my mother passed in 1989. She was a stay-at-home mom with five children. I am the youngest and have four older brothers. My parents were madly in love until the day my mother passed away.

human beings?

Q. Can a horse be jealous? A. Absolutely. Horses can be jealous. I have seen it and experienced it.

Q. Your parents were instrumental in your equestrian

Horses become attached, and they understand when their person is with another horse.

Q. Do you have a favorite horse, one which you were

career and your serving as a member of the United State Equestrian Team?

Yes. My mother chauffeured me around until I got my driver's license and could haul my own horses. It's amazing because my parents were both born and raised in Harlem, New York. There is really nothing country about them except that they did buy acreage. They wanted to live in the country, but they had no experience with country living. Then, I ended up getting involved with horses. There was a point early in my career that my mom would load up the horse by herself, pick me up at my high school, and then drive me to my riding lessons. I have no idea who taught her how to hook up a trailer or even how to pull a horse trailer. All I know is that my parents did whatever it took to make things happen for their children.

Q. Your four older brothers, were any of them drawn

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They had no clue. To this day, I don't think they realize what I do. Steve, the brother that's closest to my age, traveled with me when I was inducted into the Women's Sports Hall of Fame and recently when I was inducted into the Women's Sports Museum. So, I think he has an idea. But everybody else thinks “Donna rides, and she's been riding forever.” Period. End of story.

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attached to more than any other?

No, I cannot say I have a favorite. The horses that have come into my business, my life, or my career are so individual. Each relationship is so different and special. I don't have children, but I would imagine that question would be like asking a mother to decide which child is her favorite. That is not something that a mother can do, and it is not something that I can do. I don’t see my horses as a tool to get me from Point A to Point B in my career. I don't see them as a tool I use to succeed and win. They are my partners, and they are my friends. There are times when I'm taking care of them and times when they are taking care of me.

Q. Was it your father that instilled in you his A.

competitive spirit?

Yes. My father is still involved in athletics. He participates in Masters Track at 88 years old. He is my hero and my role model. He personifies discipline, focus, and perseverance; all of the things that it takes for an athlete to become the best. My Dad was the one that molded me in that respect. He

was the one that kept my mind right while pursuing excellence. It is not about just being on the horse. There are so many other things that contribute to the making of a champion. It is a lifestyle. It is what you eat, the rest that you get, the additional exercise that you do in the gym, the cardio that you do on the mountain, going to a chiropractor. It is a very holistic perspective. People sometimes assume the horse does all the work, but they're very wrong.

Q. Do you still practice the “champion” regimented A.

lifestyle?

I do. This is still my lifestyle. I have been doing this for so long that it is just a part of staying fit, healthy, and capable. I couldn't imagine living my life any differently.

Q. What brings you the most joy? A. Not just joy, but peace and contentment. I think joy is what, on the outside, affects your mood. Contentment comes from within, and peace is a theme of a person's life. What brings me joy, contentment, and peace is my relationship with the Lord.

Q. Was there a pivotal moment in your life that changed A.

you, from a faith/religious perspective?

Yes, when I was living in Carson, California and training in Laguna Beach, I stayed with a family. Dave Jackson, Jr. led me to the Lord. I was never the same. And then I brought that excitement to my parents. My mom and dad received the Lord in their life and made a commitment. Dad has been involved in the ministry for decades now.

“For me, a successful person is a person that gives back at every opportunity they are given, even if it is during the time they are striving to reach their own goal.”

Q. Has your faith ever wavered since that experience A.

in 1979, until present?

Wavered, yes, because that's the journey. Whatever kind of faith you may have will be tested if you live long enough. Life will test your faith over and over and over. My faith has only grown deeper and deeper as I go through life’s trials. It is my anchor. My Lord is my anchor. That relationship is not just a one-hour, once-on-Sunday thing. I spend a lot of time alone. When I am on the mountain, running up and down the hills, I am surrounded by his creation. We have conversations (not audible on his part), but certainly audible on my part. Let me tell you, he's heard an earful for sure. I am so blessed to have constant, unconditional acceptance and such a loving relationship with my earthly father; so, it is very easy for me to transition to the same kind of relationship with my Heavenly Father. He is very real to me. There are times when I fuss at him because I believe certain things should be a certain way. But his wisdom is infinite. I fuss anyway because I feel better when I put it out there. Then, I just acquiesce to the knowledge that he loves me, and he knows best. So, there it is.

