The Plaid Horse - May/June 2016 - The Young Horse Issue

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WAITING FOR FINAL APPROVAL

Andrew Ryback 2016

America’sPremiere Horse Show Magazine • May/June 2016 • The Young Horse Issue

Inside

Doug Boyd's Sapphire Riding Academy near Chicago • Davidson Communities • Importing 101 • Spy Coast Farm • 8 Tips for Walking the Course • Saratoga HS • Bill Russell Foundation • USHJA HQC

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Best of Luck at The Devon Horse Show

Farmore State of the Art & Mia Green - Small Pony Hunter

Unforgettable & Augusta Iwasaki Medium Pony Hunter

Madeline & Hannah Hoch Medium Pony Hunter Offered for Sale

Anisette & Hannah Hoch Medium Pony Hunter

Stonewall Texas & Augusta Iwasaki Large Pony Hunter Offered for Sale

Dreamiscle & Hannah Hoch Large Pony Hunter Offered for Sale

Brighton My Day & Mia Green Medium Pony Hunter

Tazmanian Devil & Mia Green Small Pony Hunter Offered for Sale

Photos © Erin Gilmore, Shawn McMillen, Sportfot, and McCool Photography.

limited space available for training with stefanie mazer and special rates for top quality sale ponies this summer and at usef pony finals.

Stefanie Mazer • (561)346-4228

Stefanie@ForgetMeNotFarmFl.com • www.ForgetMeNotFarmFl.com Forget Me Not Farm, Wellington, Florida

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BRIDGEPORT FARMS

Seaside & John Bragg

Green Conformation Champion HITS THERMAL GRAND CIRCUIT BLENHEIM SPRING II, III, IV • DEL MAR NATIONAL HORSE SHOW SHOWPARK RANCH & COAST

First Year Green Hunter Champion BLENHEIM SPRING III Owned by Laura Strasburg

THE OAKS FARMS ~ SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA JOHN BRAGG 949.338.7095 PHOTO © MCCOOL PHOTOGRAPHY.

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BRIDGEPORT FARMS

Early August & John Bragg

First Year Green Hunter Champion HITS THERMAL GRAND CIRCUIT SHOWPARK RANCH & COAST

High Performance Champion BLENHEIM SPRING III, IV • DEL MAR NATIONAL SHOWPARK RANCH & COAST Owned by Ann Thornton

THE OAKS FARMS ~ SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA JOHN BRAGG 949.338.7095 PHOTO © ELENA DESANTI.

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SUMMER HILL FARMS

& Chiccobello

WOULD LIKE TO WISH THE BEST OF LUCK TO ALL 2016 DEVON QUALIFIERS

LARGE PONY HUNTER CHAMPION 2016 Spring Gathering Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Weeks I & II Gulfport I, III, V, VI Gulfport Circuit Champion Texas Spring Series High Point Pony

SUMMER HILL FARMS • FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS • LESSONS, TRAINING, SALES Laura Hightower • 817-875-9082 • Jordan Gilchrist • 214-498-0102 jegshf@gmail.com • summerhillfarms.org Trainers: Amy Boyd Greene • Grace Crampton • Megan Green

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SUMMER HILL FARMS

SUMMER HILL FARMS • FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS • LESSONS, TRAINING, SALES Laura Hightower • 817-875-9082 • Jordan Gilchrist • 214-498-0102 jegshf@gmail.com • summerhillfarms.org Trainers: Amy Boyd Greene • Grace Crampton • Megan Green

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SUMMER HILL FARMS

Congratulates

VERTU 2015 USHJA NATIONAL HORSE OF THE YEAR Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under USHJA ZONE VII HORSE OF THE YEAR Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under

SUMMER HILL FARMS • FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS • LESSONS, TRAINING, SALES Laura Hightower • 817-875-9082 • Jordan Gilchrist • 214-498-0102 jegshf@gmail.com • summerhillfarms.org Trainers: Amy Boyd Greene • Grace Crampton • Megan Green

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SUMMER HILL FARMS

Congratulates

SYDNEY MURDOCH & LASTING IMPRESSION

ELLIE BRUDER & SUGAR ON TOP

2015 Children’s Large Pony Hunter Champion

Spring Gathering Children’s Hunter Sm/Med Pony Champion Winter Warm Up H/J Children’s Hunter Sm/Med Pony Reserve Champion Blue Ribbon Winter Festival Medium Pony Hunter Champion

The Kentucky National • Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Texas Shootout • Show Jumping Classic • Southwest Classic Mid-South Classic • Charleston Summer Classic Bluegrass Festival • Gulf Coast V Dallas Harvest • Final Chase Hunter Jumper

SYDNEY MURDOCH & BUSH FARMS BLUES BROTHER Large Children’s Hunter Pony Champion or Reserve 2015 Dallas Harvest • Charleston Summer Classic I Brownland Farm Summer • Show Jumping Classic • Lone Star Round Up II Spring Gathering • Gulf Coast I, II, III, IV, V, VI & Circuit Winter Warm-Up H/J • Blue Ribbon Winter Festival

SYDNEY MURDOCH & EVEREST Blue Ribbon Winter Festival, Children’s Hunter 14 & Under Champion Winter Warm Up H/J, Children’s Hunter 14 & Under Champion Gulf Coast III, Children’s Hunter 14 & Under Reserve Champion Gulf Coast VI, Winner NAL Children’s Hunter Classic WITH JORDAN GILCHRIST Gulfport Circuit Champion, Regular Champion Conformation Hunter

SUMMER HILL FARMS • FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS • LESSONS, TRAINING, SALES Laura Hightower • 817-875-9082 • Jordan Gilchrist • 214-498-0102 jegshf@gmail.com • summerhillfarms.org Trainers: Amy Boyd Greene • Grace Crampton • Megan Green

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G O O D L U C K AT D E V O N No Drama & Farah Rizvi Medium Pony Hunter

PHOTO © SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY.

P eacock R idge F arm

trig ge rc hr i s t i n e @ g m a i l . c om • 407 - 491- 3 727

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C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

Glynhafan Red Kestral Grand & Large Pony Hunter Champion • Washington International Horse Show • Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Best Child Rider on a Pony • Pennsylvania National Horse Show • Washington International Horse Show

Large Pony Champion • USEF Pony Finals 2015

congratulations to Olivia Markman and Littlewood Farm on the purchase of “KP” PHOTO © BETHANY UNWIN PHOTOGRAPHY.

P eacock R idge F arm

trig ge rc hr i s t i n e @ g m a i l . c om • 407 - 491- 3 727

118••THE THEPLAID PLAIDHORSE HORSE

Shop The Plaid Horse Located between the Dixon Oval and Gold Ring Shop EQU Lifestyle Boutique, Alessandro Albanese

by Horseware, Welsh Wear, & More!

The Plaid Horse is a Proud Sponsor of the Junior Exhibitor’s Party Friday May 27th, 7:30-9pm, McDevitt Exhibitors Lounge – presented by Nightwatch!

theplaidhorse.com theplaidhorse.com • May/June • April2016 2016••192

at The Devon Horse Show Open daily May 25th through June 5th

Come See Us Daily For Prizes, Giveaways, & Autograph Signings With Horse Celebrities!

Can’t make it to Devon? Shop online at

theplaidhorse.com

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HUNTERS • JUMPERS • SALES

C el a n o

PHOTO © CAPTURED MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY.

LARGE JR, A/O, INTERNATIONAL DERBY HORSE • QUALIFIED FOR INDOORS OFFERED FOR SALE OR LEASE

Congratulations Celano and Robert Peters II A/O HUNTERS 36 & OVER:

2015 USEF Horse of the Year, Reserve Champion & Zone 10/PCHA Champion Michael León • (323) 404-7488 • Los Angeles Equestrian Center, Burbank, CA

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Fairy Tale Farms would like to congratulate Avery Lynch & Ledger for qualifying for Devon in the Younger Small Junior Hunters!

Congratulations as well to Megan Rosenthal & Little Manhatten for qualifying for the Second Year Green Working Hunters.

BEST OF LUCK! FAIRY TALE FARMS • CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA Jaimee Rosenthal • 704-453-4963 • fairytalefarmsclt@gmail.com Showing ~ Training ~ Sales

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Whatever Your Vision

It Begins With a Morton Building Morton Buildings constructs a variety of quality structures that meet the individual needs of our customers. Our buildings offer flexible floor plans and countless options and features, giving you a truly customized workshop, horse barn or garage.

Constructing a new building can be stressful so sit back and let Morton handle your project.

For more information

800-447-7436

2014 Morton Buildings, Inc. All rights reserved. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses. ©

800-447-7436 • mortonbuildings.com

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At EnviroEquine, nothing is more important than the health and well being of your horse. No matter the discipline, he deserves the best all-natural supplements. We hand pack each product on a daily basis for guaranteed freshness and traceability. EnviroEquine has blended the best of nature and science to give your horse what he needs to be healthy - everyday.

/enviroequine

enviroequine.com

Doesn’t your horse deserve the very best care?

Performance demands can take a toll on your horse, possibly increasing inflammation and straining immune function. Wild Gold Cold-Pressed Camelina Oil Equine Supplements provide essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help prevent gastrointestinal distress caused by frequent changes in hay, the stress of travel, and the rigors of training.

/ WILDGOLD

WILDGOLD.COM

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Lance Williamson Stables TRAINERS LANCE WILLIAMSON • FRANK HERNANDEZ

STUDENTS DOMINATE AT THE TALLY HO NIHJA SHOW AFTER WORKING WITH NEW TRAINER FRANK HERNANDEZ ALL WINTER FRANK HERNANDEZ RIDING RIO’S SHOWTIME

ABIGAIL HAYES RIDING CHATTERBOX OWNED

BY LANCE WILLIAMSON

EMMA KELLY RIDING MINI ME OWNED BY LANCE WILLIAMSON

Between Emma Kelly, Abigail Hayes, Karlee Phelps, and Emma Schaff, their combined efforts produce wins and top ribbons in the Tally Ho Hunter Derby, Pony Hunter Division, Pony Hunter Classic, Children’s Hunter Division, Children’s Equitation Division, and Children’s Mini-Medal.

Wishing Continued Success

TO THE LANCE WILLIAMSON STABLES SHOW TEAM DURING THE 2016 SUMMER SHOW SEASON!

Lance Williamson Stables Summer Camp – June 6 thru August 19 Most interactive camp around features trainer Frank Hernandez, field trips filled with horses, and some overnight experiences at the barn!

Contact us today to reserve your spot!

224.588.6225 • 847.417.4415

lancewilliamsonstbls28@gmail.com

NORTH: 34830 Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL 60031 SOUTH: 11895 NW 86th Street. Ocala, FL 34482

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CLIENT IS ADJUSTING SIZE

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5 Margaret Junkin 5 Congratulations Maggie on qualifying Shaded in the Large Pony Hunters at The Devon Horse Show 2016.

Have fun!

PHOTO © 2015 SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY.

“Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire.

It is a grand passion.”

THANK YOU TO JOHN, AUDREY, AND TUSTIN FOR ALL YOU DO.

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Best of Luck with your new horse Tommy Bahama.

Andrew & Deborah Junkin PHOTO © 2016 BY ALISON HARTWELL.

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Land’s End Farm

In the tradition of *Carolinas Red Fox Now StaNdiNg *Cottrell amadeuS

Land’s End Lalique winning Country Heir Series Grand Champion Children’s Pony with Claire Austin

Saylor Shea and Land’s End Eros champions once more!

Land’s End Sophia Land’s End Truffle winning the yearling filly class at Devon 2015. Shown with Ray Francis

Youngstock available by *Carolinas Red Fox, *Cottrell Amadeus, and Land’s End Love Note •

all lovely looking, athletic, beautiful movers with great temperaments.

Nancy A. Reed • Land’s End Farm • 1464 Land’s End Rd • Centreville, MD • 410-758-0800 (cell: 410-533-4462)

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates Denim Welhouse on the lease of MASTERPIECE THEATER

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028 S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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STONEWALL FARM

Introduces

ICE CREAM PANCAKE

Always a selection of small, medium, and large pony hunters for sale and lease.

S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTO © SWAN STUDIOS LLC.

