The Plaid Horse - August 2018 - The Pony Issue by The Plaid Horse

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Cover Story: Judgement Farm - Training Horse and Rider

Inside

August 2018 • The Pony Issue • $5.99 • (ISSN 2573-9409) Viagen Takes the Guesswork Out of Breeding • Redingote Style Caitlin Maloney • A Pony’s Impact: How One Pony Can Influence Lives

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From the Pony Ring to the Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation. Reserve your space for WEF 2019.

Dr. Stefanie Mazer & Cayetano, Hugo Recinos & Zeno, and fmnf welcomes international show jumper rider Nico Van Der Merwe from south africa (with big sky).

quality sales ponies and horses always welcome on consignment. proudly sponsored by

Stefanie Mazer • (561)346-4228 Forget Me Not Farm, Wellington, Florida photo © margot hirsch.

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Congratulations to fmnf Sales Graduates on Qualifying for US Equestrian Pony Finals 2018

Farmore State of the Art small pony hunter

Somermist Bellanova small pony hunter

With Applause small pony hunter

Unforgettable medium pony hunter

Rosewood medium pony hunter

Brighton My Day medium pony hunter

Caleche large pony hunter

Vermont Here’s the Gold large green pony hunter

Royal Tuscany large pony hunter

specializing in young riders pursuing serious goals. proudly sponsored by

Stefanie Mazer • (561)346-4228 Forget Me Not Farm, Wellington, Florida

Photos © andrew ryback photography, sportfot, mh poto, and jen staniloff.

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Congratulations to fmnf Sales Graduates on Qualifying for US Equestrian Pony Finals 2018

Royal Moment small pony hunter

Heavens to Betsy small pony hunter

Penelope Cruisin' small pony hunter

Crystal Acres Twinkle Toes small pony hunter

Pink Cadillac medium pony hunter

Captain America medium pony hunter

Chic in Time large pony hunter

Persephone large pony hunter

Ladylike large green pony hunter

always a great selection of ponies and horses to lease or purchase. proudly sponsored by

Stefanie Mazer • (561)346-4228 Forget Me Not Farm, Wellington, Florida

photos © anne gittens, shawn mcmillen photography, and s hellner.

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♦CROSS CREEK FARM♦ Malibu,California

THANK YOU

to all of our Clients, Horses & Ponies

FIND OUT MORE ON OUR WEBSITE, FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM

Now Accepting New Clients, Horses and Ponies to our Program. Lesley Bulechek (310)909.3883 • Diane Dufau (310)650.7146 • Adam Ottomanelli (646)241.5498 email: crosscreekmalibu@gmail.com | www.crosscreekmalibu.com

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♦CROSS CREEK FARM♦ Malibu,California

CONGRATULATES

Ellen Brown’s Maple Bay, ridden by Adam Ottomanelli

WINNERS OF THE $5,000 USHJA NATIONAL HUNTER DERBY DURING THE BLENHEIM JUNE CLASSIC 3"

Good luck to Maple Bay & Joann Goldsman in the coming year. Lesley Bulechek (310)909.3883 • Diane Dufau (310)650.7146 • Adam Ottomanelli (646)241.5498 email: crosscreekmalibu@gmail.com | www.crosscreekmalibu.com

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♦CROSS CREEK FARM♦ Malibu,California

BEST OF LUCK RUBY BLOOM

We wish you an amazing journey as you embark on your next chapter of higher education.

We couldn't be more proud of all of your accomplishments! Lesley Bulechek (310)909.3883 • Diane Dufau (310)650.7146 • Adam Ottomanelli (646)241.5498 email: crosscreekmalibu@gmail.com | www.crosscreekmalibu.com

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♦CROSS CREEK FARM♦ Malibu,California

BEST OF LUCK EMILY RAICH

We wish you an amazing journey as you embark on your next chapter of higher education.

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PHOTO © OSTEEN.

Congratulates

SHILOH’S COOL BREEZE & KATHERINE FRENCH 2018 Children’s Pony Hunter Champion, Del Mar National BEST OF LUCK TO THIS NEW PARTNERSHIP!

MCARDLE EQUESTRIAN AT ALBERT COURT LTD • RANCHO SANTA FE, CA Susan McArdle 949-302-9984 • Jason McArdle 949-547-4390 McArdleEquestrian@gmail.com • www.McArdleEquestrian.com

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PHOTO © MCCOOL PHOTOGRAPHY.

Congratulates

I LOVE LUCY & NICOLE BUIE 2018 Children’s Pony Hunter Champion, HITS Coachella V • Champion, Blenheim Spring Classic III Grand Champion, Ranch & Coast • Reserve Champion, Blenheim June III

MCARDLE EQUESTRIAN AT ALBERT COURT LTD • RANCHO SANTA FE, CA Susan McArdle 949-302-9984 • Jason McArdle 949-547-4390 McArdleEquestrian@gmail.com • www.McArdleEquestrian.com

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2018: • Champion, Coachella Desert Circuit VII • Champion, Coachella Desert Circuit VIII • Reserve Champion, Blenheim Spring VII • Winner $1,000 Amateur Owner Classic • Champion, Blenheim June Classic I Amateur Owner 18-35 Over 1400 points towards Indoors 2018

• Champion, Coachella Desert Circuit VII Performance Hunter 3'6" 2017: • Champion, Blenheim Fall Tournament • Champion, Showpark Summer Classic Performance Hunter 3'6" 2016: • Champion, Atlanta Summer Classic II • Champion, Nashville Country

• Reserve Champion, Brownland Farm Spring II Regular Conformation Hunter • Champion, WEF 10 • Champion, WEF 2 • Champion, WEF 1 High Performance Working Hunter 2015: • Champion, WEF 3 • Champion, WEF 4

Proudly Offered for Sale | Devon Gibson | (310)- 345-3009 | Devon.Gibson@verizon.net | Seahorse Riding Club

So To Speak

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Small Junior Hunter Stakkato x Mangele 2008 Dutch Warmblood

• Class Winner, WIHS • Class Winner, Capital Challenge • Reserve Champion, The Kentucky National • Champion, Blue Grass Festival • 2nd Year Green • Champion, Kentucky Summer Horse Show High Performance Hunter 2014: • Champion, Devon

• Reserve Champion, Upperville • Champion, Kentucky Spring • Champion, WEF 2 First Year Green Top 12 USHJA International Hunter Derby Placings: • The Ridge at Wellington, 2016 • Ocala Masters, 2016 • The Kentucky National, 2015 • Chicago Hunter Derby, 2015 • Equifest II, 2015

• Tryon Spring 5, 2015 • Aiken Spring Classic Masters, 2015 • The Ridge at Wellington, 2015 • RMI Mid-Florida Holiday, 2015 • Equifest II, 2014 • Horse Shows by the Bay Series III, 2014 • Showplace Spring Spectacular, 2014 *Derby Winner • The Derby at Genessee Country Village & Museum, 2014 • Kentucky Spring, 2014 • The Ridge at Wellington, 2014

Proudly Offered for Sale | Devon Gibson | (310)- 345-3009 | Devon.Gibson@verizon.net | Seahorse Riding Club

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Brookside Pine Farms Congratulates our riders on a fantastic Devon 2018

Grace Boston and Calou Champion, Small Junior Hunter 16-17 • Overall Grand Champion, Small Junior Hunter

Arabel McFarland and First VDL

Hallie Grimes and Thrift Shop

Brookside Pine Farms, LLC • Conroe, Texas • www.brooksidepinefarms.com A full-service hunter/jumper/equitation boarding facility nestled on 100 beautiful acres of rolling green pastures and forests near The Woodlands.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO STEFANIE MAZER AND BIBBY FARMER-HILL.

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Arcadia Farm wishes

Georgia Jacob best of luck at Pony Finals with Frosted & Roll Call

PHOTO © THE BOOK LLC

Molly Flaherty & Patricia Peckham Yorktown Heights, NY arcadia6706@aol.com

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Greg Crolick Stables Would like to congratulate our riders on qualifying their ponies for 2018 USEF Pony Finals.

Grace Rahaim & Sports News Large Pony Hunters

Hollin Sutherland & Enchantment Large Pony Hunters

Ava Cukrowski & Rockaway Large Pony Hunters & Pony Medal Final

Maya Rahaim & Nantucket Medium Pony Hunters & Pony Medal Final

Maya Rahaim & Hidden Springs Waltz Medium Pony Hunters

Maya Rahaim & Me Too Medium Pony Hunters

We are so proud of you,

Best of Luck! Sophia Keoleian & Oliver Twist Large Pony Hunters

9242 Allen Road, Clarkston, Michigan â&#x20AC;˘ (248) 705-0975

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Fratelli Fabbri boots are synonymous with functional beauty. Worn by hundreds of top riders throughout the world, they are hallmarks of excellence. Fabbri claims, “Made to ride.” In addition, they can claim to be the first boot manufacturer to use cutting edge, environmentally friendly materials in their superior boot design. Join Fratelli Fabbri and be part of the change toward eco-conscious products.

THE VEG BOOT IS HERE! Veg riding boots are already available. Order them in just the same way you order any type of Fabbri products. For information call 561-460-2473.