Q. What do you call a success? A. Success has to be multi-faceted. I have spent time with and talked to other athletes that are very accomplished. I am really glad that I am not onedimensional and feel that the only thing worth living for is my sport because once I am not competing in the sport, there is no more Donna, or if I don't continue to produce or reach the goals that I've set, then I'm a failure. I can definitely credit the balance that I seek in life to my father and to my family because I have successful relationships. I have never been married. That is the one the Lord needs to handle. But when it comes to my friendships and my family, my relationships are intimate. They are not casual or superficial. When we talk about success, yes, it's great to reach the pinnacle and be given awards and receive acknowledgment. Those moments are great, but that's only part of it. I honestly do not think you can be a success unless you give back in some way. You can't always take. For me, a successful person is a person that gives back at every opportunity they are given, even if it is during the time they are striving to reach their own goal. I do not think opportunities to give back are made by the person who's ready to give. When those opportunities present themselves in our lives, we have to say, “Yes, I'm going to do this. I am going to give my time, my money, and love.” I also do not think giving is so calculated. We give when someone is in need and that happens in a very random fashion.

Q. You owned and operated a horse consignment and A.

training center in Paso Robles?

It was great. I didn't feel like I had a consignment business. I felt like I was running an orphanage for equines. You have to understand that the horses came to me because they were rejected by some other place. For whatever reason, they weren't wanted anymore. My goal was to place them in their forever home. I had to nurture and bolster their confidence and love them so that the rejection did not define them. They were aware of being rejected, yet that rejection can fade into their past. They can feel hopeful about their future, and tell me what it is that they really want to do. People think, “Oh, this ELYSIAN

Q. =SY QEHI LMWXSV] EW XLI ÁVWX [SQER SJ GSPSV XS become a member of the United States Equestrian Team in '81. Can you describe your feeling?

A. I don't think I've ever felt more patriotic. When you are on the world stage, that's when you feel the most proud to represent your country. It is a very powerful, patriotic feeling that I'm not just representing myself. I'm not just representing women. I'm not just representing black people. I'm representing my country. That is really powerful, and not everyone has the opportunity to do that. Q. When the Women's Sports Hall of Fame came

along, was that any kind of realization that you had broken so many barriers and, to a certain extent, established yourself as an example for other women and others to follow?

A. I don't want to minimize what that represented and how that could have inspired people, but what's very interesting is that when you're so focused on a goal, these things are blips that happen on your way to that goal. You are really not able to bask in the limelight. My parents could always appreciate my accomplishments and understand the ramifications. I really didn't at all. Q. Equestrian is such an expensive sport. Can you horse loves to jump,” and then the horse tells me, I hate it. Sometimes I have found no one's ever listened to them. And so, I listen. I put together a plan. They may come into my business, my barn, doing one thing and leave doing something completely different. But it's what they want to do. I placed them into an environment where they could shine. I like to say that I am “setting them up to succeed.” I’ve done that with horses in the past, in my consignment business, and with the horses that I'm working with now. I have a platform because I am an unusual person in the sport. I want to use my platform to bring an awareness and sensitivity to how animals should be treated.

Q. When you transitioned away from your

consignment and training center, was that a HMJÁGYPX XVERWMXMSR#

A. Yes it was. I have retired multiple times in my career. I really have. The horses call me back in different ways. I always go back. I don't know when or if it's going to happen again. Retirement is difficult for me and let me tell you why. It's difficult because these horses are such a deep, deep part of everything that I am. It is impossible to explain, something that only God could have made happen, because it's not just love. I've honed it into an expertise. I'm truly, truly great at what I do. I'm only great at it because, when you're dealing with a live animal, there are so many variables, and you have to be very adaptable. Trainers who try to ride and train every horse the same way will have very limited success and very unhappy horses. Their horses do not hold up, physically and mentally. But I change the lives of the horses that I work with. I absolutely do, and it's not really because of anything that I set out to do. It's because that is what I was called to do. Q. Do you think that life is a series of singles instead A.

of home runs?