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates

ON QUA L I F Y I NG F OR DE VON

Blueberry Hill, Small Pony Hunter

Hillcrest’s Lorelei, Small Pony Hunter

Cartier, Pony Jumper

Miracles Happen, Pony Jumper

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028 S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY. LAURA WASSERMAN, AND JORDAN COBB.

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates

ON QUA L I F Y I NG F OR DE VON

Blondie, Medium Pony Hunter

No Drama, Medium Pony Hunter

Silly Putty, Medium Pony Hunter

Top That, Large Pony Hunter

Always a selection of small, medium, and large pony hunters for sale and lease.

S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY, LAURA WASSERMAN, AND SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY.

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STONEWALL FARM

Wishes Best of Luck

AT T H E DE VON HOR SE SHOW

Dreamsicle, Large Pony Hunter

Stonewall Texas, Large Pony Hunter

Hidden Springs Woodstar, Large Pony Hunter

Jessandi Famous Amos, Large Pony Hunter

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028 S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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STONEWALL FARM

Wishes Best of Luck at Devon TO SUGA R BROOK POSI T RON BLU E

Sugarbrook Blue Pacific x Brighton Precisely, 2 year old colt

Always a selection of small, medium, and large pony hunters for sale and lease.

S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTO © RACHEL KRUSE.

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates

Sara Gentry on the purchase of Minion

Jack Crawford on the lease of Stonewall Surprise

Gabrielle Roderick on her new pony Vermont Maple Fox

Sydney Lin on the lease of Jennifer Grey

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028 S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTOS © ERICH LINDER PHOTOGRAPHY, ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY, AND ADAM HILL / DECASECONDS.COM.

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STONEWALL FARM

Offers for Sale or Lease

Sugarbrook Arctic Blue Qualified Pony Finals 2016 Medium Green

Blue Ivy Qualified Pony Finals 2016 Small Green

Vermont Golden Graham Eligible Green Medium

Europium W/T – Children’s Pony

Always a selection of small, medium, and large pony hunters for sale and lease.

S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTOS © SWAN STUDIOS LLC, ADAM HILL / DECASECONDS.COM, AND SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY.

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates

Happy Days Chagrin Valley Farm Series Grand Circuit Champion Pony Hunter

Mr. Australia Flintridge Horse Show Medium Pony Hunter Champion

Stonewall Black Pearl Queenie Productions Series Grand Circuit Champion Children’s Pony Hunter

Goldfish Del Mar National Horse Show Small Pony Hunter Reserve Champion

Always a selection of small, medium, and large pony hunters for sale and lease.

S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTOS © ERICH LINDER PHOTOGRAPHY, MECHLIN FARM, VAL MORAL, AND SMOKE TREE RANCH.

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THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS. “Stacey keeps the process simple.

From insuring a horse to filing a claim, he is always available to assist and answer any questions.

For myself and my clients, great customer service is a priority and Stacey delivers.”

John Bragg, Bridgeport Farms

Ranch, Farm & Equine Contact: Stacey Cinquini Direct/Text: (949) 289-4722 Fax: (949) 429-8097 Email: stacey@cinquiniins.net

Web: www.cinquiniins.net Facebook: Cinquini Insurance Services LLC Twitter & Instagram: @CinquiniIns Lic #0G96286 / 0I72676

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UNITED SPORT HORSES LLC PROUDLY OFFERS FOR SALE

2009 Dutch Warmblood gelding by VERDI

2009 gelding by VAINQUEUR (Lordanos)

2010 Thoroughbred gelding by MEDAGLIA D’ORO

2009 KWPN registered gelding by CARAMBOLE

2009 Thoroughbred gelding by BERNARDINI

2010 Holsteiner gelding by CALIDO

Contact Darren Teodoro • (609) 213-9994 • Lexington, Kentucky United Sport Horses LLC on Facebook and @unitedsporthorses on Instagram.

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60 • THE PLAID HORSE MEGHAN AND MACY, PROBABLY AROUND 2001. MACY IS STILL IN MEGHAN’S CARE TODAY.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This month, The Plaid Horse turns 13! Join us in celebrating how far we’ve come. The 2016 Young Horse Issue is full of profiles, howtos, and beautiful photos. While we situated most focus towards the young horse, we also included a complementary piece on the special older horses in our lives. Don’t miss page 146, an article titled “Protect Your Equine’s Golden Years.”

This is a topic close to my heart, since my first horse is still with me.

Macy came into my life as a green broke 7-year-old when I was 13 years old. I was a very dedicated barn rat from age 11, but my family couldn’t afford to get me a horse. However, I had a thoughtful trainer at the time, and she brought Macy to our barn as a free lease. I worked hard from the time Macy arrived to pay off her board, my lessons, and saved up money for some local hunter shows and combined tests.

When it came time to part with that said trainer, Macy came with me. As her owner (who bred her) said, “she is yours now.”

It still feels like destiny that Macy ended up in my life. She was fancy by all standards, and I could have never afforded her in any other situation. At the same time, she was first one to march into the pond to to go swimming. She won the over fences classes, and the hacks, but she also gifted me my first fall—my first broken bone. She happily sported the other half of a red M&M costume at Halloween, yet she’d never stand still for a bath. She taught me patience and humility, was the first horse to give me that euphoric feeling of riding a real extended trot, and she piloted me through my first 3’ course. When I had my first heartbreak, she didn’t mind my tears, and she is a part of me just as my heart and my soul are.

Macy is now about to be 24 years old. Except for a few years as I was getting my career started, I have personally cared for that mare. She joined me in Virginia when I was there, and lived in my front yard.

She is now back in Kentucky, just as I am. For what Macy gave me—a childhood of summer evening gallops in the field, picnics in our backyard, blue ribbons, and unbridled discovery—in my mind, I owe her everything.

One of my favorite excerpts from Antoine de Saint Exupéry’s The Little Prince (published originally in French as Le Petit Prince), echoes my sentiments about bringing a horse, or any animal into your life.

“People have forgotten this truth,” the fox said. “But you mustn’t forget it. You become responsible forever for what you’ve tamed.”

I am her girl, and she is my horse. For this reason, I will care for her and continue to love her until the sad day she leaves this earth. It is my belief that we are all responsible for the horses who have carried us each to our own different victories—not only until we outgrow them, but throughout their entire life.

◼ MEGHAN BLACKBURN, EDITOR

#protectequinegoldenyears

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Best of Luck

to Dreamland & Abigail Brayman in the Large Pony Hunters at The Devon Horse Show ORION FARM Linda Evans & Kim Ferro 413-530-9685 • orionpny@aol.com MASSACHUSETTS & WELLINGTON, FLORIDA

Experience the luxury of fine used French saddles.

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COFFIN • VOLTAIRE • DELGRANGE • CWD • DEVOUCOUX • BUTET •

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THIS MONTH’S FEATURES: P. P. P. P. P. P. P. P. P. P. P. P. P. P. P.

88 92 96 106 108 116 120 122 126 127 130 136 139 143 145

ARMAND LEONE KEELIN REDMOND PHOTOPLAY: LIZ CALLAR SARATOGA HORSE SHOW TRAVEL FEATURE: AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA IMPORTING 101 LAMPLIGHT EQUESTRIAN CENTER SPY COAST FARM FIELDS & FENCES 8 TIPS FOR WALKING THE COURSE COVER STORY: SAPPHIRE RIDING ACADEMY MIGUEL WILSON IHSA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS YOU'VE BEEN POLLED WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER

P. 146 PROJECT EQUINE GOLDEN YEARS

CONTACT THE PLAID HORSE:

WRITE Piper Klemm, Ph.D., 14 Mechanic Street, Canton, New York 13617 • CALL: 541-905-0192 EMAIL: theplaidhorsemag@gmail.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/theplaidhorsemag TWITTER @PlaidHorseMag twitter.com/PlaidHorseMag INSTAGRAM @theplaidhorsemag instagram.com/theplaidhorsemag PINTEREST: pinterest.com/theplaidhorse GOOGLE + The Plaid Horse Mag TUMBLR: theplaidhorsemag.tumblr.com ISSUU: issuu.com/theplaidhorsemag ON THE COVER: DOUG BOYD SCHOOLS AT HOME AT SAPPHIRE RIDING ACADEMY IN METTAWA, IL. READ ABOUT BOYD'S SUCCESSES ON P. 130. THIS PAGE: A CHAMPIONSHIP RIBBON FROM HITS OCALA ON DISPLAY IN THE SAPPHIRE RIDING ACADEMY TACK ROOM. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY..

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TPH CONTRIBUTORS

CHAPEL PUCKETT HOMETOWN: Maple Plain, MN OCCUPATION: Student at Blake High School FAVORITE SUSHI ROLL: California Roll FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK: Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells ROLE MODEL: My English teacher, Ms. Tao BIGGEST PET PEEVE: Sounds of people chewing!

HORSE CRUSH: Of course, Brunello

KEELIN REDMOND, DVM HOMETOWN: Half Moon Bay, CA OCCUPATION: equine sports medicine veterinarian in Aiken, SC FAVORITE SUSHI ROLL: the VO roll at fabulous Takosushi in Aiken FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK:

All Creatures Great and Small (of course) ROLE MODEL: Dr. Stan Brown, in medicine and in life BIGGEST PET PEEVE: lack of empathy HORSE CRUSH: 50/50 split between the great Zenyatta and the equally great Northern Spy

IRENE ELISE POWLICK HOMETOWN: Salt Lake City, UT OCCUPATION: Student FAVORITE SUSHI ROLL: Any! I love seafood!!

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK: Out of My Mind ROLE MODEL: Georgina Bloomberg BIGGEST PET PEEVE: Improper grooming for lesson/show HORSE CRUSH: Kaitlyn Van Konynenburg’s Commisario

CAROLINE NICKOLAUS HOMETOWN: Dix Hills, NY OCCUPATION: Student at Palm Beach Atlantic University FAVORITE SUSHI ROLL: Spicy tuna roll FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK:

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White Courtney King-Dye, Georgina Bloomberg BIGGEST PET PEEVE: Unbraided and/or poorly turned-out horses; ugly tack HORSE CRUSHES: Way Cool, Dedication, Monterrey, Ovation, It’s Me, Cold Harbor ROLE MODELS:

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Purchase an Andrew Ryback Photography saddle pad and $25 will be contributed to the scholarship fund!

Subscribe to The Plaid Horse during May and June and $5 will be contributed to the scholarship fund!

Learn more here:

theplaidhorse.com/higher-learning-scholarship

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THE OAKS FARMS PRESENTS CONTEMPORARY EQUESTRIAN LIVING IN HISTORIC SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

What do you get if you combine beautiful architecture, mature landscaping and innovative design and blend it into the most storied equestrian center in Southern California? You get a dream come true for an equestrian athlete.

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 67 When Bill Davidson acquired The Oaks property from Joan Irvine Smith in 2013, he recognized the opportunity to offer something very special to horse lovers with a penchant for luxury living. Taking into consideration how passionate riders are when it comes to horse showing, the proximity alone made for a winning combination. With 13 Blenheim shows a year just a golf cart ride away, one could have a very full horse show schedule without ever even packing a suitcase.

The Oaks Farms in San Juan Capistrano offers homeowners a sense of living on an equestrian estate, without the responsibility and upkeep. While most riders only dream of owning their own facility, The Oaks Farms’ residents have the joy of living out their dream. Imagine driving through the private gates, past the hunter arena, and pulling into your own home with a view of Southern California’s top show horses and riders schooling in the Derby Ring.

Nearly half of the 32 new homes at The Oaks Farms overlook this legendary equestrian operation, where generations of local children learned to ride and international competitors, such as Hap Hansen, Susie Hutchison and Joie Gatlin began their eminent domination of the Southern California circuit. Future residents will witness the daily pageantry of world-class equestrians-in-training just steps from their backyard.

Since acquiring this storied property three years ago, the team at Davidson Communities has taken great pains to improve the property and its iconic heritage.

It’s a familiar venture for this award-winning, privately held homebuilder based in Del Mar, Calif. In addition to building new homes since 1978, Davidson has earned the respect of preservationists for saving and restoring several prominent historical structures in San Diego County.