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Rider’s Name & Pony’s Name

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Rider’s Name & Pony’s Name

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Publisher PIPER KLEMM, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief SISSY WICKES Art Director LISA DALY Web Director & Blog Editor LAUREN MAULDIN Advertising NANCY HALVEY • LIZ DAVOLL MICHELLE DECKER RUMANES • MINDY PLESS Digital Director AVERILL PESSIN Summer Associates GRACE SALMON ISABELLE FEINSTEIN • VYLA CARTER

THE PONY ISSUE P. P. P. P.

36 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Piper Klemm, PhD 42 VIAGEN MAKES CLONING A REALITY Lauren Mauldin 46 MIAMI INTERNATIONAL RIDING CLUB Sissy Wickes 52 REDINGOTE COLD WEATHER APPAREL Sissy Wickes

P. 58 P. 68 P. 80 P. 89 P. 102

CAITLIN MALONEY’S SHAMROCK SHOW STABLES Lauren Mauldin BILL GRAVES: 1948-2018 Timothy Wickes COVER STORY: JUDGEMENT FARM Rennie Dyball A PONY’S IMPACT Vyla Carter SECOND ACT Timothy Wickes

CONTACT THE PLAID HORSE

WRITE Piper Klemm, Ph.D., 14 Mechanic St, Canton, New York 13617 CALL 541-905-0192 WEB theplaidhorse.com EMAIL piper@theplaidhorse.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 SNAPCHAT theplaidhorse ISSUU: issuu.com/theplaidhorsemag ON THE COVER: TINA JUDGE-BOYLE AND MARK BOYLE’S JUDGEMENT FARM SHOWING AT HITS BALMORAL TOGETHER. PHOTO © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Wishes all Competitors Best of Luck at Pony Finals!

PHOTO © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

Stonewall Farm • 920-889-0028 S TO N E WA L L P O N I E S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I S C O N S I N

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Source of Pony Final Winners!

Miracles Happen

Blueberry Hill

Hidden Spring’s Woodstar

Team Gold, Individual Bronze 2016.

Grand Pony Hunter Champion, 2014.

2nd Large Pony Hunter O/F, 2016.

No Drama

Jessandi Famous Amos

Enano

3rd Overall Medium Pony, 2016.

High Score 1/2 Welsh, 2016.

Winner Small Green Pony Hunter O/F, 2014.

Goldfish Winner Small Pony Hunter U/S, 2011.

Vermont Ruby Fox

Jennifer Grey

Betsy Fishback Memorial Trophy, 2016.

Reserve Champion Small Green Welsh, 2016.

PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY, LAURA Z. WASSERMAN, THE BOOK LLC, SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY, MCCOOL PHOTOGRAPHY, BRIAR FIELD FARM, ADAM HILL.

Stonewall Farm • 920-889-0028 S TO N E WA L L P O N I E S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I S C O N S I N

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Breeding Champions!

Hillcrest’s Top Hat

Red Drum’s Patriot

Stonewall Eleanor

Gayfield’s Vida Blue x Helikon Halo.

Mynd Nestorius x Asgard Brittania.

Hillcrest’s Top Hat x Evita.

Stonewall Stratus

Stonewall Top Call

Stonewall Last Cloud

Hillcrest’s Top Hat x Woodland’s Flying Cloud.

Hillcrest’s Top Hat x Countess.

Hillcrest’s Top Hat x Woodland’s Flying Cloud.

Stonewall Black Pearl Red Drum’s Patriot x Stonewall Sunflower.

Top That

Stonewall Texas

Hillcrest’s Top Hat x Perks (TB).

Hillcrest’s Top Hat x Dakota (TB).

PHOTOS © SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY, THE BOOK LLC, IRENE ELISE POWLICK, HANNAH HOCH, LILI, QUICKSILVER FARM.

Stonewall Farm • 920-889-0028 S TO N E WA L L P O N I E S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I S C O N S I N

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

PIPER WITH STEFANIE MAZER AT USEF PONY FINALS 2017 WITH AN ARTICLE ABOUT FORGET ME NOT FARM IN THE PLAID HORSE.

Intellectual skills are necessary for good horsemanship…

or so many of us, ponies are where we began our journey as riders—climbing on for the first time, probably with a boost from a parent or a trainer, and just trying to stay on for our first gentle walk. That was the first day, and it was exhilarating, fascinating, but might have also been a little scary or exhausting—a little sample of the riding experience. With the arrival of the 2018 Pony Issue, I’ve been thinking about the ways that first day leads into a lifetime of riding. Every one of us has had a grumpy early morning or a stop or a fall or a horse that just loves to roll right after being washed. What makes us keep coming back for more? (continued on page 42)

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42 • THE PLAID HORSE Some reasons come from inside us: maybe grit, or maybe because we truly love being on a horse. Some reasons are more external: maybe it’s the people and the community we joined, or maybe it’s meeting that magical unicorn that we couldn’t imagine not seeing again. But these reasons all really come back to one core piece: mentorship. We are here because of mentors who asked us to get back on when we fell off, who passed on the love for riding, who taught us how to treat other riders, or who helped us find the perfect mount. As I look to the future of our sport, I’ve been drawn to the connection between great mentors and riders, and how that connection can develop into a lifelong commitment to riding.

supporting the development of their students through practice and training, but that means more than just standing by the warm-up ring and telling us to keep our heels down. Intellectual skills are necessary for good horsemanship; a lifelong commitment should include the ability to keep our horses sound and understand their needs. The USHJA’s Horsemanship Quiz Challenge has been a place where I am proud to contribute, but everyday training in the barn aisles and turnouts builds the foundation. Emotional skills are necessary to cope with the disappointments and temporary defeats that will happen when we push ourselves, and they are just as necessary to be good winners and stay sharp for the next ride.

In a given year, 25% of the membership of USEF is replaced by a new generation of riders. That makes riding a living, breathing, evolving sport—new faces, new viewpoints, new ideas constantly joining. But it also makes ours a sport with many athletes who are not finding a lifelong connection to riding. We should and we can do better. Actively developing better mentoring for young riders is key.

So wherever you are in your horse journey, think about the mentors that got you here. Think about how to transition junior riders from the division to college riding and ultimately becoming the trainers or dedicated amateurs of the future. Our sport is as great as we make it, and there’s new generation of riders right around the corner who can’t wait to share it with us.

Even for riders who have outgrown the world of ponies, this Pony Issue brings new texture to the future of our industry. What does that transition from junior to adult rider mean? What experiences in the pony ring can kindle a lifetime love? Good mentors should be

◼

BY TPH PUBLISHER PIPER KLEMM, PHD

(FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AT @PIPERKLEMM)

PIPER SPENDING HER BIRTHDAY IN 2017 WITH ASPIRING JOURNALISTS AT THE KENTUCKY HORSE PARK - TORI WEED, GRACE SALMON, AND MACKENZIE SHUMAN.

Emotional skills are necessary to cope with the disappointments and temporary defeats that will happen when we push ourselves, and they are just as necessary to be good winners and stay sharp for the next ride.

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PROUDLY CONGRATULATES Photos © Anne Gittins Photography.

LiLLy yinger

& Miss BerMuda Qualified for Regular Medium Pony Division Rider/Owner: Lilly Yinger

ALexAnder ALston Steel the Dream Qualified for Small Junior 3' 3" Junior Hunter Finals Ecuador USHJA Hunterdon Cup Equitation Classic Rider: Alexander Alston Owner: Alston Alliance, LLC

Brooke ALexAnder Captain Jack Qualified for Small Junior 3' 3" Junior Hunter Finals Vurtual Qualified for Large Junior 3' 3" Junior Hunter Finals Zimba USHJA Hunterdon Cup Equitation Classic Rider: Brooke Alexander Owner: Alexander Show Horses, LLC

BEST OF LUCK AT JUNIOR HUNTER AND PONY FINALS! Trainers, Lindsay Yinger & Courtney Newby Lindsay Yinger Show Stables • Columbus Ohio • www.lindsayyingershowstables.com

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Silver Fox Farms

wishes all riders and ponies Best of Luck at Pony Finals!

McKayla Brombach with

Morton’s Sassy Kat

2008 Medium Welsh Pony Mare 2,400+ points towards Indoors 2018

Brooke Brombach with

Blue’s Joe Cool

2008 Large Welsh Pony Gelding 10th place Overall Regular Large Pony at Pony Finals 2017

These ponies are offered for sale or lease. Can be tried at Kentucky Summer II and Pony Finals.