Absolutely. It is a long, perilous journey, especially when you're reaching for the top. It's incremental success, nose to the grindstone. Success is when, even though it's raining, you still go outside because your competitor may be running, working out in the gym, or riding or schooling their horses in the rain. So, you school in the rain, in the heat, seven days a week and not just one day at a time. It has to be every single day because one day at a time for a week will not cut it. It just becomes your life-style, and that is why I haven't changed.

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talk to me about that at all?

Wow. Yes, I was talking with another trainer, a great friend just the other day. We were both thinking how grateful we were to have had an opportunity to benefit from all that horses can give to an individual, during a time when riding was relatively accessible to the middle class. Entering the equestrian world without financial backing was a challenge then. But now, forget about it. You cannot even think about playing with the big boys. When I was competing, we didn't have these imported warmblood horses that were beyond six figures. We were using thoroughbreds off the track, repurposing them. You had to be a skilled rider because these horses are hot-blooded and sensitive. You had to be really patient and pace yourself. Because they are not very durable and have a fine skeletal structure, you couldn't push them too hard mentally or physically. Today, it is totally different. What I did could never happen now, not even a snowball's chance, because now there is such a defining line. It is unfortunate, but the opportunity to have a competitive experience today with horses is just nonexistent. There’s nothing middle of the road. That has dried up. Either you are completely backyard (literally meaning keeping your horse in the backyard) hauling to some local C-rated shows, or you are in the one percent with total access, spending massive amounts of money. It really is sad because riding is so inaccessible, so there's no need in me inspiring anybody. It's great that they want to package the sport and to encourage kids and maybe other people of color and broaden its appeal. That sounds really good on paper. But you know what? It won’t happen. It won’t happen because other people of color cannot relate to the black riders out there now have the means to compete.

Q. Can you impart your life lesson for equestrians to A.

follow, and me, as a gift?

I would tell that young person, “I want you to enjoy every single day that you have with the horses you have access to. Don't ever feel that not making whatever goal that you have set for yourself makes you a loser or makes you feel lesser than.” I would say, “You have to enjoy the journey. Your journey may not end up at the Olympics. It may not end up at the World Cup. It may not end up where you had planned, but it's okay if you savor the process, and you don't allow your pursuit to eclipse everything else. You've got to enjoy the rest of your life, and that's only a part of it.” E

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“ When she [my daughter] asked to start riding at eight years old, I thought that would be perfect. [...] I asked her if she'd mind if I started riding, and she said, “No, that will be great.” So we kept pace for a while.”

that's my practicum. So, I did my internship with the head of nursing for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health AIDS Program. There was a lot to be done. I put emotions to the side and just did the work. Managerially, it was an interesting time. The original team members were typically gay and lesbian. They were there because they shared a common and very earnest interest in the illness. They had management skills like me. On the heels of the original frontline professionals came the opportunists. It became very political. As a person focused on management, it was really interesting to watch that transition real-time. I went on to work for the CDC still focusing on AIDS. Then, I got married and moved down to Charlottesville, Virginia and had two children.

Q. When did you take up riding? A. As a child, I rode a little bit. A friend of mine went to summer camp

Lesley for my healthcare management degree. I was an ICU nurse.

for six weeks and work for Renaissance Technologies on Long Island. Robert decided he would rather go on with a planned experiment in Danvers, Massachusetts. I wanted to go to Long Island so that we could be by the water. I knew how these experiments went. They broke down all the time. So, I said, “Okay. The children and I will go up and stay with my parents in Winchester,” which is not far from Danvers. I was positive we were going to end up in Long Island. So, I leased our house to a visiting professor for the summer. Sure enough, two days before we were supposed to leave, the linear accelerator broke down. Robert said, “Well, we're not going to Massachusetts. We will stay here.” I said, “No, we can't because I've leased out the house. We're going to Long Island.” And that's how that whole thing started.

Q. After you graduated from college, what did you do? A. I went to work at University Hospital, which is Boston University’s

Q. And tell me about that experience. A. He loved it. I mean he really enjoyed it. I rented a little place on the beach,

teaching hospital. Later, I worked as a nurse at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. Then, I traveled all over Europe with a girlfriend who was just finishing a two-year stint in the Peace Corps. After two years abroad, I went back to work at Choate Symmes Community Hospital. I developed different skill-sets in every nursing position I held. I was unhappy with the way I was being managed as a nurse. So, rather than complain about it, I enrolled in Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts for healthcare management.

and the kids loved that. We ended up buying it a few years later. We weren't there for the money. We were there for the experience, to be close to family, and to have a nice summertime. He got hooked. The following year, he took a year’s sabbatical, and we went back for the entire time. Then, he extended the sabbatical for a year. We ended up living on Long Island for the next 19 years.