For Davidson, condensing the commercial equestrian operation to make room for new homes was a challenge and an opportunity to modernize this beloved property.

Elements of the original were renovated or repurposed wherever possible. Lumber from old barns and fencing was used in new construction. Native species and a legendary rose garden were carefully tended to in an onsite nursery and replanted.

Meticulous planning saved 100-year-old heritage oak trees from which 75 custom lanterns hang, replacing standard street lighting.

Spectacular new amenities were built, including a new hunter ring, lunging ring, and a Social Barn designed for the comfort of parents and spectators. An elegant new derby arena pays homage to its historic predecessor. Every detail was scrutinized to maintain a connection and stay true to the original in the successful transformation of The Oaks Farms.

New homes at The Oaks Farms embrace the heritage of San Juan Capistrano with contemporary farmhouse and adobe ranch architecture in single- and two-story elevations. Situated on home sites that average approximately 10,600 square feet, residences range from 3,415 to 4,408 square feet with up to five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths.

Situated across the San Juan Creek from Blenheim, The Oaks Farms is accessed from the intersection of Avenida Siega and Calle Arroyo. Three exquisite model homes are open for viewing daily.

For more information, please call 949-391-0920, visit TheOaksFarmsLiving.com or email theoaks@davidsoncommunities.com.

68 • THE PLAID HORSE

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 69

ValleyView Acres Congratulations to Our Sales Graduates!

Haleigh

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70 • THE PLAID HORSE

USHJA HORSEMANSHIP QUIZ CHALLENGE

One-on-one with Caydee Dickensheets

1. What interested you about the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge that made you want to sign up?

A: The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge was the perfect opportunity to learn more about my equine partner and the art of riding. The textbook is so full of information and is such an easily accessible learning tool. I knew it could help me to become a more wellrounded, knowledgeable horsewoman.

2. How did you feel about your HQC Finals experience?

A: I loved it! I enjoyed being able to be a part of the quiz competition, but I think my favorite part was being able to be surrounded by such experienced and respected horsemen and horsewomen. I was able to learn so much from all of the the clinicians, EAP and HQC competitors.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE‌

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 71

3. Do you think it is important for other riders to sign up? Why? A: Yes! I think it is so important to sign up. As riders, it is our responsibility to treat our horses for what they are- athletes. In this day and age, valuable skills such as grooming, first aid, stable management, nutrition, among others, are so easily forgotten. I truly believe that knowledge off the horse is just as important as on, and the HQC has really taught me a lot.

4. What did you like the most about your experience at HQC? A: I really enjoyed the seminars. The years I have attended I have been able to audit Peter Wylde’s EAP clinic, learn about shoeing and leg anatomy, barn planning, tack, and sports psychology, to name a few.

It’s definitely a hands-on learning experience.

5. What was the most difficult part about it?

A: I get so nervous before the final quiz!

6. What did you learn?

A: I don’t think I could fit all of the information I have absorbed in a single article-there’s so much!

Through the HQC, I learned about horse anatomy and conformation, horse health and the various body systems, training and conditioning, USEF rules, tack, and bandaging just to name a few.

7. What was your favorite part?

A: The wealth of knowledge available at the click of a button has to be my favorite part of this program. The study guide is on the USHJA website as a pdf file for free, but the things I have learned about my four-legged athlete and how to best care for and train him have been priceless.

◼

INTERVIEW AND PHOTO BY TPH INTERN MORGAN BULLOCK

USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Practice Quiz Enroll for HQC:

www.ushja.org/programs/youth/HQC_home.aspx

1. What substance is applied to shoes in the winter to provide added traction?

a. Pam

b. Borium

c. Hoof Oil

d. Furazone 2. A correctly fitted saddle creates uniform sweat marks under the saddle with no dry patches.

☐ True

☐ False 3. How

many feet are in a six-stride line?

a. 48 feet

b. 59 feet

c. 84 feet

d. 95 feet 4. Which of the following body parts is NOT found on the horse’s front leg?

a. Knee

b. Stifle

c. Elbow

d. Forearm Email your answers in to TPH at theplaidhorsemag@gmail.com by June 25, 2016. One winner will be randomly selected from the correct entries to win The Plaid Horse USHJA Prize Pack!

72 • THE PLAID HORSE

1.

Old Salem Farm, North Salem, NY, May 2016.

1. The view out onto the Grand Prix Field from Hunt, Ltd. 2. At Jott USA - Piper Klemm, Tate & Kir Tegtmeier of Personally Preppy, & Nikki DiConza. 3. Hunt, Ltd clutches with horsehair tassels. 4, 7 & 8. Style Icon TPH Stanley testing out some new looks at Nancy Zylstra, Hunt, Ltd, and MangoBay Designs. 5. Beautiful days for Callidae breeches and Katharine Page Saratoga sandals. 6. Heather CaristoWilliams in red trimmed Der Dau boots walking the Speed Derby course.

PHOTOS © PIPER KLEMM.

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G reat S cott F arm Full service Hunter/Jumper Equestrian Facility situated on a private, 32-acre estate • Currently accepting clients for training, showing, and sales • Offering quality imports from Europe as well as a small selection of Thoroughbred Sport Horses C O N N O R A N D L I N D S AY L A N G A N, T R A I N E R S • 6 1 0 - 9 6 0 - 9 1 7 4 • G R E AT S C O T T FA R M .C O M

74 • THE PLAID HORSE

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 75

76 • THE PLAID HORSE

The Bill Russell Foundation Has One Objective: HORSEMEN HELPING HORSEMEN When William “Bill” Russell Jr., a storied equestrian figure from the southeast, passed away in May 2012, his family was left in a hard position; Russell, a third generation horseman, had passed on, leaving his wife, Mona and four children with no plans or savings for his funeral. The horse community rose to the occasion to help the family.

“The community stepped up to help us bury him,” explained Stephanie Russell Free, Russell’s daughter, and CEO of the Bill Russell Foundation. “My brother called me afterwards, and said that other people must have this need. It’s time for us to step up, too.” And so the Bill Russell Foundation was formed.

Russell did a great deal in the Georgia equestrian community

RUSSELL IN HIS DAY. COURTESY OF STEPHANIE RUSSELL FREE

where he called home, including managing horse shows, where he was innovative for his time, creating some of the first open 3' hunter classes. He also trained racehorses, organized point-to-point competitions, helped to run the Georgia Thoroughbred Owners’ and Breeders’ Association, and produced many winning hunter and jumper horses, with champions at Madison Square Garden and the Washington International Horse Show, along with several Horse of the Year winners. Russell helped to start the equestrian teams at Georgia Tech and Georgia State, and he passed his love of horses along to his children. Russell worked with horses until the day he died. He suffered a stroke while pulling a trailer to a show, and never woke up.

Although the foundation is still fairly new, the Russell family has been able to steadily pay it forward to people in their community in times of need.

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 77

Russell Memorial Show. This year, the show is When a well-known groom in the Atlanta held September 1-4 at the Wills Park Equestrian area, “Big John” died, his wife was left Center in Alpharetta, Ga. Feature classes include a with nothing while trying to raise their two $20,000 Mini Prix, $5,000 Welcome Stakes, and a grandchildren. She was sent funding by the National Hunter Derby. foundation, and was able to narrowly escape “Everyone that comes tells us that it has such foreclosure, thanks to the funds that allowed her RIBBONS AT THE MEMORIAL SHOW FEATURE A SKETCH OF RUSSELL IN THE a great family atmosphere. Everyone knew my dad, to pay her housing payments.

CENTER. COURTESY OF BILL RUSSELL and his personality just radiates through the horse Another example of the foundation helping FOUNDATION FACEBOOK. show,” said Free, who runs her own hunter/jumper a fellow horseman is when Martin Klein, a trainer facility, Step-N-Free Stables, with her mother and her daughter. based in Tennessee, was diagnosed with cancer. While trying to Although the Bill Russell Foundation has mostly helped get chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Klein was shuttling equestrians in their local community, they seek to help any fellow back and forth across state lines in order to keep an income equestrian from any discipline who finds themselves in need. Free coming in. But when a check showed up at his home, he was says the team is currently developing a form to submit so that the immediately able to pay the looming hospital bills. foundation can review different requests for aid.

“The [Bill Russell Foundation] gave me the chance to take “Everybody knew my dad, and everybody loved him. We just some time when I felt I just couldn’t go teach or ride because of want to help people like they helped us.” how I felt from the chemo, radiation, and the side-effects that For more information on the Bill Russell Foundation, find come with it,” explained Klein. “I am very grateful for their help, them on Facebook, contact thebillrussellfoundation@gmail.com, especially because it was so unexpected, and came just at the right time.” Klein is now cancer-free. or contact Stephanie Free at stephnfree@bellsouth.net.

In order to raise money for the foundation, the Russells, Visit their Go Fund Me page at gofundme.com/2eb46mgs. in partnership with Elite Show Jumping, have hosted the Bill ◼ BY IRENE ELISE POWLICK

78 • THE PLAID HORSE

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5. Emma Marlowe & Citadel. 6. Gabriela Cinquini & West Street. 7. Alex Trubley and Dancer. 8. Rich Fellers & Flexible. PHOTOS © LAILA KLINSMANN.

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 79

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80 • THE PLAID HORSE

As a commitment to supporting the youth of our sport, The Plaid Horse has co-created a program with Blenheim Equisports recognizing the highest placing junior riders in a USHJA International or National Hunter Derby. Meet our recent winners of The Plaid Horse High Score Junior Derby Award – presented at their 2016 shows!

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2016 Rated Regional II Shows: All USEF, M&S, NJPHA, NJHSA June 4 • July 31 • September 4 October 23 • December 10 2016 Schooling Shows, Banquet Series: All M&S, NJPHA, NJHSA May 22 • June 19 • August 14 September 25 • Banquet, October 14 October 30 • December 18

Hunters • Jumpers • Equitation

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 81

Jillian Stuart piloted Magnolia Farm’s 11-year-old Holsteiner mare, Verdana, to a sixth place finish in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby during Blenheim EquiSports’ Spring Classic II. The duo bested 21 other qualified entries that included both professionals and amateurs. Judges were clearly impressed with Stuart’s performance and style of riding, as she was the only junior rider to advance to the second round. Stuart also rode her other horse, Andover, in the derby and they ended up twelfth overall.

“I did the first round on Verdana. I took both her and Andover in it. I wasn’t really expecting much because it was just a 3’ derby and for some reason, doing the smaller jumps has always been harder for me. It’s more difficult to find distances to them,” the fourteen-year old rider said. “I wanted to do well, but I didn’t really put any pressure on myself. I did the first round on Verdana and got a 78 with 4 bonus points for doing all of the high options, so it became an 82. The second round was the handy, and she’s always been super handy. You just look and she turns. She used to be a jumper. Then I got a 78 in that round as well, and we ended up sixth overall.”

Stuart continued her winning ways as she captured The Plaid Horse High Score Junior Derby Award, while Verdana earned the Shapley’s Best Turned Out Award.

82 • THE PLAID HORSE

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“I went into it wanting to have fun.”

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 83

AKA SHOWSTOPPERS WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE

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Elli Yeager— A Name To Remember Up-and-coming junior rider Elli Yeager piloted her own Copperfield 39, a 10-year old Holsteiner gelding, to a fifth place victory out of 29 entries in the $10,000 USHJA

to take the high options, you can. It’s all for you to have fun and not be so stressed about points and stuff.’ We walked the course and we decided to do a few of the high options.

The course itself was very fun.”

International Hunter Derby at Blenheim EquiSports’ Spring

As the highest placed junior, Yeager also earned The Plaid

Series Week 4. Copperfield 39, who Yeager normally rides

Horse High Score Junior Derby Award for her efforts in the

in the equitation divisions, succeeded in the hunter derby,

exciting hunter derby.

especially in the handy round.

“I was really honored to win that! It was a bunch of fun. And

Despite being only 13 years old, Yeager impressed the

the blanket you guys gave out is really warm! My horses

judging panel which consisted of renowned horsemen,

love it in the morning.”

Timmy Keyes, Rob Gage, Brian Lenehan and Frank Willard.