Brooke Brombach with

Cookies and Cream

2010 Large Green Pony Gelding Champion or Reserve every time out.

Colleen Brombach - Trainer

512-847-2105 | Colleen@SilverFoxFarmsLLC.com | SilverFoxFarmsLLC.com

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20% OFF any one item Coupon valid through August 31st, 2018. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit one coupon per customer. Excludes animal feed, bedding, wormers, saddles, and special orders. Other exclusions may apply. Use promo code “Summer 18” to order online. RICK’S FARM FEED PET & RICK’S HERITAGE SADDLERY www.saddlesource.com

Rick’s Farm • Feed • Pet

Equestrian Supplies & Equipment 29 Park Avenue, Englishtown NJ 07726 732-446-4330

Rick’s Heritage Saddlery 1340 Pottstown Pike West Chester, PA 19380 610-431-3272

Rick’s Farm • Feed • Pet

Equestrian Superstore 282 Route 539, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514 609-758-7267

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Miami International Riding Club Offers Something for Everyone

“We call it a club for a reason,” explains Celia Bunge, owner of the Miami International Riding Club. “We welcome everyone and hope they will stay and feel at home.” Celia and her daughter, Daniela, own and operate the largest hunter/jumper barn in the Miami area. Situated on ten acres with 55 stalls, the facility is home to a variety of horses and riders. While MIRC focuses mostly on the showjumping discipline, they offer instruction in hunters, jumpers, and dressage.

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Celia and Daniela bring years of experience to MIRC from all areas of the world. Celia grew up in Mexico and learned from the best of a long tradition of international horsemen, including the President of the Equestrian Federation of Mexico. At 26, Daniela is a talented rider and instructor who has been involved with horses all of her life. Even as a junior, she was asked to train, teach, and ride for others. Celia states, “People have always wanted to work with Daniela. She is very good.” To augment her knowledge and exposure, Daniela spent six months in Europe from Spain to Germany, learning to hone her riding skills. She returned to the United States armed with a greater understanding of teaching styles, training techniques, and a better foundation in dressage. Celia explains, “European training involves cross training in all disciplines from jumpers to dressage. The flat work for jumpers is very dressage oriented and is essential to training. It is an important element to our program at MIRC.”

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The Miami International Riding

muck, and turn out the horses. Tack

Club participates in horse shows

up and grooming are the clients’

throughout the south from local to

responsibility.

premier ratings, with HITS Ocala

Miami International Riding Club

being one of their favorite destinations.

is a friendly, family oriented riding

While MIRC is oriented toward

facility aimed toward the competitive

the competitive rider, they offer

rider. They offer clinics from experts

programs for all levels and degrees of

in several disciplines including FEI

commitment. Their lesson program

Dressage rider Natalia Martin and

and summer camp are designed to

hunter/jumper/equitation trainer

teach both riding and horsemanship

Holly Hugo-Vidal. Yet, fun is a large

skills. Kids and adults of all ages and

component of the day there. Riders

aspirations can find a niche at MIRC.

of all ages, including students from

While the Bunges are aware of the time constraints

Florida International University and students visiting

of many riders, they feel that horsemanship is an

from abroad, enjoy the bright atmosphere of the club.

essential component to riding. “People need to know

MIRC’s international program has welcomed students

how to do things,” Celia explains. “Too many people

from many different countries such as France, Colombia,

are just riders and do not understand basic care and

Brazil, China, Canada, and Mexico.

horsemanship which are part of any rider’s education.” MIRC offers limited care as their basic board and feed,

Horses, education, riding, and fun color the day at MIRC. ◼

BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

Visit MIRC’s website at mirc-horses.com or on Facebook at Miami International Riding Club.

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Vermont Summer Festival I, Manchester, VT, July 2018. 1. Sophie Esposito. 2. Maya Lombardo. 3. Kate Sorrillo. 4. Kendra Oakley. 5. Nevin Pere. 6. Madeline Rideout. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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VANESSA German Riding Pony mare for sale

2018 Nuno offspring

NUNO German Riding Pony stallion

“The Patchwork Ranch” is the largest breeder of German Riding ponies in North America. We offer only imported pony mares in our breeding program. Our stallion NUNO (Nabucco x Van Gogh) is standing at stud at our farm in Windsor, South Carolina. Young offspring and ponies under saddle are for sale. Hunter/Jumper or Dressage The Patchwork Ranch, 486 Thrasher Lane, Windsor, SC 29856 • Cell phone: Elli (803) 443-8900 • Carina (803) 989-0930 Please connect with us through email: info@the-patchwork-ranch.com and Facebook

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What do you get when you cross a cold trainer with an active wear apparel developer?

Redingote! Cold Weather Apparel for the Equestrian Athlete.

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I have been training for a long time and every winter I would struggle to find clothing that was really functional and warm while hopping on and off horses. All riders, trainers, and horse enthusiasts who live in colder climates have experienced the hardships of winter at the barn. How many layers can we wear before we cannot bend our limbs? How many times do we have to stop and take layers off as we ride? How do we look presentable and stay warm? Lifelong equestrian Connie DeMaio is familiar with the trials of teaching lessons in the cold, removing clothing to ride and then replacing it, and traveling to winter shows to compete. “I have been training for a long time and every winter I would struggle to find clothing that was really functional and warm while hopping on and off horses. I found a vintage winter one piece that I started wearing over my riding clothes and people would stop me and ask me where I got it.” DeMaio continued to look for a more technical and functional version of a one piece garment, but never found anything manufactured for the equestrian. Because their husbands work together, equestrian Connie DeMaio met active wear designer Allison Malenfant. They became friends and Allison decided it was time to pursue her lifelong goal of learning to ride. “I never had access to horses growing up,” Allison explains. “So, when Connie and I became friends, I saw it as a sign and began to take lessons three years ago.” With eight years of fitness wear product development and merchandising for SoulCycle on her resume, Allison was the perfect person for Connie to pair with in order to make an equestrian one piece garment. “Connie told me about her idea for a one piece, and I thought it was something we could do together,” Allison recalls. “We knew it could solve a lot of clothing problems, so we started to develop it.” From the need of an equestrian and the expertise of a fitness wear merchandiser, Redingote was born. Named for the elegantly tailored riding coats of the 18th century, Redingote offers a one piece outerwear jumper that is both feminine and functional. Made from modern technical fabrics, it is waterproof, breathable, and insulated from head to toe with a fit designed to layer over any standard riding or show outfit.

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The garments offer a warmth-enhancing storm flap over the front zipper that fastens with magnets instead of Velcro, which attracts dirt and hay. As riders, Allison and Connie understand all of the needs and nuances of riding apparel. The garments offer a warmthenhancing storm flap over the front zipper that fastens with magnets instead of Velcro, which attracts dirt and hay. There are places to stash riding essentials such as gloves, a phone, cards and cash. One of the pockets even has a wipeable liner to store horse treats. Equipment also has a place on the one piece with a left leg sleeve for a crop and a D ring on the hip to hang spurs. Riders can pull the suit on and off without removing their boots thanks to leg zippers that open to the thigh. Redingote apparel is designed by equestrians for equestrians. The jumper keeps riders warm, dry and clean in the barn and at shows, and winter trail riders find it the perfect solution for cold-weather hacks. The one piece does not ride up while mounted and is made of insulated nylon so dirt and mud do not stick. The product is monogrammable, making it the perfect team or barn accessory. Buy one for your trainer with your barn logo or present the idea to your coach for the upcoming academic year. If you are riding this winter, make the most of the experience with Redingote apparel. Be warm, be comfortable, be smart. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES, PHOTOS COURTESY REDINGOTE

Visit the website at redingoteequestrian.com to order online or visit the Redingote representatives at a horse show near you.

We’d love to meet you! Stop by and see us at

Event Calendar

any of the horse shows listed here, where you

July 24-29 – Vermont Summer Festival, East Dorset, VT

can try on our product and have it shipped

Aug 26 - Sept 2 – Hampton Classic Horse Show, Bridgehampton, NY

right to your door. Want to see us at a show

Sept 15 & 16 – College Preparatory Invitational, Asbury, NJ

near you? We want to hear from you! Please

Oct 15-20 – PA National Horse Show, Harrisburg, PA

Oct 23-28 – Washington International Horse Show 60th Anniversary, Washington, DC

website and filling out the form...

Nov 8-11 – Equine Affair, West Springfield, MA

Maye Show Poniestheplaidhorse.com • August 2018 • 59 • Fairfield, Virginia •

Photo © The Plaid Horse

Photo © Janice Thompson.

Congratulations on a successful Devon

LEDINJADON ON POINT • 2018 Best Young Pony

LAND’S END MISTY • 2018 Champion Filly

Owner: Janis Shaneberger, Handler: Ethan Maye

Owner/Handler: Ethan Maye

Producing • Training • Showing • Sales | www.mayeshowponies.com | Cheryl Maye | 703-431-9096

Sheffield Farms Specializing in Hunter and Derby Horses

SHEFFIELD FARMS

130 shaw road, middletown, ny 10941 landline 845-361-4171 see our website for more photos, information and videos. www.sheffieldfarms.com info@sheffieldfarms.com

photos © Shawn McMillen Photography, the book llc.