Q. Did you know, at any point in your life, the

Q. After receiving your master’s, what did you do? A. I went to work. Instead of writing a thesis, I had to do a practicum,

to ride. In the off-season, she'd bring a few horses back which I would ride to help exercise them. I have never been an accomplished rider.

Q. Were you drawn to them? A. Not particularly, but it was fun! Q. So, where did you go to school and for what? A. University of Rochester for my bachelor's in nursing, and then I went to

and I had no idea what the subject was going to be. I was doing some private duty nursing on the side to augment my income. I got a phone call one day, and they said, “Lisa, we have a person with AIDS, and we thought you'd be the perfect person for the job.” After accepting the job, I hung up the phone, and I thought two things. First, I have no idea how to treat a person with AIDS; no one did at that time. It was 1984, '85. And then I thought, 66

Q. How did you end up on Long Island? A. One summer, my husband’s cousin, Jim Simons, asked him to come

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equestrian business would become central to your world? No. Not at all.

Q. All right, so how did this world open up to you? A. My daughter, Julia, was very precocious. She always wanted to go on playdates and do things requiring a great deal of time and energy. I saw it was going to get increasingly difficult to manage her, but I didn't want to squelch her spirit. When she asked to start riding, at eight years-old, I thought that would

be perfect. It's a very disciplined environment, and she had to manage a large animal. I figured that would occupy her. I could drop her off there for two or three hours at a time and do my own thing. It worked out perfectly. She was getting a lot of exercise, and her instructor was teaching her a lot of moves on horseback. I asked her if she'd mind if I started riding, and she said, “No, that will be great.” So, we kept at a pace for a while. When we began looking for a pony for her, we found a horse for me first. And that was the beginning of it.

Q. Are you in love with horses? A. No. I like them a lot, and I like the process of working with them.

Q. Where is Spy Coast Farm located? A. In Lexington, Kentucky, Wellington, Florida,

and Tryon,

North Carolina.

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equestrian farm, centrally located in horse country Lexington, Kentucky, I am curious about what you consider your greatest success and why?

Q. Of the interviews that I've conducted, most

A. Assembling a talented base of employees is probably my biggest success. They are a terrific group of people. I like providing them with the tools, and they seem happy doing work they love.

Q. Tell me about the next acquisition, and how it

people are in love with horses.

Yes, but I have said many times, they could just as easily be goats. It is a very unpopular view. But I am businesswoman, and it suits me to look at this as a business; and horses are the medium. I do love working with them!

Q. When did you enter the equine business? A. Initially, our horse focus was a lifestyle focus. A beautiful piece of property came up on the marketon Long Island. It was a farm, and I knew I could make it the home of our dreams. I went about creating a space, a bubble, that included a horse farm for my daughter. Then a group of maybe eight early teen girls came over from a barn that had closed. I called them my barn rats. They just started working in the barn. I said, “You know, I can't pay all of you.” They said they didn’t care, they just wanted a place to go. Of course, I ended up paying them. But, that was the start of the community of the barn.

Q. %RH [LEX HMH ]SY GEPP XLEX ÁVWX JEVQ# A. Spy Coast Farm.

came about and why.

Julia was going down to the Winter Equestrian Festival. I think it was our second season with Shane Sweetnam as her trainer. The woman that they were working for went through a divorce, and they needed another space. We were coming to Kentucky during the summer so I bought the first Kentucky farm to accommodate everybody. I figured it was a better place to breed horses than Long Island. That is how this all started. Shortly thereafter, I went down to Florida. Shane and his team were in a rental facility down there. I decided to buy a property in Florida where we could live. I was also looking for a place for Shane and Ali to run their business from. To this day, they lease my property down in Florida, and I live in the house. They operate their business out of the 20-acre farm in Wellington, and then they come up here in the summertime. This is home base for the summer. They are great and every bit as much my children as my own children; especially, Shane. I call him my most spoiled child. ELYSIAN

Q. Is your business model unique? A. There are veterinarian-owned rehab and fitness centers and many rehabilitation centers, but none that I know of are associated with a multidimensional farm like mine. I don't believe there are farms that focus on breeding, training, rehabilitation, and other core services in the US. Maybe in Dubai or somewhere else abroad. I truly don't know all of the places that offer these services.