Be sure to keep an eye out for Elli Yeager and her mounts –

Yeager said, “I was just really happy that I even placed. I

Copperfield 39, Iceman, and Alant – in the equitation and

wasn’t expecting that at all, going in, so I was super happy.”

hunter rings! ◼ BY CAROLINE NICKOLAUS

She added, “I went into it wanting to have fun. My trainer

The Plaid Horse award coolers are provided by Equitex Custom.

For a catalog, please contact Katie Cook (katie@equitex.com) at 949-285-6022 and visit equitex.com.

[Tasha Visokay of Ingenium Stables] was like, ‘If you want

84 • THE PLAID HORSE

Gail Maslyk An artist, a computer programmer, a horsewoman, and a Holsteiner breeder, Gail Dee Gurrieri Maslyk does it all, and she does it with passion and an absolute devotion to bettering the world around her.

Maslyk grew up in Europe until she was in second grade, living in Milan and Belgium, which inspired her early creations and continues to inspire her today. “The equestrian sculptures in the streets made the biggest impact,” she says.

Growing up, Maslyk didn’t think about becoming an artist, and she went to school for engineering.

But she eventually ended up in art school because she had been drawing her whole life and always looked up to artists.

KJequestriancreations kj_equestrian_creations

“I was a terrible first year art student, it took two or three years for me to learn to draw,” she admitted. “I wasn’t some natural born [artist] that comes into school brilliant; they had to teach me.”

Although, she didn’t think art would “ever turn into a job.” At that time, she was uncertain of where she was headed, but she “wanted to be a horseman;” something that she knew from a young age.

“I was wishing for horses,” Maslyk said. “I didn’t grow up with horses, so drawing horses was all I had.”

Becoming an artist was a way to combine her passion of horses and art. Now that she has committed to being an artist, she describes her artistic style as impressionism, and she only paints with oil.

Calendar of Horse Show Live Streams www.streamhorsetv.com

“I enjoy the Fauve period the most, which translates from French to ‘wild beast,’ ” she explained. This style was initially inspired by Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Paul Gauguin during the early 1900s and ended around 1920. She gets some inspiration from her own horses, and will photograph foxhunting scenes or steeplechasing and timber races near Boyce, Va., where she and her fiancé live.

In Maslyk’s art, you will see many animals— horses, cows, and other farm animals painted in a beautiful impressionistic manner. Maslyk has always painted in that time period, and says she feels a connection to it.

Recognizing the Similar Nuances in Horsemanship and Art

LOCKSLEY SPOTLIGHT

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 85

86 • THE PLAID HORSE “I don’t know if in a past life I lived in that era, and loved watching the art. I couldn’t be a different kind of artist if I tried. I can’t leave that era; I can’t be a classical Dutch painter, I can’t be a Cubist painter,” she said. “I have to paint, to a certain extent, within that time period: the late 1880s to the early 1900s. It’s just stuck in my brain.”

Maslyk, though, likes to be pushed in her artistic endeavors as she still takes lessons and workshops from travelling artists. She said, “[The artists will] tell me to do something that I’m not doing just to give me something to try that’s different.”

She also teaches art. “[Teaching] always opens me up to more ideas and opportunities for solutions. It makes me think about training a horse—you don’t want to push a horse to where they can’t accomplish anything so they can’t be successful. It actually helps me to know that I don’t put so much pressure on myself that I can't succeed.

Early in life, especially as horse trainer or an artist, you can do that to yourself, you can be just so overwhelmed with the pressure to succeed that it takes you out.”

In her teaching, she also sees how other artists “hit their boundaries,” which she believes is a way to let go of control. She connects the notion of learning how to lose control to riding, as she mentions, “It’s like learning to post without thinking about posting… at some point, you gotta let go and lose control.”

There’s a delicate balance between losing and gaining control while making art, which Maslyk manages by controlling the colors of her paint. “I can control [the colors] and make them do what I want them to do. That gives me the freedom to let go a bit with the brushes and not worry about it so much.”

It is within this balance between control and lack of it that Maslyk invokes the wisdom that she has cultivated throughout her years of creating art. Art, to her, is about how to manage the chaos of life while also exploring what one’s passions are.

And, Maslyk is no stranger to chaos. She usually gets up around 5 a.m. to work on her computer programming for a

AT TOP, CLOCKWISE: BLONDE D’AQUATAINE IV, PAPARAZZI AND AARON VALE, AND MEATH HUNTING SIDESADDLE I. ABOVE: FARMINGTON HUNT LANDSCAPE.

website to display art (www.artgallerydata.com), then heads to her barn to help her fiancé, Dr. William Ley, an equine veterinarian, before heading back to her studio to paint for the rest of the day.

She says that she “works feverishly” but that she enjoys all of the work she does.

Even though Maslyk is always on the move, she finds time to give back.

“I was raised by a very giving and generous family. My grandparents were always helping everybody,” she explained.

Her work with the Art Gallery Data site helps other artists promote their art and gives them opportunities to showcase their work. As such, her passion to create art has also impacted how she gives back to her community.

The artists featured on the site will have a show on June 12 at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show in Upperville, Va.

◼ BY CHAPEL PUCKETT

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 87

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88 • THE PLAID HORSE

The Delinquent Client: A Potential Problem for All Involved in Equine Sport

BY ARMAND LEONE & JESSICA CHOPER Equestrian professionals get stuck with customers not paying their bills just like all other businesses, whether it is for costs associated with board, training, veterinarian, farrier care, and more. A delinquent client is a legitimate concern for any barn owner, trainer, or provider of veterinarian services. Maintaining a horse in proper condition, whether riding for pleasure or more competitively, is undeniably costly. First-time horse owners may not anticipate the potential costs associated with their new horse. When saddled with mounting bills, they may be unwilling or unable to pay. What should a provider of services do to help minimize the risk of not getting paid, and what options are available when payment is not forthcoming? This is a general guideline to help the equine professional and client anticipate problems before they arise and to mitigate damages before they become inexorable.

Optimally, prevention is best. A few basic and preliminary measures taken at the outset can help. An owner of an equine facility should require all new boarders to enter a boarding contract. In addition to the standard inclusions that address basic services provided and costs, and when payments for board, lessons, and other charges are due, it should also specify when a late fee will be imposed. Boarding agreements should allow for the stable owner and/or trainer to terminate the contract upon failure to make timely payment for services performed.

The boarding contract should explicitly reference the Stableman’s Lien statute (see sidebar for an explanation) in the state where the farm is located. Include a clause that upon non-payment of money owed beyond 30 days, the provider may exercise the option of terminating the contract and enforcing this lien. Another consideration to help minimize getting stuck with unpaid services is to require a reasonable deposit at the outset to protect the barn owner if non-payment for services occurs.

What’s The Stableman’s Lien?

A state law that allows a stable owner to keep possession of a horse whose owner has not paid for boarding and other services that are owed. It is used to prevent the horse from leaving the property until the indebtedness is satisfied. The law often provides a process for selling the horse at auction after due notice with the money owed being paid back first and any remainder to the owner.

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 89

Publish a list of charges, communicate anticipated costs in advance when possible, and track expenses as they are incurred. Identifying the services provided and the date rendered, such as lessons, professional rides, medications, or grooming, can be helpful if the client fails to pay and questions the validity of an invoice. If a client fails to pay and disputes a bill, readily producing a detailed invoice to substantiate the charges can prove beneficial.

If a payment is overdue, speak to the client and try to negotiate a timely payment, documenting your efforts to resolve the matter. Assess each client’s history and make an educated decision whether the person is likely a deadbeat client or one who has consistently paid on time with the overdue payment representing the exception rather than the norm. Resolving unpaid bills directly with the client without resorting to costly legal action is optimal if a fair resolution can be achieved.

If payment is still not forthcoming after reasonably trying to resolve the matter, minimize losses by terminating the services provided. Stop teaching and training the client’s horse to prevent further bills from escalating. If the delinquent client has abandoned the horse in the stables and/or incurred a sizable bill, placing a stableman’s lien upon the horse may be a viable option. Depending on the money owed, the projected value of the horse, and the likelihood of the client having assets to satisfy the debt, preventing the horse from leaving the stables may be the wisest choice. It is important to consult with an attorney about your state’s statute to comply with requisite notice and procedural requirements.

Trainers, veterinarians, or farriers not paid for their services may also assert a lien upon the horse. Liens can vary greatly so check the state statute to determine issues such as the scope of the lien, when it can be asserted, the notice required, whether possession of the animal is a requisite, and the manner and mechanism of recovery. Many states give veterinarians a possessory lien, permitting veterinarians to keep possession of animal until the bill is paid. Requirements for both the sale of a horse for unpaid bills and the disposition of the horse if a buyer cannot be found is also variable. In Virginia, for example, the horse may be offered for adoption or euthanized if no purchaser is found.

States without a separate veterinarian or farrier lien may still protect them under a stableman’s lien. In New Jersey, the Stableman’s Lien Act grants a lien on horses left for board with a keeper of a livery stable and expansively defines the term keeper of a livery stable to include a trainer or any other person with a financial relationship with the owner of the horse. In South Carolina, the boarding lien statute provides in part that the owner of an animal boarding facility, at the end of an agreed upon term of boarding, will have a lien upon any animal left with him for upkeep, rest, and training until the cost of the upkeep, rest, and training has been paid by the owner of the animal.

A useful website to determine a state’s lien is the American Association for Horsemanship Safety (asci.uvm.edu/equine/law/), which provides a link to liens of each state for the care of horses and liens for services to horses. If the money owed remains unpaid despite best efforts to resolve the matter with the delinquent client, you should consult an attorney to discuss what your available legal recourse is.

Have questions or need legal help with your next horse transaction or equestrian business? Leone Equestrian Law is available 24/7 for confidential consultation at 201.444.6444 or info@equestriancounsel.com.

Visit equestriancounsel.com or Leone Equestrian Law on Facebook for more information.

90 • THE PLAID HORSE

PIPER’S

product of the month TPH Publisher Piper Klemm’s picks out her latest obsessions to handle the horse show circuit. This month we are all about Devon, even down to wearing Devon Blue on our fingernails.

So, we’ve been rocking this O.P.I. SoftShades/ Pastels color “It's A Boy” to keep the excitement building until we’re rail side at the Dixon Oval.

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osey PProverbs

Be immaculately turned out and a fierce competitor in everything you do. But, remember, just because you can do the division, doesn't mean you have to do it every day.

Somedays you have to take a break and do walk/trot.

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91 • THE PLAID HORSE

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92 • THE PLAID HORSE

Rest

THE HEALING POWER OF

By Keelin Redmond, DVM Physical training of the horse is essential. Everyone knows that in order to be strong enough and fit enough to run, jump, piaffe or spin, the equine athlete must be in a fitness program. One of the most essential parts of a fitness program is rest.

Rest in the context of sports medicine is defined as “time spent NOT training.” There are many reasons why rest is essential; some of these reasons are physiological and some are psychological. Rest makes the athlete stronger, because it allows stressed tissues to repair, rebuild, and strengthen. Human athletes and their trainers have long extolled the virtues of incorporating rest into training programs. The human sports medicine community extensively researches, writes and practices rest and recovery. As we evolve in equine sports, it may benefit us to learn from their example.

Normal, healthy exercise creates muscle tissue breakdown, depletion of energy stores and fluid loss. Rest is when the body deals with these changes and adapts to the stress of exercise. Without sufficient time to repair and replenish, the body will continue to break down. Ice, poultice, magnetic wraps and whirlpools all have their place, but none will compensate for insufficient rest.

There are two types of recovery: short term and long term. Short term (or “active”) recovery takes place in the period of time immediately following intense exercise. It can include low intensity exercise during the cooldown phase and in the days following a hard workout or competitive event. The body uses this time to replenish energy and fluid stores, increase the protein content of muscle cells, remove metabolic waste, and repair damaged tissue. In the equine athlete, this translates into taking it easy for a day or two after a hard school, or for a couple of days following an event. Some movement is good during short term recovery; low intensity exercise like turnout or light trail riding can be helpful to stretch muscles and mobilize waste products.

TURNOUT CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN REST AND RECOVERY FOR YOUR HORSE.