OFFERED FOR SALE:

CANDY ~ 16.1H 2008 MARE 3'3" green hunter mileage ready for junior/ao partner 2nd in zone II 3'3" performance hunters derby experience good mover, great jump, big step

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ALL SMILES AT CAITLIN MALONEY’S

Shamrock Show Stables

By TPH Blog Editor Lauren Mauldin

There are a lot of reasons people choose to become a professional in this industry. The love of the animal. Walking into a barn full of slick, happy horses nibbling fresh hay as they peer over their stall doors. The sheer physicality of the sport. Perfecting delicate aids and teaching strong horses nuance and restraint. For Florida based professional, Caitlin Maloney, these reasons inspire her to work hard every day, but she’s fulfilled by a deeper, almost philosophic, calling. “I don’t think there’s anything more genuine than seeing a person and how happy they are because of the effort that they’ve put in with their horse,” Caitlin explained. For Caitlin, it’s not fame, giant ribbons or huge paychecks that she’s chasing. After years of working with top barns across the country, she’s settled with her own farm, Shamrock Show Stables, and thrives with the business of fostering joyful partnerships. “There’s something about an authentic smile radiating off riders when they do well. That’s my high.” Growing up, it was her own smile around horses that led Caitlin to the barn. “My first experience showing was in Short Stirrup on my Off the Track Thoroughbred,” Caitlin said of her entry to the hunter/jumper A circuit. During her junior career, she competed in the hunters and equitation throughout the Midwest in Chicago, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wellington in the winter when she could get a break

from school. However, it wasn’t the trips in the ring and ribbons on the wall that defined her as much as time spent in the barn. “I became one of those horse crazy kids,” she said of her youth. Caitlin would ride anything she could sit on, but cherished hours at the stable no matter how they were spent. “If I didn’t ride, I would sit and watch. Some days after school I would go to the barn and help tack up horses so the grooms could go home early, then I would sit in my trainer’s office and read her books.” George Morris, Frank Chapot, Bill Steinkraus – these big names helped start Caitlin’s career between the pages, but they wouldn’t be the last of her education. After graduating from DePaul University with a degree in International Studies, Caitlin realized that what she wanted more than anything was to work with horses seven days a week. So she dove into her passion with her first professional job at Derek Braun’s Split Rock Farms. “They helped refine me,” she said of the Split Rock team, who taught her the rules for FEI show jumping as well as the details of running a barn of Grand Prix horses. After her time with Split Rock Farm, Caitlin worked for Don Stewart Stables. “There were just quality horses, and Don

Photos: Forever Photography, McCool Photography, Alive Photography/Katie Le, and Jennifer Taylor.

theplaidhorse.com • August 2018 • 63 was a great teacher. I got to learn a lot by helping him at the shows, along with organizing each day and riding many different horses.” At Stewart’s, Caitlin began working more with kids and started thinking intricately about communication and training. After working in Ocala, Caitlin headed back to her home city of Chicago to join Old Welbourne Farm. In a place where she felt like family, Caitlin reached a new level of trainer and coach under Denise Dennehy Lenn’s guidance. “Denise really let me step in to being the trainer,” Caitlin said. “I scheduled the lessons, did all of the rides. Every day I formed more of a bond with the customers and the students.” With Old Welbourne, Caitlin took on the responsibility of keeping the show barn running smoothly, which included managing the show schedule as well as day-to-day appointments with farriers, vets, and body workers – an experience she loved. “I’ll sit in the barn for an extra two hours just to chat with an equine physical therapist about the mechanics of the horse and how it carries over in my riding.” This extra attention to detail and care carried over well to Caitlin’s next position on the west coast at Balmoral Farm in Los Angeles, California. Working on the other side of the country that’s typically a bit more easy going, Caitlin found she enjoyed the slower pace. “We had long days, top level horses, and a ton of work that went into each one that really required a team effort,” she said of Balmoral. “But at the same time, there was a lightness about it.” Caitlin learned a ton under owners Carlton and Traci Brooks, and enjoyed the consistency of her two years in California. “Carlton gave me a lot of opportunities to work with certain horses, manage the barn or bring students along by myself while he went to shows,” she said. That opportunity gave her a lot of confidence – enough to head out on her own. Now with a career that’s spanned both coasts, countless horse shows and all three rings, Caitlin has started her own Shamrock Show Stables. “I’ve taken a long time as an assistant trainer to big professionals who I really respect, and draw positive things from each one of those experiences to give back to my horses and riders

in the best possible way,” Caitlin said about the new venture. Located just north of Ocala, the year-round, full service facility features large pastures, a spacious cinderblock barn and exceptional, top show level care. Utilizing remarkable, all natural footing, Shamrock has two different, level riding fields as well as an additional field perfect for hill work. “The horses respond really well to being on grass footing,” she said. “I think working on grass helps with fitness and soundness.” It’s more than nice footing and comfortable amenities that make Shamrock exciting though. To Caitlin, it’s a place to cultivate the magic that horses can bring. “I want my clients to leave the barn after riding and think, ‘That was so much fun! I can’t wait for next week’s lessons’.” She facilitates this enthusiasm by careful training and positive reinforcement. “I think you get a lot more out of horses that way,” Caitlin said. When explaining her training style she added, “I like to watch and work with what I believe are their strengths to begin with. Then I’ll pull certain things out about a rider’s position or habit, correct it and explain how to adjust themselves to ride more effectively.” This careful positivity is far more than a training technique to Caitlin. She has witnessed the ability that horses have to peel back emotional layers and impact riders of all ages. “We need to know we’re a very powerful influencer in our young riders,” she explained. “I believe it is our responsibility as trainers to be role models for our riders, both at home and at shows.” In this regard, Caitlin knows she is more than a professional rider and trainer – she’s someone for girls to look up to. Working with youth over the years, Caitlin has seen first hand how

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students accomplish new things in the ring. All while enjoying a fulfilling, safe partnership with their happy horse.

anxiety can fester, especially with social media, alongside the stresses of being a teenager today. “As trainers, we need to take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We all have good and bad days, and ultimately our service is to advocate for our riders and their horses by providing positive, professional feedback.” Giving this kind of upstanding mentorship is more than a responsibility for Caitlin. It’s something that naturally comes alongside the privilege that is working with horses. At Shamrock, she still teaches lessons on her last equitation horse, Peron. “I know everything about him. He’s definitely my horse of a lifetime and by far the best horse I’ve ever taught lessons on,” she said of the nineteen-year-old gelding. Working with a beloved old horse to bring smiles to her client’s faces is a special kind of magic to Caitlin – the high that keeps her going on long, hard days. With Shamrock, Caitlin has the attitude and expertise to lead a program that focuses on her clients’ personal success and goal building. Whether schooling at home or traveling to the indoor circuit, she’s driven by watching her

“I see people of all ages, and their horses relieve the pressures from the outside world. They come to the barn, and it just dissolves. I think it’s really important for people to have a place like that where they feel like they can be themselves,” she said. For Caitlin and her clients, that place is Shamrock Show Stables. More than a barn, it’s the culmination of years of learning and hard work in the industry. It’s the embodiment of a goal to nurture and guide youth in a positive direction, and a place like that will make everybody smile. ◼ Visit Shamrock Show Stables on the web at shamrockshowstables.com and on Facebook at shamrockshowstables.

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See you at

Pony

Finals!

www.tkeqtheshop.com

@tkeqtheshop

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Blenheim June Classic III, San Juan Capistrano, CA, June 23, 2018. 1. Susan Hutchinson & Notable. 2. Future Grand Prix riders in headline before Grand Prix. 3. Daniel Pedraza & Valentina. 4. John Pearce & Chantico. 5. Devon Bridges & Ceasar. 6. Delany Flynn & Milan IV. 7. Natasha Traurig & Collonella Z. PHOTOS © TREENA HALL.

5. 5.

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87th Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show, Darien, CT, June 12-17, 2018. 1. Jeffery Welles & Broken Heart. 2. Layla Kurbanov & Calberon B. 3. Samantha Hamzavi & VDL Tommy. 4. Maria Victoria Perez & Call Me Clara. 5. Jonathan Corrigan & Notaris. PHOTOS @ VYLA CARTER.

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P ine R idge Equestrian Center LLC What do these Pony Finals Winners

Blueberry Hill

2014 Pony Finals Grand Pony Champion

Miracles Happen

2016 Team Gold, Individual Bronze Pony Jumper

and these fantastic teachers have in common?

Stonewall Black Pearl

Vermont Here's the Gold

They got their start at Pine Ridge. Starting young ponies, accepting training ponies from all over North America with reasonable rates and great results.

Jayme Nelson

Eagle River, Wisconsin Boarding • Training • Young Ponies 715-479-7642

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Congratulations Hattie & Graham All your hard work and dedication helped you accomplish your goal. You qualified for 2018 USEF Pony Finals! Remember to breath, smile and enjoy.

Love, Dad and Mom

PHOTO © LYNN NOVAY PHOTOGRAPHY.

3. HMI June Classic at Sonoma Horse Park, Petaluma, CA, June 13-17, 2018. 1. Stokkholm & Vanessa Hood flying to a 10th place finish in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix. 2. Chip VA & Violet Barnett pose for a picture mid-hack. 3. Post Trick Shot & Izzy Read focused on their next jump in the medium ponies. 4. Sydney Shelby thanks Atellia No. 5 after winning both 3'6 Junior Hunter classes. PHOTOS @ LAUREN AUBERT.