Q. How does the Tryon International Equestrian A.

Center play into the equation?

I am a partner, so that is why I'm involved in Tryon. And, we also bought a 70-acre farm close to TIEC.

Q. How do you decide to acquire property? A. It is location, location, and location. The goal is to develop the property in a way that would appeal to another high-end purchaser. This 400 acres is developed in a way that can be subdivided into seven different sections. Each one has the capacity for a barn and a house. I could divide it up (it is right next to the horse park) and probably make three times what I've paid for it. These are very long-term investments. Let's put it this way: I purchase property because it's what I like to spend my money on, not fast cars, or yachts, or travel.

Q. What is Shane’s greatest accomplishment, if you A.

had to choose one?

Before this WEG, probably being on the winning European Championship Team. Team Ireland won the Championship.

Q. The initial purchase for Spy Coast Farm in A.

Lexington, Kentucky was 300 acres. Why and how did you amass the 800 plus?

The original piece of property was a little over 300 acres. There was an adjoining 65-acre parcel, but they wouldn't sell it to a neighbor. I saw that as a challenge. I had a shill buy it for me, and within 24 hours, we flipped it over to me. I wanted it available for the Kentucky Horse Park to use for their WEG in 2010. I did not know to what degree I would actually expand. The genesis of the expansion occurred when I was down in Wellington. My daughter was doing the High Junior Jumpers by then, and I started thinking that these kids had the best horses on the show grounds. A lot of them are Grand Prix horses coming down off high-performance careers for the kids. I asked what would happen to these horses, and the answer was nothing. They didn't send them back to Europe. They didn't give them to a breeder. They had to pay to farm them out somewhere. So, I started accumulating them. I learned about pedigrees. I talked to Shane, who knew quite a bit about breeding, and that's when we started the breeding in earnest. People would just give me horses, like Grand Prix mares, because they knew they were going to a nice home. I was going for high-end clientele and high-end horses. I wanted all the farms to be beautiful places they would come back and visit and know their horse would be well taken care of.

Q. You really are looking for this second generation of A.

horses that are exceptional. How does that work?

Primarily, the temperament matters a great deal and is given less attention over in Europe; it should be given attention in the American market, which is probably 98 percent amateur. If I want to sell horses, they better be rideable and have the proper temperament. I had a rule: I wouldn't buy a horse from Shane unless it was a stallion or a mare. If it was a stallion, I personally had to be able to go into the stall and pet the horse. And, to this day, I can. It is that temperament that I want to propagate. The goal is for our horses to be of good temperament, good ability, good scope and movement and conformation. 68

ELYSIAN

Q. The World Equestrian Games is a monumental A.

challenge because this is a project that’s been under construction for 18 months as opposed to he typical 4 years. How have the partners engaged?

The partnership consists of five or six main partners. We are all in. We believe in the project and have put extra money into it. Given the very difficult task of building the platform for the World Equestrian Games in 18 months rather than four years. On top of that, TIEC is a new facility. So, this will be a monumental task to pull off. We see the vision. And we will do it. Much like my team here, Mark and Katherine have teams in Wellington, and now in Tryon, that are exceptional. They have a motto, “Swim like a duck.” In other words, you look nice and peaceful up above the water, but you're paddling like hell underneath. So, they say, “Look like a duck.” And that's what they do. They know their jobs, and they will pull it out. Every time we consider hiring a consultant, we are disappointed because we compare them to our own people who can do it just as well or better. I know this will be a success.

Q. How do you pay it forward? A. I do a lot of mentoring, particularly

of women. I provide paid internship opportunities. I hire people who could use some direction. For whatever reason, I have always had a lot of self-confidence. I like to pass that on, particularly to women. I have nothing against boys and men, but these young women just seem to gravitate to me. I enjoy letting them know they can acheive anything they want with hard work. I am always helping them network with people, other women like you and me, who will help them realize their dreams. That is probably the best way I pay it forward.