Long term recovery refers to days or weeks built into the year-round training schedule. Human athletes train for specific events in a “ramping up to peak” fashion. Marathon runners usually have a training plan that begins 16-20 weeks prior to a specific race, peaking at the race then allowing for some period of “down time”. Rarely are human athletes expected to reach optimum fitness and then maintain it indefinitely.

Long term recovery allows inflammation to subside and stressed muscles, tendons, cartilage and bone to repair. “Down time” also helps the athlete to recover psychologically in order to resume training with fresh enthusiasm. Symptoms of overtraining in the human athlete can include irritability, mood swings, depression, loss of desire to train and susceptibility to injury. As every horseman knows, the equine athlete can exhibit many of the same symptoms.

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 93

JMT Sales M U R F R E E S B O R O, T E N N E S S E E

HUNTERS • JUMPERS EQUITATION • PONIES 9 Jamie Terhune • 919-215-1551 Accepting Consignments

The changing equestrian culture has impacted our horses’ long term recovery. There was a time when weather precluded riding for months at a time and horses were rested until the snow melted. Now, with the advent of indoor arenas and vans to Florida, many horses train and compete year-round.

The amount of rest and recovery time each individual needs varies. Genetics, injury history and environmental factors likely all play a role in this variability.

What can you do? Listen to your horse. Keep a training journal. Record not just what he did on any given day but how he felt. If you took him for a walk hack the day after a jump school, did he feel stiff? What about the next day? Does he feel better if you just turn him out or if you walk him under tack as well? This can help you determine how much and what kind of rest your individual horse needs following a jump school, a show, a season, etc.

Plan your week. It’s probably not ideal to follow a tough jump school with a tough flat lesson or gallop the next day.

Incorporate trail rides, stretchy flat work, and turnout where you can. Be conscious of short-term recovery. Warm up and cool down slowly and carefully every day. If he jumped this morning and has been in the stall at the show all day, take him for a hand walk this afternoon.

Plan your year. Sit down with the show calendar and make an “A Plan,” “B Plan,” etc. Budget time for your horse to rest and recover. Most horses can take up to 30 days off without losing significant fitness. This period of time is likely even longer if the horse is being hacked or trail ridden a couple of days a week.

We’re all in this together. Get close to your team. Talk to your veterinarian and your trainer about rest. Together you can make a plan designed for your individual horse. A happy, comfortable horse is good for all of us.

94 • THE PLAID HORSE

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Showplace Productions Winter B at Ledges Sporting Horses, Roscoe, IL, April 15-17, 2016. 1. Olivia Welsh. 2. Denim Welhouse. 3. Troy Pankow.

4. Sophia Fabian. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 95

Pecan Lane Farm | Boarding | Training | Sales |

Congratulations to our 2016 Devon Horse Show Qualifiers:

Alyssa Mansfield and Premium Blend: 2nd Year Green Working Hunter & 18-35 A/O Hunter

Abigail Holloway and Spiderman: Large Pony Hunter

| Watkinsville, Georgia | 404-791-4196 | www.pecanlanefarm.com |

7

Have You Seen Stanley?

10

#TPHStanleySightings

1

1. BLENHEIM EQUISPORTS, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 2. PIN OAK CHARITY HORSE SHOW, KATY, TX 3. IEA NATIONALS, LEXINGTON, KY 4. THE CENTENNIAL AIKEN HORSE SHOW IN THE WOODS, AIKEN, SC 5. THE BOOT & BRIDLE, CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ 6. WELSH WEAR, POTTSTOWN, PA 7. ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY SHOW SERIES, CANTON, NY 8. ROBERTS ARENA, WILMINGTON, OH 9. LAMPLIGHT EQUESTRIAN CENTER, WAYNE, IL 10. MAFFIT LAKE EQUESTRIAN CENTER, CUMMING, IA

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Tony Workman at the 2015 Upperville Colt & Horse Show in Upperville, Va.

Can you find at least ten differences?

PHOTOPLAY: LIZ CALLAR PHOTOGRAPHY

www.lizcallar.com

Answer Key: 1. Bird on left jump standard. 2. Plant pot on bottom left of jump removed. 3. Flap removed on rider’s jacket. 4. Braid removed behind bridle. 5. Left leg and hoof black.

6. Liz Callar 2015 on fence behind jump. 7. George Morris added along rail. 8. Banners missing along back wall. 9. Caveson removed. 10. Wood piece missing on bottom of jump.

96 • THE PLAID HORSE

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 97

W H I S P E R I N G PA L M S FA R M • Q U A L I T Y Y O U N G S T O C K AVA I L A B L E

Breeding for sound conformation, excellent substance with true Welsh type, temperament, and versatility!

Flying Diamond Gypsy Prince, Section B Welsh Stallion, RPSI, Weser-Ems and CSHA Approved

Both of our outstanding stallions are International Supreme Champions which possess and pass along their fabulous disposition, movement, quality, sound conformation, true Welsh type and versatility! They cross extremely well with large breed mares as well as pony mares, producing phenomenal performance offspring!

STUD FEE $650

B’s Lunar Eclipse, Section C Welsh Stallion RPSI, Weser-Ems and CSHA Approved

(LFG – FRESH, FROZEN, OR LIVE COVER)

www.whisperingpalmsfarm.com • Oshawa, Ontario • New Smyrna Beach, Florida (386) 527-1666

98 • THE PLAID HORSE

BRANDI CYRUS STYLE NATIVE OUTFITTED BY EQU LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE

PHOTOS BY

Tausha

Dickinson

MotionLite, Alessandro Albanese by Horseware, at EQU Lifestyle Boutique (Southern California & The Devon Horse Show) @brandicyrus GhoDho Pandora Breech, $240, GhoDho.com

@ghodho

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 99

KASK Equestrian Helmet, Shop at EQU Lifestyle Boutique in Southern California & The Boot & Bridle at The Devon Horse Show) @kask_equestrian Evoskin Technical Top, Alessandro Albanese by Horseware, $190, at EQU Lifestyle Boutique (Southern California & The Devon Horse Show) @equlifestyleboutique

100 • THE PLAID HORSE

Vani Technical Competition Shirt, Alessandro Albanese

by Horseware $100, at EQU Lifestyle Boutique (Southern California & The Devon Horse Show) @aaequestrianfashion

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 101

Custom Eiki Tall boots from EQU Lifestyle Boutique eikishow.com

102 • THE PLAID HORSE

MotionLite, Alessandro Albanese

by Horseware, at EQU Lifestyle Boutique (Southern California & The Devon Horse Show) @brandicyrus

BRANDI

GhoDho Pandora Breech, $240 GhoDho.com KASK Equestrian Helmet, Shop at EQU Lifestyle Boutique in Southern California & The Boot & Bridle at The Devon Horse Show) @thebootandbridle

Get Brandi's Look: Shop at EQU Lifestyle (Alessandro Albanese) and The Boot & Bridle (Kask Equestrian) at The Devon Horse Show (May 25-June 5th, Devon, PA).

See more styles: @taushadickinson or Tausha Dickinson: Photographer on Facebook.

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 103

PHOTOS BY

Tausha

Dickinson BRANDI AND EVER AT HOME IN NASHVILLE. GHODHO LUNA BREECHES, $150, GHODHO.COM; KASK HELMET, WWW.KASK.COM, SHOP FOR YOURS AT EQU LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

104 • THE PLAID HORSE

HIS YEAR IS ALL ABOUT TRADITIONAL BUT REFORMATTED COLORS AT THE BARN - NAVY BREECHES HAVE BEEN SPORTED IN THE INTERNATIONAL RING AT WEF, BROWN AND NAVY HELMETS HAVE BEEN SPOTTED ALL OVER LOCAL AND RATED CIRCUITS. THESE GHODHO BREECHES OFFER FLATTERING DETAIL STITCHING THROUGH EVERY ATHLETIC ASPECT OF RIDING AND WORKING AT THE BARN.

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 105

BRANDI AND EVER GO FOR A RELAXING RIDE AT HOME IN NASHVILLE. GHODHO LUNA BREECHES, $150, GHODHO.COM; KASK HELMET, WWW.KASK.COM, SHOP FOR YOURS AT EQU LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

106 • THE PLAID HORSE

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Saratoga Spring Horse Show, Week I, Saratoga, NY, May 2016.

1. The jog. 2. McKayla Langmeier. 3. Samantha Kaskats & Charlie.

4. Sizing up the fence. PHOTOS © HEIDI KEENEY.

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108 • THE PLAID HORSE

HOPELANDS GARDENS ARE OPEN DAILY UNTIL SUNSET. WANDER ALONG THE PATHS AND DISCOVER DIFFERENT TYPES OF FLOWERS AND TREES NATIVE TO THE AREA.

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 109

TPH

Travel Aiken, South Carolina STORY AND PHOTOS BY MEGHAN BLACKBURN

Aiken, S.C., was founded in 1835. The city is William Aiken’s namesake, who was the president of the South Carolina Railroad at that time. In the early 20th century, it became popular as a Winter Colony for New Yorkers and others from the northeast.

The history of the horse in Aiken is said to have possibly come from William Whitney, who found the soil and climate ideal for training racehorses. Research suggests he also brought polo to the area, which is prominent nearly year-round now. To top it off, Whitney was responsible for founding The Aiken Tennis Club, which still offers players, as one of only nine courts of its type in the U.S., an inside venue to play court tennis, which began in the Middle Ages.

If tennis isn’t your non-horsey spouse, father or partner’s game, the area is also popular for golfers. Courses are integrated, but still secluded from the equestrian community. Set in Aiken, the Palmetto Golf Club is renowned as the second oldest, continually operated 18-

hole golf course in its original location in the U.S. The city is also conveniently situated from the Augusta Masters.

But for all of our purposes, Aiken is well-known as a winter retreat for horse people. Primarily seen as a location where eventers, steeplechasers and foxhunters beat the cold, the charming town hosts plenty of hunters and jumpers who opt to stay a little north of the Florida circuits. From January to March (and throughout other non-winter months), Progressive Show Jumping puts on weeks of USEF Premiere shows at Highfields Event Center, extending into April for the Aiken Spring Classic Masters, which ran Apr. 20-24 this year.

But perhaps the highlight of equestrian competition for the Aiken community happens within one week. Between the Aiken Steeplechase—usually happening the final weekend in March—and the Aiken Horse Show, held in the famed Hitchcock Woods—the entire town’s social calendar is quite full, cheering on locals, and good sport in both jump racing and classic hunter competition.

110 • THE PLAID HORSE

IN THE MOOD FOR A BURGER? BETSY’S ON THE CORNER IS THE PLACE TO GET ONE!

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AIKEN STEEPLECHASE.

RESIDENTS OF AIKEN WILL ARGUE THAT SOUTH BOUNDARY IS THE PRETTIEST STREET IN AMERICA.

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 111

2016 CELEBRATED THE CENTENNIAL AIKEN HORSE SHOW IN HITCHCOCK WOODS.

112 • THE PLAID HORSE

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE INN, SITUATED IN THE TOWN’S CENTER, GIVES GUESTS A BED AND BREAKFAST FEEL.

LAURENS STREET MAKES UP THE CENTER OF DOWNTOWN AIKEN, AND HAS BOUTIQUE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS.

Ten Things to Do in Aiken

1. Trail ride/hack in the Hitchcock Woods. 2. Eat a burger and have a milkshake at Betsy’s Corner Kitchen. 3. Take a picnic in the Hopelands Gardens. 4. Watch the morning workouts at the Aiken Training Track.

5. Visit the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. 6. Eat breakfast at the Track Kitchen (and wander down the clay streets through the Horse District).

7. Indulge in a specially crafted cocktail mixed by bartender Matt Catchpole (if you’re old enough!) during dinner at Malia’s. 8. Spend an afternoon walking Laurens St., and the nearby avenues for boutique shopping. 9. Stop by the Wilcox Inn on a Tuesday evening to run into equestrian celebrities.

10. Visit the newly renovated Aiken Saddlery for tack and feed.

THE HITCHCOCK WOODS IS 2,100 ACRES OF LONGLEAF PINE FORESTLAND, AND HAS MORE THAN 70 MILES OF TRAILS THROUGHOUT FOR EQUESTRIANS, DOG WALKERS, JOGGERS AND HIKERS.