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WILLIAM GRAVES: 1948-2018 Legendary horseman William E. “Bill” Graves passed away this spring in Lexington, KY, after a short illness at the age of 70. Bill Graves, the smoothest guy you would ever meet, was a native of Lynchburg, VA, and came of age during the golden era of show hunters in America in the state that was at that time the epicenter of the hunter kingdom. Bill started showing ponies as a young boy. He was discovered by seminal Virginia horse trainer/trader Delmar Twyman who needed some good ridin’ kid to hop on his small pony, Keswick, and keep doing what that pony did best: win. And they did. National Show Hunter Hall of Fame inductee Keswick and little Billie Graves won just about everything everywhere and for young Graves, a career path was chosen. He worked for Twyman weekends and summers all throughout high school and soaked up the lessons of a master of the horse world. Delmar Twyman was a dot-your-i’s-cross-your-t’s, old school horseman. He believed in a spotless barn, a spotless horse, and a spotless ride, and he believed that fortune came to those who best prepared. None of these lessons were lost on the young Bill Graves, riding and winning first for Twyman and later for another legend in Jimmy Lee. After running his own sales barn in Virginia for a few years, Bill had the opportunity to head west to St. Louis and work/ride for yet another legend, Bobby Burke at August Busch’s Grant’s Farm. It was a very successful career in the making for a young man that Lee describes as “a really gifted, stylish hunter rider” who made horses look good and win. But for Graves, something was missing.

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One thing about hunter riders, they’re not built like Shaq or Santa and the folks in the thoroughbred world were quick to find a use for men under 5’10”/160 lbs with handsome faces and hands like butter. They were the best people to stand up potential million dollar babies at their summer yearling sales and Bill Graves, earning a little extra cash, soon became among the best of the best. And he liked it. He liked the young horses and the excitement and dreamed of the race horse sales biz. So he hung up his show tack, packed up his wife, Michelle, and his son, Brian, moved to Lexington, KY, and said, “Goodbye, showing” and “Hello, second act.” Sharp as a tack with a solid work ethic and a meticulous foundation in horsemanship born out of an early lifetime in the show ring were a great resume to start off that second act. Add in movie star looks, riverboat gambler charm, and a pixie dust sprinkling of being able to find a diamond in the rough- and you’ve got a winner. First, along with wife, Michelle, at Graves Stable, and later as V.P. of Sales at Fasig Tipton Sales Co., Bill knew how to find the athlete in the young horse before the next guy. Then, when the time was right and the check was ready to clear, he knew how to sell that horse to the next guy. Fasig Tipton was a sales company whose best days were seemingly in the rearview mirror. But, with his incredible eye for the best, Bill resurrected their hallmark yearling sales and for the last 26 years of his life, used the skills born out of a show horse base to become the best there was in a whole new business. Bill Graves leaves behind his son Brian, a spectacularly gifted horseman in his own right, adored grandchildren, Will, Catherine, and Carson, daughter-in-law Lesley, a brother Reed and sister Elizabeth (Ditty) Stone. He also leaves behind the amazing legacy of a man with an incredible show horse background who brought skills honed in the ring to the thoroughbred world and taught a generation of horseman how to find the athlete in a young horse. In the theatre of life, a great second act must have a helluva first act. Bill Graves had both.

◼

BY TIMOTHY WICKES, PHOTO © FASIG-TIPTON

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Copperfield

is the ultimate teacher small pony! This adorable, reliable 12 year old small pony gelding is ready to teach his next young rider how to be a star. “Monkey” is a pony finals veteran who was top 10 overall his green year and was 6th over fences and 6th overall in 2017! No prep, no stop, no spook and always changes leads which makes him the perfect pony to give any kid confidence to go from short stirrup right to the smalls. Available at Pony Finals. Contact Brooke Brown (610)-836-2951 or brownstoneponies@gmail.com.

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BRIDGEPORT FARMS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP. LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW SEASON WITH YOU! ~ LAILA KLINSMANN

THE OAKS FARMS ~ SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA JOHN BRAGG • 949.338.7095

Lee Flick • Deanna Kornbluth • Leslie Steele, Equitation • Simon Schroeder, Jumpers • Tiffany Knight • Jake Wasson PHOTOS © LAILA KLINSMANN & KATE ABAJIAN

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Lily and Lil Bit Better, Medium Green Pony Hunter

Saylor and Strike Zone Large Green Pony Hunter

KEE West Farm wishes its riders and ponies the best of luck at the 2018 Pony Finals!

Emma and Stonewall Top Call Large Pony Hunter

KEE WEST FARM Katana O’Brien 314-520-2576 Glencoe, MO

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Crossword inspired by the

CROSSWORD BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge encourages education and recognizes young equestrians who have exceptional horsemanship knowledge. Learn more at ushja.org/HQC – and be sure to register for HQC 2018! Post your completed crosswords and tag @theplaidhorsemag on Instagram for a chance to win cool prizes!

Clue for 2 down. Photo @ Irene Elise Powlick.

See page 102 for answers!

ACROSS

DOWN

8 10

4 5 6 7 9 11 13 14 16 18 22

1 3

12 15 17 19 20 21 23 24

Cavesson noseband with a strap First horse McLain Ward competed in Olympics Back surface of the hind legs Number of Olympics McLain Ward has competed in Site of 2020 Olympics Additive to prevent dehydration Breed of Warmblood Site of EPM Founder To the inside of the limb Second phalanx Number of Equestrian Disciplines in Olympics

1 2

Size of blades to trim ears Last horse McLain Ward competed in Olympics Common exercise bandage Alternative to bit Hind leg joint Back surface of the front legs To the outside of the limb Another name for EHV-1 Skin infection Edema First phalanx Hitting front foot with toe of hind foot Yellow egg laid on horse’s legs

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Judgement Farm A One-of-a-Kind Family at

t a top hunter-jumper barn an hour outside of Chicago, as junior riders are preparing for pony finals and adults are in the middle of their summer show season, a beginner in the farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lesson program is learning to master the up-down-up-down of the posting trot.

And she could very well be their next superstar. Welcome to Judgement Farm, a unique full-service operation in Oswego, Illinois, that prides itself on catering to all types of riders, from those learning to ride, starting to lease, and aiming to win at the big shows. “Almost all of our show riders come from the riding program. That’s very important to us,” says farm owner and trainer Tina Judge-Boyle. “We had girls who just went off to college, and at their graduation we had this picture of them standing in front of the barn at 6 and 7 with their little Troxel helmets and schooling show ribbons. I like to see the kids grow up with us and they know exactly how it’s done, and what is expected of them.” Judgement, named after its head trainer — “a little influence might have been Beezie’s horse, Judgement!” Judge-Boyle says with a laugh — manages 60-plus horses on its 24-acre property, which includes a heated indoor and a massive outdoor ring as well as a grass field for riding. JudgeBoyle brings decades of experience and success to the operation, having competed as a junior and amateurowner before going pro in 1998 and winning top ribbons in USHJA International Hunter Derby and Grand Prix competition. With assistant trainer Lori Hollands, a rider and trainer herself for 30 years, Judgement has coached riders to championships at indoors and multiple medal finals, plus plenty of local A and AA shows along the way (they’ve frequented World Equestrian Center, Ledges, Balmoral and more so far this year). “What makes it so unique is the fact that people can pick and choose how serious they want to be,” says Judge-Boyle, adding that the show season each year “all depends on the clientele. Right now, we have a bunch of younger kids on ponies and their first three-foot horses so we can kind of cater to them and stay closer to home.” While at home, riders benefit from the expertise of both trainers, along with barn manager Colleen Gillen. The trio all teach, and stay in constant communication about the latest on each horse and rider. “We encourage everybody to lesson with everybody,” says Hollands, who splits her time between coaching at shows and training clients at home while Judge-Boyle is on the road. “It’s a very family feel that we have. All of us have the same vision

theplaidhorse.com • August 2018 • 85 but we all have a slightly different approach. I’m The Nitpicker. Heaviest on equitation. Tina, we call her ‘head guy,’ she’s tough. And Colleen, we call Hercules. She spins so many plates at the same time.” Meanwhile, in the school program, it’s Emma DiSanti who starts all the kids and adults, with assists from the other trainers as needed. Judge-Boyle co-owns the farm with her husband, Mark Boyle, an equine dentist by trade who ships Judgements’ horses to the shows and does a little bit of everything at the farm. “Our business model is unique in that we do everything from the first time a rider puts their foot in the stirrup all the way to Harrisburg and Washington,” he says. While Mark handles things like payroll and “more mechanic-ing than I’d like!” Tina schools the boaders’ horses and encourages students to watch those schooling rides, often putting the riders on afterward so they can feel for themselves what she’s teaching about rhythm or straightness or whatever the day’s lesson may be. “I try to teach riders about feeling what the horse is doing and not making it so mechanical,” she says. Some staples for Hollands are flatwork and basic dressage, plus mandatory working without stirrups for a part of each lesson. No Stirrup November? “I do it all year long!” says Hollands. “I do it for their leg and core strength but also, and they don’t always understand this right away, for their confidence.” And nothing fulfills the trainers more than when all that work at home translates to the shows. “What I really love is when I take a rider to the ring and everything that we’ve worked on at home all comes together and they’re successful in the ring and proud of themselves and proud of their horse. There’s nothing better for me,” says Judge-Boyle. That hope extends beyond just her top show riders, too. Judgement has a lease program to bridge the gap between the riding school and horse ownership. “When I have an adult who says, ‘Am I ready to go to a horse show?’ I tell them, ‘You’re going to come home with so much more than just staying home and taking lessons.” Before they venture off the property for that first time, many a Judgement rider’s first horse show takes place right at home, at the farm’s semi-annual schooling shows. “They are something else,” says Judge-Boyle. “It’s a lot of work, a lot of volunteers.