Q. What life lesson can you share with our young readers? A.

It's very important that you have a career or job or some kind of skill that you can support yourself because you never know what will happen in your life. Whether you have a child, get divorced, or move to a difficult place, whatever happens, you need to be able to support yourself. Your selfesteem comes from your ability to take care of yourself and your children if you choose to have them. So, set yourself up to have a skill set that will allow you to take care of number one. You come in alone and go out alone. You need to know how to take care of yourself. E

to be remembered as the person that could take any kind of horse around a difficult course and have enough communication with them so that when they are presented to a jump or a task, they understood it completely, and it became stupidly simple for them.

Q. A.

You were in a terrible riding accident which effectively ended your competitive career, and yet, you continue to ride?

After the accident, it took three or four years for my body to get sorted out. I am physically in a very stable place where I can be more athletic. I have a Pilates instructor in Florida who is totally committed, so every morning, I am there at 6:30. She has helped to get me strong and fit. After the accident, my body was rejecting a lot of things. Today, I can ride however often I want to. I’m jumping. I can go cross-country. I do everything. Once you’ve had a catastrophic accident, you have to give your body a chance to recover, to heal. Once it’s finished receiving and accepting whatever changes are needed to live, that’s when you can sort of say, “Well, okay. I want to do this.” Your body or your brain says, “Well, then go do it.” Your body will actually talk to you and say, “Then come on. Let’s go do it. I want to do it, too.”

Q. A.

“After the accident, my body was rejecting a lot of things. Today, I can ride however often I want to. I’m jumping. I can go cross-country. I do everything. ”

Q. A.

What is your most coveted trophy and why?

In our sport, you go up the levels, but it is difficult to stay there. There is a competition in England called Badminton. The best accomplishment I felt I ever had was when I received the Armada Cup which is given to a rider that has completed five Badmintons. When you don’t live in England, you don’t get the opportunity to compete there as much. Only two Americans have ever received it. One of them was Bruce Davidson, who is 15 years older than me. I’m the only other American to have ever won that distinction. That would be my most coveted trophy, even though the hallway is full of trophies. This trophy is in the shadow box next to the medals. It’s just a tiny, little silver bowl, but it has the years that you completed it and the horse’s names, and it’s in a beautiful piece of silver.

Q. A.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered as somebody that could talk to the animals and accomplish something that looks extraordinarily difficult, while making it look easy from the outside. We compete, and it’s a high-risk sport. I want 70

ELYSIAN

Your doctor said you can ride, but if something happens, he could not ﬁx it.

He said, “Well, make sure you fall good because you don’t want what’s left of your back, left over.” But, you see, my most comfortable place on the planet is sitting on a horse. I have a great friend, Marilyn Little. When I came back down to Florida, after dropping the vest and dropping the meds and all that stuff, I said, “I’m good. The doctor says I can start riding if I want to.” Marilyn got a horse and said, “Get on.” I said, “Right now?” “Yep, get on.” So, I got on the horse. I always have paddock boots on. I was sort of halfway dressed, and she says, “Okay, come on, let’s go, walk, trot, canter.” She’s younger than me. She’s 15 years younger, and she said, “Come on, let’s do it, go on.” And I felt as happy as I’d been since I was injured because I was on something that was so comfortable. And then she said, “Okay, come on, canter over this jump.” First day! “Canter over the jump.” And I went, “Really, you think I should?” She goes, “Come on! You’ve jumped a million jumps. Jump this jump.” And I did that. And I jumped several more. And she said, “Good. Welcome back.”

Q. A.

Isn’t that a life lesson, when you’re thrown, get back on the horse ?

They don’t even let you do that in competition anymore. If you fall off, you’re done for the day. I suppose they figure you’re out of the competition. Live to fight another day. I don’t know if that’s good. I had a big conversation recently with my family. They had a trampoline. When we were young, we had a trampoline, but it had no net. Now, all the trampolines have this huge net. If you put that into a life lesson, what’s the lesson? When I was a kid on a trampoline with no net, if I took the risk, it was a calculated risk. There was always a consequence. With the huge net, you do not know about consequence. Not that we all have to be risk takers, but you have to be very aware of what you’re capable of doing and take the calculated risk if you are willing to face the consequences.

Q. A.

You really are a success story, Karen. Share with our readers a simple life lesson.

I would say be nice to people on your way up because you will see them on the way down. And be nice to everybody. Ellen DeGeneres, at the end of each show, says be nice to people. You could have a huge competitive spirit, but you must do it with dignity and honor. Be nice. E