THE THOROUGHBRED RACING HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM (SET IN HOPELANDS GARDENS) PAYS HOMAGE TO THE GREAT FLAT AND STEEPLECHASE RACEHORSES WHO ARE FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA TOWN.

THE RING FOR THE ANNUAL AIKEN HORSE SHOW IS OFF LIMITS THE REST OF THE YEAR.

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 113

Q UA L I T Y S P O R T H O R S E S F R O M E U R O P E T O Y O U

REMASTERED

6yo Equitation Gelding by Apple Juice, Experienced up to 1.30m

D O N O VA N

8yo Hunter Gelding by Canturano, Experienced up to 1.20m

ShadowCreekNY.com • Operated out of Oz Farm, Saugerties NY

THE AIKEN HOUNDS IS A DRAG HUNT THAT HAS HUNTED FOR DECADES IN HITCHCOCK WOODS WHERE RUSTIC JUMPS ARE SET UP THROUGHOUT TO SIMULATE OBSTACLES ENCOUNTERED IN FOXHUNTING COUNTRY. THE AIKEN HOUNDS HUNT EVERY TUESDAY AND SATURDAY FROM OCTOBER THROUGH MARCH.

114 • THETRAINING PLAID HORSE THE AIKEN TRACK

MANY FARMS ARE WITHIN HACKING DISTANCE OF THE AIKEN TRAINING TRACK. THE WILCOX INN OFFERS SOME OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE AREA. IT IS SAID TO HAVE HOSTED PRESIDENTS IN THE PAST DURING THEIR VISITS TO AIKEN.

MANY FARMS ARE WITHIN HACKING DISTANCE OF THE AIKEN TRACK.

AIKEN SADDLERY, A LONG STANDING TACK STORE IN THE AREA, WAS RECENTLY RENOVATED AND IS NOW UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP.

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 115

St. Lawrence

SUMMER HORSE SHOW SERIES

May 21 • June 18 September 13 Derby Day - October 8 The St. Lawrence Summer Horse Show Series is a hunter/jumper show series held at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York – it includes classes for lead line, beginner equitation, beginner hunter, short stirrup and long stirrup. Classes progress in ability from special hunters to training jumpers.

The Finals in October offer a modified class schedule and include Hunter Derbies, Equitation Challenge and Mini-Prix final. $1,000 Hunter Derby Final, Sponsored by The Plaid Horse

For more information visit www.leaguelineup.com/sluss or call Mary Drueding • 315-239-5300

116 • THE PLAID HORSE

HORSE IMPORTING 101

By Meghan Blackburn with Chad Keenum and Jett Martin

Every year, thousands of horses are imported to the United States to compete in a multitude of disciplines.

While some people buy the horses after they have already started in a program in the U.S., some buyers enlist the help of professionals to find their next horse abroad. These professionals who specialize in scouting the right horses for clients also have an eye for young talent, and often import them to produce in their programs before they sell to their next homes.

Chad Keenum of The Plains, Va., and Jett Martin of San Juan Capistrano, Calif., have made waves in the hunter, jumper, and even eventing industries for being able to find the right horses for clients, scoop up future champions, and help these imported horses find jobs in the U.S. Keenum, of CK Sporthorses, has been importing since 2005. He regularly travels overseas to Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Hungary for investment horses for himself or clients. He grew up in Maryland, and is an active competitor in the hunter ring. Among other successes, Keenum was responsible for finding Park Avenue—the 2015 USEF Large Green Pony Hunter of the Year—for owner Jordan Cobb.

Martin, 28, runs Jett Martin Sport Horse Sales, and got her start importing horses when she moved to Münster, Germany for five years to train and show.

“Shortly after being there, people started contacting me about finding them horses and it all started from there!” She moved back to the States in 2015, and now she makes the trip to Germany every six to eight weeks. Last year she imported 29 horses.

The Plaid Horse asked for some insight on what someone should know when they decided to import a horse.

TPH: What’s a typical day like when you’re shopping for horses in Europe?

Chad: My agents arrange an itinerary, by EU or UK regions, of horses that either I or they have found. We usually start in the morning between 7-7:30 discussing over breakfast the horses I saw the previous day or days, and whether I want to vet, make an offer, or pass on the horse. We try to make as many stops as possible to fit in as many horses as possible in one day. The day usually consists of lots of coffee and fast food. Sometimes horses get hurt, horses have sold before we come, or traffic affects our schedule. We usually stumble into a hotel around 10 p.m., and I dream about doing it again the next day as I am polishing my boots with one eye open.

Jett: Horse shopping can be extremely fun, exciting, as well as exhausting. We normally are on the road by 7:00 and don't return to the hotel till about 10 o'clock at night. I try to schedule our days with an organized plan, that way we are not wasting time driving backand-forth. Most clients will spend about 4-5 days in Germany searching for horses. On average we see about 30 horses a day. Once the clients decide on the horses that they want to move forward with, I then organize the vet checks and move forward from there with the importing process.

Jett Martin

Sport Horse Sales Grads

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 117

ALEXIS TAYLOR-SILVERNALE RODE CITATION TO THE TOP OF THE WCHR DEVELOPING PRO CHALLENGE AT LAST YEAR’S CAPITAL CHALLENGE HORSE SHOW (MD.). PHOTO © SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY.

UNIQUE, IMPORTED BY JETT MARTIN, WAS THE 2016 BLENHEIM SPRING CLASSIC III (CALIF.) LOW AMATEUR/OWNER 1.30-METER CHAMPION. PHOTO © JILLIAN STUART.

ALERON LLC’S CAMPARI WON THE $5,000 DEVOUCOUX HUNTER PRIX WITH ALEXIS TAYLOR-SILVERNALE DURING DESERT CIRCUIT V AT HITS THERMAL. PHOTO © ESI PHOTOGRAPHY.

ANDOVER WON THE 2016 HITS THERMAL GRAND CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE LARGE JUNIOR HUNTERS, 15 & UNDER. PHOTO © SAVANAH STUART.

WEEKEND ROMANCE AND OWNER ASHLEY WEIMAN WON THE LARGE JUNIOR HUNTER, 16-17 CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE 2016 BLENHEIM SPRING CLASSIC II (CALIF.). PHOTO © JOHN ZAMBRANO.

118 • THE PLAID HORSE

TPH: After you choose a horse what process do you need to go through to import the horse to the U.S.?

Chad: An issue I see is horses not passing the the prepurchase examination according to the U.S. standards.

Chad: My agents set up a pre-purchase examination with a veterinarian of my choice. I usually try to use the same veterinarians in the EU/UK referred from my veterinarian in the U.S. The clinical examination and x-rays are sent to my veterinarians for their opinion of the horse. Once everything is suitable for my veterinarians, then we wire money.

Jett: A problem that I run into sometimes is when a horse does not pass the veterinarian exam.

I always like my clients to have a back-up horse just in case their first pick does not pass the vet check.

Jett: Once the clients decide to move forward with purchasing a horse I then schedule the vet checks. I have a veterinarian do a full clinical exam and take x-rays requested by the client and their veterinarian.

Once the vet checks are complete and the money is transferred, I organize the horses to fly to the States.

They fly from Amsterdam to California with Guido Klatte Equine Services, and once they arrive, Apollo Equine Transport handles the quarantine before they are released to their new owners.

Jett: As an agent, I organize my client’s horse’s export to the United States. This includes making sure the horse’s blood results are sent to the lab in an efficient time and manner. Before finalizing horses’ flights, blood work must be taken. All horses flying into the United States must have a negative piroplasmosis testing. With positive testing, entry into the U.S. is impossible.

TPH: What kinds of regulations or requirements must a horse have/pass before they are allowed in the U.S.?

TPH: How long is quarantine usually?

TPH: What are things people need to be sure to do when going through the process of importing young horses?

Jett: The duration of the quarantine is dependent on the gender of the horse. Standard quarantine for all horses once they have landed in [Los Angeles] is two to three days.

Chad: I think they really need have a relationship with their agents and be loyal to them. They work hard for their commissions to ensure that we get a horse that will be successful for us.

Mares and stallions must have additional quarantine.

A mare needs two weeks for quarantine and a stallion has to be in quarantine for 30 days.

TPH: Are there certain things they should avoid?

TPH: What are some common problems that pop up when importing young horses?

Chad: I would really check the agents’ references with your peers before you trust them to scout horses for you.

CK

Sporthorses Grads

HEADLINES WAS KEENUM’S FIRST IMPORT, AND HE BOUGHT THE GELDING OFF A VIDEO FROM AGENT KARLA ROTHMANN. 2016 WINNER OF THE $10,000 INTERNATIONAL HUNTER DERBY AT ATLANTA SPRING CLASSIC II. PHOTO © SHERYL SUTHERBY.

CELEBRATION, BY KING KOLIBRI, WAS FOUND BY AGENT KARLA ROTHMANN IN EUROPE. HE IS NOW SHOWN BY ANNA CLAIRE SMITH UNDER TRAINERS LAUREN KISSEL AND JANET SALEM. PHOTO © SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY.

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 119

KEENUM ORIGINALLY BOUGHT PARK PLACE (BY SANDRO HIT) THROUGH AGENT BERNARDO PISKORZ AT AN AUCTION IN GERMANY AS A 4-YEAR-OLD APPROVED STALLION, BUT HE WENT ON TO SHOW IN THE JUNIOR HUNTERS WITH KELSI OKUN. PHOTO © EMMA DUBINSKY.

ORIGINALLY FOUND FOR KEENUM BY AGENTS GILBERT & YVONNE BÖCKMANN, FETCHING (BY CATOKI [CONCORDE]) IS NOW OWNED BY LEXI MAOUNIS AND IS TRAINED BY ANDRE DIGNELLI & PATRICIA GRIFFITH OF HERITAGE FARM. © MICHAEL DIGNELLI

NAMED THE 2015 USEF LARGE GREEN PONY HUNTER OF THE YEAR FOR OWNER JORDAN COBB & TRAINER DONNA CHENEY, PARK AVENUE WAS FOUND THROUGH THOMAS & JULE GERDES. © AMY CORETZ/CORE EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Showplace Productions Spring Warm-Up at Lamplight Equestrian Center, Wayne, IL, April 2016. 1. Maddie Hill. 2. Ponce Tidwell III. 3. Louisa Brackett & Trainer Lisa Goldman. 4. Abigail Papka. 5. Brianna Tabor. 6. Kathleen Caya. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

122 • THE PLAID HORSE

SPY COAST FARM

Developing the Future of the North American Jumper Industry M E G HA N B L AC K BU R N

THE SHOW BARN IS HOME TO SHOW JUMPER SHANE SWEETNAM DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, AND HAS A DERBY FIELD AS PART OF ITS ACCOMMODATIONS. PHOTO © FRANCIS SMITH.

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A stone’s throw away from the storied Kentucky Horse Park, Spy Coast Farm is situated on 400 acres in the heart of the Bluegrass. The brainchild of Lisa Lourie, Spy Coast is a sporthorse breeding and training facility that is making a name for itself in the show jumping industry.

“I was spending a lot of time ringside watching horses go [at a horse show]. I started training my eye at what I was watching. I became interested in the mares and how they went [in the amateur jumper rings]. Some of them were grand prix horses on their way back down,” Lisa said.

Lourie got into the horse business by way of her daughter Julia, who was showing in the junior jumpers and training with Shane and Ali Sweetnam.

“And I then I started wondering what happened to these horses when they got injured or got older.

And the answer was – nothing. There was a gap in the system.”

124 • THE PLAID HORSE

good European jumping horses became much more difficult. At that point, I already had a program set up.”

Her goal is to prove that there are top quality performance horses bred in North America. Spy Coast offers different breeding options for mare owners, owns some of their own stallions, and Lisa has also been responsible for providing frozen semen from some of the leading European stallions. In April, the first U.S. foal by King Kolibri was born. Named Qingpin SCF, he is out of Lillie-Marlen (by Lamerto H), his birth shows how serious Lisa’s vision is.

“I have done a lot of thinking about this, and I have to prove I’m just as good [as top breeders in Europe].