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The older kids are getting kids on and stirrups adjusted, they’re doing the announcing. And the parents bring food for everyone and riding clothes that their kids grew out of so there’s a big tack swap.” Growing up at Judgement also means taking on the role of a working student at 14 or 15 years old, a position the younger kids aspire to take on as teenagers. “Proper horse care is huge to us,” says Hollands. “The horses come before us all the time. The kids learn that very early on.” “We do offer full service at the barn but we encourage the kids to get in there and get involved as much as possible,” adds Judge-Boyle. “When

Our business model is unique in that we do everything from the first time a rider puts her foot in the stirrup all the way to Harrisburg and Washington they grow up with you, you have a lot to explain to them. My grooms love the kids being around and helping.” And in the end, that’s what it’s all about in this family—helping, learning, and coming together. One of Judgement’s up and comers in the large pony division, 12-year-old Jackie Stary, “is the first one in the barn, raking the aisle with the groom in the morning,” says Judge-Boyle. “She’s

my shadow, she’s behind me all day long, wanting to set jumps, always working, always learning.” “We’ve had several customers over the years tell us that their kids didn’t fit in at school so well, but the barn was a good, safe place for them,” adds Mark. “All you have to be here is a good person. We accept everybody.”

THIS PAGE IS AVAILABLE ◼ AS WELL. IF THERE'S SPACE LEFT FOR A HALF PAGE AD ON THE RIGHT SIDE THAT WOULD BE GREAT. BUT FEEL FREE TO USE THE WHOLE PAGE.

ARTICLE BY RENNIE DBYALL, PHOTOS ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY

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MEET THE RIDERS

“Every round is a new round, and if it isn’t a good one, the next one can be beautiful and a winning round.”

Jackie & Sarah Stary Ages: 12 and 11

Ponies: Blue James Blue, Jackie’s large pony hunter; Sugarbrook Blue Sasafras, Sarah’s green children’s pony; and Tea & Crumpets, Sarah’s medium pony hunter From school horses to pony finals: “To be a little kid, riding a school horse in the lesson program and looking to the older kids … we wanted to be just like them,” says Jackie, who was recently champion in the 2’3 pony equitation division at the Colorado Horse Park. “Everyone is so nice and helpful,” adds Sarah, reserve champion in the same division as well as children’s pony champion. “When you are lessoning you can always look up to the older kids and know you can be that one day.” Both girls will compete at Pony Finals this summer.

You win or you learn: “Every round is another opportunity to win or learn,” says Jackie. “My trainers have taught me that I can’t learn without failures.” Adds Sarah, “Every round is a new round, and if it isn’t a good one, the next one can be beautiful and a winning round.” All the rings: While Sarah works with her two ponies (she hopes to qualify for Pony Finals in the medium greens on Sugarbrook Blue Sasafras next year), Jackie leases one of Judge-Boyle’s jumpers in addition to showing her pony. Looking Ahead: “Sarah will be an equitation rider. She’s got a beautiful position and she’s very strong and quick to learn,” says Judge-Boyle. “We call her sister Jumper Jackie. I see her in the jumper ring.”

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Farm

MEET THE RIDERS

She hopes to qualify for Devon in the juniors on Claudius, continue progressing in the jumper ring on Amour, and continue in the 3'6 juniors on Talledaga.

MARIAN & CLAUDIUS.

Marian Sykes Age 14

theplaidhorse.com • August 2018 • 89 Horses: Claudius, a 10-year-old Holsteiner whom Sykes lovingly calls “my pro;” Amour de la Vallee, an 8-year-old Selle Francais jumper; and Talledaga, an 8-year-old Oldenburg hunter. Gratitude and goals: Here’s a young rider who knows how lucky she is to have three horses to ride. “I’m really grateful for my horses,” says Sykes, who spends 3 hours each evening after school at the barn hacking and lessoning. “It’s a humbling sport; that’s for sure! It has helped me grow as an individual, and I think it makes us all better people.” She hopes to qualify for Devon in the juniors on Claudius, continue progressing in the jumper ring on Amour, and continue in the 3’6 juniors on Talledaga. That universal love: Sykes started riding at just 4 years old simply, she says, “because I loved horses.” Her affinity for the animals has prevailed. Marian says she takes great pride in developing an individual relationship with each horse and allowing that partnership to thrive. In the tack, she enjoys perfecting lateral work. When she’s not practicing, Sykes enjoys bathing her horses and riding out in the field at Judgement. Drop your irons: It’s a Hollands lesson staple year-round, but everyone participates in No-Stirrup November. Says Sykes: “Everybody does it, whether you’re in a lesson, hacking, or just walking your horse around. It’s become tradition and we’ve learned to enjoy it at this point! The trainers don’t back down. But they also make it super fun.” The Judgement village: “The barn is like family,” says Sykes, who started in the lesson program like many Judgement riders. These days, she appreciates that family feel when competing. And her trainers have a knack for knowing just what she needs: “They know when to push you and when to support you. A good student: Sykes, who won the Back on Track Children’s Medal Final and finished on top at a recent jumper derby, is “very easy to teach. She watches other riders and tries to learn from that and educate herself,” says Judge-Boyle. Sykes will be competing in Saugerties at 2018 Junior Hunter Finals, as well as tackling her second International Hunter Derby on Claudius. “Marian is a true competitor. She wants it bad and she has progressed very quickly through the ranks” Adds Hollands, “She is a real gogetter. When she sets a goal, she is very determined to achieve it.” ◼

PHOTOS, TOP TO BOTTOM: TALLEDAGA; AMOUR DE LA VALLEE; MARIAN RIDING CLAUDIUS & TINA JUDGE-BOYLE RIDING TALLEDAGA AT LEDGES NATIONAL HUNTER DERBY.

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“I’ve always found it sort of surreal to ride in a place where so many incredibly talented equestrians have ridden before.”

Mya Lizzadro Age 20

Horse: Angola la Silla (barn name: Cecilia). “She’s the bravest, most curious horse,” says Lizzadro. “She loves to explore everything she can get into, and it makes riding her a pleasure, especially when we hack out on the property.” Flashes of greatness: Lizzadro counts the Kentucky Horse Park as her favorite place to show: “I’ve always found it sort of surreal to ride in a place where so many incredibly talented equestrians have ridden before.” Feels like home: “Judgement Farm has been my home away from home for ten years,” says Lizzadro, who’s been riding there since she was 10, and was recently

overall champion of the modified child/adult jumpers at the Showplace Spring Spectacular in June. “Lori Hollands is like a second mother.” Adulting: Lizzadro, who’s pursuing her degree in equestrian studies at Emory & Henry College, says her goal for next year is to progress to the low child/adult jumpers. “I’m not sure where my equestrian journey will lead me, but I do know that this sport will always be a part of my life.” Putting in the work: “Mya tries very hard every time she shows up to ride,” says Hollands. “She is the sweetest thing under the sun.” Adds Judge-Boyle: “the barn is her happy place.”

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A Pony’s Impact How one pony can influence lives BY TPH INTERN VYLA CARTER

e all remember that special teacher in our lives- the one who made a difference to us. They may not have been the easiest or the kindest, but their impact is something we remember forever. For many riders, that teacher is their first pony. Everyone remembers their first- some were rotten, some angelic. Some were beautiful and famous, some were only beautiful to the child that loved them. Ask any rider about their first pony, they will smile and launch into a story. I had my first pony at eight years old, and my memories of him are vivid. I remember my first show where I competed in the cross rails division and the instant I walked out of the ring, I wanted a ribbon. But, I didn’t place in anything at that show. First lesson learned. My second show I tied for Champion. They only had one Champion ribbon and the girl I tied with was nice enough to let me have it. That ribbon still hangs above my bed and the memory of the generosity of that other rider with it. I remember the first time my trainer made me canter without stirrups. She stood in one corner of the ring and had me go back and forth trying to go from the trot to the canter until I realized it was easier to canter without stirrups than trot. Sometimes, forcing ourselves to do the scarier thing gets us to a better level. That first pony, Almost Golden, was born in 1992 and took me from the cross rails to Championships in the Short Stirrup divisions. While the pony brought me

many gifts, the most important things he taught me were how to be tough, how to not be afraid, how to lose, how to win. And, most importantly, how to ride. He wasn’t easy, but he was a great teacher. Almost Golden taught many riders the same things, building confidence and setting them up for the rest of their careers. Rolling Stone, a grey pony born in 1998 and owned by Further Lane Farm, is a famous small pony that has carried many well known riders, including Olympian Reed Kessler and international riders, Lillie Keenan and McKayla Langmeier. He has also carried Daisy Farish and her little sister, Coco, as well as Samantha Schaefer’s little sister, Madeline. Over the spanse of decades, these two ponies have instilled knowledge, skill, and the love of horse showing in their riders. While these ponies have carried some who have gone on to illustrious careers, most first ponies don’t have a resume of famous riders. They do their job, year after year, quietly impacting their students- just like that special first teacher.