And it’s not just for me; it’s for America. I really want people to see that the quality does exist here,” she said.

While there are Florida and North Carolina locations for Spy Coast Farm, the Lexington, Ky., farm is the flagship. The breeding and foaling operation run from LEFT: HORSES THAT ARE BRED AND PRODUCED AT SPY COAST FARM ENJOY ACRES AFTER ACRES OF TURNOUT AS A PART OF THEIR DAILY PROGRAM. PHOTO © FRANCIS SMITH. DAVID O’BRIEN LEADS THE TRAINING OF THE YOUNG HORSES. PHOTO © MEGHAN BLACKBURN.

Having traveled to Europe several times to look for horses for her daughter, Lisa was familiar with the costs of importing a talented horse.

“I said, ‘I’m going to look into this.’ So I taught myself about pedigrees.”

So she started approaching owners when she noticed a mare was near retirement. “People would basically donate or give them to me. This way their horses would have a second career, if you will. And we could contribute to the industry, which needed more supply.

“It just grew,” she continued. “Now I have a pretty star-studded list.”

Lisa says the economic crisis in 2008 ultimately made North Americans consider breeding their mares. “Europeans decreased their production by 20 to 30 percent, by all estimates. And then [riders from Saudi Arabia] came in and started paying big money for show jumpers. So actual access to

there, as does a more recent addition to Spy Coast Farm, the Young Horse Development Center.

Though not in her plans from the beginning, the Young Horse Development Center made sense to add to the Lexington farm. When the homebred horses are 3-yearolds, Spy Coast trainers will back them, or start them under tack and get used to a rider. Then, from 4 and on, they will continue their training on the flat and over fences under David O’Brien, the young horse trainer.

Sweetnam also plays a role in the process once the horses are going. He helps O’Brien and Lisa pick out

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 125

young horses that the farm should hold onto for further development, rather than be sold. He will also show the more advanced horses.

“All but a select few are sellable. For my purposes, I don’t want to let the horses go that we think can be a 1.60-meter horse. As a business person, why would I sell now if I know I can get more down the road?

Of course I know people want to get in on that early, but I have to make up for the cost of my program somehow. As my program goes along, I’ll be more willing to sell the animals. I’m just finishing proving that my whole system works. Not only that I’m choosing the right bloodlines, but that I can produce them well. That’s why I’m holding back. It takes you years to produce,” Lisa said.

Lisa is also a partner in the Young Horse Show Series.

Started by Jean-Yves and Saret Tola, owners of Jumpstart Farm in Lexington, Jean-Yves approached Lisa with a concept similar to a bundeschampionat (a breeding showcase for young horses), but modified to meet the needs of the American market.

“The most important goal was to provide opportunities for young horses to show and to be evaluated in an objective way and as non-politically a way as possible. So I sponsored it. I said ‘yeah, I’m going to need this, and I like the idea.’ He’s worked his tail off on it. We’ve got all the registries in the U.S. supporting us and the USEF as well, and even the Young Jumper Championships will count their clear rounds towards their championships,” Lisa said.

© FRANCIS SMITH.

THE YOUNG HORSE DEVELOPMENT CENTER HAS BOTH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR RINGS TO TRAIN. PHOTO © MEGHAN BLACKBURN.

The Kentucky farm also hosts a Belgian Warmblood keuring every summer. Education is an important aspect of Lisa’s work, whether it be for prospective buyers, young horses, American breeders, or young trainers. Spy Coast Farm hosts interns throughout the year—some who work with the reproductive vet on breeding and foaling, and then others who come to ride.

“Education is a huge part of what we do. Another one of my goals is to train young horse trainers. I work with Diane Langer and Jean-Yves on getting the riders in the [USHJA] Emerging Athletes Program more interested in young horses. We have to get more young American young horse trainers out there,” Lisa said.

She continued, “I know from the Young Horse Show Series, that what we have in America is just as good.

We just have to prove we can produce them.”

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Fields and Fences Horse Show, Gurnee, IL, April 2016. 1. Lexi Miller and Blue Ivy qualified for USEF Pony Finals in the Green Pony Hunters. 2. Lexi Miller and My Dear Watson, Champion Large Pony Hunters. 3. Ellen Flannery and Texan in the Children’s Pony Hunters. 4. Isabelle Collister and Northwind Just Josh’N, Champion Medium Pony Hunters. 5. Kaitlyn Lancelle and English Princess. 6. Katie Gilcrest and Sugarbrook Arctic Blue qualified for USEF Pony Finals in the Green Pony Hunters. PHOTOS © ELLA BALTUS.

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8 Tips for Walking the Course

BY JAY DUKE PHOTOS © ADAM HILL

128 • THE PLAID HORSE SHOW JUMPING IS 90% MENTAL! I’m sure you have either heard this statement or said it yourself. An important part of a rider's success in the show ring is the course walk. Being prepared, positive, and focused is essential for every athlete as they enter the competition ring. As a coach and rider, I like the term ‘being present’. An integral part of attaining this state of mental preparedness is how you approach the course walk and the time you spend between the walk and your round.

1. Have a clear strategy in mind before the walk.

Specifically—are you attempting to win this class, be competitive but not take risks, or is this a schooling round for the horse?

6. If you have multiple horses in the class, walk the course based

on the first ride. Focus on the next horse before that ride. Be in the moment, not thinking about the past or the future. It’s possible you will make adjustments after having ridden the track.

2. Familiarize yourself with the details of the ring and the jumps. It 7. If you are undecided on a count in a line, it is only an issue is helpful to walk the exact track you will be riding; this way you will not be seeing it for the first time when on your horse. Pay attention to the corners before and after the jumps. The fences are only a part of the course. For example, if there are 100 canter strides from the start line to the finish, and it is a 10 jump course, then 90% of your ride is flatwork. Be able to visualize every jump in your mind, the design of it, the color, etc.

3. Always check the placement of the start and finish timers.

4. If time permits, walk the course twice. The first time with your coach, the second by yourself.

5. Make a strategy that is best for your horse. Know that you

can change the plan, it is important to have flexibility with your ride. Unforeseen events can happen on course and you need to be able to adapt. I always tell my riders that you can always make changes, but just make sure that if you do, make the right change.

if you are first in the order. Watch other horses with a similar step to your horse, then finalize your plan. If you are first, believe in your strategy. My favorite position was always as first in the ring. With a great round, you put pressure on the other riders and can defeat them before they even ride.

8. After walking, mentally visualize the course. First, go through it

step by step looking at what may happen. Example 1: your horse may spook at the corner, making the line tougher to the next fence.

Example 2: your horse drifts to the right and that will change the bending line distance. Example 3: your horse could get strong in the last line towards the gate, etc. This prepares you for different circumstances which may occur in the ring. Now go through the course in your mind again. This time visualize everything going perfectly, exactly to plan. The feel of your horse in the air, the shape through the corners, every distance coming up perfectly. For me this the key point. Be prepared, be positive!

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info@andrewryback.com • www.andrewryback.com • (224) 318-5445

130 • THE PLAID HORSE

Sapphire Riding Academy is Doug Boyd’s Comeback

BY MEGHAN BLACKBURN PHOTOS ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY

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You’ve heard it said that there’s no place like home. In Doug Boyd’s case, that has rung true since he relocated back to his native Chicago. The homecoming became ever the sweeter when he and partners Mimi Rothman and her daughter Clara Ciancuillo closed on a beautiful farm in Mettawa, Ill., in May 2014, and Sapphire Riding Academy was born.

Boyd, who is the head trainer and manager of Sapphire Riding Academy returned to Chicago in 1999. “My mom had some bad health, and my family had some affairs here. My family is here. This is my home.”

He grew up catch riding as a junior and was admittedly a George Morris clinic groupie when Morris came to the Midwest.

“I had opportunities to spend summers at Hunterdon,” Boyd, 55, said. “I did the medal finals, and I was a member of the first Prix de States team in 1979 at Harrisburg.”

As a professional, his first gig took him out of Chicago and to New Jersey. “I spent about 10 years on East Coast between working at Red Oak Farm, and I rode some horses for Gary Kunsman at Four Seasons, and for Bob and Sharon Hardy-Cole," he said.

From Jersey, he moved to California, where he furthered his training and teaching knowledge at Murietta Equestrian Center.

Along the way, he started his own business, South Haven Farm, and he also started teaching clinics and judging.

Now, with Sapphire Riding Academy, he’s back at the helm, training and teaching. “I am so grateful—having the opportunity to have this beautiful farm. I love this farm, and I adore Mimi and her family,” Boyd said.

Boyd met Rothman and Ciancuillo, while they were at another barn in the Chicago area, where Boyd was the acting pro. Mother and daughter had wanted a farm, and when one came on the market late November 2013 for sublease about 45 minutes north of Chicago, they decided to go into business together.

The name? Sapphire is Rothman’s favorite color, and Ciancuillo liked the way “riding academy” sounded, since their goal was to also teach younger and beginner riders, with a focus on education and horsemanship.

While Ciancuillo started riding from a very young age, Rothman only got in the saddle after she’d known Boyd for a while.

Rothman is deaf, a result of medication administered to her for pneumonia when she was a baby. Her daughter encouraged her to try riding.

“When I met Doug I said, “you have to be patient with me.”

I tried it, and it was like therapy for me,” said Rothman.

Boyd found her a safe horse, and now Rothman is part of the Sapphire Riding Academy show team.

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The student and teacher have overcome difficulties that accompany Rothman’s hearing impairment by creating their own system. “We have our own symbols to help her along while she’s on the move,” Boyd explained. “When to use the leg; when to use the hands. During lessons, we stop often to make sure everything is clear. At a horse show, we use big hand movements! It has been a whole different approach into my teaching.”

Coincidentally, Boyd is also hearing impaired and wears devices, though his impairment is not to Rothman’s severity.

Despite the extra work it takes to learn without hearing, Rothman held her own this winter during the HITS Ocala circuit.

She rode her horse, Pippin, to the reserve championship in the maiden adult equitation division, while Ciancuillo picked up tricolors in both adult hunters on Maestro, and with Nicholas and Reflection in the adult jumpers. Between Rothman, Boyd and Ciancuillo, they brought seven horses down for half of the circuit.

Boyd said, “Florida was an amazing circuit. Mimi has a horse named Calido’s Son (Calido I—Pusteblume I, Mytens), a Holsteiner gelding. I showed him in the 3’6” Performance Hunters, and we ended up as circuit champions.”

He also jumped some grand prixes with Berkeley III. But the season in Florida was ultimately possible because the SRA team found someone to hold down the fort in Illinois during the winter. Boyd had run into Ashley March in 2015 at the American Royal (Kansas City, Mo.). March also grew up in Illinois, and rode under Kim Gardiner and Alex Jayne in the equitation, as well as spending time as a working student for Missy Clark at North Run Farm in Warren, Vt. “She was always beating my kids,” laughed Boyd, complimenting March’s talent.

When March’s parents relocated to Arizona, she followed them out there in 2010.

“A good family friend owned a farm there, and I started riding for her for a year. I started my own business with a partner, but my family moved back to [Chicago] and I found it hard to be out [in Arizona] by myself. I wanted to come back to the Midwest,” March admitted.

She accepted an offer to work for a private family farm in Kansas City, Mo., which got her closer to home; but she still wasn’t quite close enough. That’s about the time that she ran into Boyd. “[Seeing him] made me homesick,” she said.

So March joined the Sapphire Riding Academy team in January 2016 as assistant trainer, just a few weeks before everyone headed to Ocala.

"I have never seen better 24/7 care and management for horses, and Doug has a very simple way of teaching that makes it easier for students to understand," March said.

“I had really been holding the reins to everything until Ashley came in. She’s great. [Before she was here], we started out showing mostly local—Traverse City, Mich., and Gulfport, Miss., last winter. Ashley stayed home this winter, and Ocala was last minute,” Boyd said.

Now with the manpower to really get things moving, Sapphire Riding Academy is focusing on their future.

“We are expanding our riding school; three nights a week we stay open later [to accommodate after school and after work clients.] We are attempting to do our first summer camp, and hope to be able to coach the riding academy students to the place that they can join the show team,” said Boyd. “We’ve been very selective as we’ve been moving along. A few boarders here and there.”