Here is a timeline of how each of these ponies impacted just a few of their riders:

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CONGRATULATIONS and BEST of LUCK to CAROLINE HANCOCK and GLAMOROUS (Tiki) You made your goal! We are so proud of you! Love, Mom and Dad A special Thank You to Sarah Nelson of Gables Run Equestrian Center and Laurie Ann Occhipinti of Grand View Ponies. We would not be here without you.

C.E. Remarkable, aka “Sportie”, 10 year old German WB Gelding 13.2 h Big-Bodied Flashy Chestnut with tons of chrome! Sportie has earned division tricolors from AA shows such as The Hampton Classic, Tryon, Saratoga, and more! He rocked around Pony Finals 2017 with a rider new to the division, and earned several ribbons at Pony Finals 2016 with an experienced rider. Simple to get to ring, he is ready to go out and win for your experienced rider but is patient enough to help a new rider learn the ropes.

Qualified for PF 2018. Lease or purchase, please contact owner Nancy Buzzetta, Competition Equestrian LLC, at 631.786.6744 or NBuzzetta@me.com for more information. Located in New York.

LAUREN CRAWFORD & ALMOST GOLDEN, PHOTO COURTESY LAUREN CRAWFORD.

2013-2014 LAUREN CRAWFORD: ALMOST GOLDEN Lauren Crawford has an impressive resume from her time riding Jack, “I received Champion at every show I went to with him,” she said. Crawford competed on Jack in the Short Stirrup Hunters and Equitation. The pair competed at local shows and he also took her to her first “A” rated horse show. “As my first pony, he really kick started my love for riding and made me want to continue,” Crawford said about Jack. He was able to teach her the basics, like how to do lead changes and find distances. Crawford recalls, “ My favorite memory was when I was at a show and we were heading to a jump and he bucked. I didn’t even know what a buck felt like at that time, so when I got out of the ring my trainers asked if I knew what happened and I had no idea. I still remember the whole thing happening and it is what I think of when I remember Jack.” After riding Jack, Lauren went on to lease multiple different ponies and horses. Currently, she owns a young horse that she and her trainer are working with and moving up through the divisions.

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2014 - PRESENT GRACIE GUENTHNER: ALMOST GOLDEN Gracie Guenthner currently leases Almost Golden as a lesson pony. Although she is no longer showing him, they had a successful and fun time at the local shows in Indiana and also traveling to some rated shows. Jack took Guenthner to her first show, where they competed in the ground poles.Throughout her years riding him she has moved up to the 2’ Short Stirrup divisions. “He has been the best pony to me. He taught me everything I know about riding,” Guenthner exclaims about her favorite pony. Jack has taught her the ropes of riding, including how to handle bucks and refusals. One of her favorite memories of Jack is getting on him bareback in the winter and riding him around the pasture in the snow. Like his past riders have said, he will eat anything and Gracie still spoils him with apples and oatmeal pie cookies every time she comes to the barn. Guenthner has been showing other ponies and hopes to move up to the pony divisions with a new mount soon. GRACIE GUENTHNER & ALMOST GOLDEN, PHOTO © VYLA CARTER.

2007 MADISON BILLINGS: ROLLING STONE During a part of the 2007 show season, Madison Billings rode Rolling Stone in the Small Green Ponies. He was the first pony she showed in the rated divisions. “He basically taught me the ropes on how showing goes,” Madison said. Together they won many top placings at rated shows and attended USEF Pony Finals. One of the most important things that Stone taught Billings is that riding is a team effort and not a one sided action. He also taught her to pay attention to the cues the horse is giving the rider. Billings went on to show in the Junior Jumper division. She is currently riding on the Texas Christian University Equestrian Team and looking forward to her senior season. MADISON BILLINGS & ROLLING STONE, PHOTO COURTESY MADISON BILLINGS.

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2008 - 2011 SOPHIE MICHAELS: ROLLING STONE Sophie Michaels is the current owner of Rolling Stone. Together this pair showed in the Small Pony Hunters and Pony Medal classes. Rolling Stone and Michaels received many prestigious awards during their time together, including Champion at the Washington International Horse Show and a Reserve Champion at The Devon Horse Show during Michaels’ first season with him. They also picked up a 2nd place over fences and a 6th place overall at USEF Pony Finals in her final year competing on him. Stone helped set up the rest of Michaels’ career, “He was the first pony I ever won on at major competitions. He helped me to become more competitive and confident in my riding and future career.” He also taught her how to be patient and soft as well as how to have a sense of humor when riding. Michaels remarks on how good of a pony he is, “He was incredibly well broken for a backyard pony from

Arkansas. His lead changes were automatic and he could turn on a dime, so handy hunters were always the most fun.” Sophie felt they had a special connection when she was riding him. Michaels moved up the junior ranks and is now an amateur. She shows in Grand Prix’s in the United States and Europe.

2016 - PRESENT COCO FARISH: ROLLING STONE Coco Farish is the current rider of Rolling Stone, also known around the barn as Stoney Pony. Farish started riding him almost 2 years ago when the the current owner sent him to her farm as a practice pony and to eventually be retired. Instead, he got fit and Farish started showing him in the Small Pony division at local shows. She eventually took him to rated shows and USEF Pony Finals. Some of this pair’s biggest achievements include winning Grand Pony Champion at the Hampton Classic and placing 13th overall and 10th over fences at USEF Pony Finals in 2017. Although he was not her first small pony, Stone has taught Farish many useful skills. “He really taught me how to find the jumps,” she explained. She went on to say how his bigger motor, compared to past small ponies she has ridden, helped her riding. Farish also noted how she always gives him a treat after rides and now he looks for it right when she gets off.

Farish continues to show Stone and hopes to compete him at USEF Pony Finals this year. She notes the importance of the pony’s legacy and the responsibility she feels to continue it. “They [the past riders] knowing that I did well on him makes me feel really good.”

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I Love New York Horse Show, Lake Placid, NY, July 3-8th, 2018 1. David Raposa & S & L Sage. 2. Elizabeth Kirby & Cor De Pomme. 3. Sarah Fisher & Escobar. 4. Ashley Falk & Borsalino Birdavenuer. 5. Mae Mannis & Days Of Our Lifes. PHOTOS © VYLA CARTER.

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Breeding Champions since 1965

Young stock and breeding stock available. Contact Doris: 620-857-4331 • dgk_10@yahoo.com

Pony Shopping 101 with Emily Elek also makes them tricky, like a HUGE step a small kid One of the most exciting times is to needs to manage, a spectacular jump a kid needs to sit, be shopping for a new pony. While or a careful way of going that needs an accurate ride. exhilarating, this process can be stressful and unfortunately mistakes can be made in DOES A GREEN PONY MAKE SENSE? selection and purchasing, generally due to I grew up riding green ponies, but I am a professional lack of communication in many aspects of now. Most kids/parents are not interested in their kids becoming professionals and the hard knocks of riding the sale or lease interaction. greenies is not for everyone and probably only a small

IDENTIFY REASONABLE IMMEDIATE GOALS First off, make sure you and the trainer are on the same page about what your goals are for your child and the future pony. If you think you are winning Pony Finals next year, and your trainer thinks your kid needs another year in the short stirrup you two need to figure that out first!

BUY OR LEASE THE RIGHT PONY FOR RIGHT NOW I generally do not recommend purchasing a green pony for later unless you can afford multiple ponies, or your goals are long-term/multiple year. Kids grow and often quickly outgrow ponies size- wise. The medium green you purchase for next year may be outgrown by the time it is ready to step in the ring and be successful. When that pony that your kid did everything to train correctly is finally ready to win, it might have to be with another child due to size.

SAFE AND RELIABLE PONIES ARE THE TOP PRIORITY Kids learn more when they are confident and having fun. That usually happens on the probably less fancy, reliable made up pony! Often what makes the fancy ones fancy

percentage of kids/trainers should attempt it. If you decide on that route, realistically, what is the training situation like? Is there a small pro or super confident junior rider to help school the pony? If you child gets scared, what is the back-up plan? Most adult hunters are not expected to go all year without a tune up or pro-ride, but many programs expect ponies to do just that and survive!

THE PONY NEEDS TO FIT YOUR PROGRAM Another question - if you love the pony, it seems like a great match for the child, is it a great match for your program? If it lives on the road 30+ weeks a year and is shown by a junior pro, while being tuned up by a professional 3x/week, is it going to be the same pony in your barn when you show 10 times per year and have an average riding kid and no pony sized pro? Is it currently in a situation where it gets daily turnout but you live in an urban area with limited or no turnout? It might not be an appropriate pony for your child to learn on at home...

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ANSWERS FOR CROSSWORD ON PG 81: ACROSS 1. FLASH 3. SAPPHIRE 8. PLANTAR 10. FOUR 12. TOKYO 15. ELECTROLYTE 17. HOLSTEINER DOWN 1. FORTY 2. HH AZUR 4. POLO 5. HACKAMORE 6. STIFLE 7. PALMAR 9. LATERAL 11. RHINO 13. CELLULITIS 14. SWELLING 16. LONG PASTERN 18. FORGING 22. BOT

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t Catch Me If You Can: (USEF # 5420934) 2008 grey gelding; 14.0 with limited show miles in the Greens. Reserve champion both times shown in 2018. “Leo or Brooklyn” is brave and will jump around any course with enough stride and scope to handle the jumps and the distances. Available August 10th for a new rider to finish his green year and move into the regular Large Pony division.

• FIESTA FARM PROUDLY OFFERS FOR SALE OR LEASE •

s Dusk ’til Dawn: (USEF # 5011517) 2002 grey gelding; 14.1 7/8; extensive show experience including ribbons at Pony Finals and “indoors”; “Lawton” has an easy going temperament, needing no prep. He stays quiet and handles distances and any course wonderfully. Suitable for Children’s Pony riders yet competitive in the Larges and medals too. Available for sale or lease August 12th.

May be seen at KY Summer & Pony Finals. Contact Susan Kuliasha: 865-604-4863; spk@fiestafarm.com

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Sometimes the horse show game seems a bit like the mafia – once you’re in you never get out. But riders are athletes, and in spite of what Louise Serio and Ian Millar are showing us, hopping out of the competitive tack and choosing a new path is seemingly inevitable. Reading about these three legends tells us that paths can vary greatly. By Timothy Wickes

Michael Matz was a

with more Sunday afternoon victory gallops than a

legend – still is. For

tree has leaves. But then as the 20th century drew

three full decades from

to a close, there was a voice somewhere whispering

the early ‘70’s to the

that is may be time for something new.

dawn of this century, he was America’s most iconic male show

rider, centerpiece of the group of golden boys of the ‘70’s. Among names like Fargis, Homfeld, Ridland, Murphy, and Brown, Matz burst onto the international scene at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and dominated the sport for the next 20 years before winning a long sought after Silver Medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Five PanAmerican Games Gold Medals, one WEG Gold Medal, and one World Cup win highlighted a career

“I was at the in-gate one Sunday, getting ready to walk in the ring, [a veteran rider] was in the ring and I heard someone say, ‘Remember when he could ride, I mean really ride? Look at him now.’ And I thought, ‘Geez, I don’t want to ever be that guy.’” Horse racing had long been a side passion for Matz, always having an inexpensive claimer or two in the barn. Michael decided that after the 2000 Olympic Trials, he would hang up his spurs, pick up his stopwatch, and make training racehorses into his

Second Act Michael Matz

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second act. And surprise, surprise, success followed. His 2006 Kentucky Derby win with Barbaro would be a second career highlight all by itself. But, he has added a Breeder’s Cup win with Round Pond and another Triple Crown notch in the Belmont Stakes with Union Rags. Is he wistful about his time in the tack? A bit. “When I see the money these guys are jumping for today, people I used to ride against, when I see Todd [Minikus] and Beezie [Madden] win million dollar classes, I think maybe I should have stuck around a little longer,” Matz observes. “But when a horse runs well, I get pretty much the same feeling of accomplishment as I did before.” Even though the show ring no longer calls, sometimes the saddle still does. “Yeah, one of (son) Alex’s horses needed some schooling this winter and by the end of the day, we were jumping 1.40m – 1.45m. D.D. (his wife) just kept putting them up.” For a guy firmly entrenched in his second act, Michael Matz can still reach back through the shadows of time and stir up the old magic.

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Second Act Andre Dignelli

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eagan was president, gas

I am without having competed, and competed at

was $1.20, and the U.S.A.

that level.”

Showjumping Team had just won its first Olympic Gold in 1984 in L.A. The next year, Andre Dignelli headed out of Westchester County,

brother Michael driving, Dark Sonnett in the twohorse trailer towards Gladstone, NJ and his date with destiny. Pulling off a major upset at the 1985 USET Talent Search Finals, Dignelli announced to the show world that his was a name to be remembered- and a star was born. Kicking right on into a professional riding and training career, first at Judy Richter’s Coker Farm, and later at he and his brother Michael’s Heritage Farm, Andre just kept on winning. 1991 was a banner year with Dignelli representing his country in the Pan-Am Games, winning Grand Hunter Champion at the National Horse Show, and training his first Big Equitation Finals winter with Peter Lutz right back in Gladstone in the USET Talent Search. But, as his 20’s gave way to his 30’s and as a bad back began to give him increasing troubles, Andre decided to walk away from competitive riding and focus on his expanding training stable. “I always wanted to be where I am right now, own a stable and train at the highest level,” offers Dignelli. “I really thought of myself more as a trainer that rode than a rider that trained, and when I slowed down on the riding, I really didn’t miss it. I just love the training.” But in the next breath, Andre believes in the importance of the path he’s traveled, “ I don’t think I’d be the trainer

Second act, not just yet. “Really, the training feels like a continuation of the riding…I’m 50 now, the second act may be how I follow this first act.” That second act may be the Heritage Farm Fundamentals Program. Returning home from a winter in Wellington with 100 horses, Andre did something he hadn’t done in years- went to a local show. And an idea was born: create a program for local kids with a passion for showing but who didn’t come from super wealthy families, and give them a place at Heritage to hone their skills and learn from the best. “Early on, doing ponies and children’s divisions, it’s not imperative that you go to Florida all winter. So now, instead of 100 [horses] in Florida and Heritage closed, we have 70 in Florida and 30 at home,” says Dignelli. “Thinking about how this business has changed, I thought, ‘Where is the next Andre coming from?’” Fast forward to the fall of 2017 and Fundamentals Program graduate Taylor St. Jacques was heading out of Westchester County towards what would be a victory in the USEF Medal Finals. Like Andre thirty plus years before on a horse borrowed from his trainer, Taylor had Andre’s best horse in the back of the family gooseneck with her parents manning the steering wheel. After all, sometimes life really is cyclical, and the best of us never forget where we came from. For Andre Dignelli, his memory is clear, his passion intense, and his goal obvious; he’s just looking for the next… Andre Dignelli.

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Who knew that a guy who was one of the preeminent hunter riders in the country for thirty plus years would have to hop out of the saddle and

add another day job to his resume in order to get a movie made about him. But, that’s the story. Life in the Doghouse is the movie and Danny Robertshaw is the guy. From a riding career that took him to the pinnacle of success (2018 National Show Hunter Hall of Fame inductee), winning big classes and championships at every major horse show for decades, Danny and husband, Ron Danta, in addition to running a very successful show stable, are the founding principles of Danny and Ron’s Rescue in Camden, SC. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2006, they have rescued, nurtured, and re-homed over 10,000 dogs. But why quit riding? “I had back surgery in 1996, a terrible fall where I spent 17 days in ICU and a third separate health issue that landed me back in the hospital,” Danny explains. “And the least year or so, I remember whenever I’d be riding a young one, and I always let them play and buck, and I’d look over at

Second Act Danny Robertshaw

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the side of the ring and see the expression on Ron’s face. The idea that people were afraid for me…” He trails off. Robertshaw didn’t just quit competing, he quit riding altogether. One day he was a rider, the next day he wasn’t. “It was really hard. I didn’t know who I was not being a rider,” remembers Danny, “I never really thought about identifying as a rider until I wasn’t one.” Fortunately, there was still a full-time training and sales business to run with Danta at their Beaver River Farm along with an expanding judging career. And then along came Katrina. Even before Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in August of 2005, Danny and Ron had been taking in rescue dogs for over a decade, just never by the truckload. By 2008, they had created a nonprofit to help defer some of the cost and as of today, their labor of love has taken in over 10,000 dogs (all of whom spend time in their home) and are the subject of a major documentary. Life on the road with a major show stable as well as judging, alongside life at home running a major charity, keeps Danny Robertshaw looking up and riding forward. If no longer in the saddle, still in life. ◼

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Showplace Productions at Ledges Sporting Horses & Show Grounds, Roscoe, IL, June 2018. 1. Andrea Pileggi. 2. Zari Dumanian. 3. Katie Hogan. 4. Teddi Pritzker. 5. Megan Thomas. 6. Becky Diller. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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

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Asunción VAlley FArm

PROUDLY OFFERS FOR SALE

MYNACH MISS DIOR 5 Year Old Imported Medium Pony - Eligible Green. Lightly shown with recent wins at the Blenheim June Series and the Paso Robles Horse Park. PRICED IN THE MID-FIVE FIGURES. For inquiries, please contact Alanna Snowden with Gracelynd Hill Farms • 310.801.8206

Asunción Valley Farm • Lori Johnston • (805) 610-3054

Always a selection of ponies & horses for sale, both in CA & in Germany.

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