During Showplace Productions’ Spring Warm Up II at the beginning of May, the team continued their winning ways. Boyd rode Calido's Son to the 3'6" Performance Hunter championship while Ciancuillo and Reflection were reserve champions in the schooling and low child adult jumpers. Berkley III and Boyd were champions in the 1.30-meter jumpers, and student Ariel Reifman made her debut in the short stirrup hunters and equitation and was also champion!

Look out for the Sapphire Riding Academy crew at horse shows around the Midwest this summer and fall—anywhere from Nebraska to Kentucky, to Lamplight Equestrian Center (Ill.).

“This venture is sort of a comeback for me—to get back to Florida to start the year, and be on the road and stay competitive,” Boyd said. “We’re a force to be reckoned with.”

theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 133

PHOTO © MIMI ROTHMAN.

PHOTO © MIMI ROTHMAN. PHOTO © ESI PHOTOGRAPHY.

134 • THE PLAID HORSE

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theplaidhorse.com • May/June 2016 • 135

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MIGUEL WILSON IS SERIOUS ABOUT BEING A HORSEMAN Miguel Wilson II is a working student under Will Roberts and Sarah Rice at Pine Hollow Farm in New Carney, Texas, and has held that position for a year. An equestrian of eight years, Wilson has made the most of his time in the saddle.

“I've been a working student for various trainers since I was 12 years old. I moved away from my family in Georgia to ride in Texas about two years ago,” he said.

Not having a horse of his own, Wilson, 17, has learned by picking up rides on others’ mounts.

“I'm always thankful to ride whatever horses or ponies that are available. Will does a great job of keeping me on sale horses in hunter and big equitation rings.

My goals this year are to qualify for the USEF Medal and Maclay,” he told TPH. Last year, Wilson was champion at Spring Gathering (Texas) in the children’s hunters, 15-17 with Kimberly Quinn’s McGraw (who Wilson admits is his favorite hunter to ride).

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“It was my first time showing a horse for Will, and my first horse show ever with Pine Hollow. I just remember coming out of the ring and feeling like I had made the right decision. I pretty much uprooted my life for horses so that ribbon was somehow the justification I needed,” Wilson admitted.

Speaking of uprooting, Wilson made the decision to do online school due to his responsibilities as a working student. “Balancing online school and horses can definitely be a challenge.

Oftentimes, especially at horse shows, I find myself doing homework into the early hours of the morning only to get up a few hours later.”

So what’s a “regular” day at the farm like for Wilson? “On a daily basis: I'll feed, ride 4-10 horses, make sure everybody gets turned out, tack up a few horses for clients, and then I will go inside and try and get a couple lessons and tests done.”

There are many young riders who look up to Wilson for his dedication, and growing success in the industry.

“It's so cool to think that I inspire people because I'm honestly just following my passion. Horses are pretty much the only reason I get out of bed every day,” he laughed.

But Wilson had his own role models along the way, and hasn’t forgotten the impression they’ve made on him.

“My role models are people that paved their own ways, refused to take 'no' for an answer, and did it all with a smile. Being a role model means stepping out of the mold, learning, and sharing with those around me.

I love making people laugh, and hearing about how their day is going.

From the little kids that I taught to trot to the grooms that I've had rap battles with, everyone has something to share,” he shared.

“Granted, sometimes being a working student can be difficult, but it is so incredible to do what I love every day,” Wilson continued. “That love has made me realize I definitely want a future in horses. However, I'm very academically-inclined so I definitely plan on going to college first.”

While the horses are definitely a focus for Wilson, he also says that he enjoys learning from people and experiences during his travels to horse shows, and pursues opportunities to expand his knowledge of horses. For this reason, he recently registered for the USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge, even though it adds to his study load! ◼ MEGHAN BLACKBURN, EDITOR

Find out more about Will Roberts and Pine Hollow Farm at www.pinehollowfarm.net

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Savannah College of Art & Design are 2016 IHSA National Champions and Chase Boggio wins the Cacchione Cup at The Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, April 2016. 1. SCAD team accepting their awards. 2. Chase Boggio winning the Cacchione Cup on St. Lawrence University's Aram. 3. Mikayla Colson in Team Walk Trot. 4. Daniella Carrissimo celebrating. 5. Lily plays with Aram. 6. Ryan Genn in Cacchione Flat Work Off. 7. Morgan Sollenberger hugs her cousin. 8. Tess Mroczka in Team Novice Fences. PHOTOS 1, 5, 6, & 7 © ERIN O'NEILL. PHOTO 2 © AL COOK. PHOTOS 3, 6, & 8 © GIANA TERRANOVA PHOTOGRAPHY.

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How to Get the

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Most from Your

Sales Photos

BY JULIETTE BEAUCHAMP • I spent some time recently on a local Facebook group’s page looking at horses for sale, and was struck by how often the photos used in the ads were of exceedingly poor quality. So I decided to do a little experiment while getting new photos for my farm’s website, and took two photos of my Thoroughbred broodmare to illustrate the differences between “good” and “bad” sales photography. Please note that I realize that the second photo is not perfect, but it would be far preferable to the first in an actual for sale ad.

This is my mare, Thumbs Up (also known to her friends as Jackie). It is the same horse in both pictures, on the same day, at the same farm. Now, which picture, when viewed in a sales ad, would send you rushing to call/email/PM for more information? Certainly not the first one, right?

I see so many photos like the first one, and it is incredibly frustrating. This is a lovely mare, but in the first photo, there is nothing about her that would prompt me to ask for more information. I’ve caught her at a funky angle which makes her left hind look swollen, her overall conformation just weird, and (combined with the poorly fitted nylon halter) her pretty, petite head look huge and boxy. Plus, the ancient cattle barn (which makes a wonderful run-in shed) in the background is a bit of an eyesore. I appreciate how useful it is, but it’s not something I want in my advertising. There are flies on her face and manure on the ground, and the whole thing just screams unprofessional. Plus I’ve used my cell phone and added a filter, which is something else that seems to be popular lately. So, what’s different in the second photo?

For starters, I waited a few hours. The difference in the light between 1 p.m., and 6 p.m., is huge. Always shoot at the beginning or end of the day if possible, as the light

is so much more flattering. Secondly, we moved to a different spot on the farm with a cleaner background.

It doesn’t have to be fancy, just not distracting. In fact, there’s tractor equipment behind her, but we've positioned her so that her body is blocking it. We also tossed the ugly halter (which was on in the first photo strictly for the photo – I never turn out with halters, especially non-breakable ones) and put her in a nice, well-fitted bridle. I used a free, downloadable retouching software to remove the flies and a few stray dandelions from the photo as well. Thirdly, I used my DSLR (a Canon 60D to be exact, so certainly not top-of-the-line, but pretty nice) however, a good quality cell phone or point and shoot camera would have done just fine for a basic sales ad, if the other factors were good.

The second photo isn’t perfect; I can see a few things I would change, but the overall presentation is a thousand times better than the first. The little bit of extra effort can really mean the difference between someone contacting you or not. It’s still a buyer’s market out there; don’t make it harder on yourself to sell your horse than it already is.

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YOU’VE BEEN POLLED! TPH surveyed 100 of our readers:

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What color standing wraps does your horse wear?

BRIGHTON BOAST A BIT SPORTING BLACK WRAPS.

What do you bed your horse on?

81% SHAVINGS 7% STRAW 8% LIVES OUT 4% OTHER 1.

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BLACK 69% GREEN 13% NAVY 14% RED 4%

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Aiken Spring Classic, Aiken, SC, April, 2016. 1. Avery Lynch & Tumbling Dice taking home the blue ribbon in the WIHS Jumper Phase. 2. Nolan Thompson & Capicua Z in the Pessoa Huntseat Medal. 3. Newly-minted professional Megan Rosenthal & Little Manhatten placing 4th in the USHJA International Hunter Derby - Aiken Spring Classic Masters. 4. Megan Rosenthal aboard Grace Angelino's “Confidant” - Circuit Champions 3'3" Pre-Greens Aiken Spring Classic. 5. Wynne Weatherly and Andrea Guzinski’s “Rio Oro” - second in the Pessoa Huntseat Medal. PHOTOS © GRACE ANGELINO.

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THE PLAID HORSE: Piper Klemm PhD LLC (Publisher of The Plaid Horse) is not responsible for obtaining permission to use any photographs for either advertising or non-advertising use. All responsibility and liability regarding copyright and any other issue as to right of use shall be the submitters. Be sure you have the right to use the photograph(s) before you submit them for publication. When a photograph is submitted to use for publication, the submission of such photography is a warranty by the submitter to us that the submitter has the legal right to have such photograph and that the submitter will hold Piper Klemm PhD LLC harmless as to all costs incurred by Piper Klemm PhD LLC, including defense costs such as counsel fees, which Piper Klemm PhD LLC incurs as a result of publishing such photographs. Piper Klemm PhD LLC reserves the right to refuse anything which we deem unsuitable for our publication. We assume no liability for errors or omissions of advertisers copy and/or photos. Piper Klemm PhD LLC will not be responsible for any typographical, production, or ad copy errors, including inaccurate information provided by advertisers. Piper Klemm PhD LLC (Publisher of The Plaid Horse) Š2015 Piper Klemm PhD LLC.

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World Equestrian Center at Roberts Arena - Wilmington, OH, April 2016. 1. Benchmark Stables. 2. Dog Races. 3. Tess Fortune. 4. Sofia Roberts.

5. Sam Pegg. 6. Maureen Blackstone. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Protect Your Equine’s Golden Years All of us need the human touch. This certainly includes the horses that make our lives complete. We ride them every day, groom them and trailer them around for shows. But what happens when our horses have gotten older and are no longer part of our daily routines? They are still at the barn, but how do we keep them engaged and feeling like they are still special?

They certainly have earned our respect, and we want them to retain their dignity and know they are still loved.

The kids at Kingsmeade Farm in Lutz, Fla. are doing their part to ensure that the older or retired horses still feel valued.

On a recent rainy Saturday, Kingsmeade’s Charlie Kellner asked the barn kids if they could “adopt” the retired elder horses at the barn. She described when she would walk by Yaeger's (more on Yaeger below) stall on her way to the barn and she would give him a good morning pat. He is so happy with such a small gesture! Could you imagine him having a little girl of his own?

Just like the good old days! When asked what inspired Charlie for this idea, she blurted out, ‘you guys have probably noticed I am not getting any younger!’

Yaeger, aka Into Thin Air, is a 28-year-old amateur-owner jumper that was bought as a 6-year-old. One month after purchase, he suffered a debilitating injury. Kingsmeade rehabbed him and he went back to work. But then his owner moved out of town and she donated him to the barn. He was used as a hunter for a few years, but then had another severe injury. Although he recovered, Yaeger needed a new job. The barn tried trail riding, but Yaeger was not a fan! At that point, Yaeger was retired. He’s still there at Kingsmeade every day.

But his life just isn’t as busy as it once was.

When Charlie discussed this “adoption” idea with the kids, they became excited. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend more time with these wonderful horses? The kids jumped right in, and now there is not a day that goes by that these horses are not loved on and showered with attention. When the kids put their ponies away after their lessons, they go get an elder horse and take them out. Whether it’s a simple graze or a groom, the kids and the horses are sharing their love for each other.

And the results have been clear: the horses beam with excitement when the kids love on them. Yaeger is 17 hands high, but when the littlest of kids walks in his stall, he drops his head and keeps it right next to her as they walk. His sense of happiness is palpable. And the benefit to the kids is that it teaches them compassion. We asked the kids how they felt about the adoptions and they all appreciated how happy the horses are with the extra attention. There is a distinct sparkle in the horses’ eyes now that they feel like they have a job again, even if that job is simply to be on the receiving end of a child’s touch. All of these elder horses want to feel wanted, and a pat, a graze or a simple “Hi” goes a long way.

So we at Kingsmeade Farm want to encourage others to take a moment and give that special horse some attention today.

◼ BY JILL L. HECHTMAN & BRIAN WOOD The Kingsmeade Family

Share your photos and selfies on Instagram and Facebook loving on these special equine partners! #projectequinegoldenyears

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